ADC Discovery & Lead Optimization Services

At NJ Bio we partner with biotech companies and innovators to take their antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs from antibody, payload, linker or conjugation technology concepts through to optimized, clinical-ready ADCs. We integrate discovery, bioconjugation, in vitro and in vivo testing, analytics, and scale-up in one seamless workflow within a single integrated, flexible organization that moves quickly, so you don’t need to build an internal ADC development team to accelerate your program.

Integrated ADC Development from Concept to Early Clinical Manufacturing

We support early-stage, virtual and mid-scale biotech companies developing ADCs by providing integrated discovery and lead optimization capabilities that extend well beyond preclinical production, right up to early-phase clinical manufacturing. Since small and emerging organizations lack in-house conjugation, linker, payload, translational or analytical expertise, NJ Bio plugs directly into their discovery pathways, helping teams move efficiently from an antibody candidate or linker-payload concept to an optimized ADC ready for preclinical and IND-enabling studies.

We partner with clients early in the development process, where scientific decisions have the greatest impact on program success. Our integrated approach enables rapid iteration, informed decision-making, and continuity from discovery through clinical supply, all within a single organization.

Our discovery and lead optimization services include drug-linker and payload screening, conjugation strategy development, DAR optimization, early analytical characterization, bioassay and in vivo support. These capabilities address some of the most technically challenging aspects of ADC development and are delivered by our in-house teams with deep expertise in chemistry, conjugation, analytics, and biology.

Preclinical scale-up and GMP manufacturing services are fully integrated into this workflow, enabling clients to seamlessly advance their ADC programs from discovery to IND-enabling while reducing technical risk, and maintaining momentum from concept to the clinic to meet stringent project timelines.

Plug-In ADC Development Strategy

Our plug-in ADC service is designed to meet you wherever you are in development. Whether you’re at early concept, optimizing an antibody, selecting a linker-payload, or advancing an integrated ADC program, as a flexible CRO partner, NJ Bio enables seamless entry at any stage while maintaining continuity across the full development pathway. We have built a structured workflow that integrates discovery, preclinical development, and clinical readiness.

NJ Bio’s ADC development workflows are driven by deep expertise in discovery and conjugation chemistry. Each program typically begins with an evaluation of the antibody and overall ADC design strategy.  Where antibodies are supplied by the client or an external partner, NJ Bio applies hands-on chemistry and biologics experience to assess conjugation suitability, identify potential attachment sites, and define format considerations to support downstream optimization. For early discovery programs, we can also generate monoclonal antibodies via transient cell lines, enabling rapid production of research-grade mAbs to accelerate ADC design and chemistry development. All work is executed by a tightly integrated team operating in close proximity, ensuring rapid iteration, seamless communication, and efficient advancement of ADC candidates.

Drug-linker and payload screening are then conducted to identify combinations that balance potency, stability, and developability. NJ Bio maintains experience across a variety of linker systems and conjugation methods, allowing us to assess the effect of linker in ADC designs. Conjugation strategies are evaluated in parallel, including both stochastic and site-specific platforms, with DAR optimization performed to improve homogeneity and functional performance. Site-specific approaches can be incorporated where appropriate. Our high-throughput screening (HT bioconjugation) platform enables rapid evaluation of over 100 mAbs at the same time to identify those best suited for ADC and bioconjugate development.

Analytical, translational (in vivo/ in vitro) and bioanalytical capabilities are integrated early in the program to characterize ADC constructs, guide optimization, and establish methods suitable for later development. These early insights reduce downstream risk and enable smoother transitions into scale-up, toxicology, and GMP manufacturing. Once a lead ADC is selected, NJ Bio provides continuity into preclinical production and early-stage GMP manufacturing without the need for technology transfer to a new vendor.

How NJ Bio Works with Clients

Engagements typically begin with a meeting with our team, during which program objectives and goals, constraints, important data and success criteria are defined. This step ensures alignment of conjugation strategy, linker-payload selection, and development priorities. We then execute focused screening and optimization studies, using data-driven iteration to identify and refine lead ADC candidates.

As programs mature and candidate funnel narrows, NJ Bio further supports lead optimization through expanded analytical characterization and, where appropriate, integration with in vivo evaluation. The same teams and systems then support scale-up, toxicology material production, and GMP manufacturing, providing continuity and managing developmental risk.

NJ Bio offers multiple engagement models to accommodate the needs of small and virtual biotech companies. These include flexible FTE arrangements, milestone-based project pricing, and fixed-scope discovery packages. Early screening and express conjugation services are also available for rapid feasibility assessments. This flexibility allows clients to access ADC expertise without committing to large, long-term CRO contracts.

Advantages of Engaging NJ Bio for Your ADC Program

• Integrated ADC development from discovery and lead optimization through early-phase clinical manufacturing.
• Purpose-built support for emerging and virtual biotech companies without in-house ADC capabilities.
• Early partnership model that supports critical scientific decisions when they matter most.
• Specialized expertise in conjugation, linker-payload design, analytical characterization, and ADC biology.
• Rapid optimization cycles enabled by tightly integrated chemistry, biology, and analytics teams.
• Seamless transition from discovery to GMP manufacturing, reducing program delays and handoffs.
• Reduced technical risk and development timelines through coordinated multidisciplinary teams.