Lonza and Stipple Bio have entered into a multi-target licensing agreement aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies for cancer, combining advanced drug development technologies with novel tumor-target discovery capabilities.
The collaboration brings together Lonza’s established ADC technology platform and manufacturing expertise with Stipple Bio’s proprietary Pointillist Platform, which is designed to identify highly specific tumor-associated cell surface epitopes. The companies believe the partnership could enable the development of more precise cancer therapies with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
ADCs have emerged as one of the fastest-growing areas in oncology, combining the targeting ability of antibodies with potent cancer-killing drugs. By delivering therapeutic payloads directly to cancer cells, ADCs aim to maximize anti-tumor activity while limiting damage to healthy tissue. However, one of the key challenges in the field remains minimizing so-called “on-target, off-tumor” toxicity, where therapies affect healthy cells that also express the target protein.
Stipple Bio is seeking to address this challenge through its epitope-level targeting approach. Rather than focusing solely on proteins that may be present on both healthy and cancerous tissues, the company’s technology identifies unique tumor-specific epitopes, potentially enabling a higher degree of selectivity. The approach is intended to create therapies with a wider therapeutic window, allowing stronger anti-cancer activity while reducing unwanted side effects.
Under the agreement, Stipple Bio will gain target-specific access to Lonza’s clinically validated ADC technology platform to support the development of multiple oncology programs, including its lead candidate, STP-100. The collaboration is expected to facilitate the design of both first-in-class and best-in-class ADC therapies targeting difficult-to-treat cancers.
The partnership gives Stipple Bio access to several proprietary Lonza technologies, including the GlycoConnect® antibody conjugation platform, HydraSpace® polar spacer technology, and toxSYN® linker-payload systems. These technologies are designed to improve the stability, delivery, and effectiveness of ADCs while supporting scalable manufacturing for clinical and commercial supply.
Jan Vertommen, Head of Commercial Development for Advanced Synthesis at Lonza, said the company sees significant value in supporting Stipple Bio’s innovative tumor-target discovery approach. He noted that combining Stipple Bio’s science with Lonza’s bioconjugation technologies and manufacturing capabilities could help accelerate the development of more precise and effective ADC therapies.
Jeff Landau, Chief Executive Officer of Stipple Bio, highlighted the growing importance of ADCs within modern cancer treatment. He said advances in ADC design are increasingly translating into improved clinical outcomes and lower off-target toxicity. According to Landau, Lonza’s clinically validated technology platform will play a key role in helping the company translate its epitope-discovery capabilities into potentially transformative therapies.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. However, the structure of the deal provides Lonza with eligibility for upfront payments, development milestones, regulatory milestones, commercial milestone payments, and royalties on future product sales. Lonza will manufacture components related to its proprietary technologies, while Stipple Bio will retain responsibility for research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of resulting ADC candidates.
The collaboration reflects broader momentum in the oncology sector, where biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical partners are increasingly investing in next-generation ADC technologies. As researchers seek to improve the precision and safety of targeted cancer therapies, partnerships such as the one between Lonza and Stipple Bio could help advance a new generation of highly selective cancer treatments aimed at improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.