Antibody-Drug Conjugation

As a leading CRO specializing in drug conjugation, BOC Sciences has been supporting clients at the forefront of antibody drug conjugate development. We will tailor ADCs to meet your unique project needs.

What is an Antibody Drug Conjugate?

An antibody drug conjugate is a complex molecular entity composed of three essential components: a monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug payload, and a linker molecule that connects them. The monoclonal antibody acts as a homing device, specifically targeting cancer cells by recognizing and binding to unique surface antigens expressed on their surface. By selectively delivering the cytotoxic drug to cancer cells, ADCs minimize off-target toxicity and enhance the therapeutic index. The linker acts as a bridge connecting the antibody and the payload.

How to Drug Conjugated Antibody

Antibody drug conjugation methods include:

Site-specific conjugation

• Engineered cysteine
• Enzymatic conjugation
• Incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs)

Non-specific conjugation

• Terminal modification
• Lysine conjugation
• Cysteine conjugation

Antibody Drug Conjugate Linker

The choice of linker depends on various factors, including the desired release kinetics of the cytotoxic drug payload, the specific tumor microenvironment, and the characteristics of the cytotoxic drug itself.

• Cleavable linkers
• Acid-labile linkers
• Enzyme-labile linkers
• Reducible linkers
• Non-cleavable linkers
• Self-immolating linkers
• Click chemistry linkers
• Dual-functional linkers

Antibody Drug Conjugate Payload

Bispecific Antibody Drug Conjugate

Building upon the platform of traditional ADCs, BOC Sciences is now exploring the potential of bispecific antibody drug conjugates (BsADCs). BsADCs combine the specificity of two different antibodies, allowing simultaneous targeting of two different antigens on cancer cells. We carefully design and optimize the antibody binding regions to ensure efficient and specific recognition of cancer cells.

Antibody Drug Conjugate Analysis

• Drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR)

The DAR refers to the average number of cytotoxic drug payloads conjugated to each antibody molecule in the ADC, which directly influences the potency and therapeutic efficacy of the ADC. Various analytical methods are used to determine the DAR, including LC-MS and size exclusion chromatography (SEC).

• Antibody integrity and purity

Techniques such as SDS-PAGE and capillary electrophoresis (CE) are used to evaluate the intactness and structural integrity of the antibody component in the ADC. These methods help identify any degradation or modification of the antibody molecule that may impact its binding affinity or stability.

• Stability and payload release

By monitoring the release kinetics and stability of the payload, we can assess the performance and shelf-life of the ADC. Methods such as HPLC and NMR allow for the identification and quantification of the intact payload as well as any potential degradation products.

Antibody Drug Conjugate Manufacturing

The manufacturing process of ADCs requires stringent quality control and specialized facilities. It involves the use of advanced technologies, such as site-specific conjugation, to ensure the consistency, stability, and potency of the final product. The manufacturing process includes cell line development, antibody production, linker and payload synthesis, conjugation, purification, and formulation.

To meet the increasing demand for ADCs, BOC Sciences is continuously optimizing their processes, implementing innovative technologies, and investing in state-of-the-art facilities. These efforts aim to streamline production, reduce costs, and accelerate the availability of ADCs.

Our Advantages

• Different ADC structures and batch development experience
• Random cysteine or lysine coupling technique
• Directional binding through engineering monoclonal antibodies or enzyme-catalyzed sites
• A wide range of characteristic analysis functions, including mass spectrometers
• Release test and stability of (BDS) and (DP)
• People and suites that specialize in ADC development, manufacturing, and testing
• Data analysis, detailed report with results and discussion
• Cost-effective and high-quality products.

Project Workflow