The Rise Of Targeted Modalities In Pharmaceutical Development

By Anshul Gupte, Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development, PCI Pharma Services

Targeted modalities are a major leap forward in drug development. Unlike traditional drugs that often affect a wide range of biological processes, targeted modalities are designed to be precise. These therapies work by binding specifically to receptors or other biological targets. This targeted approach makes them more effective while reducing unwanted side effects.

Two leading types of targeted modalities are antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and targeted protein degraders (TPDs). Both are expected to see significant growth. The ADC market is projected to grow from $7.6 billion in 2022 to $19.8 billion by 2028. The TPD market, valued at $541.98 million in 2024, is expected to reach $3.55 billion by 2034.

Although targeted modalities are most often used in oncology, their use is expanding to other diseases where specific biological pathways can be targeted for treatment.