Elevation Oncology Licenses Synaffix ADC Technology for HER3 ADC Development in a $368 Million Deal
Elevation Oncology has entered into a licensing agreement with Synaffix B.V., a Lonza company, to access its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology. This collaboration enables Elevation Oncology to advance its pipeline with a focus on EO-1022, a HER3-targeting ADC for the treatment of solid tumors expressing HER3.
The deal provides Elevation with access to Synaffix's clinical-stage ADC platform technologies, including the GlycoConnect site-specific conjugation technology, HydraSpace polar spacer, and the toxSYN linker-payload SYNstatin E, designed to optimize efficacy and safety.
See also: The Rising Popularity of Antibody-Drug Conjugates, with Challenges
Under the terms of the agreement, Synaffix is eligible to receive up to $368 million in milestone payments, along with tiered royalties on net sales. Elevation Oncology will be responsible for research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the ADC, while Synaffix will provide the key proprietary technology components.
Elevation Oncology’s EO-1022 enters a competitive HER3 ADC landscape where other developers, such as Merck & Co. and Daiichi Sankyo, have already achieved pivotal clinical milestones. However, Elevation aims to differentiate its HER3 ADC by leveraging Synaffix's advanced technology to deliver a potentially improved therapeutic profile.
David Dornan, Chief Scientific Officer at Elevation Oncology, said:
“Our partnership with Synaffix enables us to build a HER3 ADC candidate with best-in-class potential, leveraging site-specific conjugation and a differentiated linker-payload for improved safety and efficacy. We look forward to advancing our pipeline and transforming the care of patients with solid tumors expressing HER3.”
The choice of HER3 as a target has gained traction in oncology due to its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. Elevation’s CEO, Joseph Ferra, emphasized that a differentiated HER3 ADC could capitalize on opportunities in the space. The company plans to take its HER3 ADC toward an IND filing within 12 to 18 months, suggesting clinical entry around 2026.
Synaffix's ADC Technology
Synaffix has collaborated with companies including Amgen, Hummingbird Biosciences, and MacroGenics to provide its ADC platform. The platform includes:
- GlycoConnect for site-specific and stable payload attachment.
- HydraSpace to enhance therapeutic index by reducing hydrophobicity.
- toxSYN linker-payloads offering diverse mechanisms of action, such as SYNstatin E, which is featured in the Elevation Oncology collaboration.
Peter van de Sande, Head of Synaffix, commented:
“As a dedicated partner in the ADC space, Synaffix is excited to collaborate with Elevation Oncology to push the boundaries of ADC innovation. With our state-of-the-art ADC technology and established supply chain, Elevation is well-positioned to accelerate the development of its differentiated HER3 ADC.”
Elevation’s EO-1022 will compete with HER3 ADCs already in advanced clinical stages. Merck and Daiichi Sankyo’s HER3 ADC has demonstrated success in phase 3 trials, while BioNTech and MediLink Therapeutics are progressing with early-stage candidates. Elevation’s partnership with Synaffix provides a foundation for differentiation, particularly in terms of payload selection and conjugation technology.
