Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): Targeted Cancer Therapy
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a cutting-edge approach in cancer treatment, combining the precision of targeted therapy with the potency of cytotoxic drugs. ADCs are designed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. These advanced biopharmaceuticals are composed of an antibody linked to a potent anti-cancer drug, making them a critical component in the fight against cancer.
Key Components of ADCs
1. Antibody: The antibody in an ADC is tailored to bind to specific antigens found on cancer cells. This precise targeting directs the attached drug exactly where it’s needed, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness.
2. Cytotoxic Payload: The payload is a potent anti-cancer drug attached to the antibody. Its role is to kill cancer cells upon delivery to the target site, ensuring maximum therapeutic impact.
3. ADC Linker: The linker connects the antibody and the cytotoxic agent. Its stability is crucial; a robust linker keeps the payload attached during circulation and ensures effective delivery to cancer cells. Linkers can be cleavable (e.g., disulfides, hydrazones) or non-cleavable (e.g., thioethers), affecting the drug’s distribution and effectiveness.
Antibody Drug Conjugation Structure
Real-World Example: Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine (Kadcyla®)
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is an FDA-approved ADC used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. It combines the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab, which specifically targets HER2 receptors on cancer cells, with the cytotoxic drug DM1 (emtansine), linked via a PEG linker.
The PEG linker in Ado-trastuzumab emtansine plays several critical roles:
- Stability: It prevents the premature release or degradation of DM1, shielding it from proteolytic enzymes and clearance mechanisms.
- Spacer Effect: It positions the drug optimally relative to the antibody, enhancing binding to HER2 receptors and improving therapeutic efficacy.
- Solubility: The hydrophilic PEG enhances the solubility of the ADC in aqueous solutions, facilitating its administration and distribution.
- Reduced Immunogenicity: PEGylation helps minimize the risk of immune responses against the ADC, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions.
AxisPharm’s Comprehensive Linker Solutions
At AxisPharm, we specialize in providing a wide range of high-quality cleavable linkers, non-cleavable linkers, and payloads for ADC development. Our offerings include:
- Click Chemistry Tools: DBCO, Tetrazine, TCO, BCN, and Cyclopropene for precise and efficient bioconjugation.
- PEG Linkers: Enhance solubility and stability.
- Biotin Linkers: Ideal for affinity-based applications.
- Peptide Linkers: Customized for specific bioconjugation needs.
- Glucuronide Linkers: Offering unique functional properties.
- Photo-Cleavable Linkers: For controlled release of the payload.
- Fluorescent Dye Probe Linkers: Useful for imaging and tracking.
- Folic Acid PEG Linkers: Targeting folate receptors for enhanced cellular uptake.
As a client-focused contract research organization (CRO) based in San Diego, AxisPharm delivers flexible and cost-effective ADC linker solutions and bioconjugation services. Our team, equipped with advanced technology and extensive experience, provides customized solutions to meet your specific research and development needs.
For more information on our ADC linker solutions and custom synthesis services, please contact us or explore our offerings.
ADC Manufacturing at AxisPharm
AxisPharm is a leading global provider of ADC manufacturing and bioconjugation services. We offer over 5,000 functional ADC linkers for express delivery and tailor our PEG linkers, bioconjugates, and fluorescent probes to meet your specific needs. Adhering to high-quality standards and regulatory guidelines, we ensure that our products are suitable for pharmaceutical applications.
Our state-of-the-art analytical instruments and rigorous quality control protocols guarantee the highest standards throughout the project. We prioritize client confidentiality and intellectual property protection, handling each project with the utmost discretion.
For comprehensive ADC linker solutions and custom synthesis services, contact AxisPharm today.
Amine Reactive
Biotinylation
Branched PEG
Carbonyl Reactive
Carboxyl and Active ester Reactive
Click Reagents
Copper Free Click Chemistry
Fluorescent PEG Labeling
Lipid PEG in Drug Delivery
Metal Surface Binding
Thiol Reactive
ADC Conjugation Related Resources
What are ADC Antibody-drug Conjugates
What are ADC Linkers
Antibody-drug conjugates(ADCs) list Approved by FDA(2000-2023)
ADC Linkers And Research Progress In Detail
Su Z, Xiao D, Xie F, Liu L, Wang Y, Fan S, Zhou X, Li S. Antibody-drug conjugates: Recent advances in linker chemistry. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2021 Dec;11(12):3889-3907.
Sheyi R, de la Torre BG, Albericio F. Linkers: An Assurance for Controlled Delivery of Antibody-Drug Conjugate. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Feb 11;14(2):396.
Fu, Z., Li, S., Han, S. et al. Antibody drug conjugate: the “biological missile” for targeted cancer therapy. Sig Transduct Target Ther 7, 93 (2022).
PEG Applications
