Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a significant breakthrough in targeted cancer therapy. By blending the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic drugs, ADCs offer a targeted approach to cancer treatment, minimizing the damage to healthy cells. China has become a major force in the advancement of this innovative field. Consequently, global pharma giants are paying attention to Chinese pharmaceutical firms in this context, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to GlobalData’s Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center, between 2019 and 2023, 487 oncology-related deals (strategic alliances) took place in China. Interestingly, ADC therapies were involved in 11.7% (57) of these cases. The percentage of deals involving ADCs has grown from 4.1% in 2019 to 23.7% in 2023. This shows a significant interest in the development of ADCs in China.

Jithendra Kancharla, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The landscape of cancer therapy has been revolutionized with the introduction of targeted treatments, notably monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody-drug conjugates. ADCs represent a paradigm shift in cancer therapy, offering a more precise and effective treatment approach. Notably, China has become a major player in the development of ADCs in recent years.”

GlobalData’s Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center reveals that there are currently 11 unique ADCs available in the US, whereas China has seven, two of which are developed and marketed domestically to treat various cancers. Overall, there are 71 unique ADCs from both domestic and international businesses in varying stages (pre-registration, Phases 1, 2, and 3) of clinical development in China.

Amid the increased focus on ADC research and development in China, big pharma companies are partnering with Chinese players. A few notable partnerships aimed at developing and commercializing various ADCs include: BioNTech with Duality Biologics in April 2023, Johnson & Johnson joining forces with Hangzhou DAC Biotechnology in June 2022, Exelixis partnering with Adagene Suzhou in February 2021, and Seagen (now part of Pfizer) teaming up with Remgen in August 2021.

Kancharla concludes: “China’s advancing ADC sector, marked by innovative developments and strategic global partnerships, is reshaping the landscape of targeted cancer therapies. As Chinese biotech firms continue to collaborate with global pharmaceutical giants, the prospects for advanced, effective, and accessible cancer treatments are significantly enhanced. The journey of ADC development in China reflects the country’s potential to emerge as a key player in the field of precision medicine.”