Indena and TCG GreenChem are pleased to announce a new strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of innovative and market-ready payload-linkers, the key component of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). This partnership combines Indena’s expertise in developing and producing high-potent payloads with TCG GreenChem’s advanced approaches in green chemistry, catalysis and biocatalysis, and "right first time" methodologies.
Indena is an Italian global leader in the development and production of high-quality active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and highly potent APIs (HPAPIs) obtained by plant extraction, synthesis, and precision fermentation. Indena’s unique knowledge to handle high-containment development and production makes Indena a significant player in the field of payloads for ADCs.
Based in Princeton, NJ, TCG GreenChem is a technology and science-driven innovative CRDMO (Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization) focused on the rapid development of pharmaceutical processes utilising catalysis, flow chemistry, biocatalysis, and data-driven design.
By combining complementary capabilities – including high containment knowledge and rapid process R&D – the two companies aim to provide ADC developers with faster, more efficient, and reliable routes to clinical and commercial supply. The first milestone of this cooperation focuses on a novel payload–linker designed to showcase how this integrated approach can reduce development timelines and improve delivery to patients.
Daniele Giavini, Managing Director at Indena, comments: “Partnering with TCG GreenChem means working with an authoritative partner to address the needs of ADCs developers. Our expertise in high containment processes, designed to produce innovative HPAPIs, complements their deep capability in complex chemistry and process intensification, managed with a green approach. Through this approach, we will be able to offer next-generation solutions to the industry, always keeping sustainability in mind. I am confident we will make a significant impact for helping the development of precision treatments ".
Chris Senanayake, CEO of TCG GreenChem, states: "We are proud to join forces with Indena, a recognised pioneer and leader in highly potent and oncological APIs chemistry. Together, we will drive a new era of greener, faster, and more flexible pharmaceutical development, aligned with the industry’s evolving expectations".
This partnership addresses the sharp surge in pipeline activity across the pharmaceutical industry due to the continuous increases of both commercial and clinical Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). As of mid-2025, over 180 companies are actively developing more than 1,170 ADC candidates1. This rapid growth places significant demands on development and manufacturing infrastructure, requiring greater capacity and faster timelines while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Indena and TCG GreenChem will also embody a virtuous model of sustainable innovation.
Indeed, TCG GreenChem works on complex chemistry, reducing environmental impact via solvent minimisation, waste reduction, and energy-efficient reactions. Indena's comprehensive sustainability program, in alignment with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addresses sustainable sourcing, advanced energy utilisation through renewable sources, product design focused on waste reduction, minimisation of resource consumption, and an overarching commitment to circular economy.
This collaboration is also set to translate into a tangible impact on patients' lives, accelerating the availability of life-saving medicines and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
1 Antibody-drug Conjugates Innovations Research Report 2025: accessed 07/14/2025