Lonza's Synaffix Partners with BigHat Biosciences on Machine Learning-Designed ADC

Synaffix, a Lonza subsidiary, has entered into a commercial licensing agreement with BigHat Biosciences, integrating Synaffix’s advanced ADC technologies with BigHat's AI-driven antibody design platform. The collaboration aims to develop a new pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) leveraging Synaffix’s clinical-stage technology and BigHat's innovative ML platform, Milliner™.

BigHat Biosciences, recognized for its AI/ML-powered Milliner™ platform, designs highly specialized antibodies by combining synthetic biology with cutting-edge machine learning. This approach enhances the development process by simplifying the design of therapeutic proteins, expediting candidate discovery, and improving biophysical properties. The collaboration will see BigHat's custom-designed antibodies paired with Synaffix's GlycoConnect™, HydraSpace®, and toxSYN® technologies to create next-generation ADCs.

The agreement grants BigHat specific access to Synaffix's ADC technology, which is tailored for site-specific transformation of antibodies into high-performance ADC products. Following Lonza’s acquisition of Synaffix in June 2023, BigHat will also benefit from Lonza's comprehensive ADC services, ranging from DNA to Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. This holistic offering facilitates seamless development and manufacturing processes, encompassing the production of antibodies, bioconjugation, and drug product filling under a unified quality system.

Synaffix’s technologies significantly enhance ADCs' therapeutic index, enabling best-in-class products from any antibody. The GlycoConnect™ technology allows site-specific payload attachment to antibodies, adaptable to various drug-to-antibody ratios. HydraSpace® technology further improves therapeutic index for hydrophobic payloads, while toxSYN® linker-payload technologies span key mechanisms of action crucial for ADC development.

The collaboration positions BigHat's next-gen ADC program, currently at the IND-enabling stage, for rapid advancement to clinical trials. The integration of Synaffix’s technologies aims to optimize the ADCs for maximum payload delivery and optimal drug-like properties, enhancing safety and efficacy.

Peter van de Sande, Head of Synaffix, emphasized the significance of the collaboration in advancing next-gen ADC research and development. He highlighted BigHat as an ideal partner, leveraging its AI/ML-enabled platform to push the boundaries of ADC innovation. Jean-Christophe Hyvert, President of Biologics at Lonza, underscored the benefits of a fully integrated service offering, which has adapted to the evolving ADC landscape.

Mark DePristo, CEO of BigHat Biosciences, expressed enthusiasm about combining Synaffix’s conjugation and linker-payload technologies with BigHat’s custom-designed antibodies. This collaboration aims to develop advanced biologics that provide safer and more effective treatments for challenging cancers and other diseases with high unmet medical needs.

Synaffix, a biotechnology company specializing in ADC technology, offers a rapid timeline to clinic due to its established supply chain and holds several granted patents. The company’s business model involves target-specific technology out-licensing, with numerous collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical companies.

Lonza, one of the world’s largest healthcare manufacturing organizations, provides comprehensive services across four divisions, supporting the development and commercialization of therapeutic discoveries. With a global community and extensive technological and scientific expertise, Lonza enables customers to bring life-saving treatments to market.

BigHat Biosciences focuses on AI/ML-guided antibody discovery, aiming to engineer antibodies with enhanced functions and biophysical properties. The company, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, has raised substantial funding from top investors and is dedicated to developing therapies for cancer and inflammation through a collaborative and innovative approach.