Cohance Lifesciences, a global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), has announced a strategic investment of USD 10 million to expand cGMP bioconjugation capabilities at its US-based subsidiary, NJ Bio.

Aligned with the company’s long-term strategy, this investment advances Cohance’s global expansion in niche technology-led modalities, enhancing its ability to support innovators from early development through late phase clinical supply, noted the company in a statement.

It further added that the build-out of a state-of-the-art, cGMP compliant bioconjugation suite at NJ Bio’s Princeton, New Jersey facility significantly strengthens the company’s capabilities to deliver fully integrated Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) solutions - from early phase payload-linker synthesis through to complete ADC manufacturing for clinical supply.

NJ Bio is currently executing a major new program for an existing innovator customer with multiple ADC candidates in their pipeline. The engagement spans early-phase payload linker development—already underway—and will advance to cGMP bioconjugation upon commissioning of the new suite. This collaboration underscores the customer’s confidence in NJ Bio’s ability to deliver complex chemistry solutions and end-to-end ADC manufacturing support for Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies.

The new suite, designed to handle high-potent drug substances, will have the flexibility to manufacture up to 2 kg of ADCs, sufficient for clinical requirements once the program transitions to cGMP production in the expanded facility. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of Q4FY26, with related bioconjugation work commencing thereafter.

Vivek Sharma, Executive Chairman, Cohance Lifesciences, said, “This investment marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening our footprint in the rapidly growing ADC space. By integrating payload-linker development and bioconjugation capabilities under one roof, NJ Bio will be well-positioned to support accelerated development timelines and help bring life-saving therapies to patients faster. As a global CRDMO, we’re excited to leverage our strong presence in both the US and India to deliver differentiated value to innovators worldwide.”

Beyond this, NJ Bio is in advanced discussions with three to four additional customers whose ADC programs are expected to transition to cGMP manufacturing in alignment with the commissioning of the expanded suite. Recently NJ Bio has expanded its linker-payload capabilities with a dedicated lab, completing one GMP campaign with two more underway.

The global ADC market, valued in the billions, is experiencing robust growth driven by rising cancer incidence and increasing demand for targeted immuno-oncology therapies. NJ Bio’s comprehensive single-site CRDMO model-integrating payload-linker synthesis, bioconjugation chemistry, process optimisation, analytical characterisation, and clinical manufacturing-aligns with the growing preference among global innovators for seamless, end-to-end execution under one roof.