Seattle Genetics Inc has entered into a preferred provider agreement with Albany Molecular Research Inc (AMRI) for manufacturing of its proprietary drug-linker system. The system, comprised of cell-killing drugs and stable linkers, is utilized in Seattle Genetics' antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology. The arrangement secures rights for Seattle Genetics' ADC licensees to work directly with AMRI on manufacturing campaigns to obtain cGMP supplies of drug-linker units to support future clinical trials of products utilizing the ADC technology, a company release said.

"Our expanded relationship with Albany Molecular provides our collaborators with a key component of the supply chain for ADC products they are developing by enabling them to obtain materials produced through an established manufacturing process," stated Clay B Siegall, president and CEO of Seattle Genetics. "Albany Molecular has demonstrated its capabilities in process development, scale-up and manufacturing of synthetic drug-linker systems employed in our industry-leading ADC technology. This arrangement will support the continued work by our collaborators to advance their ADC product programmes through development and into clinical trials by providing them with direct access to Albany Molecular's manufacturing expertise," he continued.

"We are pleased to extend our partnership with Seattle Genetics in the growing therapeutic area of antibody-drug conjugates by supporting the drug-linker manufacturing campaigns of their licensees," commented Thomas E D'Ambra, AMRI chairman, CEO and president. "This agreement is an important strategic initiative for Albany Molecular Research that recognizes our advanced synthesis and cGMP manufacturing capabilities," he added.

Seattle Genetics has licensed its industry-leading ADC technology to Genentech, Celltech Group, Protein Design Labs and CuraGen. The technology is also utilized in Seattle Genetics' SGN-35 and SGN-75 product candidates. ADCs utilize the targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies to deliver potent, cell-killing payloads to specific cells. Seattle Genetics has developed improved ADC technology employing synthetic, highly potent drugs that can be attached to antibodies through proprietary linker systems. The linkers are stable in the bloodstream and release the drug payload once inside target cells, thereby sparing non-target cells many of the toxic effects of traditional chemotherapy. ADCs can increase the therapeutic potential of the many antibodies with targeting ability but no inherent cell-killing activity.

Seattle Genetics discovers and develops monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics to treat cancer and other human diseases.