Celltrion announced on Jan. 24 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with WuXi XDC, a China-based company specialized in Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC), for the development of new ADC therapeutics, and has commenced product development for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) services.
In December 2023, Celltrion signed a CDMO contract with WuXi for the development of linker-payload synthesis processes for its in-house developed ADC therapeutic pipeline. The contract involves the development of two ADC pipeline products as a priority, with WuXi responsible for everything from the development of the linker-payload synthesis process to the production of cGMP ADC materials for Phase 1 clinical trials.
Following the previous ADC therapeutic development CDMO contract, Celltrion expects that this new memorandum of understanding will allow for the rapid and stable progression of ADC therapeutic development, which is a new growth engine for the company. Both companies plan to continue discussions on expanding CDMO services for ADC products as per the agreement.
WuXi XDC, a joint venture between WuXi Biologics and WuXi STA, provides Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) services centered on ADCs and bioconjugates. In September 2023, WuXi XDC completed a new cGMP manufacturing facility, enabling one-stop cGMP production of ADC therapeutics from development to Drug Substance (DS) and Drug Product (DP).
Celltrion plans to accelerate the development of multiple ADC therapeutic pipelines through collaboration with WuXi, which is distinguished in the field of ADC CDMO based on its antibody development and conjugation process technology. Celltrion currently has six ADC therapeutic pipelines under development.
A representative from Celltrion Group stated, “Through in-house development and collaboration, Celltrion is smoothly progressing with the development of multiple ADC pipelines and will continue to seek various partnerships to secure ADC therapeutics. We are committed to developing innovative new drugs using various modalities including ADCs and to securing differentiated competitiveness.”