The past 20 years have brought a new generation of cancer therapeutics designed to target tumor cells or cellular processes involved with tumor cell growth. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have revolutionized targeted cancer therapy by combining the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic drugs. However, challenges remain, such as linker breakdown, premature payload release, limited efficacy against certain tumors, etc.

With scientists looking beyond cytotoxic payloads, PROTACs offer a promising approach to enhance the efficacy of ADCs by leveraging the cell’s own protein degradation machinery. By integrating PROTACs into ADCs, researchers can achieve more selective degradation of oncogenic proteins, improving therapeutic outcomes while reducing adverse effects.

Another emerging modality for treating cancer is bispecific. Compared with traditional ADCs, bispecific ADCs may improve targeting specificity and internalization of the ADC into cells. This is because of their ability to bind to two distinct antigens. Antigens can be present on two targets, such as a tumor cell and an immune cell, or on the same target, such as two different receptor proteins on a tumor cell.

Syngene, with its expertise in integrated drug discovery and development, is at the forefront of these innovations. From PROTAC, bispecific to ADC design and optimization, we have diverse capabilities to help biopharma companies advance their breakthrough therapies in the shortest possible time.