South Korea-based Lotte Biologics has recently signed an agreement for contract research and joint development regarding the establishment of an Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) technology platform with the Korean bioventure KANAPH Therapeutics.

According to this agreement, both companies plan to conduct joint development over the next year to establish a new ADC technology platform for existing linkers and payloads.

Through this initiative, Lotte aims to internalise ADC CDO capabilities and strengthen its competitiveness in securing ADC orders. Upon completion of the ADC facility expansion underway at the Syracuse site in the United States, it is expected to provide services across the entire ADC value chain, from product development to commercial production, based on this platform technology.

In addition, KANAPH Therapeutics plans to develop next-generation ADC drugs that can fulfill unmet medical needs for existing treatments based on the outcomes of the joint development.

Lotte also plans to establish a Bio-Venture Initiative in the near future to provide facilities for bioventures in its domestic Mega Plant complex and help foster an environment for technology development cooperation. This initiative is aimed at promoting a virtuous cycle within the bio-industry ecosystem through mutual growth with outstanding Korean bioventures.