Antibody Drug Conjugates: Global Clinical Trial Landscape - Focus On Asia Pacific

A highly targeted therapy becoming increasingly important in the field of cancer are antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Envisioned as a broad therapy for the treatment of cancer, ADCs are a significant class of highly potent biologic drugs created from compound molecules that comprise monoclonal antibodies linked to a biologically active cytotoxic drug. Unlike chemotherapy, ADCs are proposed to mark and kill only cancer cells, which represents extraordinary potential as targeted oncology biotherapeutics.¹ According to reports, ACDs are only activated once it’s been internalized in the cell, allowing the ADC to release its cytotoxic payload, thus selectively killing malignant cells.^2,3

Today, there are about 12 ADCs on the market for hematological and solid tumor malignancies globally. Pfizer Inc, Genentech, and Gilead Sciences, along with many other pharmaceutical companies have been investing in ADCs, which has resulted in a highly competitive marketplace. In 2022, about a dozen ADCs were approved, three of which have already reached blockbuster status.

Given the keen interest in the field and high-profile M&A deals exceeding $2 billion in the last five years, relatively higher than any other technology in oncology, along with over a threefold increase in the volume of ADC transactions between 2018 and 2022, and with greatly improved efficacy, commercial success, and potential for longer market exclusivity, it is no surprise ADCs are perceived as the magic bullets in the oncology space.^7,8

Access the white paper to gain a better understanding of the global clinical trial landscape of ADCs and their trends in the Asia Pacific.