The field of radiopharmaceuticals is rapidly evolving, expanding beyond traditional small molecules to incorporate complex biological vectors for targeted imaging and therapy. This article discusses the recent strategic collaboration between Minerva Imaging and Debiopharm, focusing on integrating the AbYlink™ regio-selective conjugation technology into preclinical radiopharmaceutical research and development. AbYlink™ enables homogenous, site-specific conjugation of payloads to the Fc domain of antibodies, enhancing design flexibility and preserving antigen-binding function. Preclinical validation, particularly in HER2+ gastric cancer models, demonstrates the technology’s promise for producing stable, effective antibody radio-conjugates. This partnership exemplifies the broader trend towards biologic-based radiopharmaceuticals and highlights the potential for accelerated innovation in targeted therapies.
A transformative modality
Radiopharmaceuticals represent a transformative modality in oncology, offering targeted delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic radioisotopes to malignant tissues while minimizing off-target effects. The pursuit of more precise, effective agents has driven the field from small molecules and peptides toward the use of biological vectors, such as antibodies and antibody fragments, which offer superior targeting and pharmacokinetic properties [1].
The development of these next-generation agents, however, hinges on advances in bioconjugation technologies that allow for controlled and reproducible attachment of payloads without compromising biological function.
Strategic Collaboration
On May 29, 2026, Minerva Imaging (Olstykke, Denmark), a contract research and development organization specializing in targeted radioligand therapies, announced a strategic partnership with Debiopharm (Martigny, Switzerland), a leader in innovative oncology and infectious disease therapeutics. Central to this collaboration is the integration of Debiopharm’s AbYlink™ conjugation technology into Minerva Imaging’s preclinical research platform to support the development of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals and other targeted conjugates.
AbYlink™ Conjugation: Mechanism and Advantages
AbYlink™ is a proprietary, one-step, regio-selective conjugation method that enables the attachment of a variety of payloads—ranging from radioisotopes to fluorescent dyes and cytotoxic drugs—to the Fc domain of antibodies [2]. Unlike traditional conjugation strategies, which often yield heterogeneous products and can compromise antigen binding, AbYlink™ preserves the integrity of the antigen-binding domains. The process is completed in less than an hour, is non-enzymatic, and does not require prior antibody purification or modification.
Key features of AbYlink™ include:
- Defined, reproducible site of conjugation on the Fc domain
- Maintenance of antibody affinity and specificity
- Compatibility with various linker technologies and imaging agents (PET, SPECT, fluorescent tracers)
- Applicability to all IgG formats and GMP-compliant processes
These attributes support the design of homogeneous, well-characterized antibody conjugates suitable for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Application in Radiopharmaceutical Development
Under the license agreement, Minerva Imaging will leverage AbYlink™ to create theranostic agents and novel biologic-based radiopharmaceuticals. The technology expands the toolkit available for Minerva Imaging’s clients, facilitating the evaluation of biological vectors—including antibodies, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), and fragments—for the delivery of radioisotopes or other payloads. This approach supports greater control during construct design and preserves target-binding activity throughout the discovery and translational development pipeline.
The partnership reflects a broader trend in radiopharmaceuticals: the evolution from conventional small molecules and peptides to more complex, biologically derived targeting agents that can offer differentiated tumor targeting, improved pharmacokinetics, and enhanced payload versatility [3]. By adopting AbYlink™, Minerva Imaging positions itself to support clients from early-stage concept validation through to translational and manufacturing readiness.
Preclinical Validation: AbYlink™ in Antibody Radio-Conjugates
Recent studies have validated the utility of AbYlink™ in producing stable, effective antibody radio-conjugates. In a preclinical evaluation, commercially available trastuzumab was regio-selectively conjugated with a DOTA-GA chelating agent using AbYlink™, followed by radiolabeling with Indium-111. The conjugated antibody displayed a homogeneous degree of conjugation (DoC ~2) and demonstrated selective accumulation within HER2-positive NCI-N87 gastric cancer xenografts in mice [4]. The conjugate remained stable both in vitro and in vivo, supporting the feasibility of AbYlink™ for antibody radiolabeling without compromising antigen affinity.
Future Perspectives
The Minerva Imaging–Debiopharm collaboration underscores the importance of advanced bioconjugation technologies in the next wave of radiopharmaceutical innovation. As the field moves towards biologic-based vectors, technologies like AbYlink™ that enable precise, reproducible, and GMP-compatible conjugation will be critical for the translation of novel agents from bench to bedside. The success of preclinical studies and the establishment of integrated radiopharmaceutical platforms signal a promising future for more effective and personalized nuclear medicine approaches.
The integration of AbYlink™ conjugation technology into Minerva Imaging’s research and development platform marks a significant advance in the production of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals. This strategic collaboration paves the way for more precise, effective, and scalable antibody-based imaging and therapeutic agents, with the potential to accelerate innovation and improve clinical outcomes in oncology and beyond.
References
[1] Kassis AI. The amazing world of auger electrons. Int J Radiat Biol. 2004 Nov-Dec;80(11-12):789-803. doi: 10.1080/09553000400017663. PMID: 15764386.
[2] Debiopharm. AbYlink™: A Versatile Conjugation Platform for Antibodies. Company website. Last accessed June 2026.
[3] Eder M, Neels OC, Müller M, Reubi JC. Molecular imaging and therapy with peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals: focus on somatostatin receptors. J Nucl Med. 2014;55(7):1023-1027. doi:10.2967/jnumed.113.129874.
[4] Mothes, C., Provent, P., Ruch, M., Moreau, M., Claron, M., Helbling, A., Postupalenko, V., Marx, L., Garrouste, P., Koumarianou, E. Pharmacological evaluation of bioconjugated trastuzumab using the AbYlink™ regio-selective conjugation technology in gastric cancer expressing HER2+ [abstract]. Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; April 25-30, 2025; Chicago, IL. Cancer Res. 2025;85(8 Suppl 1):Abstract 1825. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2025-1825.
[5] Minerva Imaging. Company website. Last accessed June 2026.
Featured image: The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo courtesy © 2016 – 2026, Fotolia/Adobe. Used with permission.
DOI
