A Major Milestone for More Efficient and Safer Cancer Treatments
TOKYO – May 27, 2026 – Asahi Kasei Life Science has acquired the license rights for a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology from The Noguchi Institute. This modality enables precise control over the drug-to-antibody ratio and attachment site of single- and dual-payload ADCs, representing a major breakthrough toward more effective and safer use in a broad range of therapies.
ADCs are an advanced form of targeted biologics treatment that combines the precision of an antibody with the potency of a cell-killing payload. Compared to conventional treatments, bioconjugation with ADCs more selectively targets cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding cells. Drawing from its long-standing research into carbohydrates and glycans, The Noguchi Institute has developed a novel ADC technology with a superior molecular structure conformity. This is expected to improve the predictability of drug efficacy and safety, enabling stable therapeutic effects.
Asahi Kasei Life Science continually explores opportunities for collaboration with external partners, seeking technologies that will lead to future drug development. The Noguchi Institute“s ADC modality not only improves precision but can also combine dual payloads onto a single antibody. These characteristics offer the ability to add different payloads for targeting more diseases with better specificity and potentially less toxicity.
Under this agreement, the two partners will advance initiatives to commercialize ADC drug platforms, including possible future sub-licensing to biopharma companies and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) such as Bionova Scientific, an Asahi Kasei company. In addition, both parties will engage in joint research to further refine the technology to solve medical challenges.
About Asahi Kasei Life Science
Asahi Kasei Life Science, a core operating company of the Asahi Kasei Group“s Healthcare Sector, is a leading provider of products and services to the pharmaceutical industry. With Planova™ virus removal filters at its core, the business has contributed to the safety and productivity of biotherapeutics for many years. Through its subsidiaries Virusure and Bionova, it also operates biosafety testing services and biopharmaceutical CDMO services, supporting the pharmaceutical industry with a broad offering that spans from R&D to manufacturing. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/lifescience/en/
Asahi Kasei America Inc.
Christian OKeefe
christian.okeefe@ak-america.com
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Sebastian Schmidt
sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world“s challenges through its three business sectors of Healthcare, Homes and Material.
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