The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) market is growing fast, fueled by breakthroughs in targeted cancer treatments and a rising number of FDA-approvals for these complex therapeutics. Valued at $11.6 billion in 2023 by Nova One Advisor, the research firm expects the global ADC market to reach $28.6 billion by 2033, growing 9.4% per year. Major players like Roche, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer are leading the way, investing heavily in this cutting-edge technology.

At the same time, newer companies like Aton Biotech, a fast-growing contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), are making their mark, bringing fresh innovations to address pressing medical needs and boost drug effectiveness. Specializing in the development and manufacturing of ADCs, the China-US-based CDMO offers a comprehensive range of services from cell line development to clinical and end-to-end commercial manufacturing. With two R&D and manufacturing sites in Shanghai—both equipped with the latest technology and fully compliant with the cGMP requirement of the NMPA, EMA and FDA—Aton Biotech provides a complete solution for clients looking to bring ADC drugs to market.

Contract Pharma recently interviewed Aton Biotech’s chief business officer, Min Park, who discussed the company’s ADC capabilities, plans for future growth, as well as broader trends driving the ADC market forward. With so much activity in this space, moving forward we’re likely to see major advancements in cancer care and beyond.

Contract Pharma: How do you view the current market landscape for ADCs, and what major trends are shaping the ADC sector right now?

Min Park: The ADC market is currently experiencing a dynamic period of growth, driven by numerous innovations. Key trends shaping the market include advances in targeting mechanisms, cutting-edge technologies, regulatory developments, and strategic partnerships. Together, these factors are accelerating the market’s expansion.

CP: What would you say are the biggest challenges facing ADC development and manufacturing, especially for companies looking to bring new ADCs to market?

Min: Funding challenges, the increasing complexity of ADC design, supply chain disruptions, and high production costs remain significant obstacles. Overcoming these issues requires a strategic approach that combines technical expertise, robust quality management, and adaptability to market and regulatory changes. Many CDMOs lack the comprehensive internal capabilities needed to support the complex journey of bringing a new ADC to market, which adds further challenges for innovators. For companies with limited resources or expertise, partnering with a full-service CDMO like Aton Biotech can be essential for mitigating risks, controlling costs, and ensuring a successful outcome.

CP: What are Aton Biotech’s specific technical capabilities and expertise that set it apart from other CDMOs in the ADC space?

Min: Aton Biotech is uniquely positioned with extensive capabilities, capacity, and experience, making us the ideal choice as a CDMO. Our flexible and client-centered approach allows us to deliver customized, end-to-end solutions that accelerate our clients’ pipelines to market. As one of the few ADC-focused CDMOs offering comprehensive development and manufacturing at a single site, we have a purpose-built facility that can handle OEB5 requirements. Our services include antibody production, bioconjugation, fill and finish, full analytical support, and extensive lyophilization experience. Additionally, we offer ready-to-use antibody samples to help clients optimize budget, time, and flexibility. For ADC innovators, Aton Biotech is the CDMO of choice.

CP: Offering samples of antibodies is not typically common. Can you provide more insight on that?

Min: We understand the numerous challenges our partners face when developing an ADC pipeline. Innovators are under significant pressure to manage development timelines, control costs, and navigate a complex supply chain. By offering off-the-shelf antibodies, we aim to help our partners accelerate their ADC programs with the following benefits:

Time savings: With over 20 ready-to-use antibodies, our partners can save valuable time and resources, accelerating their path to market.
Optimized selection: Choose from a wide range of pre-validated antibodies specifically designed for ADC applications, ensuring the best fit for each client’s program.
Cost reduction: Reduce development and production costs, allowing resources to be reallocated to other critical areas of the ADC program.
Development excellence: Access fully developed, high-quality antibodies, readily available with complete sequencing data.
Streamlined process: Eliminate the lengthy antibody development phase, simplify the ADC supply chain, and achieve a more efficient workflow.

CP: ADC production involves a complex supply chain. How does Aton Biotech manage and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure reliable and scalable production?

Min: Aton Biotech has developed a unique ADC platform that offers a flexible, transparent, single-site supply chain to support our clients’ specific needs. By internalizing all aspects of development and manufacturing, we manage risks and minimize the challenges associated with outsourcing. This approach gives us full control over the process, significantly simplifying the supply chain for our customers. With our purpose-built ADC facility, extensive expertise, and commitment to delivering value, we are the CDMO of choice for ADC development.

CP: ADCs are increasingly considered for combination therapies. How is Aton Biotech preparing for this trend, and how might it impact your approach to supporting clients?

Min: Aton Biotech brings over a decade of experience and a proven track record, providing innovators with the expertise needed to accelerate their pipelines to market. With more than 70 IND approvals globally, more than 140 successful toxicology and clinical productions, over 750 commercial batches produced, a 99% success rate in commercial manufacturing, and more than 90 global regulatory and partner audits, we are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving ADC market. Our unique capabilities include in-house analytical, formulation, and delivery expertise, along with robust regulatory knowledge, allowing us to offer significant value and guidance through complex regulatory pathways. Through our flexibility, collaboration, and innovation, Aton Biotech is positioned as a trusted partner in ADC development.

CP: Can you share any upcoming initiatives or partnerships Aton Biotech is pursuing to enhance its position in the ADC CDMO market?

Min: I can share that we have several global ADC partners who frequently provide positive feedback about the collaborative experience between their scientists and ours. We believe there is tremendous value in having client teams work directly with supplier teams. At Aton Biotech, we strive to be the CDMO of choice, focusing on our clients’ needs to deliver customized solutions. Our goal is always to create value, minimize risks, and help our partners make the most of their limited resources. If you’re looking to streamline your ADC supply chain and accelerate your program, reach out to us to explore how we can tailor our solutions to exceed your expectations.

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