SHANGHAI, 27 February 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. (“WuXi XDC”, stock code: 2268.HK), a prominent global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) that excels in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates, has announced a strategic collaboration with Earendil Labs focusing on WuXi XDC’s proprietary WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology platform.
Earendil Labs is an AI-driven biotechnology firm dedicated to the research and development of next-generation innovative biologics aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other conditions with significant unmet medical needs. This partnership aims to accelerate the development of advanced ADCs by synergistically combining WuXi XDC’s leading ADC technology with Earendil Labs’ pioneering AI-driven antibody discovery capabilities.
Collaborative Agreement and Objectives
Under the terms of the agreement, WuXi XDC will provide Earendil Labs with an exclusive global license for its WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology, which will be applied against multiple specific targets. Earendil Labs intends to utilise this technology for the conjugation of antibodies and bispecific antibodies identified through its AI platform, thus facilitating the advancement of ADC candidates against these targets. The potential total value of the deal could reach approximately $885 million, inclusive of an upfront payment as well as various development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments. Furthermore, WuXi XDC will be entitled to receive tiered royalties on net sales following the commercialisation of any resulting ADC products.
WuXi XDC will leverage its world-class integrated CRDMO platform to provide comprehensive support in Chemical, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) development and the manufacturing of ADC components throughout the collaboration. Meanwhile, Earendil Labs will concentrate on subsequent product development, regulatory submissions on a global scale, and commercialisation efforts. This complementary partnership is designed to optimise resource utilisation and ensure efficient project advancement.
Statements from Leadership
Dr Jimmy Li, CEO of WuXi XDC, expressed enthusiasm regarding this strategic partnership, stating, “We are very pleased to establish this collaboration with Earendil Labs. This alliance not only illustrates the value of our WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology platform but also signifies another milestone for WuXi XDC in fostering innovation alongside our partners. Earendil Labs has successfully generated bispecific antibodies with unique advantages using its AI platform. The integration of these with our WuXiTecan-2 technology will facilitate the development of more effective and safer next-generation ADCs. We look forward to supporting Earendil Labs in their R&D and commercialisation efforts through our comprehensive CRDMO service platform, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.”
Dr Jian Peng, CEO of Earendil Labs, commented, “Partnering with WuXi XDC represents a critical step in our mission to transform biopharmaceutical R&D through AI. WuXi XDC is renowned for its validated ADC technology platform and end-to-end manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration embodies a powerful alliance between innovative AI exploration and WuXi XDC’s integrated CRDMO services. We anticipate working closely with WuXi XDC to drive breakthroughs through technological integration, fostering high-quality development in the global biopharma sector and contributing to patient health worldwide.”
Dr Zhenping Zhu, MD, PhD, President and co-CEO of Earendil Labs, added, “ADCs are emerging as a promising class of therapeutics for cancer and various other human diseases. At Earendil Labs, we are developing a diverse pipeline of bispecific and multi-specific ADCs using our advanced AI and high-throughput biology platforms. We believe that the WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology will significantly enhance the success rate and speed of our novel ADC development, ultimately delivering these life-changing treatments to patients as swiftly as possible.”