Blog

In this article, we explore the major trends shaping the future of targeted cancer drug delivery, and why integrated expertise in antibody discovery, engineering, and conjugation is becoming increasingly important for successful ADC development.

Site-specific conjugation limits payload attachment to defined positions on the antibody instead of allowing reaction across many accessible residues. As ADC design becomes more sophisticated, this level of control is increasingly important.

Affinity maturation can improve binding to the intended target, but it can also alter the antibody paratope (the antigen-binding surface) in ways that create patch-associated nonspecific interactions. These liabilities may then require re-engineering before a candidate can progress as a therapeutic lead.

ADC development is no longer limited to the antibody-linker-toxin model. The field is moving toward a broader class of targeted conjugates, often described as XDCs, in which X can represent a wide range of targeting scaffolds, payload classes, and conjugation strategies.

Read for a recap of trends in PEGS 2026. The event brought together industry leaders from the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors to discuss protein and antibody engineering, drug development, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and AI/ ML-driven biologics research.

Explore VHH intrabodies for intracellular targeting, protein interaction studies, and therapeutic research applications. Learn more with Biointron.

Learn how site-directed mutagenesis improves antibody affinity, binding specificity, and performance for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Explore VHH Fc fusion and enzyme strategies to improve antibody half-life, effector functions, and targeted delivery. Learn more with Biointron.

The 2026 ChAbS Annual Conference, “10 Years Together: Forging the Future of Antibody Therapeutics,” was held on May 9-10, 2026, in Cambridge, MA.

​Biointron’s 2026 Lunch & Learn was held at CIC Cambridge, MA on May 8, 2026. The session featured two guest speakers: Shashi Jatiani, PhD, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SeromYx Systems, and Lee Andrews, Associate Director of Bioanalytical Development at Visterra.

BIO Korea 2026 was held on Aprill 28-30, 2026, bringing together academic scholars and experts in the biopharma and healthcare industry to share the latest technology trends and engage in discussion.

VHH half extension mechanisms like Fc fusion, albumin binding, and PEGylation to improve pharmacokinetics and performance. Contact Biointron.