C4 Therapeutics Enters into Collaboration with Roche to Develop Degrader-Antibody Conjugates
Friday, April 10, 2026
C4 Therapeutics has entered into a new collaboration agreement with Roche to advance research in degrader-antibody conjugates (DACs), an emerging approach in cancer treatment.
Degrader-antibody conjugates are designed to overcome some limitations associated with traditional ADCs, particularly around therapeutic margins. By using small-molecule degraders with a catalytic mechanism, DACs may offer improved targeting and effectiveness in cancer therapy.
The agreement builds on a long-standing partnership between the two companies focused on targeted protein degradation.
Under the collaboration, both companies will combine expertise in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and targeted protein degradation (TPD) to develop DACs. This approach aims to improve cancer treatment by combining the precision of antibodies with the catalytic activity of degraders.
The partnership will initially focus on two programmes targeting undisclosed oncology indications. C4 Therapeutics will use its TORPEDO platform to design degrader payloads, while Roche will be responsible for antibody selection, conjugation, and further development. Roche will also lead preclinical and clinical development, as well as commercialisation.
As part of the agreement, C4 Therapeutics will receive an upfront payment of $20 million. The company is also eligible for additional payments if Roche exercises an option for a third target.
Across the collaboration, C4 Therapeutics could receive more than $1 billion in milestone payments, along with tiered royalties on future product sales.
Source: c4therapeutics.com
