ST Pharm-Legochem Join Forces to Manufacture Core ADC Linker Technology

ST Pharm announced on the 11th that it has signed a joint research and manufacturing consignment (CMO) contract with LegoChem Bio for the manufacturing process of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) linkers.

Panoramic view of ST Pharm Banwol Plant in Ansan-si, Gyeonggi Province [Photo by ST Pharm]

ADC is a new anticancer technology that combines antibodies that attach to cancer cells with toxic drugs (payloads) that kill cancer through a linker. Recently, the breast cancer treatment ADC Enhertu, co-developed by AZ and Daiichi Sankyo, has significantly extended patients' progression-free survival (PFS), intensifying technological competition. ADCs are called ‘cruise missiles’ that precisely target only cancer cells. However, if the linker connecting the antibody and payload does not function properly, the toxic drug may affect normal tissues instead of cancer cells, making the role of the linker connecting the two crucial.

Through this contract, ST Pharm will provide contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services covering the entire production process based on current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) quality standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), starting from process optimization research for part of the essential linker in LegoChem’s ADC platform, ConjuALL.

LegoChem Bio’s ADC platform technology is explained to have differentiated strengths such as higher stability in the bloodstream and specific release within cancer cells compared to existing technologies. Recently, its technological capabilities have been validated in clinical trials with high efficacy and low side effects.

Kim Kyung-jin, CEO of ST Pharm, said, "ST Pharm is a cGMP raw material pharmaceutical specialized CDMO company that has proven its production capabilities through collaboration with multinational pharmaceutical companies," adding, "We will do our best to stably supply LegoChem Bio’s ADC linkers based on excellent technological skills and quality control capabilities." Kim Yong-joo, CEO of LegoChem Bio, also said, "Through this cooperation with ST Pharm, domestic procurement of core components of our ADC linkers has become possible, and a domestic supply chain for all elements of ADCs, including antibodies, linkers, and payloads, is being established," adding, "We will continue to grow together through close collaboration with excellent domestic companies like ST Pharm that have outstanding process development and manufacturing capabilities."