VALANX Biotech establishes Scientific Advisory Board to advance ADC therapeutics

VALANX Biotech has announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to accelerate the development of its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline and proprietary conjugation technology. The board, chaired by industry veteran John Lambert, will provide strategic guidance as the company moves its lead candidate, VLX-ADC-001, toward clinical application for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. This move signifies a critical transition for VALANX as it seeks to leverage its GoldenSite platform to address long-standing toxicity and efficacy challenges in the oncology sector.

VALANX Biotech (VALANX) has appointed three prominent industry experts to its newly established Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to bridge the gap between research and clinical application. John Lambert, PhD, a former executive at ImmunoGen and recipient of the World ADC Award, will serve as Chair. He is joined by Morris Rosenberg, PhD, who previously held leadership roles at Seattle Genetics and Immunomedics, and Peter de Waele, PhD, an expert in immuno-oncology and regulatory affairs. The board's primary objective is to provide independent scientific oversight for the company’s ADC programs, including the LIV-1 targeting candidate VLX-ADC-001, which is slated for lead candidate selection in June 2026.

A central focus of the SAB will be the advancement of VALANX’s proprietary GoldenSite technology toward GMP manufacturing. This platform is designed for site-specific protein conjugation, a method intended to improve the safety and efficacy of next-generation ADCs by addressing the toxicity issues often associated with non-specific conjugation. Dr. Lambert noted that the GoldenSite technology has the potential to unlock greater therapeutic efficacy by enabling more precise drug delivery. The SAB’s collective expertise in Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) will be vital as the company prepares its assets for the rigorous demands of clinical trials and commercial scalability.

The board members bring a wealth of experience in bringing biological therapies to market. Morris Rosenberg’s background includes overseeing the launch of Trodelvy for triple-negative breast cancer and building supply chains for major ADC portfolios, while Peter de Waele has a track record of translating innovative science into early-stage clinical programs at companies like Celyad and Innogenetics. Michael Lukesch, Founder and CEO of VALANX, emphasized that the formation of the SAB is a milestone that will shape the company’s asset strategy and positioning within the competitive ADC field. By integrating this high-level expertise, VALANX aims to navigate complex development hurdles and establish a robust pipeline of best-in-class therapeutics for unmet needs in oncology.