AJICAP™ Site-Specific Conjugation & Linker Technology
AJICAP™ site-specific conjugation and linker technology enables the development of precise, homogeneous bioconjugates with controlled and reproducible conjugation. The platform supports flexible conjugate design, including precise DAR control, across ADCs and other bioconjugate modalities.
How AJICAP™ Works
AJICAP™ is an affinity peptide mediated site-specific conjugation and linker technology that enables controlled modification of native antibodies without antibody engineering or enzymatic steps.
How AJICAP™ Enables Precise, Site-Specific Conjugation
AJICAP™ uses an affinity peptide to guide conjugation to a defined site on a native antibody, enabling precise and reproducible modification without antibody engineering or enzymatic steps. The affinity peptide binds to the Fc region of the antibody and positions the conjugation reaction at a specific nearby amino acid, enabling controlled modification rather than nonspecific conjugation across multiple sites. Site-specific modification enables highly homogeneous conjugates with precise control over the degree of modification.
For ADCs, Linker Technology Adds Another Layer of Control
In ADC development, the AJICAP™ site-specific conjugation can be paired with AJICAP™ stable and hydrophilic linker technology designed specifically for linker-payload applications. Hydrophilic linker architectures can help reduce hydrophobicity and improve plasma stability, supporting properties such as reduced aggregation and improved pharmacokinetic behavior.
One Conjugation Technology, Multiple Bioconjugate Designs
Originally developed for antibody-drug conjugates, AJICAP™ provides a flexible approach to attaching different molecules to antibodies. In addition to ADCs, the technology can support protein, oligonucleotide, and other bioconjugate applications.
A Wider Therapeutic Window
ADCs generated by AJICAP™ site-specific conjugation and stable & hydrophilic linker have higher efficacy and lower toxicity – up to 16x Therapeutic Window Expansion.
How AJICAP™ Compares to Other Site-Specific Conjugation Technologies
AJICAP™ combines the precision and homogeneity of site-specific conjugation with a purely chemical approach that works with native antibodies. Unlike approaches that rely on antibody engineering, introduced tags, or enzymatic steps to create defined conjugation sites, AJICAP™ enables precise DAR control without modifying the underlying antibody.
The comparison below highlights how AJICAP™ achieves site-specific conjugation while reducing the additional modifications and processing requirements associated with other approaches.
Validated Through Research and Real-World Application
AJICAP™ is a proprietary technology supported by continued research, peer-reviewed publications, and application across a growing range of bioconjugate programs. Built on Ajinomoto’s expertise in amino acids, peptides, and protein science, the platform continues to evolve through advances in site-specific conjugation and linker technologies.
Request AJICAP™ for your ADC or bioconjugate program
Site-specific. No engineering. Native IgG compatible. Validated by 12+ publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AJICAP™ and how does it work?
AJICAP™ is Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services’ proprietary site-specific conjugation and linker technology for ADCs and other antibody conjugates. The platform uses affinity peptide-mediated chemistry to selectively modify defined sites on the Fc region without antibody engineering or enzymatic steps. This enables controlled and reproducible conjugation with precise DAR control, highly homogeneous conjugates, and flexibility in conjugate design.
Does AJICAP™ require antibody engineering?
No, AJICAP™ does not require antibody engineering or sequence modification. The technology can be applied directly to antibodies and enables site-selective conjugation through affinity peptide-mediated chemistry while maintaining a straightforward development process.
What DAR values does AJICAP™ produce, and how homogeneous is the distribution?
AJICAP™ enables precise DAR control with high homogeneity. While DAR2 is commonly used, the platform can also support DAR1, DAR4, dual-payload conjugates, and higher DAR configurations depending on the conjugation design. In particular, homogeneous DAR1 is a differentiated capability of AJICAP™, as only a limited number of conjugation technologies can reliably achieve this format.
What antibody types and payload classes is AJICAP™ compatible with?
AJICAP™ can be applied to IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 antibodies, including bispecific antibodies that contain an Fc region. The platform supports a broad range of linker-payload designs, including auristatins, maytansinoids, topoisomerase I inhibitors such as DXd and exatecan derivatives, and PBDs. Customer-specific payloads can also be evaluated, providing flexibility across diverse bioconjugate development programs.
What modalities beyond ADC can AJICAP™ support?
Beyond ADCs, AJICAP™ conjugation technology can be applied to other bioconjugates, including protein, peptide, and antibody oligonucleotide conjugates. The platform’s site-specific conjugation chemistry supports flexible payload attachment and can be adapted to a range of bioconjugate designs depending on program objectives and molecular architecture.
What access models are available for AJICAP™?
AJICAP™ is typically accessed through a technology licensing model, enabling flexible use of AJICAP™ conjugation and linker technologies across customer programs. Prior to licensing, feasibility evaluation, proof-of-concept studies, and sample preparation may be supported depending on program needs. AJICAP™ also provides process development, analytical support, and technology transfer expertise to facilitate implementation at AJICAP™ partner CDMOs or customer-selected manufacturing partners.