An Insight into FDA Approved Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy

The large number of emerging antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy has resulted in a significant market 'boom', garnering worldwide attention. Despite ADCs presenting huge challenges to researchers, particularly regarding the identification of a suitable combination of antibody, linker, and payload, as of September 2021, 11 ADCs have been granted FDA approval, with eight of these approved since 2017 alone. Optimism for this therapeutic approach is clear, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a landmark year for deals and partnerships in the ADC arena, suggesting that there remains significant interest from Big Pharma. Herein we review the enthusiasm for ADCs by focusing on the features of those approved by the FDA, and offer some thoughts as to where the field is headed.

Automated summary

The emergence of a large number of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy has attracted significant attention globally, with 11 ADCs granted FDA approval as of September 2021, 8 of which have been approved since 2017. Despite challenges, optimism for this therapeutic approach remains high, as evidenced by a landmark year for deals and partnerships in the ADC arena in 2020.