Antibody–Drug Conjugate (ADC) Discovery & Bioconjugation Solutions

Antibody–Drug Conjugates (ADCs) discovery demands a unique combination of precision, potency, and reliability. Fast growing ADCs discovery programs requires ability to design, handle, and characterize Highly Potent APIs (HPAPIs) safely and efficiently. 

Aragen’s OEB-5 containment infrastructure (OEL < 1 µg/m³) supports an integrated discovery platform spanning payload chemistry, linker design, bioconjugation, and biological and analytical characterization. With this integrated platform, you can advance ADC candidates from antibody discovery through early candidate evaluation in one coordinated environment—reducing handoffs, accelerating development timelines, and improving decision-making.

Antibody Discovery and Engineering

• Hybridoma-based antibody discovery
• Mammalian expression of antibody formats
• Antibody engineering 
• Antibody production and purification for conjugation studies

High-Potency Payload and Linker Expertise

Our platform supports synthesis and handling of ADC payloads and linkers, including:

• Auristatins
• Maytansinoids
• Pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs)
• Topoisomerase inhibitors
• DNA/RNA-targeting payloads

Payload handling is performed in high-containment environments designed for potent compounds.

Bioconjugation Technologies

• Chemical Conjugation: Cysteine conjugation, Lysine conjugation, ThioMab conjugation, Click chemistries.
• Enzymatic Conjugation: Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase),  Sortase-mediated conjugation, SpyLigase systems

ADC Characterization and Analytical Services

• Drug–Antibody Ratio (DAR) determination
• LC-HRMS analysis for ADC composition
• aSE-HPLC (Purity and aggregate analysis)
• SDS-PAGE
• Free payload quantification
• Thermal stability assessment
• Antibody-Antigen binding characterization using ELISA, SPR, and FACS

Functional and Mechanistic Evaluation

• Antigen binding assays in relevant cell systems
• Cell-based cytotoxicity and functional activity assays
• High-content imaging for receptor internalization and intracellular trafficking

High-Containment Infrastructure

ADC discovery is performed in OEB-5 laboratories designed for safe handling of highly potent compounds:

• Isolator-based suites with OELs < 1 µg/m³ and contained reactor systems.
• Dedicated HVAC & air-handling systems with HEPA filters, wet scrubbers, and detox protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
• Specialized handling areas: RALFs and Class-II BSCs for handling of  final ADCs.
• Segregated waste management and continuous environmental monitoring.

These systems ensure safe, controlled, and contamination-free ADC discovery workflows.

Why Partner with Us for ADC Discovery?

ADC discovery demands specialized expertise, speed, and rigorous safety to handle highly potent compounds. Aragen delivers integrated capabilities to accelerate discovery programs.

• Rapid & Flexible Synthesis: Fast turnaround for linker–payload synthesis and SAR campaigns with seamless scale-up from mg to g and custom chemotype synthesis.
• Integrated Project Execution: Dedicated cross-functional teams ensuring efficient coordination from route scouting to manufacturing.
• Safety-First Culture: Continuous training and robust containment practices ensuring the highest standards in process safety and occupational health.

Let’s Advance Your ADC Program

Whether you are exploring novel payloads, optimizing linker systems, or evaluating early ADC constructs, our teams are ready to support your discovery journey. Contact us today.