Lonza Grants Exclusive License to Antharis Therapeutics for Dual-Payload ADC Development in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Key Insights
Lonza and Antharis Therapeutics (search) announced an exclusive, target-specific licensing agreement to develop novel dual-payload antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting gastrointestinal cancers (search).
Antharis will combine its proprietary antibody engineering and target biology expertise with Lonza's clinically validated, site-specific dual-payload ADC technology platform.
The collaboration will initially support Antharis' lead ADC program, which is about to enter clinical trials, with the goal of overcoming multi-drug resistance and improving overall survival rates.
Lonza and Antharis Therapeutics (search), Inc. have entered into an exclusive, target-specific licensing agreement aimed at developing next-generation dual-payload antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, the companies announced on June 15, 2026.
The partnership brings together Antharis' proprietary antibody engineering and target biology capabilities with Lonza's clinically validated, site-specific ADC technologies, creating what both companies describe as a highly differentiated approach to oncology drug development.
Under the terms of the agreement, Antharis will secure rights to Lonza's dual-payload ADC technology platform, which will be integrated with Antharis' own discovery and development capabilities to advance next-generation ADC programs for multicancer applications. The collaboration will initially support Antharis' lead ADC program, which is poised to enter clinical development, targeting GI cancers.
"This licensing agreement highlights an exciting new innovation based on Lonza's proprietary dual payload technology," said Jan Vertommen, Vice President of Commercial Development, Advanced Synthesis at Lonza. "We are excited to combine our platform with Antharis' deep expertise in antibody engineering and target biology to evaluate its potential to advance next generation ADCs."
Raphael Ribeiro Pinaud, CEO of Antharis Therapeutics (search), characterized the deal as "a major strategic milestone" for the company. "By combining Lonza's clinically validated ADC technology platform with Antharis' antibody engineering, target biology and translational expertise, we are well positioned to advance next-generation dual-payload ADCs," Pinaud said. "We believe this collaboration creates a powerful and highly differentiated approach to oncology drug development."
A Shared Commitment to Overcoming Drug Resistance
The agreement reflects a shared commitment between the two organizations to develop first-in-class and best-in-class, biology-driven ADCs with the potential to overcome multi-drug resistance and increase overall survival rates. The dual-payload approach represents an emerging strategy in the ADC field, where incorporating two distinct warheads onto a single antibody may help address the challenge of tumor heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms that often limit the efficacy of conventional single-payload ADCs.
Antharis Therapeutics (search) focuses on discovering and developing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), bispecific antibodies, and ADCs as next-generation treatments for oncology and other areas of unmet medical need. The company maintains a pipeline of therapies at various stages of development, supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
Deal Structure and Financial Terms
Under the agreement, Antharis will retain full responsibility for research, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the resulting ADCs. Lonza will manufacture components related to its proprietary payload and linker technologies. In return, Lonza will be eligible to receive upfront payments, potential milestone payments, and royalty payments on net sales of any successfully commercialized products.
The deal reinforces both companies' positions at the forefront of dual-payload ADC development amid growing industry adoption of multi-warhead strategies, a trend that reflects the increasing sophistication of ADC design and the pursuit of more durable therapeutic responses in oncology.