Japan headquartered Sony Corporation and Astellas Pharma Inc. have entered into a collaborative research agreement to discover a novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) platform in oncology based on Sony's unique polymeric material, "KIRAVIA Backbone."

KIRAVIA Backbone is created using the organic polymer technology cultivated in KIRAVIA Dyes, which Sony independently developed and licensed to reagent manufacturers.

ADC is expected to selectively deliver anti-cancer drugs to target cells, thereby increasing efficacy and reducing side effects caused by anti-cancer drugs attacking normal cells.

The technology to create linkers which conjugates antibodies and drugs, is considered to be a key to development of a better-performing ADC. This collaborative research leverages the flexibility in design and resulting properties such as high capacity and solubility of KIRAVIA Backbone as a linker of ADC, to effectively deliver anti-cancer drugs to targeted cells in a stable manner, aiming to further enhance therapeutic efficacy by achieving high Drug-to-Antibody Ratio (DAR) etc.

Under this agreement, Sony and Astellas will jointly develop and optimise a new ADC platform using the KIRAVIA Backbone as a linker.

In addition, Astellas will conduct non-clinical trials of development candidates. Furthermore, in order to build a drug discovery platform not limited to ADC, the two companies have agreed to continue discussions on expanding research partnerships to create new value by combining Sony's cutting-edge technology with Astellas' renowned pharmaceutical capabilities.