Adagene Enters into Collaboration with Exelixis to Develop Third Masked Antibody-Drug Conjugate
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Adagene has expanded its collaboration and licence agreement with Exelixis to include a third antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).
Under the revised terms, Exelixis will apply Adagene’s SAFEbody® technology platform to create a masked monoclonal antibody from Adagene’s pipeline for use against a solid tumour target.
The SAFEbody platform is designed to limit binding to healthy cells while activating in the tumour microenvironment, helping to improve the safety and tolerability of biologic therapies. This approach aims to widen the therapeutic index of ADCs by delivering treatment directly to tumour cells.
Adagene will receive development and commercial milestone payments, along with royalties on sales of products developed under the agreement.
The company’s lead SAFEbody candidate, ADG126, is currently being studied in a Phase 1b/2 trial for metastatic microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer, with a Phase 2 trial planned to begin before the end of 2025.
