Merck unit inks antibody drug conjugates deal with Sutro Biopharma

EMD Serono, a US subsidiary of Germany’s Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with California-based biotech firm Sutro Biopharma to develop antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).

ADCs are composed of an antibody linked to a cytotoxic drug. The antibody is thought to specifically target and deliver the cytotoxic drug to the cancer cells.

Under the terms of the accord, Sutro and EMD Serono will collaborate to discover and develop multiple ADCs utilizing Sutro’s cell-free protein synthesis platforms, Xpress CF and Xpress CF+. Sutro will be responsible for delivering ADCs for Phase I clinical trials. EMD Serono will be responsible for clinical development and commercialization of any resulting products.