Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)
What are ADCs?
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a precision-based cancer therapy that combines the targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies with the cell-killing power of potent therapeutics.1
ADCs deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue and reducing side effects.1,2
Structure and mechanism of action
ADCs consist of three critical components:
When an ADC binds to its target, it forms an ADC-antigen complex which is taken into the cell. The linker then releases the payload inside, killing the cancer cell from within.1,3
ADCs in precision cancer treatment
ADCs are part of the diverse toolbox of modalities at Bristol Myers Squibb that are matched to a molecular mechanism of action to achieve the best possible results for patients. They are a rapidly developing and promising drug modality where recent technical progress has propelled the field forward.
ADCs have helped to enhance the standard of care in breast cancer and are being expanded into new, difficult-to-treat indications. These are in hematology and solid tumors, including acute myeloid leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, among others.
They are also being explored in combination with other modalities, such as immunotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies, in synergistic ways to improve outcomes.
Bristol Myers Squibb is working to bring these transformational medicines to patients faster by:
- Building on a deep understanding of causal human biology to advance the science of antigen targeting to improve foundational targets and uncover new ones
- Expanding on the types of payloads delivered to cells
- Collaborating with other experts to advance the most promising ADC-enabling technology
Precision-based approaches to cancer treatment, including ADCs, have the potential to meet the needs of the many patients awaiting new, efficacious and tolerable therapies. By following the science and embracing a multifaceted approach, Bristol Myers Squibb aims to rapidly advance these transformational therapeutics to patients.
REFERENCES:
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Antibody-drug conjugates for cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/research/adcs
- National Institutes of Health. (2022). Monoclonal antibodies: Precision cancer therapy. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/monoclonal-antibodies-precision-cancer-therapy
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2020). Antibody-drug conjugates in oncology: An evolving therapeutic option. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/antibody-drug-conjugates-oncology