MORRISTOWN, N.J., May 21, 2026
Whitehawk Therapeutics has announced a major expansion of its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) oncology pipeline through a new option agreement with Hangzhou DAC for access to the advanced CPT113 linker-payload technology, strengthening the company’s position in the rapidly growing next-generation cancer therapeutics market. The agreement provides Whitehawk with the option to develop up to five additional internally developed ADC programs, including dual-payload variations, while retaining global rights and full development control. The strategic expansion highlights the accelerating momentum in precision oncology and targeted cancer therapeutics as biotechnology companies continue advancing innovative approaches designed to improve efficacy, safety, and tumor selectivity in difficult-to-treat cancers.
Whitehawk Strengthens Next-Generation ADC Platform
Whitehawk stated that its proprietary ADC platform combines the CPT113 linker-payload technology with its own Carbon Bridge Cysteine Re-pairing (CBCR) bioconjugation process, a technology designed to improve ADC stability, optimize drug-to-antibody ratio, and potentially enhance therapeutic index compared with earlier-generation ADC therapies. According to the company, the agreement significantly expands its ability to rapidly scale multiple oncology programs targeting a broad range of solid tumors while advancing toward additional Investigational New Drug (IND) submissions over the next 12 to 24 months.
Dave Lennon, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Whitehawk Therapeutics, stated that the agreement reinforces the company’s confidence in CPT113 as the foundational technology supporting its expanding ADC portfolio. He noted that Whitehawk believes the integration of its proprietary CBCR technology could enable the development of potential best-in-class ADC therapies with improved stability and therapeutic performance. The company also emphasized that its current pipeline continues to gain momentum, with multiple Phase 1 clinical programs actively enrolling patients and additional oncology candidates progressing toward regulatory submission.
ASCO and AACR Data Support ADC Technology Growth
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The announcement comes alongside growing external validation for the CPT113 linker-payload platform through clinical and preclinical data presented at major oncology conferences including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meetings. Whitehawk highlighted encouraging data from Hangzhou DAC’s DXC006, a CD56-directed ADC utilizing CPT113 currently being evaluated in first-in-human Phase 1 clinical studies involving patients with small-cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and neuroendocrine neoplasms. According to the company, the ASCO abstract demonstrated favorable safety findings and meaningful clinical activity while avoiding several key safety concerns commonly associated with Topoisomerase I inhibitor ADCs.
In addition, Whitehawk referenced preclinical data presented by Johnson & Johnson for JNJ-95437446, an amivantamab-based EGFR/MET ADC utilizing CPT113 technology that is currently advancing through Phase 1 clinical development. These developments further reinforce industry confidence in the CPT113 platform as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly invest in ADC technologies capable of delivering highly targeted anti-cancer therapies with improved tolerability profiles.
Clinical Pipeline Continues to Advance
Whitehawk also provided updates on its expanding clinical pipeline, including ongoing Phase 1 dose-escalation studies for HWK-007 and HWK-016, two next-generation ADC candidates targeting advanced solid tumors. HWK-007, a PTK7-directed ADC, is currently enrolling patients with non-squamous EGFR wild-type non-small cell lung cancer, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer, while HWK-016 targets advanced ovarian and endometrial malignancies. The company confirmed that additional clinical data are expected during the first half of 2027, while an IND filing for HWK-206 is anticipated later this year.
The latest announcement further positions Whitehawk Therapeutics within one of the fastest-growing sectors in oncology biotechnology as global investment in ADC-based precision medicine continues accelerating. Industry analysts increasingly view advanced linker-payload engineering and bioconjugation technologies as critical drivers shaping the future of targeted cancer therapy development and commercialization.
Source: Whitehawk Therapeutics press release
