TOKYO, August 3, 2026 - FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO, Representative Director: Teiichi Goto) and Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (President and Representative Director: Masayuki Kobayashi)today announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership agreement for the development of manufacturing technologies for next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Under this partnership, the two companies will work to optimize manufacturing processes for ADC candidates being developed by Taiho Pharmaceutical using the AraLinQ™ technology of Araris Biotech AG (“Araris”), a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical. By combining Taiho Pharmaceutical’s expertise and capabilities in ADC drug discovery with Fujifilm’s process development and manufacturing technologies cultivated through its biologics CDMO* business, the companies aim to achieve stable production of high-quality ADCs and enhance their global competitiveness in the next-generation ADC field.
In recent years, ADCs, which combine antibodies with cytotoxic agents and other payloads, have attracted significant attention as next-generation biopharmaceuticals capable of achieving both high therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. As a result, research and development activities in this field have been expanding rapidly worldwide. At the same time, ADC manufacturing requires highly sophisticated technologies, including the precise conjugation of antibodies and payloads. Therefore, establishing manufacturing capabilities that can consistently and efficiently produce high quality ADCs has become a critical industry challenge.
Taiho Pharmaceutical is committed to strengthen optimal manufacturing and supply systems for next-generation ADCs created using AraLinQ™ technology. AraLinQ™ is a proprietary ADC platform technology that enables the selective and homogeneous conjugation of payloads to antibodies and is expected to serve as a key technology for the development of next-generation ADCs.
Fujifilm operates its biologics CDMO business globally and has extensive experience and a proven track record in the process development and manufacturing of antibody therapeutics. Its group company, FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical, plans to launch Japan’s first integrated ADC CDMO service in 2027 and is building a manufacturing framework capable of providing end-to-end ADC production services in Japan, from antibody production and conjugation to final drug product manufacturing.
Going forward, Taiho Pharmaceutical and Fujifilm will leverage their respective strengths under this partnership to optimize manufacturing processes for the stable production of high-quality ADCs. In addition, as development of the target ADC candidates progresses, the companies plan to expand their technical collaboration and strengthen manufacturing technology platforms and frameworks that support sustainable supply.
- * Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization. Provides a wide range of services to pharmaceutical companies, including process development, stability testing, clinical drug development and manufacturing, and commercial production.
ADCs are medicines that combine antibodies capable of recognizing specific target cells with payloads such as cytotoxic agents. By selectively delivering the payload to target cells through the antibody, ADCs are expected to achieve both high therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. As a result, they are being actively developed worldwide as next-generation biopharmaceuticals.
FUJIFILM Corporation is a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation. FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, leverages its depth of knowledge and proprietary core technologies to deliver innovative products and services across the globe through the four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging with over 70,000 employees. Guided and united by our Group Purpose of “giving our world more smiles,” we address social challenges and create a positive impact on society through our products, services, and business operations. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com. For further details about our commitment to sustainability and Fujifilm’s Sustainable Value Plan 2030, click here.
Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., is an R&D-driven specialty pharma focusing on the fields of oncology and immune-related diseases. Its corporate philosophy takes the form of a pledge: “We strive to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles.” In the field of oncology, in particular, Taiho Pharmaceutical is known as a leading company in Japan for developing innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, a reputation that is rapidly expanding through their extensive global R&D efforts. In areas other than oncology, as well, the company creates and markets quality products that effectively treat medical conditions and can help improve people’s quality of life. Always putting customers first, Taiho Pharmaceutical also aims to offer consumer healthcare products that support people’s efforts to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. For more information about Taiho Pharmaceutical, please visit TAIHO PHARMA
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation
Corporate Communications Division,
Public Relations Group
Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Corporate Planning Department Strategic Communications Office（Public Relations）
E-mail： th-koho@taiho.co.jp
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