Visiongain has published a new report entitled Antibody Drug Conjugates Market Report 2025-2035: Forecasts by Payload Type (MMAE, DM4, Camptothecin, DM1, MMAF, Other), by Linker Type (Cleavable Linkers, Non-Cleavable Linkers), by Target Antigen (CD30, HER2, CD22, CD33, Other), by Applications (Blood Cancer, Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Lung Cancer, Other) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.

The global antibody drug conjugates market is estimated at US$16.84 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.9% during the forecast period 2025-2035.

The rising incidence of cancer, which is predicted to sharply increase by 2040, especially among the world’s ageing population, is one of the main factors propelling the ADC market’s expansion. In 2023, there were more than 20 million new cases of cancer worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and by 2040, the incidence is expected to rise by 60%. Due to this increasing burden, there is a greater need for cutting-edge treatment options like ADCs, which have the potential to provide more individualised, efficient, and side-effect-free therapies. ADCs are also being positioned as a key element of precision oncology due to the growing emphasis on targeted therapies, which is being fuelled by genetic profiling and molecular insights into cancer biology.

How will this Report Benefit you?

Visiongain’s 342-page report provides 126 tables and 185 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the antibody drug conjugates market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for Antibody Drug Conjugates. Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, process, upstream, downstream, and company size and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing antibody drug conjugates market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Increasing R&D Activities for the Development of Novel Therapeutics

Research & development activities for innovative therapies are increasing in the APAC (Asia Pacific) region. Corporations in nations like China, Japan, and South Korea are diligently pursuing ADC research and clinical trials, with the objective of introducing groundbreaking therapies to the market. Regulatory agencies in the region are adapting to the distinct challenges and opportunities posed by ADCs, promoting an environment favourable to their development and commercialisation. 

On July 14, 2023, GeneQuantum and InxMed entered into a collaboration agreement. GeneQuantum granted InxMed a non-exclusive license to its proprietary conjugation technology, enabling the development of next-generation targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics. As part of the agreement, GeneQuantum will provide InxMed with its advanced site-specific glycan conjugation technology, stable linker small molecule technology, and intelligent continuous conjugation production platform, all independently developed and recognized globally for their excellence.

This collaboration will support InxMed in advancing innovative ADC pharmaceuticals. The agreement followed the successful validation of candidate drug concepts jointly developed by both parties. InxMed will lead the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the ADC candidate molecules. By leveraging their combined technological expertise and resources, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of groundbreaking ADC therapies and expand treatment options for patients worldwide.

Presence of Strong Emerging Pipeline Drugs

A robust emerging pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer therapy. ADCs uniquely combine the precision targeting of monoclonal antibodies with the powerful cell-destroying capabilities of cytotoxic drugs, offering a transformative approach to treating various cancers, especially those resistant to conventional therapies.

As the ADC landscape evolves, innovative drugs are advancing swiftly through preclinical and clinical stages, driven by ongoing research into targeted therapies, advancements in linker technology, and the discovery of novel cytotoxic payloads. These pipeline developments are poised to meet unmet medical needs in oncology by enhancing treatment efficacy, minimizing side effects, and addressing a broader spectrum of cancers, including rare and difficult-to-treat types.

The ADC market is fuelled by a robust pipeline, with over 160 candidates in clinical trials as of 2024, targeting cancers like breast, ovarian, lung, and gastrointestinal among others. Emerging strategies, such as bispecific ADCs and combination therapies, promise enhanced efficacy and broader therapeutic applications. This emergence marks a promising frontier for ADCs, with the potential to revolutionize global cancer treatment and make a significant impact.

Advancements in Biotechnology, Such As Improved Antibody Engineering and Conjugation Techniques Fuelling Industry Growth

The increasing potential for alternative cancer treatments is driving demand for ADC development, prompting pharmaceutical companies to launch new therapies. Earlier this year, AstraZeneca, a key leader in the ADC market, revealed plans to invest US$1.5 billion in establishing an ADC manufacturing facility in Singapore, slated for completion by 2029. Similarly, GSK is advancing its own ADC pipeline, which includes GSK5764227, a B7-H3-targeted ADC that was recently designated as a breakthrough therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The rate of innovation in ADCs continues to accelerate, with over 160 ADCs currently under development. As per our research we believe that approximately more than 85% would studies would  target solid tumours, primarily breast and lung cancers.

Biotechnological advancements, such as improved antibody engineering & conjugation techniques, are increasing the specificity & stability of ADC. These innovations speed up the development process, increasing market demand and fuelling the expansion of this transformative cancer treatment modality.

Where are the Market Opportunities?

Adoption of Combination Therapies

The adoption of combination therapies in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment. Integrating ADCs with other antitumor agents has the potential to address key challenges and improve clinical outcomes. This approach is rapidly gaining attention, with a focus on both the current state of the art and emerging future directions.

Combining ADCs with other therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, or targeted therapies, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance cancer treatment. By overcoming limitations like resistance and insufficient tumour specificity, these combinations aim to maximize the effectiveness of ADCs. This synergistic approach not only enhances potency but also increases selectivity, providing new opportunities for improving patient outcomes. As the field progresses, understanding the mechanisms behind these combinations will be essential for optimizing their clinical application and unlocking the full potential of ADC-based therapies. 

Combination therapies in ADCs present a significant opportunity for Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs), pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms. CMOs like Lonza and Samsung Biologics are well-positioned to capitalise on this rising demand by providing critical services for the production and scaling of complex combination therapies. Pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca and Merck will benefit from combining ADCs with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, to improve efficacy and address issues such as drug resistance in cancer. These companies can diversify their offerings by providing more effective, targeted treatments. Collaboration among CMOs and pharmaceutical companies is critical to realising this potential. For example, Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca’s collaboration on Enhertu shows how combining ADCs with other therapies can improve clinical outcomes. CMOs contribute to this by increasing production and ensuring regulatory compliance, whereas pharmaceutical companies are in charge of combination therapies. This collaborative effort will result in more innovative, potent treatments that benefit patients and drive the growth of ADC-based therapies in oncology.

Rise in Investments and Collaborations in ADC Development

The transformative potential of ADCs in oncology and beyond is underscored by the increasing investments and collaborations in the development of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). The growing confidence in this therapeutic modality is underscored by the advancements in ADC research, clinical development, and commercialization that are being catalysed by these partnerships and financial commitments. ADCs provide a potent approach by combining the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents with the targeting specificity of antibodies, thereby facilitating the precise elimination of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Daiichi Sankyo and MSD announced the expansion of their global partnership on August 7, 2024. The two companies will collaborate to develop and commercialize three DXd-based ADCs, including MK-6070, a delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3)-targeting T-cell engager. MK-6070, which was initially acquired by MSD through its acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, is currently undergoing Phase I/II clinical trials for neuroendocrine tumours and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). These companies will collaborate globally under the agreement, with the exception of Japan, where MSD maintains exclusive rights. Additionally, MK-6070 will be exclusively manufactured and supplied by MSD. MSD’s clinical expertise is integrated with Daiichi Sankyo’s proprietary DXd ADC technology in this partnership.

Kivu Bioscience received US$92 million in Series A financing on October 28, 2024, from Novo Holdings, Gimv, Red Tree Venture Capital, HealthCap, and other investors. This funding emphasises the rise in investments in the ADC field.

GlycoMimetics announced its acquisition agreement with Crescent Biopharma on October 29, 2024, as a strategic move to advance a pipeline of oncology therapeutics that target solid tumours. Crescent Biopharma, the merged entity, will capitalize on GlycoMimetics’ platform to expedite the development of ADCs.

On November 13, 2024, BioNTech announced the acquisition of Biotheus, a clinical-stage biotech company. This acquisition grants BioNTech full global rights to BNT327/PM8002, a bispecific antibody that targets PD-L1 and VEGF-A. This acquisition is consistent with BioNTech’s oncology strategy, which is to develop combination therapies. BNT327/PM8002 has exhibited clinical activity in patients with PD-L1-low and -negative malignancies, who have historically had poor responses to checkpoint inhibitors.

On October 22, 2024, Lonza expanded its partnership with a global biopharmaceutical partner by agreeing to construct a new bioconjugation facility at its Ibex Biopark in Visp, Switzerland. This expansion will ensure a robust infrastructure for emerging ADC therapies by supporting commercial-scale ADC production and monoclonal antibody manufacturing.

Competitive Landscape

The major players operating in the antibody drug conjugates market are Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pfizer Inc., AstraZeneca, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Astellas Pharma Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, GSK plc, ADC Therapeutics SA, Synaffix BV, Byondis, AbbVie Inc., RemeGen, Oxford BioTherapeutics, Mersana Therapeutics, WuXi AppTec, Genmab A/S, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, investment in R&D, collaborations, partnerships, regional business expansion, and new product launch.

Recent Developments

On 4^th November 2024, Synaffix B.V. licensed its ADC technology to BigHat Biosciences, Inc., which will integrate its technology with advanced machine learning (ML) antibody design platform. The partnership aims to develop a novel ADC pipeline program, leveraging both Synaffix’s expertise and BigHat’s cutting-edge ML capabilities.

On 18^th November 2024, VelaVigo Cayman Limited, a biotech company specializing in multi-specific antibodies and ADCs, entered an agreement with Avenzo Therapeutics, Inc. This collaboration grants Avenzo an exclusive option for a license to globally develop, manufacture, and commercialize a first-in-class Nectin4/TROP2 bispecific ADC, with the exception of Greater China.

On 13^th November 2024, BioNTech SE signed a definitive agreement to acquire Biotheus, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on innovative antibodies for oncology and inflammatory diseases. The acquisition includes full global rights to BNT327/PM8002, a late-stage clinical bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and VEGF-A, reinforcing BioNTech’s pipeline in addressing unmet medical needs.

Notes for Editors

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