Top 10 ADC Companies

Published: January 2026

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality, accounting for 0.61 million deaths in 2024, in the US alone. Further, as per Cancer journal, by 2040, there are likely to be 19 million new cases and 10.5 million deaths related to cancer. Although cancer therapeutics continue to be one of the most active areas, in terms of drug development, there is still a significant unmet need in this domain. Conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy, have demonstrated very limited efficacy in late-stage cancers. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are associated with several side effects, and their non-specific nature can have severe and detrimental effects on a patient’s quality of life.

Amongst various targeted therapies being evaluated for cancer, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a highly potent option to selectively eliminate tumor cells with minimal side effects. These are an upcoming class of targeted therapeutic agents that have captured the attention of both large and small pharmaceutical companies, and academic / research institutions from all across the world. Fundamentally, these complex biotherapeutic entities demonstrate the combination of target specificity of an antibody and therapeutic features of a chemotherapy / cytotoxic drug. Such conjugates are believed to be more efficient and effective in specifically identifying and eliminating cells / pathogens that are associated with the diseases.

The ongoing research activity in this field has led to the discovery of several novel molecular targets, further strengthening the research pipelines of companies engaged in this market. Currently, several industries and non-industry players are focused on the development of technologies that are capable of overcoming the existing roadblocks in the production / adoption of antibody-drug conjugates. Driven by the availability of innovative technology platforms, lucrative funding opportunities and encouraging clinical trial results, the antibody-drug conjugates market is poised to grow in the long-run, as multiple product candidates are expected to receive marketing approval in the coming decade.

Roots Analysis has conducted an exhaustive study on Antibody Drug Conjugate Market featuring the current market landscape and future opportunity for the companies engaged in developing antibody drug conjugates, over a span of next 10 years.

Leading ADC Companies

AbbVie
ADC Therapeutics
AstraZeneca
Daiichi Sankyo
Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals
Kelun-Biotech
Merck
Pfizer
RemeGen
Roche

The figure below highlights the leading ADC companies:

Top 10 ADC Companies

Interested in exploring all 760+ antibody drug conjugates, being developed by ~165 ADC companies, along with their recent initiatives?

Discover Below the Details on Leading ADC Companies

Let us dive deep into the details of the leading ADC companies. It is essential to note that the selection of top players can differ substantially according to the defined criteria.

1. AbbVie

Company Overview

AbbVie is a US based biopharmaceutical company, dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for complex and chronic diseases. The company’s portfolio includes therapeutics catering to several therapeutic areas, including autoimmune disorders and oncological disorders. Further, AbbVie is actively engaged in developing various ADC candidates, including ELAHERE which has been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and peritoneal cancer. Additionally, in 2024, the company acquired ImmunoGen in order to expand its oncology pipeline and access advanced antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology.

AbbVie: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S.No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	ELAHERE / IMGN853 / Mirvetuximab soravtansine	FOLR1 (Folate receptor alpha)	Ovarian cancer, Fallopian tube cancer, Peritoneal cancer	Approved
2	Telisotuzumab vedotin / Teliso-V / ABBV-399	c-MET	Lung cancer	Approved
3	Telisotuzumab adizutecan / Temab-A / ABBV-400	c-MET	Colorectal cancer	Phase III
4	IMGN632 / Pivekimab sunirine	CD123	Neoplasm	Phase I / II
5	Mirzotamab clezutoclax / ABBV-155	B7-H3 (CD276)	Lung cancer, Breast cancer	Phase I
6	ABBV-319	CD19	B-cell lymphoma, Follicular lymphoma, Leukemia	Phase I
7	ABBV-706	SEZ6 (Seizure protein 6 homolog)	Solid tumor	Phase I
8	ABBV-969	PSMA, STEAP-1	Prostate cancer	Phase I
9	IMGN151	FOLR1 (Folate receptor alpha)	Gynaecological cancer	Phase I

Recent Developments

In May 2025, the USFDA has provided accelerated approval to telisotuzumab vedotin-tllv, an antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate targeting c-MET, for adults with locally advanced or metastatic, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

To know more about the recent initiatives of AbbVie and other ADC companies, access full report.

2. ADC Therapeutics

Company Overview

ADC Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing innovative ADCs for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The company leverages its proprietary Pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) technology in order to enhance the efficacy and specificity of cancer therapies. Further, ADC Therapeutics has developed a robust pipeline of ADC drug candidates, including FDA approved ZYNLONTA (Loncastuximab tesirine). In addition, the company’s proprietary PBD dimers have been designed to reduce drug resistance.

ADC Therapeutics: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Zynlonta / loncastuximab tesirine / ADCT-402	CD19	B-cell lymphoma	Approved
2	Epratuzumab Tesirine / ADCT-602	CD22	Acute myeloid leukemia	Phase II
3	Camidanlumab tesirine / ADCT-301	CD25	Hodgkin lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma	Phase I
4	Mipasetamab Uzoptirine / ADCT-601	AXL protein	Lung cancer, Solid tumor	Phase I
5	Unnamed 1	Claudin 6	Undisclosed	Preclinical
6	Unnamed 2	PSMA	Undisclosed	Preclinical
7	Unnamed 3	NaPi2b	Undisclosed	Preclinical
8	Unnamed 4	ASct2	Undisclosed	Preclinical

Recent Developments

In October 2025, ADC Therapeutics raised USD 60 million through a private placement led by TCGX, Redmile Group and other existing investors. The company intends to use the net proceeds to support the commercial expansion of ZYNLONTA®, strengthen its balance sheet, and fund working capital and general corporate purposes.

To know more about the recent initiatives of ADC Therapeutics and other ADC companies, access full report.

3. AstraZeneca

Company Overview

AstraZeneca was established in 1999 as a result of the merger between Astra and the Zeneca Group. The company is involved in the development and commercialization of prescription drugs, particularly operating across three segments, namely biopharmaceuticals, rare diseases and oncology. Within the oncology segment, the company focuses on discovering and developing ADCs for the treatment of various oncological disorders, including breast cancers, gastric cancers, and non-small cell lung cancers. Further, the company has various ADC candidates under development as monotherapy and in combination with other medications.

AstraZeneca: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Enhertu / Trastuzumab deruxtecan / DS-8201a / DS 8201	ERBB2	Breast cancer, Lung cancer, Gastric cancer	Approved
2	Datroway / Datopotamab deruxtecan / DS-1062	TROP-2	Breast cancer	Approved
3	AZD-0901 / CMG901	Claudin 18.2	Gastric cancer	Phase III
4	AZD0305 / LM-305	GPRC5D	Multiple myeloma	Phase I / II
5	AZD9829	CD123	Hematological cancer	Phase I / II
6	Puxitatug samrotecan / AZD8205	B7-H4 (VTCN1)	Solid tumor	Phase I / II
7	AZD5335	FOLR1 (Folate receptor alpha)	Solid tumor	Phase I / II
8	AZD9592	HER-1 (EGFR), c-MET	Solid tumor	Phase I

Recent Developments

In October 2025, AstraZeneca partnered with Turbine to enhance its ADC discovery process. The collaboration leverages Turbine's AI-powered virtual disease models to predict response mechanisms, optimize ADC positioning, and reduce reliance on large-scale cell line screening.

To know more about the recent initiatives of AstraZeneca and other ADC companies, access full report.

4. Daiichi Sankyo

Company Overview

Daiichi Sankyo is a global research-based pharmaceutical company providing its services in more than 25 countries. It has a diverse portfolio, which includes innovative and generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines and over-the-counter drugs. The company uses its proprietary antibody drug conjugate technology to develop a wide range of antibody drug conjugate products. Enhertu and datopotamab deruxtecan are the leading antibody drug conjugates developed by the company.

Daiichi Sankyo: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Enhertu / Trastuzumab deruxtecan / DS-8201a / DS 8201	HER2	Breast cancer, Lung cancer, Gastric cancer	Approved
2	Datroway / Datopotamab deruxtecan / DS-1062	TROP-2	Breast cancer	Approved
3	Patritumab Deruxtecan / U3-1402 / MK-1020	HER-3 (ErbB-3)	Lung cancer	BLA Submitted
4	Ifinatamab Deruxtecan / MK-2400 / DS-7300	B7-H3 (CD276)	Gastric cancer, Lung cancer	Phase III
5	Raludotatug Deruxtecan / DS-6000 / MK-5909	Cadherin-6 (CDH6)	Ovarian cancer, Fallopian tube cancer, Peritoneal cancer	Phase III
6	DS-3939	TA-MUC1	Solid tumor	Phase II
7	DS-9606a	Claudin 6	Solid tumor	Phase I

Recent Developments

In October 2025, Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan), an ADC jointly developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, became the first drug to outperform chemotherapy in treating immunotherapy-ineligible metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

To know more about the recent initiatives of Daiichi Sankyo and other ADC companies, access full report.

5. Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals

Company Overview

Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of novel drugs, generic drugs and over-the-counter products. The company focuses on various therapeutic areas, such as oncological disorders, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Further, Hengrui pipeline includes various ADCs that are being evaluated at different clinical stages of development for treating several oncological disorders, including lung cancer, breast cancer, gynecological cancer, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and solid tumors.

Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Trastuzumab rezetecan / SHR-A1811	HER-2 (ERBB2)	Lung cancer	BLA Submitted
2	SHR-A2009	HER-3 (ErbB-3)	Lung cancer	Phase III
3	SHR-A2102	Nectin-4	Bladder cancer	Phase III
4	SHR-A1904	Claudin 18.2	Gastric cancer	Phase III
5	SHR-A1921	TROP-2	Ovarian cancer	Phase III
6	SHR-4602	HER-2 (ERBB2)	Solid tumor	Phase II
7	SHR-1826	c-MET	Lung cancer	Phase II
8	SHR-A1912	CD79b	Non-Hodgkin lymphoma	Phase I / II

Recent Developments

In September 2025, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals entered an exclusive global licensing agreement with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals for trastuzumab rezetecan (SHR-A181), its next-generation HER2-targeted ADC positioned as a direct competitor to Enhertu. Glenmark paid an upfront fee of USD 18 million and is eligible to pay up to USD 1.093 billion in regulatory and commercial milestones, plus sales royalties. The agreement covers global rights excluding major markets including the US, Europe, Japan, Canada, and China.

To know more about the recent initiatives of Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals and other ADC companies, access full report.

6. Kelun-Biotech

Company Overview

Kelun-Biotech is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is engaged in the development of innovative therapies, including ADCs, biologics, and small-molecule drugs for oncology and other serious diseases. The company has more than 10 years of experience in developing ADCs, with an integrated OptiDC platform for designing, optimizing, and manufacturing ADCs. Further, Kelun-Biotech has a robust pipeline of ADCs with more than 10 candidates, including Sacituzumab Tirumotecan which has been approved for treating breast cancer.

Kelun-Biotech: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Sacituzumab Tirumotecan / Sac-TMT / SKB264 / MK-2870	TROP-2	Breast cancer	Approved
2	Trastuzumb Botidotin / A166	HER-2 (ERBB2)	Breast cancer	BLA Submitted
3	SKB315 / MK-1200	Claudin 18.2	Solid tumor	Phase I
4	SKB410 / MK-3120	Nectin-4	Solid tumor	Phase I
5	SKB518	Undisclosed	Solid tumor	Phase I
6	SKB535 / MK-6204	Undisclosed	Solid tumor	Phase I
7	SKB571	Undisclosed	Solid tumor	Phase I
8	SKB500	B7-H3 (CD276)	Solid tumor	Phase I
9	SKB445	Undisclosed	Solid tumor	IND-enabling
10	SKB501	Undisclosed	Solid tumor	IND-enabling

Recent Developments

In November 2025, Kelun-Biotech announced that its experimental ADC, when combined with Merck's PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab), successfully met the primary endpoint in a late-stage clinical trial as a first-line treatment for patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

To know more about the recent initiatives of Kelun-Biotech and other ADC companies, access full report.

7. Merck

Company Overview

Merck is a pharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing a wide range of innovative medicines and vaccines to address unmet medical needs. With over130 years of experience, Merck has a robust portfolio of products across various therapeutic areas, including oncological disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic diseases. Further, the company is actively engaged in developing various ADC candidates as targeted therapies for advancing the treatment of oncological disorders. Additionally, Merck is actively pursuing several collaborations, such as the partnership with Daiichi Sankyo to co-develop and co-commercialize three DXd ADC candidates, namely patritumab deruxtecan, ifinatamab deruxtecan, and raludotatug deruxtecan globally, excluding Japan.

Merck: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Sacituzumab Tirumotecan / Sac-TMT / SKB264 / MK-2870	TROP-2	Breast cancer	Approved
2	Patritumab Deruxtecan / U3-1402 / MK-1020	HER-3 (ErbB-3)	Lung cancer	BLA Submitted
3	Zilovertamab vedotin / VLS-101 / MK-2140	ROR1	B-cell lymphoma	Phase III
4	M9140	CEACAM5	Colorectal cancer	Phase I

Recent Developments

In November 2025, Blackstone Life Sciences agreed to pay Merck USD 700 million to fund a portion of the 2026 development costs for sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT), an investigational TROP2-targeted ADC currently in 15 global Phase III trials across multiple cancers. In return, Blackstone is eligible for low- to mid-single-digit royalties on net sales across all approved indications, contingent on the USFDA approval in first-line triple-negative breast cancer from the TroFuse-011 trial.

To know more about the recent initiatives of Merck and other ADC companies, access full report.

8. Pfizer

Company Overview

Pfizer is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals. The company has a robust pipeline of medicines across a wide range of therapeutic areas, including immunological disorders, oncological disorders, rare diseases, and infectious diseases. In 2009, the company acquired Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in order to augment its capabilities for the discovery and development of antibody drug conjugates. Further, in 2023, Pfizer acquired Seagen to expand its oncology portfolio, which has doubled its ADC pipeline to include 60 programs. This strategic move has positioned Pfizer to be a leader in ADC development, with multiple ADC candidates in different stages of clinical development.

Pfizer: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Mylotarg / Gemtuzumab ozogamicin	CD33	Acute myeloid leukemia	Approved
2	Besponsa / Inotuzumab ozogamicin	CD22	Acute lymphoblastic leukemia	Approved
3	PADCEV / Enfortumab vedotin-ejfv	Nectin-4	Urothelial cancer	Approved
4	ADCETRIS / Brentuximab Vedotin	CD30	Hodgkin lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma	Approved
5	TIVDAK / Tisotumab vedotin	Tissue Factor	Cervical cancer	Approved
6	Sigvotatug vedotin / PF08046047 / SGN-B6A	Integrin beta-6	Lung cancer	Phase III
7	Sigvotatug vedotin / PF08046047 / SGN-B6A	Integrin beta-6	Solid tumor	Phase I
8	PF-08046054 / SGN-PDL1V	PD-L1	Solid tumor	Phase I
9	PF-08046050 / SGN-CEACAM5C	CEACAM5	Solid tumor	Phase I
10	PF-08046045 / SGN-35T	CD30	Hematological cancer	Phase I
11	PF-08046044 / SGN-35C	CD30	Hematological cancer	Phase I
12	PF-08052666 / SGN-MesoC2	Mesothelin (MSLN)	Solid tumor	Phase I

Recent Developments

In November 2025, the FDA approved Pfizer's PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) in combination with Keytruda® for certain patients with advanced bladder cancer, marking a significant expansion of this ADC therapy's label.

To know more about the recent initiatives of Pfizer and other ADC companies, access full report.

9. RemeGen

Company Overview

RemeGen is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative biologics, such as antibody drug conjugates, to address unmet clinical needs in autoimmune diseases, oncological disorders, and ophthalmic diseases. The company has three proprietary technology platforms, namely antibody drug conjugate platform, bifunctional antibody (HiBody) platform, antibody and fusion protein platform. These platforms facilitate the discovery, screening and development of new chemical moieties.

RemeGen: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Aidixi / Disitamab vedotin / RC48	HER-2 (ERBB2)	Gastric cancer	Approved
2	RC88	Mesothelin (MSLN)	Ovarian cancer, Fallopian tube cancer, Peritoneal cancer	Phase II
3	RC108	c-MET	Solid tumor	Phase II
4	RC118	Claudin18.2	Solid tumor	Phase I / II
5	RC248	DR-5	Solid tumor	Phase I
6	RC278	c-MET	Solid tumor	Preclinical

Recent Developments

In May 2025, RemeGen has made significant progress in the ADC domain, notably presenting Phase III trial results for its HER2-targeting ADC Aidixi (disitamab vedotin) combined with PD-1 inhibitor toripalimab for first-line metastatic bladder cancer at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress.

To know more about the recent initiatives of RemeGen and other ADC companies, access full report.

10. Roche

Company Overview

Roche is a biotechnology company dedicated towards the development of medicines and diagnostics for a myriad of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, immunological disorders, infectious diseases, ophthalmological disorders, and oncological disorders. The firm’s product portfolio includes several ADCs, such as Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine) and Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin), which are the USFDA-approved for breast cancer and B-cell lymphoma, respectively. It is important to mention that Genentech is a subsidiary of Roche since 2009 and is actively engaged in developing ADC candidates with its robust research capabilities and promising pipeline.

Roche: Antibody Drug Conjugate Pipeline

S. No.	Drug	Target Antigen	Target Disease Indication	Highest Status of Development
1	Kadcyla / Trastuzumab emtansine / RG3502	HER-2 (ERBB2)	Breast cancer	Approved
2	Polivy / Polatuzumab vedotin	CD79b	B-cell lymphoma	Approved
3	RG6810	DLL-3	Lung cancer	Phase I
4	RG6648 / YL211	c-MET	Solid tumor	Phase I

Recent Developments

In January 2025, Roche signed a licensing deal worth up to USD 1 billion with Innovent Biologics for IBI3009, a DLL3-targeted ADC for small cell lung cancer, with Roche gaining exclusive global rights outside China for USD 80 million upfront plus milestones and royalties.

To know more about the recent initiatives of Roche and other ADC companies, access full report.

What About Other Antibody Drug Conjugates Companies Around the World?

The above article features the leading ADC companies selected from a pool of around 165 drug developers, developing over 760 antibody drug conjugates, that we have compiled. If you're interested, you can download the Sample Report on this topic by Roots Analysis. For personalized assistance in identifying the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at sales@rootsanalysis.com.

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