Sterling Pharma Solutions, a global CDMO, has entered a new strategic partnership with ADC Biotechnology, a UK company specializing in antibody drug conjugates. Sterling will make a significant investment in the business with plans to acquire ADC Biotechnology in 1Q21.

The businesses will work together to develop an integrated service offering for existing and potential customers, which combines ADC Bio’s expertise with Sterling’s high potency small molecule expertise.

Kevin Cook, CEO at Sterling, said: “This partnership is a really exciting one for both businesses. It will enable continued innovation around this fast-developing science, and in the future, we hope that our combined expertise and targeted investment will be a strong competitive force in the race to find the latest generation of drugs in the oncology area.

“Sterling has always been, and will continue to be, focused on the services we can provide to our customers to ensure they are ahead of the innovation curve and can develop the latest scientific breakthroughs to deliver better drugs for their patients. This partnership is a perfect example of this; some of the finest experts working together to achieve bigger and better things.”

Sterling recently acquired a second U.S. development and manufacturing facility in Wisconsin in September. The UK headquartered CDMO now employs over 700 people across the UK and the U.S.