BRIEF—Absci collaboration to develop novel ADCs

Drug discovery firm Absci, a specialist in AI and synthetic biology, has entered into a collaboration agreement with an undisclosed biotech partner.

Absci said its new partner is “focused on discovery and development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) initially for oncology indications.”

The collaboration calls for Absci to generate up to seven novel Bionic Antibodies, using its non-standard amino acid (nsAA) incorporation technology.

Absci chief executive Sean McClain said: “These programs represent a new approach to ADC generation, with highly targeted warhead conjugation, and we are excited to be helping to advance what we all hope will be drug candidates that are more potent and have lower toxicities than existing therapies.”

While financial terms are not disclosed, they include an upfront payment as well as future milestones and royalties associated with each program.