#Japan #Kagoshima #Kagoshima University #Agilent Technology #ADC Analysis

Agilent and Kagoshima University Collaboration

In a notable development from August 3, 2026, Agilent Technology Inc., led by CEO Mataro Otokawa, has entered into a research collaboration agreement with Professor Yuji Ito from the Graduate School of Science and Technology at Kagoshima University. This partnership aims to enhance the analysis techniques for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a promising class of next-generation biopharmaceuticals with potential applications in cancer treatment.

Background on ADCs

ADCs combine the targeting specificity of antibodies with the therapeutic effects of drugs, representing a swiftly evolving frontier in cancer therapies. However, ADCs face significant challenges due to their complex structures. Issues such as uniformity at binding sites, molecular distribution assessment, stability analyses in both solution and biological environments, as well as handling the unique aggregation and instability characteristics of ADCs, require advanced analytical methodologies. High-resolution and highly sensitive mass spectrometry is essential to address these challenges effectively.

Details of the Collaborative Research

The collaboration will leverage the extensive knowledge from Professor Ito’s laboratory in antibody drug research alongside Agilent's advanced mass spectrometry technologies. Their objective is to establish standardized analysis methodologies for assessing ADC quality. The outcomes of this research will aim for dissemination through academic conferences and publications in scientific journals, thereby contributing to the broader scientific community.

From August 5, 2026, to March 31, 2027, Agilent will provide the Ito laboratory with a comprehensive analytical system comprising the ‘Agilent Infinity III Bio LC System,’ ‘Agilent 6545XT AdvanceBio LC/Q-TOF Mass Spectrometry System,’ and ‘Agilent ExD Cell.’ Additionally, Agilent plans to promote these developments through application notes and presentations at industry events, fostering collaboration within the industrial sector.

Overview of Agilent Technology

Agilent Technology (NYSE: A) is acknowledged as a global leader in technology for analytical laboratories and clinical testing. The company provides insights and innovations that help customers bring scientific wisdom to life, effectively tackling complex challenges with their extensive range of instruments, software, services, and expertise. In fiscal year 2025, Agilent reported revenues of $6.95 billion, employing a global workforce of 18,000. More information can be found on their official websites: www.agilent.com and www.chem-agilent.com.

Overview of the Ito Laboratory

The Ito laboratory focuses on generating antibody drug candidates using phage display technology while developing conjugate techniques that enhance antibody functionalities. These proprietary technologies are pivotal for developing next-generation biopharmaceuticals like ADCs and antibody oligonucleotide complexes (AOCs). Currently, their research, supported by AMED’s SMART Biomedicine initiative, is directed toward developing new treatments for neurological diseases. Anticipated outcomes from this collaboration are expected to significantly advance essential structural analysis, quantitative measurements, and quality assessment techniques in drug development.

For inquiries regarding this press release, contact:

• - Customer Contact Center: 0120-477-111 | email: [email protected]
• - Kagoshima University Public Relations: 099-285-7035 | email: [email protected]