From Seagen to Mersana Therapeutics, discover how leading biopharmaceutical companies are revolutionizing cancer care with cutting-edge ADC innovations.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) represent a paradigm shift in oncology, offering targeted cancer treatment that minimizes collateral damage to healthy cells. By merging the precision of monoclonal antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic drugs, ADCs have rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of cancer therapy. As we approach 2025, ADC innovation continues to redefine therapeutic possibilities, addressing previously untreatable malignancies and improving patient outcomes.
Several biopharmaceutical companies are at the forefront of this revolution, each leveraging cutting-edge technology, innovative payloads, and strategic collaborations to expand ADC pipelines. Companies like Seagen, Daiichi Sankyo, and AstraZeneca are setting the pace with approved therapies and robust pipelines. Meanwhile, newcomers like GenScript Biotech and OmniAb are introducing unique platforms to further ADC potential.
This article highlights 25 leading companies pioneering advancements in ADC development. From targeted therapies for hematological malignancies to novel approaches addressing solid tumors, these organizations are shaping the trajectory of ADC innovation for years to come.
Seagen Inc.
Seagen is widely recognized as the pioneer in ADC technology, with a robust portfolio that includes Adcetris and Padcev. In 2025, the company’s pipeline features next-generation ADCs that target a broader spectrum of cancers, utilizing improved linkers and payloads to enhance efficacy and reduce off-target effects.
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of Seagen’s strategy. The company has partnered with global leaders like Pfizer and Merck to expand the reach of its ADC platform. These alliances are expected to accelerate clinical trials and regulatory approvals for new indications.
Seagen’s commitment to innovation is further underscored by its investment in manufacturing capabilities. By ensuring scalable and cost-effective production, the company is poised to meet the growing demand for ADC therapies worldwide.
Daiichi Sankyo
Daiichi Sankyo has made a significant mark with Enhertu, a HER2-targeted ADC developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca. The company’s pipeline also includes promising candidates like datopotamab deruxtecan and patritumab deruxtecan, targeting HER3 and TROP2, respectively.
2025 will see Daiichi Sankyo’s continued focus on leveraging its proprietary DXd payload technology, which enables higher potency and tumor-specific activity. The company is also exploring ADC applications in non-oncology indications, signaling a broader scope for this innovative therapy.
Strategic partnerships with AstraZeneca and other biotech firms ensure that Daiichi Sankyo remains at the forefront of ADC development. These collaborations aim to expand clinical research into diverse cancer types, including rare and difficult-to-treat malignancies.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca’s collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo has been a cornerstone of its ADC strategy. Enhertu, co-developed by the two companies, continues to set benchmarks in HER2-targeted therapy. In 2025, AstraZeneca is expected to broaden its ADC focus to include emerging targets such as HER3 and TROP2.
Innovation in ADCs is integral to AstraZeneca’s oncology pipeline. The company is investing heavily in next-generation linkers and payloads to overcome resistance mechanisms and enhance therapeutic windows. These advancements are crucial for treating aggressive cancers.
Beyond its partnership with Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca is exploring alliances with other biotech firms and academic institutions. These collaborations aim to integrate novel ADC technologies into its broader oncology portfolio, offering new hope for patients worldwide.
Pfizer
Pfizer’s acquisition of Seagen for $43 billion underscores its commitment to ADCs as a transformative oncology platform. With Seagen’s expertise, Pfizer has gained access to a robust ADC pipeline, including FDA-approved therapies like Adcetris and Padcev.
In 2025, Pfizer aims to integrate Seagen’s ADC capabilities with its own R&D infrastructure to accelerate innovation. This includes exploring novel targets and payloads to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ADCs across multiple cancer types.
Pfizer is also leveraging its global scale to expand the accessibility of ADC therapies. By streamlining manufacturing and distribution processes, the company is addressing one of the major challenges in bringing ADCs to market.
ImmunoGen
ImmunoGen has been a trailblazer in ADC technology, with its lead product, Elahere, approved for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The company’s research focuses on folate receptor alpha and other promising targets.
The 2025 pipeline includes novel ADC candidates designed for enhanced tumor selectivity and potency. ImmunoGen is also exploring combination therapies to address resistance mechanisms, broadening the applicability of ADCs in oncology.
Partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies have enabled ImmunoGen to scale its ADC programs effectively. These collaborations are pivotal for advancing clinical trials and expanding the therapeutic landscape.
ADC Therapeutics
ADC Therapeutics specializes in hematological malignancies and solid tumors, leveraging its proprietary pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) warheads for high potency. The company’s lead products, Zynlonta and camidanlumab tesirine, continue to gain traction.
2025 will see ADC Therapeutics expanding its pipeline with novel ADCs targeting unique biomarkers. The company’s focus on precision medicine aims to address unmet needs in both oncology and rare diseases.
Strategic alliances with academic institutions and biotech firms bolster ADC Therapeutics’ innovation. These collaborations provide access to cutting-edge research and technologies, ensuring the company’s leadership in the ADC space.
OmniAb
OmniAb brings a unique approach to ADC innovation with its advanced antibody discovery platforms. The company’s technology enables the development of highly specific antibodies that serve as ideal carriers for cytotoxic payloads.
In 2025, OmniAb’s collaborations with biotech and pharmaceutical companies are expected to yield several ADC candidates entering clinical trials. These partnerships highlight the versatility and scalability of OmniAb’s platform.
OmniAb’s focus on early-stage drug discovery ensures a steady pipeline of next-generation ADCs. By integrating advanced analytics and AI, the company is setting new standards in antibody engineering.
GenScript Biotech
GenScript Biotech is at the forefront of ADC innovation, offering a comprehensive suite of services, from antibody generation to conjugation. The company’s proprietary linker and payload technologies are designed to enhance ADC stability and efficacy.
2025 will see GenScript expanding its collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to co-develop ADCs targeting oncology and beyond. These partnerships are critical for accelerating preclinical and clinical development.
By leveraging its global R&D infrastructure, GenScript is poised to deliver cutting-edge ADC solutions that address unmet medical needs. The company’s focus on customization and scalability makes it a valuable partner in the ADC ecosystem.
Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is renowned for its innovative approach to ADCs, particularly with the approval of Trodelvy for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The company continues to invest in advancing its ADC platforms to target difficult-to-treat cancers.
In 2025, Gilead’s pipeline is expected to expand with ADC candidates for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company’s research emphasizes optimizing payload-linker combinations to improve safety and efficacy profiles.
Collaborations with academic institutions and biotech firms enhance Gilead’s ability to innovate in the ADC space. These partnerships focus on leveraging new technologies and addressing resistance mechanisms in cancer therapies.
Roche/Genentech
Roche, through its Genentech division, is a leader in ADC development. Polivy, an ADC targeting CD79b for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, highlights its expertise. Roche’s ongoing research explores next-generation ADCs for both hematologic and solid tumors.
In 2025, Roche is expected to advance several ADC candidates into late-stage clinical trials. The company’s focus includes developing novel linkers and payloads to enhance tumor specificity and reduce systemic toxicity.
Partnerships with academic and biotech collaborators allow Roche to integrate cutting-edge science into its ADC programs. This collaborative approach ensures a steady pipeline of innovative therapies.
Astellas Pharma
Astellas Pharma is actively developing ADCs to address unmet needs in oncology. The company’s focus on leveraging innovative antibody and linker technologies has led to promising preclinical and clinical candidates.
2025 will see Astellas expanding its collaborations with biotech firms to enhance its ADC platforms. These partnerships are designed to accelerate the discovery and development of novel ADCs targeting specific cancer biomarkers.
Through strategic investment in research and manufacturing capabilities, Astellas aims to scale its ADC programs effectively. The company’s commitment to patient-centric therapies underscores its leadership in the ADC landscape.
Takeda Pharmaceutical
Takeda Pharmaceutical is pioneering the development of ADCs with a focus on treating hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The company’s research emphasizes optimizing payload-linker combinations for maximum efficacy and safety.
In 2025, Takeda is expected to advance its pipeline with ADC candidates designed for enhanced tumor specificity. The company is also exploring ADCs as part of combination therapies to address resistance mechanisms in cancer treatment.
Takeda’s collaborations with biotech firms and academic institutions enhance its ability to innovate in the ADC space. These partnerships are pivotal for integrating cutting-edge science into its therapeutic programs.
Bristol Myers Squibb
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has made significant strides in ADC research, focusing on solid tumors and hematologic cancers. The company’s pipeline includes ADCs targeting novel antigens to improve treatment outcomes.
2025 will see BMS expanding its ADC portfolio through collaborations with biotech firms. These partnerships aim to integrate next-generation linker and payload technologies into its therapeutic programs.
BMS’s commitment to patient-centric innovation ensures the development of ADCs with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity. The company’s investment in R&D infrastructure underscores its leadership in the oncology space.
Sanofi
Sanofi is leveraging its expertise in antibody engineering to develop ADCs for oncology and autoimmune diseases. The company’s research focuses on optimizing antibody-payload combinations for targeted delivery.
In 2025, Sanofi is expected to advance several ADC candidates into clinical trials. The company’s collaborations with biotech firms are critical for accelerating the development of novel ADC platforms.
Sanofi’s investment in next-generation manufacturing technologies ensures scalable and cost-effective production of ADCs. This strategic approach positions the company as a leader in the ADC field.
AbbVie
AbbVie has established a strong presence in the ADC space with its focus on targeting hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The company’s research emphasizes the development of next-generation linkers and payloads.
In 2025, AbbVie’s pipeline will feature several ADC candidates designed for enhanced tumor specificity and potency. The company is also exploring ADCs as part of combination therapies to improve treatment outcomes.
AbbVie’s collaborations with academic institutions and biotech firms are pivotal for integrating cutting-edge science into its ADC programs. These partnerships enhance the company’s ability to innovate in the oncology space.
Amgen
Amgen is advancing its ADC pipeline with a focus on targeting difficult-to-treat cancers. The company’s research emphasizes optimizing antibody-payload combinations for maximum efficacy and safety.
In 2025, Amgen is expected to expand its ADC portfolio through strategic collaborations with biotech firms. These partnerships aim to integrate next-generation technologies into its therapeutic programs.
Amgen’s commitment to patient-centric innovation underscores its leadership in the ADC space. The company’s investment in R&D infrastructure ensures the development of transformative therapies.
Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
Janssen, a division of Johnson & Johnson, is actively developing ADCs to address unmet needs in oncology. The company’s research focuses on leveraging innovative linker and payload technologies for maximum efficacy.
2025 will see Janssen advancing its ADC pipeline with candidates targeting novel antigens. The company’s collaborations with biotech firms are critical for accelerating the development of transformative therapies.
Through strategic investment in research and manufacturing capabilities, Janssen aims to scale its ADC programs effectively. The company’s commitment to patient-centric therapies underscores its leadership in the ADC landscape.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Regeneron is leveraging its expertise in antibody engineering to develop ADCs for oncology and beyond. The company’s research focuses on optimizing antibody-payload combinations for targeted delivery.
In 2025, Regeneron is expected to advance several ADC candidates into clinical trials. The company’s collaborations with biotech firms are critical for accelerating the development of novel ADC platforms.
Regeneron’s investment in next-generation manufacturing technologies ensures scalable and cost-effective production of ADCs. This strategic approach positions the company as a leader in the ADC field.
Zymeworks
Zymeworks specializes in bispecific ADC platforms designed for enhanced tumor specificity and potency. The company’s pipeline includes candidates targeting a range of cancer types.
2025 will see Zymeworks expanding its collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to co-develop ADCs targeting oncology and beyond. These partnerships are critical for accelerating preclinical and clinical development.
By leveraging its global R&D infrastructure, Zymeworks is poised to deliver cutting-edge ADC solutions that address unmet medical needs. The company’s focus on customization and scalability makes it a valuable partner in the ADC ecosystem.
MacroGenics
MacroGenics is at the forefront of ADC innovation, focusing on novel linker and payload technologies. The company’s research emphasizes the development of ADCs for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
In 2025, MacroGenics’ pipeline will feature several ADC candidates designed for enhanced tumor specificity and potency. The company is also exploring ADCs as part of combination therapies to improve treatment outcomes.
MacroGenics’ collaborations with academic institutions and biotech firms are pivotal for integrating cutting-edge science into its ADC programs. These partnerships enhance the company’s ability to innovate in the oncology space.
Sutro Biopharma
Sutro Biopharma specializes in next-generation ADC platforms designed for enhanced stability and efficacy. The company’s pipeline includes candidates targeting a range of cancer types.
2025 will see Sutro expanding its collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to co-develop ADCs targeting oncology and beyond. These partnerships are critical for accelerating preclinical and clinical development.
By leveraging its global R&D infrastructure, Sutro is poised to deliver cutting-edge ADC solutions that address unmet medical needs. The company’s focus on customization and scalability makes it a valuable partner in the ADC ecosystem.
BioNTech
BioNTech is exploring ADC technology to expand its oncology pipeline. The company’s focus on integrating ADCs with its mRNA platforms highlights its commitment to innovation.
In 2025, BioNTech’s pipeline is expected to feature ADC candidates targeting novel antigens. The company’s collaborations with biotech firms are critical for accelerating the development of transformative therapies.
BioNTech’s investment in research and manufacturing capabilities ensures the scalability of its ADC programs. This strategic approach positions the company as a leader in the ADC field.
Merck KGaA
Merck KGaA is actively developing ADCs for oncology and autoimmune diseases. The company’s research focuses on optimizing antibody-payload combinations for targeted delivery.
In 2025, Merck is expected to advance several ADC candidates into clinical trials. The company’s collaborations with biotech firms are critical for accelerating the development of novel ADC platforms.
Merck’s investment in next-generation manufacturing technologies ensures scalable and cost-effective production of ADCs. This strategic approach positions the company as a leader in the ADC field.
DualityBio
DualityBio specializes in next-generation ADC platforms designed for enhanced stability and efficacy. The company’s pipeline includes candidates targeting a range of cancer types.
2025 will see DualityBio expanding its collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to co-develop ADCs targeting oncology and beyond. These partnerships are critical for accelerating preclinical and clinical development.
By leveraging its global R&D infrastructure, DualityBio is poised to deliver cutting-edge ADC solutions that address unmet medical needs. The company’s focus on customization and scalability makes it a valuable partner in the ADC ecosystem.
Mersana Therapeutics
Mersana Therapeutics specializes in customizable ADC platforms with both cytotoxic and immunostimulatory payloads. The company’s pipeline includes candidates targeting a range of cancer types.
2025 will see Mersana expanding its collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to co-develop ADCs targeting oncology and beyond. These partnerships are critical for accelerating preclinical and clinical development.
By leveraging its global R&D infrastructure, Mersana is poised to deliver cutting-edge ADC solutions that address unmet medical needs. The company’s focus on customization and scalability makes it a valuable partner in the ADC ecosystem.
Shaping the Future of Precision Medicine with ADC Innovation
