ADC Pipeline in South Korea
South Korea has rapidly emerged as a hub for next-generation cancer therapeutics, with a growing number of biopharmaceutical companies advancing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technologies. Combining strong research infrastructure, government support, and deep expertise in biologics, Korean innovators are developing highly targeted ADCs that aim to improve efficacy while minimizing toxicity—reshaping the future of care.
About: AimedBio is a South Korean biotech company focused on developing innovative antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for treating cancer and neurological diseases. Founded in 2018, the company leverages AI-driven analysis of patient-derived samples to identify therapeutic targets. Its lead candidate, AMB302, targets FGFR3 and is advancing toward Phase 1 clinical trials for solid tumors, including brain and bladder cancers.
AMB302 (BHV-1530): FGFR3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) ) which utilizes a topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitor payload is currently under phase 1 clinical trial. Preclinical studies demonstrated AMB302's antitumor efficacy in various solid tumors, including urothelial carcinoma, head and neck cancer, and glioblastoma. The candidate showed particular promise in models with FGFR3 alterations and FGFR3 protein overexpression.
About: Pinotbio is a South Korean biotech company, founded in 2017, specializing in next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and targeted cancer therapies. Its lead candidate, NTX-301, is an oral DNMT1 inhibitor showing promising results in treating hematologic malignancies like AML and MDS, with a favorable safety profile and early signs of efficacy. The company also developed the PINOT-ADC platform, which utilizes proprietary payloads and linkers to overcome limitations of existing ADCs.
PINOT-ADC® : Pinotbio is advancing its proprietary PINOT-ADC® platform, featuring the novel camptothecin-derived payload PBX-7016 and a tandem-cleavable linker designed to enhance efficacy and safety. Preclinical studies of two ADC candidates—CT-P70 (targeting cMET for non-small cell lung cancer) and CT-P71 (targeting Nectin-4 for bladder cancer)—have demonstrated strong tumor suppression and favorable safety profiles. These findings support the potential for clinical trials aimed at establishing best-in-class ADC therapies.
PBX-7 series has shown promising preclinical results, potentially offering enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to existing ADCs. This drug features a novel camptothecin-derived payload that inhibits topoisomerase I (Top1) and suppresses anti-apoptotic proteins. This dual mechanism aims to enhance anticancer efficacy while minimizing toxicity. The PBX-7 series demonstrated potent antitumor activity and a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies, positioning it as a next-generation ADC candidate.
About: AbTis is a South Korean biotechnology company specializing in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Its proprietary platform, AbClick®, enables site-specific conjugation of payloads to native antibodies without the need for genetic engineering, enhancing the stability and efficacy of ADCs. AbTis is advancing its lead candidate, AT-211, an ADC targeting Claudin18.2, for the treatment of gastric and pancreatic cancers. The company is also expanding its pipeline and capabilities through strategic partnerships with WuXi XDC and Lonza. In December 2023, AbTis was acquired by Dong-A ST to accelerate the development of next-generation ADC therapies.
AT-211: AT-211 is AbTis's lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting Claudin18.2, a protein overexpressed in various solid tumors, including gastric, gastroesophageal junction, and pancreatic cancers. Developed using AbTis's proprietary AbClick® platform, AT-211 has demonstrated high potency and stability in preclinical studies. The company is preparing Investigational New Drug (IND) submissions for Phase 1 clinical trials in the U.S. and Korea, aiming for initiation in 2025.
About: Edis Biotech is a biotechnology company specializing in precision medicine through the development of biomarker-based therapeutic antibodies. The company focuses on creating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies targeting novel tumor-specific biomarkers, particularly for gastrointestinal cancers. Edis Biotech's pipeline includes candidates such as ED1, ED2, ED3, and ED4, which are in various stages of development, from discovery to preclinical evaluation. The company's approach aims to overcome the limitations of existing treatments by targeting the tumor microenvironment and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
ED2: ED2 is an ADC targeting a novel tumor-specific biomarker, developed for the treatment of colorectal cancer, sarcoma, and pancreatic/ovarian cancers. The candidate is currently in the preclinical stage, demonstrating potential for selective targeting and efficacy in these indications.
ED4: ED4 is a bispecific ADC designed to target both tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. This approach aims to enhance immune cell infiltration and improve therapeutic outcomes in solid tumors. ED4 is in the discovery phase, with ongoing research to optimize its design and functionality.
About: LegoChem Biosciences (LCB), based in Daejeon, South Korea, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and small molecules for oncology, immuno-oncology, and infectious diseases. Leveraging its proprietary ConjuALL™ platform, LCB enables site-specific conjugation of payloads to antibodies, enhancing the therapeutic index of ADCs. The company has established global partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies, including Janssen Biotech, Amgen, and SOTIO, to advance its ADC pipeline.
LCB84 (Trop2-Targeted ADC): LCB84 is an ADC targeting Trop2, a cell surface protein overexpressed in various solid tumors. In December 2023, LCB entered into a licensing agreement with Janssen Biotech for the global development and commercialization of LCB84. The deal is valued at up to $1.7 billion, including upfront and milestone payments. LCB84 is currently undergoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials in the United States.
LCB73 (CD19-Targeted ADC): LCB73 is an ADC targeting CD19, a protein expressed on the surface of B cells. In May 2020, LCB entered into a licensing agreement with Iksuda Therapeutics for the development and commercialization of LCB73. The agreement includes an upfront payment and potential milestone payments, with LCB retaining rights to sublicense the technology. LCB73 is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of B-cell malignancies.
About: Y-Biologics is a South Korean biopharmaceutical company founded in 2007, specializing in the discovery and development of novel antibody therapeutics. Leveraging its proprietary human antibody library, Ymax®-ABL, and bispecific antibody platform, ALiCE (Antibody Like Cell Engager), the company focuses on creating innovative treatments for oncology and autoimmune diseases. Y-Biologics is committed to advancing its pipeline through strategic collaborations and partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies.
YBL-001 (DLK1-Targeted ADC): YBL-001 is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting Delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1), a protein overexpressed in various cancers, including small cell lung cancer and liver cancer. Developed in collaboration with LegoChem Biosciences, YBL-001 is designed to selectively deliver a cytotoxic payload to DLK1-expressing tumor cells, aiming to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. The candidate is currently in the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) stage.
YBL-015 (B7-H3-Targeted ADC): YBL-015 is an antibody-drug conjugate targeting B7-H3, an immune checkpoint protein expressed in various solid tumors. The ADC is designed to deliver a cytotoxic agent specifically to B7-H3-positive cancer cells, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy in cancers such as breast, lung, pancreas, prostate, kidney, colon, skin, and brain. YBL-015 is currently in the CMC stage.
About: IntoCell is a South Korean biotechnology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Daejeon. Specializing in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technologies, the company focuses on developing novel linker-payload systems to enhance the precision and efficacy of cancer therapies. Its proprietary platform includes the OHPAS™ (Ortho-Hydroxy Protected Aryl Sulfate) linker and Payload Modification Technology (PMT), which enable stable conjugation and controlled release of cytotoxic agents.
ITC-6102RO (B7-H3-targeted ADC): A preclinical-stage ADC targeting B7-H3, a protein overexpressed in various solid tumors. Studies have shown its potential to deliver potent therapeutic effects against B7-H3-expressing cancers.
About: Founded in 2017, the company specializes in the discovery and development of fully human antibodies, focusing on advanced modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies. Leveraging its proprietary PREXISE-D antibody discovery platform, Novelty Nobility aims to address unmet medical needs in oncology, ophthalmology, and immunology. The company has been recognized for its technological capabilities, receiving A grades in the technology evaluation for KOSDAQ listing in July 2024, and has joined Johnson & Johnson's JLABS Korea to enhance its global competitiveness.
NN3201 (c-Kit-targeting ADC): NN3201 is a fully human IgG1 antibody-drug conjugate targeting c-Kit (CD117), developed entirely in-house. It utilizes a monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) payload conjugated via a proprietary site-specific cleavable linker, achieving a homogeneous drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 4.
NN3206 (Pan-RAS-targeting ADC): NN3206 is a first-in-class ADC designed to target an undisclosed membrane protein correlated with pan-RAS mutations, prevalent in various RAS-driven tumors such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). This ADC employs a novel linker-payload system optimized for high potency and a broad therapeutic index, aiming to overcome challenges associated with targeting RAS mutations .
About: ABL Bio is a South Korean clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in bispecific antibody therapeutics for oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. Leveraging its proprietary 'Grabody' platforms, ABL Bio is advancing a pipeline that includes innovative bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (bsADCs) aimed at enhancing therapeutic efficacy and safety.
ABL202 (LCB71 / CS5001): A bispecific ADC targeting ROR1, co-developed with LegoChem Biosciences. Licensed to CStone Pharmaceuticals, it is currently undergoing a global Phase 1 clinical trial for advanced lymphoma and solid tumors in China and Australia.
About: focus on developing innovative antibody-based therapies, including bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), targeting unmet medical needs in oncology and immunology.
KNP-701 is a bispecific ADC designed to target c-MET and EGFR, two receptors commonly overexpressed in various solid tumors. Currently in preclinical development, it is being investigated for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and other solid tumors.
SoluFlex Link Platform (Co-developed with Lotte Biologics): Kanaph, in collaboration with Lotte Biologics, has developed the SoluFlex Link platform, a proprietary ADC linker technology designed to enhance the stability and efficacy of ADCs. This platform aims to improve production efficiency and therapeutic performance, supporting the development of next-generation ADCs.
Closing Remarks These South Korean companies are driving innovation in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development, leveraging cutting-edge platforms and novel payload-linker technologies. Their collective efforts are positioning South Korea as a key player in the global ADC landscape, with the potential to deliver more precise, effective, and life-changing cancer therapies for patients worldwide.
ADC & BIOCONJUGATE EAST ASIA 2025
#ADCBio2025 brings East Asia’s top experts together to advance ADC innovation and collaboration across biopharma, CMOs/CROs, regulators, and academia.
📍 Songdo Convensia, Incheon, South Korea 📆 26 September 2025
2025 SPEAKERS
Robert Chen
Director ADC, Innolake Biopharm, China
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