Lonza and Qurient have struck an exclusive licensing agreement to advance the development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), combining Qurient’s cancer-targeting CDK7 inhibitors with Lonza’s established ADC technology platform.

 

The deal gives Lonza access to Qurient’s highly selective, potent clinical-stage cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) inhibitors for use in dual-payload ADC applications, an emerging approach that delivers two different cytotoxic agents through a single antibody to attack cancer cells through multiple mechanisms.

 

The agreement strengthens Lonza’s push to expand its proprietary ADC technologies as drug developers seek more flexible ways to design and develop targeted cancer therapies.

 

“Dual-payload ADCs are among the most promising areas of innovation for customers developing differentiated cancer therapies. This agreement adds a differentiated CDK7 inhibitor payload technology to Lonza’s ADC toolbox and further strengthens our ability to support customers from early technology evaluation through development, manufacturing and commercialization. 

 

"With SYN-duo CC and customizable dual-payload formats, we can offer customers more choice and flexibility as they design and advance the next-generation of ADC programs,” said Christian Seufert, Head of Advanced Synthesis at Lonza.

 

At the centre of the agreement is Lonza’s SYN-duo CC, a dual-payload ADC format combining a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor, a camptothecin derivative, and a CDK7 inhibitor.

 

The approach is designed to pair the activity of the topoisomerase 1 inhibitor with the CDK7 inhibitor’s potential to enhance its effects, bringing both agents together in a single targeted therapeutic approach.

 

Beyond the combination of exatecan and Qurient’s CDK7 inhibitor in SYN-duo® CC, Lonza can use its existing proprietary platform to develop additional combinations pairing Qurient’s CDK7 inhibitor with other payloads for dual-payload ADC applications.

 

The expanded flexibility could give ADC developers more options to explore differentiated therapeutic designs, although the potential clinical benefits will need to be established through further development.

 

For Qurient, the agreement creates an opportunity to extend its CDK7 inhibitor technology into a wider range of ADC programmes by combining its expertise in CDK7 inhibition with Lonza’s development and manufacturing capabilities.

 

“We believe CDK7 inhibition offers significant potential as part of the next generation of dual-payload ADCs. This agreement expands the opportunity to apply our CDK7 inhibitors across a broader range of ADC programs by combining Qurient’s CDK7 expertise with Lonza’s established ADC technology and development capabilities. We look forward to seeing SYN-duo CC and future customized formats support the exploration of new approaches for patients with unmet medical needs,” said Kiyean Nam, CEO of Qurient.

 

The agreement supports Lonza’s broader strategy to expand its proprietary technologies alongside its integrated contract development and manufacturing services.

 

ADCs combine the targeting capabilities of antibodies with the cell-killing activity of drug payloads. Dual-payload formats aim to build on that approach by incorporating two different agents into a single construct, potentially enabling complementary mechanisms of action.

 

By securing access to Qurient’s CDK7 inhibitors, Lonza is expanding its options for dual-payload ADC design at a time when drug developers are seeking greater flexibility across molecule design, development and manufacturing.

 

The agreement positions both companies to explore additional ADC combinations aimed at addressing unmet medical needs, while the ultimate therapeutic value of these approaches will depend on the results of further research and clinical development.