[BIO USA] The World Can't Wait: Global Pharma and Biotech Take Major Strides Toward Conquering Cancer

Global Big Pharma and Korean Biopharma
Advancing Strategies Centered on Next-Generation Cancer Therapy ADCs

"The World Can't Wait."

The slogan of "BIO USA 2025," the world's largest bio event held in Boston, USA, from June 16 to 20 (local time), was more than just a catchphrase. In particular, the global competition among pharmaceutical and biotech companies to conquer cancer has gone beyond mere innovation, expanding the frontiers of actual therapeutics. The central topic was undoubtedly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer. Experts evaluated that the expansion of target cancer types to solid tumors and the combination with immunotherapies and cell therapies are paving new paths for next-generation cancer treatments.

According to industry sources on the 24th, Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson and a global big pharma, emphasized at this year's BIO USA that "the ADC platform is at the core of Janssen's oncology strategy." Through Ambrx, which it acquired last year, Janssen has secured multiple ADC candidates targeting PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen), HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), and CD70. Its flagship pipeline, ARX517, has entered Phase 1/2 clinical trials in the United States for prostate cancer. Janssen also presented long-term survival data for its existing CAR-T product, Carvykti (Cilta-cel), and proposed a two-track strategy that combines cell therapies and ADCs.

ADCs are a technology that links toxic drugs to antibodies, delivering precision strikes exclusively to cancer cells. While traditional chemotherapies attack even healthy cells and cause severe side effects, ADCs are so selective that they are often called "guided missiles for cancer cells." However, first-generation ADCs had limited effectiveness because the drug would separate too early or delivery was unstable. The drug that overcame these limitations is Enhertu, jointly developed by Daiichi Sankyo of Japan and AstraZeneca.

Originally approved as a breast cancer treatment, Enhertu has shown remarkable responses in various solid tumors, including gastric and lung cancers, and is rapidly expanding its indications in the global market. Notably, the payload (drug) used in this therapy is activated only in the tumor microenvironment, demonstrating a "bystander effect" that attacks not only cancer cells but also their surroundings. AstraZeneca (AZ) is strengthening its independent approach by building its own ADC platform based on the success of Enhertu. At this year's BIO USA, AZ introduced ADC candidates for solid tumors such as AZD5335 and AZD8205.

On the 16th (local time), a lucky draw event was held for participants at the SK Biopharm booth at the BIO USA event in Boston, USA. Photo by Choi Taewon

Gilead is also pursuing diversification of its oncology modalities. Its representative ADC, Trodelvy, has demonstrated improved progression-free survival not only in traditional triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) but also in combination therapies for PD-L1 positive patients, leading to expanded indications. Gilead stated, "We will establish a comprehensive treatment strategy based on the two pillars of ADCs and CAR-T therapies."

As global companies restructure their oncology portfolios around ADCs, immunotherapies, and cell therapies, domestic companies are also ramping up their strategies. Although there are no domestically commercialized ADCs yet, the number of pipelines in preclinical and early clinical stages is steadily increasing. This year, Celltrion received Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the US FDA for its ADC anticancer drug 'CT-P70.' The company is also preparing HER2-targeting multi-antibodies and subsequent ADC candidates. Samjin Pharmaceutical is discussing global partnerships targeting resistant cancer types through its proprietary ADC platforms, Oncostab and Oncoflame.

The spread of ADC technology is also bringing changes to the contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) industry. ADCs, which require highly complex manufacturing processes, depend on production stability and quality control capabilities. At BIO USA, Samsung Biologics announced its plan to complete an integrated ADC manufacturing system by 2027, covering everything from active pharmaceutical ingredients to drug products (DP) and pre-filled syringes (PFS). Lotte Biologics announced its goal to sign five to six ADC CDMO contracts within this year. The company is building a second plant equipped with dedicated ADC production facilities in Songdo, Incheon, following its plant in Syracuse, USA.

Although WuXi Biologics of China did not operate an official booth, its staff actively engaged in business activities at the event, targeting companies seeking ADC CDMO services. It is reported that they are striving to attract new clients by highlighting their competitive pricing and large-scale production infrastructure.