Pharmaceutical companies expand antibody-drug conjugate portfolios

Cohance Lifesciences is investing $18 million to expand its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) portfolio. The company will invest $13 million to increase its stake in NJ Bio, which will focus on contract research, development, and manufacturing services. Additionally, Cohance will invest $5 million in Aruka Bio, which will become a direct subsidiary focused on developing proprietary ADC drugs.

In a separate development, Medicus Pharma Ltd. has reached an agreement with Pfizer Inc. to acquire worldwide rights to CD228V, an early-stage antibody-drug conjugate. Medicus will pay Pfizer $27 million, consisting of a $12 million nonrefundable payment and a $15 million payment due in September 2027. Pfizer will also provide $2 million specifically for the development of the compound. Under the agreement, Medicus assumes sole authority over the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of CD228V, which targets melanotransferrin for potential use in treating melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and esophageal cancer.