WuXi XDC to Out-License Proprietary Payload-Linker Technology Platform to Ona Therapeutics

Editor’s Take: Developing ADCs against targets such as treatment-resistant cancers represents an increasingly emerging approach.

WuXi XDC announced an out-licensing collaboration with Ona Therapeutics for the proprietary WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology platform. A global CRDMO, WuXi XDC specializes in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates. Ona Therapeutics, meanwhile, is a global biotechnology company focusing on first-in-class ADCs addressing treatment-resistant cancers.

The agreement’s terms grant Ona exclusive license to use WuXiTecan-2 to develop an ADC candidate against a single target. While exact financial terms were not disclosed, the total potential deal value includes an upfront payment. Also specified, certain development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments.

WuXi XDC, which will provide comprehensive chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) development and manufacturing support, may also receive tiered royalties. This would be for net sales upon commercialization of any resulting ADC product.

History Between WuXi and Ona

The collaboration is the second between WuXi XDC and Ona Therapeutics within the ADC field. In 2024, Ona licensed certain technologies to support its ADC pipeline.

This current agreement, both companies say, reflects a continuation of a strategic relationship. It also represents Ona’s confidence in WuXi XDC’s platforms’ commercial value and global competitiveness.

“We are truly honored to join forces once again with Ona Therapeutics,” WuXi XDC CEO Jimmy Li, PhD, said. “Ona’s deep insights into novel targets are highly complementary to WuXi XDC’s leading ADC technology platforms … We look forward to fully supporting Ona Therapeutics in accelerating this first-in-class ADC candidate into the clinic.”

Advancements in Cancer Fight

Agreeing with that, Ona Co-Founder and CEO Valerie Vanhooren, PhD, said this is “an important step” in advancing Ona’s pipeline.

“Our previous collaboration established a strong foundation,” Vanhooren said. “We are pleased to build on that relationship as we work to accelerate this promising program toward the clinic.”

Both sides say they wish to make a significant difference in the lives of patients with cancer.