ADC Bio predicts next phase of innovation for ADCs will come at clinical development stage

ADC Biotechnology has predicted that the next crucial phase of innovation to optimise and streamline production processes of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) will be designed at the clinical development stage by specialist, ADC focused service providers.

Presently, several larger contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) are focused solely on the commercial scale ADC production and lack both the bandwidth and motivation for innovative manufacturing methods.

“We are still some way off having achieved fully optimised processes for the ADC supply chain,” commented Charlie Johnson, CEO of ADC Bio. “As a product class, it’s still in its infancy and there are a number of process improvements that can be made to the production of cytotoxics, including the linkers that bind them to antibodies, and other elements across the supply chain. Consequently, to speed up the next generation of processes, innovators need to start considering how to improve process R&D at the early inception of a product. In particular, biotech customers may hold the key to increased adoption — as larger pharma companies might be too risk adverse — embracing innovation that delivers more efficient systems for producing their drug candidates in clinical development.”

A further driving force for a more flexible and efficient manufacturing process of vaccines is that of a diversification of therapeutic indications for ADCs. For example, therapeutic indications for non-cancer treatment can require increased product volumes and manufacturing capacity. As such, CDMOs must have the right infrastructure and procedures in place to manufacture the compounds seamlessly across difference therapeutic classes, while also satisfying stringent regulatory requirements.The greater the ADC production levels, the higher the need for new efficiencies that reduce the overall manufacturing cost in early stage development – previously only limited volumes of candidates were needed.

“CDMOs, especially ones with specialist expertise in ADC manufacturing and an established focus on clinical phase development, should seize the industry initiative and drive much needed innovation,” added Johnson. “Suppliers with the foresight to do this will emerge long term as the most successful market players. I am confident that the next generation of ADCs will be manufactured through a more efficient and streamlined set of processes.”

One approach to improve supply chain efficiency is to have one CDMO undertake more parts of the supply chain — for example, bioconjugation of antibodies and cytotoxics and fill finish services, or antibody production and bioconjugation. Both have huge potential to deliver cost savings and reduced production time.