Adagene and Exelixis Expand SAFEbody Collaboration to Develop Third Masked Antibody-Drug Conjugate

Adagene Inc. has announced an amendment to its 2021 collaboration and license agreement with Exelixis, allowing Exelixis to use Adagene’s SAFEbody technology to create a third masked monoclonal antibody for the development of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting a solid tumor nominated by Exelixis.

The SAFEbody platform works by masking antibodies until they reach the tumor microenvironment, reducing off-target effects and enhancing safety—a feature demonstrated by Adagene’s lead candidate, ADG126. This conditional masking allows for safer delivery of payloads or immune-modulating antibodies directly to tumor cells.

Under the amended agreement, Adagene is eligible for development and commercialization milestone payments as well as royalties on net sales related to products developed using this technology.

Peter Luo, CEO of Adagene, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that the partnership underscores the potential of SAFEbody technology to improve cancer therapies by increasing their therapeutic window.

Exelixis joins Adagene in leveraging this platform to tackle the challenge of biologic cancer therapies binding to healthy cells—a common cause of adverse effects. Adagene’s leading SAFEbody candidate, ADG126, is currently in a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for metastatic microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer, with Phase 2 expected to start before the end of 2025.

This expanded partnership marks another step forward in the development of safer, more effective targeted cancer treatments.