Peptide-Drug Conjugate Market Report (April 21, 2026): 6 PDCs in Phase III, ~96 in Development, Clinical Trial Registrations Up 34% YoY
ResearchAndMarkets published an April 21 PDC market landscape report counting six peptide-drug conjugates currently in Phase III trials and approximately 96 in development across the global pipeline. Lutathera remains the only FDA-approved PDC after Pepaxto's withdrawal, though Pepaxto retains EMA and MHRA approval. The report flags 34% year-over-year growth in clinical-trial registrations for peptide-based oncology compounds, with the majority targeting solid tumors previously considered peptide-resistant. Phase 2 ADC peptide-linker data released in early 2026 shows tumor-specific payload delivery rates above 85% — nearly double the 2023 benchmark — driven by the proteolytic-stability work that lets linker peptides survive serum peptidase degradation long enough to reach solid tumors.