Axplora Expands Commercial Payload Production Capabilities at Le Mans to Strengthen its Leading Position in ADC Manufacturing

Axplora, a global leader in API small molecule and ADC (antibody-drug conjugate) manufacturing, is strengthening its leading position in the commercial manufacturing of ADCs with the launch of a cutting-edge payload manufacturing workshop at its Le Mans site (France). This expansion, which is part of the France 2030 program, builds on Axplora’s proven commercial track record, supplying 40% of the world’s marketed ADCs, and 50% of FDA-approved ADCs.

The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Axplora’s commitment to deliver high-quality clinical and commercial-scale solutions for ADC development and manufacturing. Axplora continues to partner with leading innovative pharmaceutical companies developing the next generation of targeted therapies in oncology, benefitting thousands of patients worldwide.

Expanding Commercial Payload Manufacturing Capabilities

Designed for maximum flexibility and efficiency, the new GMP workshop is currently equipped with three Hastelloy reactors, and can accommodate a fourth, offering a production range of 30 to 200 litres. Additionally, a dedicated Hastelloy filter dryer ensures high-level containment and safety, aligning with the highest industry standards for cytotoxic payload manufacturing.

Producing batches up to 1.5 kg, this facility is engineered to support the rapidly growing demand for next-generation payload families that are driving innovation in oncology therapies such as Auristatins and Tecans. These expanded manufacturing capabilities will ensure Axplora can meet increasing customer needs for larger quantities, while guaranteeing secure and scalable supply.

Comprehensive ADC Solutions Under One Roof

The expansion of Axplora’s Le Mans facility cements its role as a fully integrated partner for ADC development and manufacturing. It features six dedicated ADC workshops, broadly split across two for clinical payload-linker production, two for commercial payloads, and two for bioconjugation. This integrated approach streamlines project management, enabling Axplora to support ADC development at every stage and smoothly scale up production to commercial supply.

Backed by over 20 years of expertise in cGMP ADC development and manufacturing, and with more than 250 cGMP batches produced, the Le Mans site is also home to four purification lines ranging from small to large scale. These lines leverage high-performance chromatography, a gold-standard technology for producing efficient, high-quality cytotoxics. Clients also benefit from Axplora’s best-in-class payload-linker development laboratories, bioconjugation suites and drug product release testing, enabling seamless transition from early clinical phases to commercial production—all with a single team of experts guiding the process to de-risk supply chains.

This integrated approach enables Axplora to expedite its customers’ ADC program’s timelines, reduce complexity, and ensure the delivery of high-quality ADCs. Clients benefit from unmatched expertise, seamless scalability, and the reliability of working with a single, specialized, leading CDMO partner.

Supporting Innovation and Growth in ADC Development

“This expansion is a bold step forward in our mission to support clients at every stage of ADC development and manufacturing,” stated Arul Ramadurai, Chief Commercial Officer. “By combining state-of-the-art payload manufacturing with our proven expertise in purification and bioconjugation, we’re enabling pharmaceutical innovators to accelerate drug development and deliver transformative treatments to patients faster.”

“With this investment, Axplora is strengthening its position as a global leader in the development and manufacturing of antibody-drug conjugates,” said Rachel de Luca, Site Director, Le Mans. “The addition of this new payload manufacturing asset demonstrates our dedication to equipping clients with the cutting-edge tools and capabilities needed to develop the next generation of life-saving therapies.”

About Axplora

Axplora is a trusted manufacturing partner to over 900 of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies, formed from the integration of PharmaZell, Farmabios, and Novasep CDMO—three industry leaders with decades of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Axplora delivers high-quality, reliable, and sustainable solutions across the pharmaceutical value chain.

With deep capabilities in complex chemistry and industrial manufacturing combined with an agile, explorer’s mindset, Axplora supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies in developing and producing life-changing therapies. PharmaZell and Farmabios are renowned for their expertise in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), highly potent compounds, and regulatory excellence, while Novasep CDMO is a leader in small molecule and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) manufacturing while being a pioneer in purification technologies.

Axplora operates 9 API manufacturing sites across Europe and India, providing multi-site capacity to partners worldwide. For more information, visit www.axplora.com.