Cohance Lifesciences plans to invest a combined $18 million in NJ Bio and Aruka Bio as it expands its focus on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a growing class of targeted cancer treatments. As part of the investment, Cohance will invest $13 million to increase its stake in NJ Bio and another $5 million in Aruka Bio. The move strengthens two distinct areas of the company’s ADC strategy.
NJ Bio to Focus on ADC Services and Manufacturing
NJ Bio will focus on contract research, development and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers. The company brings expertise in areas such as payload-linkers and bioconjugation, which enable potent drug molecules to be attached to antibodies and delivered more precisely to targeted cells. Cohance plans to integrate NJ Bio’s capabilities more closely with its own manufacturing operations. As a result, customers could access a broader range of services, from early-stage drug development through commercial-scale manufacturing.
Aruka Bio to Develop Proprietary ADC Drugs
Aruka Bio will focus on developing its own experimental ADC drugs and will become a direct subsidiary of Cohance Lifesciences. The transaction will give Cohance control of Aruka’s proprietary ADC platform, creating opportunities for future co-development, licensing and strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Cohance Strengthens End-to-End ADC Strategy
By separating the roles of NJ Bio and Aruka Bio, Cohance aims to build a more focused ADC business. While NJ Bio will strengthen the company’s customer-facing research and manufacturing capabilities, Aruka will drive the development of proprietary ADC assets. “This reorganisation gives each business a clear focus,” said Umang Vohra, Executive Chairman and Group CEO of Cohance Lifesciences. As reported by cnbctv18.com, Vohra added that the restructuring will strengthen NJ Bio’s customer offering while creating an opportunity for Aruka to enter its next phase of growth.
