Innovative Platforms Aim to Overcome Resistance
Byondis B.V. plans to present its cutting-edge antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology platforms at the American Society for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego from 17th to 22nd April. Based in The Netherlands, this biopharmaceutical company will focus on its antifolate and phosphonate ADC platforms during poster sessions, aiming to address existing therapeutic challenges in cancer treatment.
At AACR, Wim Dokter, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Byondis, stated, “The research we are presenting highlights the potential of two of our state-of-the-art ADC technology platforms to address significant limitations with current therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment.”
Antifolate ADC Platform
Byondis has engineered a proprietary antifolate linker-drug platform to tackle resistance against common ADC payloads like topoisomerase-I and tubulin inhibitors. This innovative platform uses a payload with low- to sub-nanomolar potency and displays strong inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase. The optimised payload demonstrates broad in vitro cytotoxicity across cell lines and shows no interaction with key resistance-associated transporters such as BCRP and PGP.
Achieving robust tumor regressions, the company’s lead antifolate ADC has been effective in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) models without causing significant toxicity. This differentiated profile supports broad tumor applicability, positioning it for use from first-line therapy.
Resistance to widely used ADC payloads is increasing, which underscores the need for differentiated approaches. Byondis has revisited the antifolates class and developed a proprietary antifolate linker-drug platform that provides a differentiated and validated mechanism of action with a payload designed to overcome systemic side effects. A glucuronide-based linker enhances the therapeutic index while maintaining favorable physicochemical properties, preserving ADC stability and enabling potential dual-payload strategies.
Phosphonate ADC Platform
Targeting patients not responding to immune therapy, Byondis’ phosphonate platform activates Vγ9Vδ2 (γδ) T cells within the tumor microenvironment. A cleavable phosphonate payload ensures precise T cell activation and selective tumor cell destruction. Phosphonate ADCs have been tested on multiple targets such as CD123, CD20, TROP2, and HER2, showing strong immune activation and tumor cell killing in vitro while avoiding cytokine release syndrome in non-human primate models.
Byondis’ research at AACR will continue until 22nd April, offering further insights into advancements in cancer research and treatment. The company is committed to delivering breakthrough solutions for cancer patients and enabling a new generation of therapeutics.
Last updated: 18 April 2026, 12:19 am
