Dual-payload ADCs carry two different cytotoxic payloads on a single antibody, allowing them to attack each tumour cell through multiple mechanisms at the same time. The agreement includes Qurient’s highly selective and potent clinical-stage CDK7 inhibitor designed to target multiple hallmarks of cancer.
Christian Seufert, Head of Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, commented: “Dual-payload ADCs are among the most promising areas of innovation for customers developing differentiated cancer therapies. This agreement adds a differentiated CDK7 inhibitor payload technology to Lonza’s ADC toolbox and further strengthens our ability to support customers from early technology evaluation through development, manufacturing and commercialisation. With SYN-duo® CC and customisable dual-payload formats, we can offer customers more choice and flexibility as they design and advance the next generation of ADC programmes.”
Kiyean Nam, CEO, Qurient, added: “We believe CDK7 inhibition offers significant potential as part of the next generation of dual-payload ADCs. This agreement expands the opportunity to apply our CDK7 inhibitors across a broader range of ADC programmes by combining Qurient’s CDK7 expertise with Lonza’s established ADC technology and development capabilities. We look forward to seeing SYN-duo® CC and future customised formats support the exploration of new approaches for patients with unmet medical needs.”
Through the agreement, Lonza will expand its ADC technology offering with SYN-duo® CC, a new dual-payload that combines a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor, a camptothecin derivative and a specific CDK7 inhibitor. The novel format is intended to provide ADC developers with an additional option for designing dual-payload ADCs where the CDK7 inhibitor potentiates the activity of the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor within a single targeted therapeutic approach.
Beyond the combination of exatecan and Qurient’s CDK7 inhibitor contained within SYN-duo® CC, under this agreement Lonza can leverage its existing proprietary platform to derive additional, novel combinations of Qurient’s CDK7 inhibitor with any other payload in the dual-payload ADC setting.
The agreement supports Lonza’s strategy to expand proprietary technologies that complement its integrated CDMO services. By adding access to Qurient’s CDK7 inhibitors for dual-payload ADC applications, Lonza is broadening its technology offering in ADCs, a strategically important modality where customers are seeking more flexible approaches to molecule design, development and manufacturing.
