Abzena & Mabqi Unite to Streamline Antibody Development, Focus on Next-Gen Therapies

San Diego, CA & Montpellier, France – November 8, 2025 – In a move signaling a growing trend towards integrated drug development and specialized antibody therapies, Abzena, a leading bioconjugate and complex biologics CDMO, and Mabqi, a biotechnology company specializing in antibody discovery, have announced a strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to provide biopharmaceutical companies with a seamless, end-to-end solution spanning from antibody discovery through GMP manufacturing.

While CDMOs are common in the biopharmaceutical space, the integration of early discovery with later-stage manufacturing is becoming increasingly valuable, experts say. This partnership represents a strategic effort to address a critical bottleneck in drug development – the often-fragmented transition from initial research to scalable production.

“The biggest challenge for many biotech companies isn’t necessarily the science, but navigating the complex pathway to commercialization,” says an industry analyst familiar with the CDMO landscape. “Integrating discovery and manufacturing streamlines that process, reducing timelines and minimizing risk.”

Bridging the Gap: From Discovery to Commercialization

The collaboration will leverage Mabqi’s LiteMab Antibody Discovery Studio, a platform designed for rapid discovery of fully human antibodies – including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and increasingly, specialized formats like pH-sensitive antibodies. This will be coupled with Abzena’s extensive capabilities in developability, cell line development, process development, and GMP manufacturing.

“By combining our strengths, we can offer a truly integrated solution that accelerates our customers' programs,” explained a spokesperson for Abzena. “The goal is to de-risk early stages and get promising candidates into the clinic faster.”

Beyond Monoclonals: The Rise of Specialized Antibodies

While traditional mAbs remain a cornerstone of many therapies, there’s a growing interest in more targeted and effective antibody formats. The partnership highlights a particularly exciting area: pH-sensitive antibodies.

“The tumor microenvironment is often acidic,” explains a researcher specializing in cancer immunotherapy. “Antibodies designed to target this acidity can selectively bind to cancer cells, delivering a more precise and potent therapeutic effect.”

These specialized antibodies are particularly promising for applications in oncology and other areas where targeted drug delivery is critical. The collaboration aims to provide customers with access to the technologies and expertise needed to develop these next-generation therapies. Mabqi's LiteMab platform, sources say, allows for the efficient creation of antibodies with desired characteristics, like pH sensitivity, enabling tailored drug development.

Private Equity's Role in Shaping Biomanufacturing

The partnership also underscores the growing influence of private equity in the biomanufacturing sector. Abzena is owned by Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, a leading healthcare-focused private equity firm. This investment has enabled Abzena to expand its capabilities and pursue strategic partnerships like the one with Mabqi.

“Private equity is playing a crucial role in driving innovation and consolidation in the CDMO sector,” says a financial analyst covering the biopharmaceutical industry. “Firms like Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe are providing the capital and strategic guidance needed to help CDMOs expand their capabilities and meet the evolving needs of the industry.”

The trend towards consolidation is driven by several factors, including the increasing complexity of biopharmaceutical manufacturing and the need for greater scale and efficiency. CDMOs are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate themselves and offer value-added services to their customers. Strategic partnerships, like the one between Abzena and Mabqi, are a key part of this strategy.

Looking Ahead: The Potential Impact

The Abzena-Mabqi partnership is a sign of things to come in the biopharmaceutical industry. The demand for integrated solutions, specialized antibodies, and efficient manufacturing processes is only going to increase in the years ahead.

“This is about more than just two companies coming together,” says a source familiar with the deal. “It’s about creating a more efficient and innovative ecosystem for drug development.”

By bridging the gap between discovery and manufacturing, and by focusing on next-generation therapies, Abzena and Mabqi are positioning themselves to play a key role in shaping the future of biopharmaceutical innovation. The success of this partnership will likely be watched closely by other players in the CDMO space, as they seek to replicate this integrated approach and capitalize on the growing demand for specialized antibody therapies.