Araris Biotech acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical to accelerate ADC drug discovery

17.03.2025 10:45, Rita Longobardi

Araris Biotech, a Swiss biotechnology company known for developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), is projected to be acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical. The acquisition, expected to close in the first half of 2025, follows a research collaboration between the two companies that began in November 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, Taiho will pay USD 400 million at closing, with the potential for additional milestone payments of up to USD 740 million, as the company reaches unicorn status.

Araris Biotech, a spin-off from the Paul-Scherrer-Institute in Switzerland, has developed a proprietary platform, AraLinQ™, which improves the design, stability, and manufacturing of ADCs. These advancements aim to address the limitations of current ADCs, offering treatments with better safety profiles and enhanced effectiveness. Preclinical studies have shown that Araris' ADC candidates deliver improved antitumor effects and are more stable than conventional ADCs.

As part of the acquisition, Araris will remain based in Zurich, Switzerland, continuing its research and development activities. The company's pipeline includes three ADC candidates targeting hematological and solid tumors, with clinical trials expected to begin between 2025 and 2026.

Taiho Pharmaceutical's acquisition of Araris will integrate the company's ADC platform into its oncology portfolio, which includes its small molecule drug discovery platform, Cysteinomix. This acquisition expands Taiho's capabilities in oncology and reinforces its standing in cancer treatment development.

The Biotech innovator has been ranked among the TOP 100 Swiss Startups, won Venture Kick, and participated in Venture Leaders Life Sciences.


Araris Biotech's Co-Founders: CEO Dr. Dragan Grabulovski, CTO Isabella Attinger-Toller, and CSO Philipp Spycher