Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody
Published on: May 16, 2020
An Insight into FDA Approved Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy
Juliana T W Tong1,2, Paul W R Harris1,2,3, Margaret A Brimble1,2,3
1School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Abstract:
The large number of emerging antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy has resulted in a significant market 'boom', garnering worldwide attention. Despite ADCs presenting huge challenges to researchers, particularly regarding the identification of a suitable combination of antibody, linker, and payload, as of September 2021, 11 ADCs have been granted FDA approval, with eight of these approved since 2017 alone. Optimism for this therapeutic approach is clear, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a landmark year for deals and partnerships in the ADC arena, suggesting that there remains significant interest from Big Pharma. Herein we review the enthusiasm for ADCs by focusing on the features of those approved by the FDA, and offer some thoughts as to where the field is headed.
Insights
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) show great promise for cancer therapy, with 11 FDA-approved treatments. This review examines approved ADCs and future directions in this rapidly growing field.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) has experienced significant growth and attention for cancer therapy.
- Despite challenges in identifying optimal antibody, linker, and payload combinations, ADC development is advancing rapidly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the features of FDA-approved ADCs.
- To discuss the future trajectory of ADC development in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of FDA-approved ADCs as of September 2021.
- Analysis of market trends and industry partnerships in the ADC arena.
Main Results:
- Eleven ADCs have received FDA approval, with eight approved since 2017.
- The ADC market shows robust activity, including significant deals and partnerships, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions:
- There is considerable optimism surrounding ADCs as a therapeutic approach for cancer.
- The continued interest from major pharmaceutical companies highlights the significant potential and future prospects of ADCs.
More Related Videos
11:58Initial Evaluation of Antibody-conjugates Modified with Viral-derived Peptides for Increasing Cellular Accumulation and Improving Tumor Targeting
Published on: March 8, 2018
11:02Genetic Encoding of a Non-Canonical Amino Acid for the Generation of Antibody-Drug Conjugates Through a Fast Bioorthogonal Reaction
Published on: September 14, 2018
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy