Linker Payload Design & Synthesis - Abzena

Linker Payload Design & Synthesis

We have over 20 years experience in the custom synthesis of complex novel linker-payload variants & chemical moieties.

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Supporting your candidate ranking and lead selection process, Abzena determines the optimal design of ADC linker payload architecture through detailed profiling using in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo activity and safety assessments.

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By accelerating and de-risking linker payload development and manufacturing, our integrated approach supports the full lifecycle of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) discovery, from linker payload services to synthesis of payload-linker constructs for advanced conjugates.

Using a matrix evaluation and developability framework, we streamline the design, scale-up, and manufacture of complex linkers, payloads, and payload-linker intermediates for ADCs and related conjugates across discovery and preclinical programs.

Expertise in design includes:

  • Synthesis and structure–activity relationship (SAR) development for payloads and ADC linker payloads
  • Linker-chelator constructs for development of theranostics
  • Non-classical and novel linker payloads, including immune stimulators and oligonucleotides

Expertise in optimization of:

  • Linker payloads to enhance potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic performance
  • Conjugatable functionalities for diverse conjugation types (cysteine, lysine, enzymatic) to improve ADC homogeneity, payload release, and overall conjugate stability
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Custom Synthesis

Abzena has decades of experience in the custom synthesis of complex linker payload variants and chemical moieties for advanced biologic programs. Focused on simplifying synthetic routes, our teams have designed and synthesized thousands of payloads and ADC linker payload constructs.

We create efficiencies by selecting the most suitable linker payloads to achieve optimal ADC performance and consistent manufacturing outcomes.

Our integrated approach combines chemistry and linker payload services with dedicated bioconjugation teams capable of rapidly conjugating novel payloads and payload-linker constructs, followed by evaluation of the resulting ADCs.

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Extensive Experience

Extensive experience with the design, synthesis and SAR development of payloads for ADCs including:

  • Camptothecins (i.e., exatecan, SN-38)
  • PBD dimers (pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimers)
  • Duocarmycins
  • Calicheamicins
  • Auristatins (i.e., MMAE, MMAF)
  • Maytansinoids (i.e., DM1, DM4)
  • Triostins
  • Custom-made payloads
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  • Auristatins (i.e., MMAE, MMAF)
  • Maytansinoids (i.e., DM1, DM4)
  • Triostins
  • Custom-made payloads

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Linker Payload Design & Synthesis FAQs

What is an ADC linker payload?

An ADC linker payload connects the antibody to its cytotoxic drug. Its design determines stability, release rate, and overall therapeutic performance.

What do linker payload services include?

Abzena’s linker payload services cover synthesis, optimization, conjugation, and analytical evaluation of linkers and payloads to support ADC development.

How does linker payload design affect ADC performance?

The linker payload controls how and when the drug is released. Proper chemistry ensures potency, selectivity, and minimal off-target toxicity.

Does Abzena offer custom linker payload development?

Yes. Abzena designs and synthesizes linker payloads for a wide range of ADC modalities, including oligonucleotides.

How are ADC linker payloads evaluated?

Our scientists use in vitro and analytical testing to assess ADC linker payload stability, conjugation efficiency, and biological activity across development stages.

Let’s move medicine forward - Abzena

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We enable you to bring life-changing medicines to patients in need faster. Let’s talk and move medicine forward.

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