Recent Technological and Intellectual Property Trends in Antibody–Drug Conjugate Research

Abstract

Antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) therapy, an advanced therapeutic technology comprising antibodies, chemical linkers, and cytotoxic payloads, addresses the limitations of traditional chemotherapy. This study explores key elements of ADC therapy, focusing on antibody development, linker design, and cytotoxic payload delivery. The global rise in cancer incidence has driven increased investment in anticancer agents, resulting in significant growth in the ADC therapy market. Over the past two decades, notable progress has been made, with approvals for 14 ADC treatments targeting various cancers by 2022. Diverse ADC therapies for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors have emerged, with numerous candidates currently undergoing clinical trials. Recent years have seen a noteworthy increase in ADC therapy clinical trials, marked by the initiation of numerous new therapies in 2022. Research and development, coupled with patent applications, have intensified, notably from major companies like Pfizer Inc. (New York, NY, USA), AbbVie Pharmaceuticals Inc. (USA), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Tarrytown, NY, USA), and Seagen Inc. (Bothell, WA, USA). While ADC therapy holds great promise in anticancer treatment, challenges persist, including premature payload release and immune-related side effects. Ongoing research and innovation are crucial for advancing ADC therapy. Future developments may include novel conjugation methods, stable linker designs, efficient payload delivery technologies, and integration with nanotechnology, driving the evolution of ADC therapy in anticancer treatment.

Antibody–drug conjugates in cancer therapy: mechanisms and clinical studies

“…In the field of oncology, currently approved ADCs target specific proteins overexpressed by cancer cells, such as HER2, trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2), Nectin‐4, and EGFR in solid tumors, and CD19, CD22, CD33, CD30, and CD79b in hematologic malignancies. 85 The success of T‐DM1 and recent approvals like T‐Dxd, sacituzumab govitecan (SG), and enfortumab vedotin have led to an increase in ADCs for solid tumors. 17 , 86 , 87 , 88 Research in oncology and immunology has expanded the selection of ADC target antigens beyond traditional tumor cell antigens to include targets in the tumor microenvironment, like the stroma and vasculature.…”