Emergence Therapeutics has secured license to use the GlycoConnect, HydraSpace and exatecan-based SYNtecan E linker-payload technologies to develop multiple ADCs against undisclosed targets

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Synaffix research and development facility. (Credit: Techflash5342/Wikipedia.org)

Synaffix has signed a licensing deal worth up to $360m with Emergence Therapeutics to provide the latter access to its proprietary antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technologies.

The ADC technologies involved in the deal are GlycoConnect, HydraSpace, and exatecan-based SYNtecan E linker-payload.

Emergence Therapeutics intends to use the technologies to develop multiple ADCs against undisclosed targets to bolster its ADC pipeline.

Synaffix CEO Peter van de Sande said: “This marks an important milestone for Synaffix as this is the 10th ADC developer who has licensed our innovative ADC technology to develop proprietary ADCs for their own pipeline.

“By consolidating all essential technologies within Synaffix, we have repeatedly enabled the development of best-in-class and first-in-class ADCs under a single technology license agreement.

“We are thrilled that Emergence has selected Synaffix as its long-term ADC technology partner and look forward to working closely with Emergence as they build out their portfolio of ADC candidates.”

According to the terms of the agreement, Synaffix will be entitled to be paid upfront and milestone payments along with royalties on commercial sales.

The first programme under the agreement will begin at the signing, with the possibility of adding more targets later.

The ADCs’ research, development, manufacturing, and marketing will be handled by Emergence Therapeutics, while the production of components relevant to the technology will be taken care by Synaffix.

Emergence Therapeutics CEO Jack Elands said: “This transaction demonstrates our commitment to the development of our pipeline of first-in-class and/or best-in-class ADCs. Beyond our lead program ETx-22, a next generation Nectin-4 ADC, we are actively advancing further programs to develop treatments for high unmet-need cancers.

“We are impressed with the Synaffix technology and are pleased to select it as a key component to accelerate our pipeline of ADCs.”