Voro Therapeutics Enters into Partnership with Daiichi Sankyo to Advance Tumour-activated ADC Technology
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Voro Therapeutics has entered a research collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, through its research unit in San Diego, to advance its PrimeBody™ platform for next-generation tumour-activated antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).
The collaboration will assess the ability of the PrimeBody platform to generate masked ADC candidates that remain inactive in circulation and healthy tissues, with activation occurring selectively within the tumour microenvironment. This is achieved through the use of proprietary masking domains and protease-cleavable linkers, designed to improve targeting precision and reduce off-target effects.
The partners aim to improve the therapeutic index of ADCs by enabling better control over where and when the drug payload is released. This approach may also expand the range of viable oncology targets, including those that have previously been considered unsuitable due to widespread expression in normal tissues.
Under the agreement, Voro Therapeutics will design and characterise masked ADC candidates directed at a selected cancer target, applying its established masking and linker technologies. The collaboration will combine Voro’s platform capabilities with Daiichi Sankyo’s expertise in ADC development, particularly in advancing complex biologics towards clinical application.
The programme will also build on Voro’s prior work in tumour-activated biologics, including its lead CD47 blocker candidate, which has demonstrated an improved therapeutic index in preclinical studies. By integrating tumour-selective activation strategies, the collaboration seeks to support the development of safer and more effective targeted cancer therapies.
Further development decisions, including potential clinical progression, are expected to depend on the outcomes of the research phase.
Source: vorotx.com
