1st Biotherapeutics and Ligachem Biosciences partner on ADC payloads and immuno-oncology candidates

CAR-T Digest - August 2020

22 Apr 2025: 1st Biotherapeutics and Ligachem Biosciences partner on ADC payloads and immuno-oncology candidates

1st Biotherapeutics and LigaChem Biosciences have formed a strategic R&D and licensing option agreement to co-develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) payloads and small molecule immuno-oncology therapies
The collaboration aims to develop 2–4 novel drug candidates over the next three years, with LigaChemBio providing initial funding and retaining exclusive licensing rights
LigaChemBio can out-license any resulting assets to third parties and share revenues with 1stBIO upon exercising its licensing option
This expanded partnership builds on a joint research project that began in December 2024, based on strong synergy and mutual capabilities
The alliance targets first-in-class or best-in-class oncology programs by addressing the current limitations of ADC payloads and advancing small molecule innovation