Seattle Genetics highlights novel ADC technology advances at AACR

Innovative research demonstrates Seattle Genetics’ leadership in empowered antibodies.

“We have a comprehensive scientific understanding of the multiple components necessary to develop antibody-drug conjugates for the potential treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors,” said Jonathan Drachman, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Research and Development at Seattle Genetics. “Our data presentations at the AACR Annual Meeting illustrate novel linker systems and cell-killing payloads as well as continued progress in understanding the chemical and biological properties of ADCs to inform potential future development. We believe ADCs will continue to play an increasingly important role in cancer treatment.”

ADCs are monoclonal antibodies designed to deliver cytotoxic agents selectively to tumour cells. Seattle Genetics has developed proprietary technology employing synthetic cytotoxic agents and stable linker systems that attach these cytotoxic agents to the antibody. Seattle Genetics’ linker systems are designed to be stable in the bloodstream and release the potent cell-killing agent once inside targeted cancer cells. This approach is intended to spare non-targeted cells and thus reduce many of the toxic effects of traditional chemotherapy while enhancing antitumour activity.