WuXi XDC Cayman Inc., a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) specializing in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates, has entered a strategic collaboration with Earendil Labs on WuXi XDC’s proprietary WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology platform.

Earendil Labs is an AI-powered biotech company focused on researching and developing next-generation innovative biologics for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other conditions with unmet medical needs. This collaboration marks the establishment of a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation ADCs by synergistically combining WuXi XDC’s ADC technology platform with Earendil Labs’ AI-driven antibody discovery and development capabilities to address significant unmet medical needs.

Under the agreement, WuXi XDC will grant Earendil Labs an exclusive global license to its proprietary WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology for use against multiple specific targets. Earendil Labs will utilize this technology to conjugate antibodies and bispecific antibodies discovered through its AI platform and to advance the development of the ADC candidates against these specific targets. The total potential deal value could reach up to approximately $885 million, comprising an upfront payment, and certain development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments. Additionally, WuXi XDC will be eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales upon commercialization of any resulting ADC products.

Leveraging its integrated CRDMO platform, WuXi XDC will also fully support the Chemical, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) development and manufacturing of the ADC components within the collaboration. Earendil Labs will focus on subsequent product development, global regulatory submissions, and commercialization. This complementary partnership ensures maximized resource utilization and efficient project progression.

Jimmy Li, PhD, CEO of WuXi XDC, stated, “This collaboration not only fully demonstrates the value of our WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology platform but also marks another significant milestone for WuXi XDC in empowering cutting-edge innovation alongside our partners. Earendil Labs has generated bispecific antibodies with differentiated advantages using its unique AI platform. Combining these with our WuXiTecan-2 technology helps develop more effective and safer next-generation ADCs. We look forward to supporting Earendil Labs in accelerating the R&D and commercialization of their ADCs through our integrated, end-to-end CRDMO service platform, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.”

Jian Peng, PhD, CEO of Earendil Labs, said, “This collaboration is a powerful alliance between frontier AI exploration and WuXi XDC’s integrated CRDMO services. We eagerly anticipate working closely with WuXi XDC to drive innovative breakthroughs through technological integration, empowering high-quality development in the global biopharma industry and contributing to the health of patients globally.”