Synaffix B.V., a biotechnology company focused on commercializing its antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) technology, has entered into a technology agreement with MacroGenics, Inc., a biopharma company developing monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.
 
Under the licensing agreement, MacroGenics will gain access to Synaffix’s clinical stage GlycoConnect antibody conjugation technology, HydraSpace polar spacer technology, as well as select toxSYN linker-payloads (SYNtecan E, SYNeamicin D and SYNeamicin G), each designed to enable ADCs with best-in-class efficacy and tolerability. These will be combined with MacroGenics’ antibody and bispecific DART antibody platform technologies to generate next generation ADCs.
 
Synaffix is eligible to receive up to $586 million in payments across three programs plus royalties on sales. The first program begins at signature, with the option to expand the collaboration to a further two programs by March 2023.
 
MacroGenics will be responsible for research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the ADCs. Synaffix will support MacroGenics’ research activities and be responsible for the manufacturing of components that are specifically related to its GlycoConnect and HydraSpace technologies and the toxSYN linker-payloads.
 
Ezio Bonvini, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer of MacroGenics, said, “We are delighted to be working with Synaffix to produce next generation ADCs with potentially superior therapeutic properties.  The ability to obtain all essential ADC technologies from Synaffix, and easily and rapidly combine those with our antibody-based molecules, will enable us to expand our existing portfolio of ADC product candidates and further strengthen our position in the growing ADC field.”
 
Peter van de Sande, Chief Executive Officer of Synaffix, said, “The collaboration with MacroGenics is an important milestone for Synaffix as our ADC technology will be deployed for the generation of both monospecific and bispecific ADCs. We are pleased to further expand the use of our technology with another leading biotech company that has deep product development capabilities and a long-term commitment to delivering novel therapies for the treatment of cancer.”