Antibody Drug Conjugate - Competitive landscape, 2026

DelveInsight's, "Antibody Drug Conjugate - Competitive landscape, 2026," report provides comprehensive insights about 180+ companies and 290+ drugs in Antibody Drug Conjugate Competitive landscape. It covers the therapeutics assessment by product type, stage, route of administration, and molecule type. It further highlights the inactive pipeline products in this space.

Geography Covered:

• Global coverage

Antibody Drug Conjugate: Understanding

Antibody Drug Conjugate: Overview

Cancer remains the second leading global health threat, causing around 10 million deaths in 2020, with cytotoxic chemotherapy long serving as the standard treatment despite its low therapeutic index and significant off-target toxicity. To address these limitations, targeted approaches have evolved from Paul Ehrlich's "magic bullet" concept, leading to the identification of tumor-specific antigens such as HER2 and CD20 and the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) enabled by hybridoma technology. While mAbs offer high specificity, their limited cytotoxic potency led to the emergence of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which combine targeted delivery with potent cell-killing agents to improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce systemic toxicity. Since the first ADC approval, Mylotarg(R) (gemtuzumab ozogamicin), in 2000, the field has rapidly advanced, with multiple approvals and over 100 candidates in clinical development, positioning ADCs as a promising next-generation alternative to conventional chemotherapy.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) comprise three essential components, an antibody, a cytotoxic payload, and a linker, each playing a critical role in determining therapeutic efficacy and safety. An ideal ADC is stable in circulation, selectively targets tumor-specific antigens, and releases its payload precisely at the disease site. Target antigen selection is key, requiring high tumor specificity, surface expression, and efficient internalization, with emerging approaches also exploring the tumor microenvironment. The antibody component, typically humanized IgG (especially IgG1), ensures specific binding and optimal pharmacokinetics, while factors such as affinity and tumor penetration must be balanced. Linkers govern stability and drug release, with cleavable types enabling targeted release and non-cleavable ones enhancing systemic stability. The payloads, designed for high potency, mainly include tubulin inhibitors and DNA-damaging agents, alongside newer immunomodulatory compounds. Overall, the optimized integration of these components drives the effectiveness of ADCs in targeted cancer therapy.

The method of conjugating the linker-payload complex to the antibody is a critical determinant of ADC performance, alongside the choice of antibody, linker, and payload. Early ADCs primarily relied on stochastic conjugation through naturally occurring lysine or cysteine residues, with lysine-based methods often producing heterogeneous drug-antibody ratios (DARs) and potentially affecting antigen binding, while cysteine-based approaches offer improved uniformity but may compromise antibody structural integrity. These limitations, including instability, premature payload release, and variability in conjugation sites, have driven the development of site-specific strategies to enhance homogeneity, stability, and safety. Advanced techniques include engineered cysteine insertion (e.g., ThioMab technology), disulfide re-bridging, incorporation of unnatural amino acids, enzyme-mediated conjugation, and glycan-based approaches, each enabling more controlled and consistent payload attachment. Additionally, emerging technologies such as proximity-induced "click" chemistry further improve conjugation efficiency without extensive antibody modification. Collectively, these innovations are refining ADC design by enabling precise, stable, and reproducible conjugation, thereby enhancing their clinical potential.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) combine targeted delivery with potent cytotoxicity, selectively binding tumor-specific antigens and internalizing into cancer cells, where the payload is released in lysosomes to induce cell death by disrupting DNA or microtubules. Membrane-permeable payloads can further enhance efficacy through a bystander effect on neighboring cells and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. In addition, ADCs exert immune-mediated effects such as ADCC, ADCP, and CDC, and may directly inhibit tumor growth by blocking key signaling pathways, as seen with HER2-targeting ADCs, ultimately improving therapeutic precision while minimizing off-target toxicity.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have evolved through three generations with progressive improvements in design and performance. First-generation ADCs faced limitations such as low efficacy, high immunogenicity, unstable linkers, and heterogeneous drug-antibody ratios (DAR). Second-generation ADCs improved outcomes through optimized antibodies, more potent payloads, and better linkers, though challenges like off-target toxicity and DAR-related issues remained. Third-generation ADCs leverage site-specific conjugation, uniform DAR, fully humanized antibodies, and advanced payloads with improved linker designs, resulting in enhanced stability, reduced toxicity, and superior therapeutic efficacy.

Report Highlights:

• In April 2026, Zai Lab Limited announced a global clinical trial collaboration with Amgen Inc. to evaluate Zai Lab's investigational delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), zocilurtatug pelitecan (zoci, formerly ZL-1310), in combination with Amgen's IMDELLTRA(R) (tarlatamab-dlle), a DLL3-targeting Bispecific T-cell Engager (BiTE(R)) therapy in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
• In October 2025, Adcendo ApS, a biotech company focused on the development of first and best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancers with high unmet medical need, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to ADCE-D01 for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS).
• In August 2025, Ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.
• In August 2025, Genmab A/S announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) to rinatabart sesutecan (Rina-S(R)). an investigational folate receptor alpha (FRa)-directed, TOPO1-inhibitor antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or progressive endometrial cancer (EC) who have disease progression on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen and a PD-(L)1 therapy.
• In June 2025, Genmab A/S announced new data from cohort B2 of the Phase I/II RAINFOL(TM)-01 trial evaluating rinatabart sesutecan (Rina-S(R)), an investigational folate receptor alpha (FRa)-targeted, TOPO1-inhibitor antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). The study showed that with a median on-study follow-up of 7.7 months, treatment with Rina-S 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (Q3W) resulted in a 50.0 percent confirmed objective response rate (ORR), including two complete responses (CR), in heavily pre-treated advanced endometrial cancer (EC) patients who experienced disease progression on or after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy and an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The median duration of response (mDOR) was not reached. These data are from the endometrial cancer monotherapy dose expansion B2 cohort of the multi-part RAINFOL-01 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of Rina-S in solid tumors and were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
• In May 2025, Zai Lab Limited announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to ZL-1310, the Company's potential first-in-class Delta-like ligand (DLL3) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), for the treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). ZL-1310, which is being evaluated in an ongoing global Phase Ia/Ib clinical trial (NCT06179069), previously received an Orphan Drug designation for SCLC from the FDA.

Antibody Drug Conjugate: Company and Product Profiles (Marketed Therapies)

1. Company Overview: Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company with over three decades of experience in driving medical innovation, dedicated to improving global health outcomes. The company focuses on developing advanced therapies for the prevention and treatment of life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, and cancer, and operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with its headquarters in Foster City, California.

Product Description: Trodelvy

Trodelvy is a first-in-class Trop-2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate designed to deliver potent anti-cancer activity. Trop-2, a cell surface antigen, is highly expressed across multiple tumor types, including over 90% of breast and bladder cancers. The therapy incorporates a proprietary hydrolyzable linker conjugated to SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, enabling effective targeting of both tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Trodelvy has been approved in more than 40 countries for adults with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have received at least two prior therapies, including one for metastatic disease, and is also approved in the U.S. for certain patients with pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer and metastatic urothelial cancer under accelerated approval. Additionally, it is under investigation for broader use across various Trop-2-expressing cancers, including lung, head and neck, and endometrial tumors.

2. Company Overview: Roche

Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, as well as growing capabilities in the area of data-driven medical insights help Roche deliver truly personalised healthcare. Roche is working with partners across the healthcare sector to provide the best care for each person. Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. In recent years, the company has invested in genomic profiling and real-world data partnerships and has become an industry-leading partner for medical insights.

Product Description: KADCYLA

KADCYLA is an antibody-drug conjugate designed to selectively deliver chemotherapy to HER2-positive cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. It combines the HER2-targeting capability of trastuzumab with the cytotoxic agent DM1 through a stable linker, enabling targeted intracellular drug release. KADCYLA is approved in over 100 countries, including the U.S. and EU, as a single-agent therapy for patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer previously treated with trastuzumab and taxane-based chemotherapy, as well as for adjuvant treatment of early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer with residual disease following neoadjuvant therapy. The drug is also being investigated across multiple cancer types, including bladder, lung, and other solid tumors, reflecting its broader therapeutic potential.

Antibody Drug Conjugate: Company and Product Profiles (Pipeline Therapies)

1. Company Overview: Zai Lab

Zai Lab is a research-driven, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company operating in both China and the United States. The company is dedicated to discovering, developing, and bringing to market innovative therapies that address high unmet medical needs across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. By leveraging its expertise and resources, Zai Lab aims to make a meaningful impact on global human health.

Product Description: Zoci

Zoci is a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) within Zai Lab's global oncology pipeline that targets DLL3, an antigen highly expressed in a range of neuroendocrine tumors and commonly associated with poor clinical outcomes. DLL3 is also a well-validated therapeutic target in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Zoci consists of a humanized anti-DLL3 monoclonal antibody conjugated to a novel camptothecin-derived payload, a Topoisomerase I inhibitor. It has been developed using the proprietary TMALIN(R) ADC technology platform, which is designed to exploit the tumor microenvironment and address limitations of earlier-generation ADCs, including off-target payload toxicity. Currently, the drug is in Phase III stage of its development for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer.

2. Company Overview: Abbvie

AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company renowned for its commitment to discovering, developing, and delivering advanced therapies in the fields of immunology, oncology, neuroscience, virology, and other complex health conditions. With a diverse portfolio of innovative medicines and a strong emphasis on research and development, AbbVie plays a pivotal role in addressing some of the world's most pressing healthcare challenges. The company's dedication to enhancing patient outcomes, combined with its strategic partnerships and global presence, cements AbbVie as a leading force in the pharmaceutical industry, driven by a mission to make a remarkable impact on people's lives by offering transformative healthcare solutions.

Product Description: ABBV-706

ABBV-706 is under development for the treatment of recurrent or refractory solid tumors including small cell lung cancer (SCLC), high grade central nervous system tumors like grade-4 glioblastoma (GBM), grade-3 oligodendroglioma, grade 3/4 astrocytoma, neuroendocrine carcinomas like neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (GEP-NEC), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), and SCLC transformed from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is administered through intravenous route. It acts by targeting seizure-related homolog 6 (SEZ6). Currently, the drug is in Phase III stage of its development for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer.

3. Company Overview: Genmab

Genmab is a global biotechnology company founded in 1999 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a strong presence across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. For over 25 years, the company has focused on advancing innovative antibody-based therapeutics by leveraging next-generation technology platforms alongside translational, quantitative, and data sciences. Its proprietary pipeline includes bispecific T-cell engagers, antibody-drug conjugates, immune checkpoint modulators, and effector function-enhanced antibodies. Guided by a commitment to improving patient outcomes, Genmab aims to transform the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases by 2030 through its "knock-your-socks-off" (KYSO) antibody medicines.

Product Description: Rinatabart sesutecan

Rinatabart sesutecan is an investigational antibody-drug conjugate targeting folate receptor alpha (FRa), currently being developed for the treatment of FRa-expressing cancers. It is under evaluation in Phase I/II clinical trials for solid tumors and Phase III trials for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to Rina-S for adults with recurrent or progressive endometrial cancer who have experienced disease progression following prior platinum-based and PD-(L)1 therapies.

4. Company Overview: Bliss Biopharmaceutical / Eisai Co Ltd

Bliss Biopharmaceutical Hangzhou Co Ltd is a clinical-stage biotechnology company founded in 2017 in Hangzhou, China, focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative anti-tumor biologics. Established by experienced pharmaceutical professionals, the company has built a proprietary technology platform, a robust pipeline centered on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and GMP manufacturing capabilities to support both clinical development and early-stage commercialization. Recognized as a national high-tech biopharmaceutical enterprise in China, BlissBio is committed to advancing innovative therapies through global collaborations to address unmet medical needs and improve human health.

Eisai operates under its human health care (hhc) philosophy, which prioritizes patients and individuals in their daily lives while maximizing the value healthcare delivers. Guided by this approach, the company seeks to address unmet medical needs by alleviating health-related concerns and reducing disparities in care. With a global network spanning research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization, Eisai focuses on delivering innovative therapies, particularly in its core areas of neurology and oncology, to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Product Description: BB-1701

BB-1701 is an antibody-drug conjugate that combines an anti-HER2 antibody with eribulin, a proprietary anticancer agent developed by Eisai, linked through a specialized linker. It is designed to exert antitumor activity across HER2-expressing solid tumors, including breast and lung cancers, through multiple mechanisms such as direct cytotoxicity (including immunogenic cell death), a bystander effect, and immune-mediated tumor cell killing. The drug is currently being evaluated by EISAI in Phase II clinical trials of breast cancer.

5. Company Overview: Adcendo

Adcendo ApS is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, with additional operations in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is focused on advancing a robust pipeline of first- and potentially best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) aimed at addressing cancers with significant unmet medical needs. Backed by an experienced leadership team with a proven history of successfully bringing multiple ADCs to market, Adcendo leverages innovative targets, optimized linker-payload technologies, and a strategically designed development approach to deliver next-generation oncology therapies.

Product Description: ADCE-D01

ADCE-D01 is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to target the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein (uPARAP) and is linked to the Topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, P1021. uPARAP represents a novel endocytic target that is highly expressed in tumors of mesenchymal origin, including sarcomas. In preclinical studies, ADCE-D01 has demonstrated robust anti-tumor activity across multiple mesenchymal tumor models, including soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Additionally, it has shown good tolerability in non-human primate toxicology studies, with a favorable safety profile and no indication of target-specific toxicity. According to company's pipeline, the drug is in Phase I/II stage of its development for the treatment of mesenchymal tumors and soft tissue sarcoma.

6. Company Overview: Avenzo Therapeutics

Avenzo Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, focused on developing next-generation oncology therapies for patients with high unmet medical needs. Founded in 2022, the company leverages deep expertise in cancer drug development to build a pipeline of potentially best- or first-in-class treatments, including small-molecule inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Its lead programs target key cancer pathways such as CDK2 and CDK4, alongside innovative bispecific ADCs like EGFR/HER3 and Nectin4/TROP2. Supported by significant investor backing and advancing multiple assets into clinical trials, Avenzo aims to deliver more effective and differentiated therapies to improve outcomes in a broad range of solid tumors.

Product Description: AVZO-1418

AVZO-1418 is an investigational bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (BsADC) designed to simultaneously target EGFR and HER3, positioning it as a potential best-in-class therapeutic candidate. These two receptors are frequently co-expressed across a wide range of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and play critical roles in tumor growth and survival signaling pathways. Notably, overexpression of HER3 has been identified as a key mechanism of resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies, which limits the long-term effectiveness of single-target approaches. By concurrently targeting both EGFR and HER3, AVZO-1418 aims to overcome resistance mechanisms, enhance tumor cell targeting, and improve therapeutic efficacy. This dual-targeting strategy represents a rational and promising advancement in ADC design, with the potential to deliver more durable and effective responses in patients with resistant or refractory cancers. According to company's pipeline, the drug is in Phase I/II stage of its development for the treatment of solid tumor cancer.

7. Company Overview: Sanofi / Pfizer

Sanofi is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris, France, focused on improving human health through innovative medicines and vaccines. The company operates across key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, rare diseases, vaccines, and neurology, with a strong emphasis on research and development. Through its vaccines division and strategic collaborations, Sanofi maintains a significant global presence and is committed to advancing scientific innovation to address unmet medical needs worldwide.

Pfizer is a leading multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company headquartered in New York, USA, known for developing innovative therapies and vaccines across areas such as oncology, cardiology, immunology, and infectious diseases. With a strong R&D pipeline and global footprint, Pfizer gained widespread recognition for its role in developing one of the first COVID-19 vaccines. The company continues to focus on breakthrough innovations and strategic partnerships to improve patient outcomes globally.

Product Description: SAR-445953

SAR-445953, is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), consists of a monoclonal antibody targeting the tumor-associated antigen carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA/CEACAM5) linked to a cytotoxic camptothecin-based payload, exhibiting potential antitumor and immune checkpoint inhibitory effects. Upon administration, the antibody specifically binds to CEA expressed on tumor cells, leading to internalization and subsequent release of the payload. The camptothecin derivative inhibits DNA topoisomerase I, disrupting DNA replication, inducing cell cycle arrest, and triggering apoptosis, thereby suppressing tumor cell proliferation. As CEA is minimally expressed in normal adult tissues but highly overexpressed in multiple cancers, it serves as an effective target for selective cancer therapy. According to company's pipeline the drug is in Phase I stage of its development for the treatment of advanced solid tumors.

8. Company Overview: BeOne Medicines

BeOne Medicines is a multinational biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative cancer therapies. Founded in 2010 (formerly known as BeiGene), the company has a strong global presence across multiple continents, with headquarters spanning Cambridge (U.S.), Beijing (China), and Basel (Switzerland). BeOne is dedicated to advancing next-generation oncology treatments through extensive clinical research and a robust pipeline that includes targeted therapies and immuno-oncology drugs. With operations in over 45 countries and a mission to improve global access to high-quality cancer care, the company aims to deliver effective and affordable therapies to patients worldwide.

Product Description: BG-C9074

BG-C9074 is an antibody-drug conjugate designed to target B7-H4, a transmembrane glycoprotein of the B7 superfamily that is minimally expressed in normal tissues but significantly upregulated in solid tumors such as breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. The ADC comprises a high-affinity anti-B7-H4 antibody linked via an enzymatically cleavable linker to a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, enabling efficient tumor targeting. Preclinical studies have demonstrated strong internalization and pronounced bystander killing effects, while early clinical data indicate dose-dependent antitumor activity. According to company's pipeline the drug is in Phase I stage of its development for the treatment of Breast/Gynecologic Cancers.

9. Company Overview: Duality Bio

Duality Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company has established multiple advanced ADC technology platforms supported by global intellectual property and is advancing a strong pipeline through global clinical trials across more than 20 countries, with over 3,100 patients enrolled. Through strategic collaborations with multinational corporations and leading biotech partners, DualityBio is expanding its portfolio to include innovative modalities such as bispecific ADCs, novel payload-based ADCs, and therapies targeting autoimmune conditions, positioning itself as a key player in the ADC landscape.

Product Description: DB-1314

DB-1314 is an investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developed by Duality Biotherapeutics that targets DLL3 (Delta-like ligand 3), a tumor-associated antigen highly expressed in cancers such as small cell lung cancer but limited in normal tissues. It consists of a humanized anti-DLL3 monoclonal antibody linked to a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor payload, enabling precise delivery of cytotoxic activity to tumor cells. Preclinical findings indicate that DB-1314 demonstrates strong, dose-dependent antitumor efficacy through efficient binding, internalization, and payload release, leading to DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, along with a bystander killing effect and favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles, supporting its potential as a promising therapy for DLL3-expressing malignancies. According to company's pipeline the drug is in preclinical stage of its development for the treatment of solid tumors.

Antibody Drug Conjugate Analytical Perspective by DelveInsight

• In-depth Commercial Assessment: Antibody Drug Conjugate Collaboration Analysis by Companies

The Report provides in-depth commercial assessment of drugs that have been included, which comprises collaboration, agreement, licensing and acquisition - deals values trends. The sub-segmentation is described in the report which provide company-company collaboration (licensing/partnering), company academic collaboration and acquisition analysis in tabulated form.

• Antibody Drug Conjugate Competitive Landscape

The report comprises of comparative assessment of Companies (by therapy, development stage, and technology).

Antibody Drug Conjugate Report Assessment

• Company Analysis
• Therapeutic Assessment
• Pipeline Assessment
• Inactive drugs assessment
• Unmet Needs

Key Questions:

Current Treatment Scenario and Emerging Therapies:

• How many companies are developing Antibody Drug Conjugate drugs?
• How many Antibody Drug Conjugate drugs are developed by each company?
• How many emerging drugs are in mid-stage, and late-stage of development for the treatment of Antibody Drug Conjugate?
• What are the key collaborations (Industry-Industry, Industry-Academia), Mergers and acquisitions, licensing activities related to the Antibody Drug Conjugate therapeutics?
• What are the recent trends, drug types and novel technologies developed to overcome the limitation of existing therapies?
• What are the clinical studies going on for Antibody Drug Conjugate and their status?
• What are the key designations that have been granted to the emerging and approved drugs?