Bioconjugation Discovery

Extensive R&D capabilities and world-class expertise

The cornerstone of the WuXi XDC technology platform

Extensive R&D capabilities and world-class expertise is available at WuXi XDC to generate, engineer, evaluate and optimize antibody drug conjugate (ADC) / bioconjugate lead candidates including trouble-shooting and overcoming the challenges associated with the development of complex bioconjugated moieties.

Our experience extends beyond ADCs, and includes PEGylated proteins, nanoparticles, vaccines, diagnostics, and imaging reagents that are applicable for a wide-range of medical purposes such as oncology, cardiology and immunology. With over 10 years of experience, our bioconjugate discovery team currently has more than 100 experienced scientists and we serve 220+ clients around the world. In addition, we have advanced 75+ early research projects into CMC development and beyond.

Bioconjugation Discovery Services & Capabilities Overview

Wide-ranging R&D services including the discovery and development of bioconjugation key intermediates such as mAbs/proteins, payloads and linkers is also available, and these services are a key cornerstone to the WuXi XDC technology platform.

High-throughput conjugation screening

To maximize the efficiency of your drug discovery efforts, we use a state-of-the-art high-throughput ADC conjugation platform and a highly vetted project management system to facilitate ADC candidate selection. We utilize a Design of Experiment (DOE) matrix approach utilizing high-throughput (HTP) methodologies for the generation and evaluation of the intermediates and conjugates from microgram to milligram scale. In the example below, IgGs from hybridoma crude culture media, regardless of their concentrations, can be made into ADCs of the same DAR (tunable from DAR2-DAR4 and with low residual free drug) for the ensuing batch analyses and selections of ADC preclinical candidates.

Conjugation Capabilities

The discovery services team at WuXi XDC applies multiple methods for the synthesis of bioconjugates between payloads and macromolecules that include proteins (e.g., antibodies, fusion proteins), peptides, and polynucleotides, amongst others. We use many types of conjugation technologies including traditional cysteine- and lysine-conjugation, and many of the widely used site-directed conjugation methods such as THIOMAB™, non-natural amino acid incorporated, and glycol site- and enzyme-assisted conjugation. Our bioconjugation experience encompasses multiple carriers and an extensive linker and payload library is available for your R&D purposes as demonstrated in the following table:

Novel Technologies

Antibody and payload conjugation development utilizing multiple technologies including WuXi XDC proprietary technologies (e.g., WuXiDAR4 Drug Antibody Ratio Technology Platform) is available from our large team of highly trained scientists.

WuXiDAR4^TM is a novel technology platform to overcome the challenges of ADC heterogeneity and therefore establish uniform DAR in ADCs. The WuXiDAR4 technology comprises two methods to increase the DAR4 percentage from 85% to 90% in cysteine-conjugated ADCs. WuXiDAR4 ADCs, rivaling site-directed bioconjugates, show better PK and efficacy than traditional cysteine-conjugated ADCs.

Diagnostic and Imaging Reagents

WuXi XDC supports research, development and manufacture of labeled antibodies for in vitro and in vivo studies and for use in diagnostic kits. Our experience with labels includes a variety of fluorescent tags, HRP, and biotin amongst others. In addition, we have ready-made secondary antibodies with signal amplification and sensitivity rivaling other commercially available options.

In the example below, secondary antibodies developed at WuXi XDC are used in 2-step staining for antigen detection in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues and are not interfered with by endogenous biotin in the staining samples. The labeled antibodies are compatible with primary antibodies of mouse or rabbit origins and provide industry-standard signal amplification magnitudes.