Our Technology

A novel class of PBD dimers.

ADC Therapeutics’ proprietary ADCs are highly targeted drug constructs that combine monoclonal antibodies specific to surface tumor targets with a novel class of highly potent PBD dimer toxins.

Less visible to DNA repair mechanisms

After the antibody binds to a specific tumor cell surface antigen and the ADC is internalized, the cytotoxic PBD dimer is designed to be released inside the cells where it binds in the minor groove of double-helix DNA, forming potent cytotoxic DNA interstrand cross-links. The cross-links formed by the PBD dimer are designed to block cell division and kill the cancer cells. PBD dimers do not distort the DNA structure, which makes them invisible to repair mechanisms and allows the cross-links to persist within the DNA.

Designed for reduced drug resistance

Unlike earlier generation PBD chemistry, these proprietary PBD dimers are not a substrate for multi-drug resistance proteins—even in hard-to-treat tumors.

“PBDs cross link in the DNA of cancer cells, enabling them to elude DNA repair/cancer resistance mechanisms. This allows for a longer lasting effect on cancer cells.”
— Patrick van Berkel, PhD, Senior Vice President, Research & Development

Patrick van Berkel