Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has exercised its option to license Araris Biotech AG’s proprietary AraLinQ linker-payload platform, deepening an existing research collaboration aimed at developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The agreement gives Chugai the rights to use the AraLinQ technology to create novel ADCs against a target of its choice, marking a significant step toward advancing more precise cancer therapies.

AraLinQ is designed to enable the efficient attachment of multiple anticancer payloads to a single antibody, potentially enhancing tumour selectivity while improving safety and therapeutic impact. Chugai plans to combine the platform with its in-house antibody engineering expertise to develop differentiated oncology treatments with stronger efficacy profiles.

Chugai president and CEO Dr. Osamu Okuda said the technology could support tumour-targeted delivery of multiple payloads, helping expand the company’s oncology pipeline. Araris leadership described the licensing decision as validation of the platform’s scientific strength and its potential to produce ADCs with improved tolerability and stability.

Under the expanded agreement, Araris will receive an upfront payment and remains eligible for milestone payments and royalties tied to commercial success. The broader research collaboration framework carries a potential total value of up to USD 780 million, contingent on option exercises and milestone achievements.

Chugai, headquartered in Tokyo, is known for its antibody engineering capabilities and focuses on innovative therapies addressing unmet medical needs. Araris, a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical, is advancing multi-payload ADC technologies aimed at redefining targeted cancer treatment by improving delivery precision and reducing systemic toxicity.