Lonza and Antharis Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation antibody-based therapeutics for oncology, have entered an exclusive, target-specific licensing agreement to develop novel dual-payload ADCs targeting gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.  

Antharis Therapeutics utilizes proprietary antibody engineering and target biology expertise to develop next-generation therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), bispecifics and ADCs, designed to address unmet medical needs in oncology. Through this agreement, Antharis will integrate its proprietary antibody engineering and target biology expertise with Lonza’s clinically validated, site-specific ADC technologies.   

Under the terms of the agreement, Antharis will secure rights to Lonza’s dual-payload ADC technology platform, which will be combined with Antharis’ proprietary discovery and development capabilities to advance highly differentiated, next-generation ADC programs for multicancer applications.   

The collaboration will initially support Antharis’ lead ADC program, about to enter the clinic, targeting GI cancers. 

Jan Vertommen, Vice President of Commercial Development, Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, said: “We are excited to combine our platform with Antharis’ deep expertise in antibody engineering and target biology to evaluate its potential to advance next-generation ADCs. We are pleased to see this collaboration applied within Antharis’ ambitious and scientifically rigorous ADC programs.”   

Raphael Ribeiro Pinaud, CEO of Antharis Therapeutics, said: “By combining Lonza’s clinically validated ADC technology platform with Antharis’ antibody engineering, target biology and translational expertise, we are well positioned to advance next-generation dual-payload ADCs. We believe this collaboration creates a powerful and highly differentiated approach to oncology drug development.”  

Under the terms of the agreement, Antharis will retain full responsibility for research, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of the ADCs, while Lonza will manufacture components related to its proprietary payload and linker technologies. Lonza will be eligible to receive upfront, potential milestone payments and royalty payments on net sales.