Introduction to ADCs: An Educational Primer
Full Stack ADC Platform
Overview
What are ADCs?
ADCs are an emerging class of therapeutics that combine a cancer-targeting antibody with a potent cytotoxic drug. By linking these two components via a stable yet cleavable linker, ADCs can home in on tumor cells with high specificity, internalize, and then release the drug where it is needed most, where maximizing efficacy and minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissue.
ADCs address some of the most significant challenges in cancer therapy:
Targeted Delivery
Precisely binds to tumor – specific antigens
Enhanced Potency
Safely delivers highly toxic drugs directly to the cancer cells
Improved Tolerability
Reduces side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy
our Promise
Medicilon’s ADC Platform at a Glance
Medicilon offers an end-to-end ADC development platform that integrates discovery, design, and testing under one roof. From antibody discovery to IND submission, our comprehensive solutions ensure efficiency, innovation, and regulatory compliance.
End-to-End Integration
Collaborations across biology, chemistry, and pharmacology
Regulatory Expertise
Proven success with FDA, EMA, and NMPA
Advanced Facilities
State-of-the-art labs and AAALAC-certified animal testing environments
Platform Advantages
End to End Capabilities
Comprehensive Workflow for ADC Development
As a globally recognized preclinical CRO, Medicilon is dedicated to advancing ADC Therapeutic research.
Unlock precision with antibody discovery engineered for conjugation success
Antibody Discovery & Engineering
Identifying targets with:
- Hybridoma
- Phage display
- Single B cell screening
Engineering antibodies for optimal conjugation, e.g.
- Cysteine/Ab ratio tuning
- Fc silencing
- and more
Design and synthesize next-gen ADCs with expert-built linkers and payloads tailored for potency and precision
Linker-Payload Design & Synthesis
80+ chemists in OEB 4 compliant labs
300+ linker building blocks
Expert synthesis of cleavable and non-cleavable linkers
Robust platforms for evaluating novel therapeutic modalities
Conjugation Technologies
Traditional and advanced site-specific conjugation methods
Technologies:
Glycoengineering, Enzymatic conjugation, and Non-natural amino acid incorporation
Core services
In Vitro Evaluation and Analytical Excellence
Medicilon develops a broad range of in vitro assays to evaluate ADC specificity, efficacy, and pharmacological behavior early in development. These bioanalyses support rapid iteration and optimization of lead candidates.
Binding Kinetics (SPR)
Internalization and trafficking (Confocal Microscopy, Incucyte S3)
Cytotoxicity
(IC50 determination)
ADCC/CDC Activity
Cell cycle arrest (FACS)
Apoptosis (FACS)
Catabolic profiling (LC-HRMS)
Above and beyond Integration
In Vivo Research & Translational Models
Medicilon offers 400+ validated tumor models with AAALAC-accredited facilities
In Vitro & In Vivo Models
Toxicology Studies
Immunogenicity Testing
IND Support
Regulatory Success & Track Record
Study Design & Execution
Developing GLP-compliant studies to fulfill preclinical data requirements
Regulatory Consulting
Leveraging Medicilon’s expertise across US, EU, and China
Data Management & Reporting
Delivering comprehensive, audit-ready reports formatted in IND-ready eCTD Modules & SEND Compliance
DAC-002 (TROP2-ADC)
KM501 (HER2-ADC)
HB0052 (CD73-ADC)
Ready to harness Medicilon’s expertise in ADC?
Let us design a tailored ADC strategy for your specific target and therapeutic goals.
