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AmMax Bio Licenses Antibody-Drug Conjugate Technology for Hematological Cancers from Lonza

  • New agreement provides AmMax with access to Lonza’s GlycoConnect®, HydraSpace®, and SYNtecan™ linker-payload technologies
  • Agreement to target the development of novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for oncology indications

Redwood City (CA), US and Basel, Switzerland, 9 June 2026 – AmMax Bio, Inc. (“AmMax”), a private clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing an innovative portfolio of antibody-drug conjugates in oncology, and Lonza, the world’s leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement. AmMax has engineered AMB-104 that combines Lonza’s technologies with its clinically-validated monoclonal antibody to deliver a tumor-targeted cytotoxic payload for treating hematological cancers.

AMB-104 provides a unique solution to address venetoclax/azacitidine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It acts to directly kill the monocytic AML cells via the delivery of a cytotoxic payload. AmMax plans to submit an IND in early 2027.

Under the terms of the agreement, AmMax will gain access to the exatecan-based SYNtecan™ linker-payload platform, a clinically-validated platform designed to enhance ADC tolerability and efficacy. Lonza will provide manufacturing of components that are related to the licensed technologies, while AmMax will be responsible for the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the ADC. Lonza,  through one of its affiliated companies, will be eligible to receive upfront, potential milestone payments and royalty payments on net sales of resulting products.

Jan Vertommen, Vice President, Commercial Development, Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, commented: “The continued evolution of the ADC landscape underscores the demand for robust, differentiated technologies that unlock the differentiated therapeutic potential of novel ADCs. Our collaboration with AmMax reflects this market development, and we are pleased to support their program across the development phases.”

Larry Hsu, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AmMax, added: “This licensing agreement marks a significant milestone in our efforts to address critical unmet needs in oncology. We are excited to leverage Lonza’s validated conjugation and linker-payload technologies with our monoclonal antibody to optimize the therapeutic potential of AMB-104. We look forward to advancing AMB-104 through clinical trials and benefit patients with significant unmet medical needs.”

Additional Information

To learn more about Lonza’s ADC technology platform, visit Lonza | ADC Technology.

About AmMax Bio

AmMax, founded by Larry Hsu, Ph.D., in 2020, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative antibody-drug conjugates for cancer patients. AmMax has built a robust oncology pipeline addressing significant unmet needs and large commercial opportunities. The Company’s pipeline includes AMB-104, a novel pre-IND antibody-drug conjugate for AML and additional bispecific ADCs for solid tumors. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.AmMaxBio.com

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.