WuXi XDC: Sustaining Leadership in the Fast-Growing ADC and Bioconjugation CRDMO Market
“At the 2025 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Dr. Jimmy Li, CEO of WuXi XDC, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Sustaining Leadership” in the Fast-Growing ADC and Bioconjugation CRDMO Market.” Organized around four key themes, the presentation spotlighted WuXi XDC’s core capabilities, celebrated its remarkable 2024 achievements, addressed industry dynamics, and laid out an ambitious vision for future growth.
WuXi XDC: A Pure-Play and Best CRDMO for Bioconjugates
Dr. Li began with an overview of WuXi XDC, highlighting its role as a pure-play, fully integrated Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) dedicated to ADCs and bioconjugates. This specialization has allowed WuXi XDC to become a global leader, empowering the industry through its focused expertise and comprehensive services. For two consecutive years, WuXi XDC has won Best CDMO Awards at 2023 and 2024 World ADC Awards.
Reflecting on 2024, Dr. Li described the year as a pivotal chapter in the company’s history, marked by disciplined execution and outstanding achievements:
·500 global clients representing leading biotech and pharmaceutical innovators.
· Contributions to over 900 ADC/XDC projects, synthesizing 13,000 bioconjugate molecules.
· Support for 85 IND submissions, showcasing unmatched regulatory and clinical development expertise.· Expansion of its global manufacturing network, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and staffed by over 2,000 professionals.
Responding to Industry Needs and Complexities
Dr. Li then discussed the evolving dynamics of the ADC/XDC industry, highlighting the increasing demand for end-to-end partners capable of expediting development timelines. He also addressed the unique complexities involved in ADC/XDC manufacturing, from safely handling cytotoxic payloads to achieving precise conjugation. WuXi XDC’s integrated “All-in-One” platform, supported by advanced process controls and robust quality systems, ensures efficient, scalable production and superior quality standards.
By offering a fully integrated CRDMO platform that spans early discovery through commercial-scale production, WuXi XDC simplifies the development process, accelerates timelines, and delivers unmatched value to its clients. This comprehensive approach positions the company as an industry leader capable of navigating the most challenging aspects of bioconjugation, helping to bring innovative therapies to patients worldwide.
Highlighting Progress in Research, Development, and Manufacturing
On R: Elevating Bioconjugation Technologies
“Technology is the foundation of our success. WuXi XDC is the go-to partner for our clients seeking any ADC-related technologies.” Dr. Li asserted. He highlighted company’s three-pronged approach to driving continuous advancements in its technology platform. In 2024, the company further refined its proprietary WuXiDAR4™ conjugation platform, which enables the creation of highly homogeneous ADCs with precise Drug-to-Antibody Ratios (DAR). These innovations significantly enhance the efficiency and scalability of bioconjugate drug development.
In addition to its proprietary conjugation platforms, WuXi XDC offers deep expertise in payload-linker synthesis and development. This comprehensive toolkit enables clients to overcome the inherent challenges of bioconjugation, including the development of dual-payload ADCs. WuXi XDC’s advanced capabilities have supported over 900 ADC/XDC projects, encompassing a diverse range of bioconjugate modalities, including ADCs, AOCs, BsADCs, DACs, RDCs, and APCs.
On D: Accelerating Timelines with “WuXi Speed”
Dr. Li highlighted WuXi XDC’s integrated CMC strategy, which is instrumental in reducing development timelines. The company has consistently achieved First-in-Human (FIH) trials in 15 months or less—nearly half the industry average. By conducting many tasks in parallel on its platform, the company provides clients with the fastest possible route from DNA to IND. This exceptional speed, branded as “WuXi Speed,” reflects WuXi XDC’s unique ability to streamline complex CMC development.
When ADC enters clinical trials, they often transition swiftly from late-stage to BLA readiness, highlighting the importance of fully integrated capabilities. Each ADC requires four distinct PPQ campaigns – one for each component. Utilizing multiple CDMOs for this process can extend the timeline to 1.5-2 years, given the inherent complexity and workload involved. WuXi XDC’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach enables clients to accelerate timelines, simplify process and ensure high-quality delivery.
Key to this efficiency is the company’s integrated “All-in-One” manufacturing site in Wuxi City. This facility consolidates production of mAb intermediates, payload-linkers, ADC drug substances, and drug products under one roof. By managing over 190 iCMC projects, this streamlined approach reduces risks, minimizes costs, and ensures the timely delivery of high-quality products.
On M: Expanding Capacity to Meet Growing Demand
WuXi XDC’s global manufacturing expansion is a strategic response to the growing demand for ADCs and bioconjugates. Dr. Li highlighted several recent milestones, including:
·The launch of XBCM2 Line2, a dual-function ADC production facility that enhances flexibility and efficiency.
·The construction of a third drug product (DP3) facility, set to achieve GMP readiness by mid-2025, as well as a fifth DP facility projected to begin operations in 2027.
·The delivery of pre-fabricated production modules to the Singapore site, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, bolstering WuXi XDC’s global dual-sourcing strategy.
These expansions not only increase production capacity but also reinforce the company’s commitment to quality, reliability, and timely delivery.
Shaping the Future of Bioconjugation
Looking ahead, Dr. Li shared WuXi XDC’s strategic roadmap for maintaining its leadership in the ADC/XDC market, built on three pillars:
·Technological Innovation: Continued investment in next-generation conjugation technologies to enhance platform capabilities and provide world-class solutions.
·Global Manufacturing Expansion: Scaling operations and strengthening the global footprint to meet increasing demand while fostering deeper collaborations with international partners.
·Client-Centric Collaboration: Deepening partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical innovators to accelerate the development and delivery of transformative therapies.
“Our vision for 2030 is clear: to empower healthcare innovators, sustain leadership in bioconjugation CRDMO, and improve lives around the globe,” Dr. Li concluded, underscoring WuXi XDC’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
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