Latest Technologies for Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Analysis: Measure DAR, Aggregates, and Particle Size Accurately!

Antibody-Drug Conjugate Analysis ADC is one of the most important stages in biopharmaceutical development. Particularly, Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) are being highlighted as next-generation cancer treatments capable of precise targeted therapy. However, due to their complex structure and high heterogeneity, it’s challenging to ensure product stability and efficacy without accurate characterization.

This article discusses the crucial elements of ADC analysis such as DAR Measurement (Drug-to-Antibody Ratio), Aggregate Analysis, and Particle Size and Zeta Potential Measurement, and introduces Malvern Panalytical’s latest analytical solutions.

What is an Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC)?

ADCs consist of a monoclonal antibody (mAb), cytotoxic drug, and a chemical linker. This structure allows the antibody to target cancer cells and the drug to be directly delivered to those cells, providing a powerful anticancer effect.

However, the heterogeneity and complex formulation characteristics of ADCs present challenges in analysis and quality control.

🔹 DAR Measurement (Drug-to-Antibody Ratio)

• The efficacy and toxicity of ADCs are directly influenced by the DAR value.
• Malvern Panalytical’s SEC-LS (Size Exclusion Chromatography-Light Scattering) allows for accurate, non-destructive DAR measurement.

🔹 Aggregate and Impurity Analysis

• Aggregates are a major cause of immune responses and product stability degradation.
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) enable the understanding of aggregation states down to the nanoparticle level.

🔹 Particle Size and Zeta Potential Analysis

• These are essential analytical items for evaluating physicochemical stability.
• Zetasizer Ultra provides high-sensitivity DLS and zeta potential measurements to understand ADC’s stability trends.

Why is precise technology important for ADC analysis?

• Ensuring Therapeutic Efficacy: Accurate DAR and impurity information directly relate to clinical outcomes.
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance: The more complex the formulation, the higher the standards required by regulatory agencies.
• Optimizing Production Processes: Analytical data allow for consistent quality maintenance.

Looking for a Reliable ADC Analysis Partner?

Malvern Panalytical provides comprehensive analytical solutions for Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) research and development. From protein structure characterization to aggregation detection and thermal stability — we will be a trusted partner to support the full life-cycle quality assessment of ADCs.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We also provide demo demonstrations, technical consultations, and equipment brochures.