- Ajinomoto Co. has entered a licensing agreement with Astellas Pharma Inc. for its proprietary AJICAP® antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development technology.
- The collaboration supports Astellas’ next-generation ADC research and manufacturing as part of Ajinomoto’s CDMO business.
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with Astellas Pharma Inc. for the use of AJICAP®, a proprietary antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development and manufacturing technology, as part of its CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organisation) business for biopharmaceutical development.
AJICAP® enables precise and stable conjugation of drugs to proteins such as antibodies, improving molecular design flexibility and enhancing development and manufacturing efficiency for ADCs and other advanced biopharmaceuticals. Through the agreement, Ajinomoto Co. will support Astellas in researching and manufacturing innovative next-generation ADCs, contributing to the creation of safe and effective treatment options.
ADCs are a growing class of therapeutics, especially in oncology, with the global market projected to rise from USD 10.8 billion in 2023 to USD 47.0 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.4%. Despite this growth, the technology still faces challenges, particularly in stabilising molecular links between antibodies and drugs. AJICAP® addresses these by enabling site-specific and uniform drug conjugation, helping to preserve antibody function while delivering the drug precisely.
Astellas, known for developing PADCEV™, continues to expand its ADC research and development through partnerships worldwide, with several candidates already in clinical development.
Through this licensing agreement, Ajinomoto Co. will help ensure consistent quality for Astellas’ development candidates, while Astellas aims to develop and commercialise new treatment options. The collaboration aligns with Ajinomoto Group’s broader strategy to expand its AminoScience-based technologies and strengthen its position in the global biopharmaceutical and contract manufacturing sectors.
