Japan-based Ajinomoto has announced a license agreement with US-based firm Exelixis to incorporate AJICAP, Ajinomoto Co.'s proprietary site-specific bioconjugation and linker technologies, in the development of certain of Exelixis' antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programmes.

Utilising its network of biotherapeutics collaborations, the company is developing next generation ADCs for the treatment of various cancers. Ajinomoto Co. is a leading technology provider for biopharmaceuticals and the owner of contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services.

AJICAP is Ajinomoto Co.'s proprietary site-specific bioconjugation and stable linker technologies compatible with commonly used antibody isotypes. AJICAP technology includes its "off-the-shelf" feature, allowing any therapeutic antibody at any stage of development to be conjugated to drug-payloads of choice without the need for antibody engineering or cell line development, and stable/hydrophilic linkers to generate antibody-drug conjugates with an enhanced therapeutic window.

As part of the license agreement, Exelixis will have the right to use the AJICAP technology to support its aim of advancing multiple ADCs with the potential for higher efficacy and lower toxicity than currently available options. Ajinomoto Co. is eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments as well as royalties on commercial sales.