Akari Therapeutics Announces Strategic Partnership with WuXi XDC

CEO discusses how the collaboration will accelerate development timeline for lead ADC program AKTX-101

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:42am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image featuring a polished glass vial filled with a vibrant blue liquid, symbolizing the advanced science and innovation behind Akari's ADC platform. The vial is elegantly arranged on a clean, monochromatic background, using dramatic lighting to convey a sense of precision and sophistication.Akari's strategic partnership with WuXi XDC accelerates the development of its innovative ADC pipeline, positioning the company for growth in the rapidly evolving oncology therapeutics market.Today in Tampa

Akari Therapeutics, an oncology biotech developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), announced a strategic partnership with WuXi XDC, a global leader in ADC development and manufacturing. In a virtual investor interview, Akari CEO Abizer Gaslightwala discussed how the collaboration will support the efficient advancement of Akari's ADC pipeline, including accelerating the timeline for its lead program AKTX-101 to enter first-in-human clinical trials by late 2026/early 2027.

Why it matters

The partnership with WuXi XDC represents a key milestone for Akari, validating its novel PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload platform and enhancing the company's development capabilities to navigate the rapidly evolving ADC landscape. The accelerated timeline for AKTX-101 could position Akari as a competitive player in the growing ADC market.

The details

Under the strategic partnership, WuXi XDC will support Akari across development, manufacturing, and regulatory activities for its ADC programs. This extends beyond a traditional CDMO engagement, allowing Akari to leverage WuXi's expertise to strengthen execution and reduce risk across its pipeline. For the lead AKTX-101 program, the collaboration is expected to shorten the IND filing timeline to late 2026.

  • Akari plans to file an IND for AKTX-101 in late 2026/early 2027.
  • Akari and WuXi XDC recently announced their strategic partnership.

The players

Akari Therapeutics

An oncology biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with a unique payload, PH1, which targets RNA splicing.

WuXi XDC

A global leader in ADC development and manufacturing that is collaborating with Akari to support the efficient advancement of its ADC pipeline.

Abizer Gaslightwala

Director, President and CEO of Akari Therapeutics, who participated in a virtual investor interview to discuss the strategic partnership with WuXi XDC.

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What they’re saying

“The strategic partnership with WuXi XDC represents an important milestone for Akari and further validates our novel PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload platform.”

— Abizer Gaslightwala, Director, President and CEO of Akari Therapeutics

“The collaboration enhances our development capabilities, reduces execution risk, and establishes a clearer path toward first-in-human clinical studies for our lead program AKTX-101.”

— Abizer Gaslightwala, Director, President and CEO of Akari Therapeutics

What’s next

Akari plans to file an IND for its lead ADC program AKTX-101 in late 2026, with the goal of initiating first-in-human clinical trials shortly thereafter.

The takeaway

Akari's strategic partnership with WuXi XDC validates its novel ADC platform and positions the company to efficiently advance its pipeline, including accelerating the development timeline for its lead program AKTX-101. This collaboration enhances Akari's capabilities and competitiveness within the rapidly evolving ADC market.