AstraZeneca, a leading pharmaceutical company, has partnered with US-based Summit Therapeutics to speed up the development of new cancer treatments. As part of this agreement, AstraZeneca will invest $2 billion to advance a type of cancer therapy called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in combination with other treatments. One of the key therapies involved is a first-of-its-kind drug called ivonescimab, which targets two proteins: PD-1 and VEGF. This drug is designed to work alongside ADCs to better fight cancer cells. Another combination being tested is Sone-Ve (sonesitatug vedotin) with ivonescimab. Sone-Ve has already shown promising results in a late-stage clinical trial for stomach cancer, improving overall survival for patients. These results will be shared at a major cancer conference in 2026. “Our goal is to expand the use of ADCs in treating different types of cancer by combining them with advanced immunotherapies,” said Susan Galbraith, AstraZeneca’s Executive Vice President of Oncology and Hematology Research and Development. “Drugs like ivonescimab, which target PD-1 and VEGF, are showing great promise, especially for lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers. Combining them with ADCs could lead to even more effective treatments for patients.” Dr. Maky Zanganeh, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Summit Therapeutics, added: “This partnership marks an exciting new phase for ivonescimab. With strong evidence supporting its unique approach, we plan to explore even more ways to combine it with other cancer drugs, including ADCs, to create stronger treatments.” The collaboration highlights the growing interest in ADCs, a fast-growing area in cancer treatment. Just recently, a company called Lonza expanded its manufacturing facility in Switzerland to meet the increasing demand for these therapies. AstraZeneca and Summit’s work is expected to bring new hope to cancer patients by developing more advanced and effective treatment options.