Advancing ADC Design Through Site-Specific Conjugation and Stable Linkers

Biotech, Drug Discovery & Development, Life Science, Pharma, Pharma Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Preclinical,
  • Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 10am EDT (NA) / 3pm BST (UK) / 4pm CEST (EU-Central)
  • 60 min

In the field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), several challenges exist in optimization and manufacturing. The most common issues include the optimization of DAR (drug-antibody ratio), a narrow therapeutic window and quality control in manufacturing. To address these challenges, numerous new technologies are being developed.

One such approach is a conjugation and linker platform designed to support the development of ADCs that also addresses these limitations.

The conjugation method uses Fc affinity peptides for site-specific modification, enabling the production of homogeneous ADCs with high yield without the need for redox chemistry or column purification. More than 60g of GMP-grade ADCs have been manufactured using this method. It also enables stable preparation of various homogeneous DAR ADCs (DAR1, 2, 4, 8, 10, dual payload, etc.).

Furthermore, linker optimization is also critical. Traditional valine-citrulline (VC) linkers are prone to plasma instability and high lipophilicity. The updated linker design provides enhanced plasma stability and hydrophilicity, helping to expand the therapeutic window by minimizing undesired plasma payload release and ensuring selective release in cancer cells.

This recently developed platform has also been applied to next-generation conjugates such as oligonucleotides, proteins, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) with tuned DAR and spacers. Supporting data — including in vivo efficacy studies and safety evaluations — highlight the practicality of the approach.

Register for this webinar to explore emerging strategies in ADC conjugation and linker design.

Speaker

AI Yusaku Nomura, Ajinomoto

AI Yusaku Nomura, Business Development, Ajinomoto

Yusaku Nomura earned his PhD in Chemical Biology from Hokkaido University. He has five years of experience in peptide drug discovery and small molecule drug discovery research at a pharmaceutical company, as well as four years of experience in oligonucleotide manufacturing (AJIPHASE) research at Ajinomoto. Currently, he is responsible for customer development, contracts and outsourcing as the BD for next-generation ADC manufacturing technology AJICAP.

Message Presenter

Who Should Attend?

 This webinar will appeal to:

  • ADC Therapeutics Scientists and Biologists
  • Early-stage researchers from startups to big pharma who are developing biologics
  • R&D Directors, Lab Managers and Platform Leads
  • Those working in drug development, including oligonucleotide, peptide, PROTAC and LNP

What You Will Learn

Attendees will:

  • Discover how site-specific conjugation and optimized linker strategies can improve DAR and enhance ADC efficacy while reducing toxicity
  • Learn about the innovative site-specific conjugation method that ensures high yield and stability without complex purification processes
  • Understand how advances in linker chemistry may help expand the therapeutic window by minimizing undesired payload release in plasma
  • Explore recent developments in next-generation antibody conjugates and the practical applications demonstrated through extensive testing

Xtalks Partner

Ajinomoto Group

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company focused on the research, development, and manufacture of high quality products for the pharmaceutical, specialty chemical, nutraceutical, sports nutrition, and health & beauty industries, as well as food seasonings and consumer food products. Headquartered in Tokyo, the Ajinomoto Group has over 34,000 employees, maintaining operations in 36 countries and regions, and possessing a global production network of 117 factories. In fiscal 2022, sales were JPY 1,359 billion (USD 10.1 billion). Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services (Aji Bio-Pharma) is a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with sites in Belgium, United States, Japan and India providing comprehensive development, cGMP manufacturing and aseptic fill finish services for small and large molecule APIs and intermediates.

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