- In December 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ImmunoGen’s Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) for the treatment of folate receptor alpha–positive, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. This milestone marks a significant expansion in the ADC therapeutic landscape, providing a novel treatment option for a difficult-to-treat cancer subtype. The approval underscores the FDA’s continued support for fast-tracking innovative biologics and reflects the increasing clinical validation of ADCs in solid tumors
- In November 2023, Pfizer Inc. finalized its USD 43 billion acquisition of Seagen Inc., one of the leading ADC innovators. This strategic move bolsters Pfizer’s oncology portfolio by integrating Seagen’s advanced ADC platforms and late-stage pipeline, including products such as Padcev and Tivdak. The acquisition highlights the growing importance of ADCs in cancer treatment and reinforces the trend of large-scale investments by major pharma companies to secure next-generation targeted therapies
- In October 2023, Gilead Sciences, Inc. announced positive Phase III trial results for Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) in HR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. The data demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival, supporting the broader application of Trop-2–targeted ADCs. The advancement reflects North America’s leading role in clinical research and the expanding indications for ADCs in high-prevalence cancers
- In September 2023, AbbVie Inc. entered into a strategic collaboration with DualityBio, a clinical-stage biotech company, to co-develop multiple ADC candidates using DualityBio’s proprietary conjugation platform. The deal includes up to USD 1.8 billion in milestone payments, highlighting growing interest in novel linker technologies and site-specific conjugation methods to improve efficacy and safety. This partnership reinforces North America's position as a hub for ADC innovation and global biopharma collaboration
- In July 2023, Mersana Therapeutics initiated a Phase II study of UpRi, its lead ADC candidate targeting NaPi2b in ovarian cancer, with U.S.-based trial sites across major academic cancer centers. This development reflects ongoing momentum among North American biotech firms to develop first-in-class ADCs tailored to niche cancer targets, signaling a vibrant and competitive clinical pipeline across the region
