Antibody-drug conjugates: current status and future directions.
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) aim to take advantage of the specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to deliver potent cytotoxic drugs selectively to antigen-expressing tumor cells. Despite the simple concept, various parameters must be considered when designing optimal ADCs, such as selection of the appropriate antigen target and conjugation method. Each component of the ADC (the antibody, linker and drug) must also be optimized to fully realize the goal of a targeted therapy with improved efficacy and tolerability. Advancements over the past several decades have led to a new generation of ADCs comprising non-immunogenic mAbs, linkers with balanced stability and highly potent cytotoxic agents. Although challenges remain, recent clinical success has generated intense interest in this therapeutic class.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA.
Heidi L
HL
Perez
Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
Pina M
PM
Cardarelli
Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
Shrikant
S
Deshpande
Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
Sanjeev
S
Gangwar
Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA.
Gretchen M
GM
Schroeder
Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA.
Gregory D
GD
Vite
Bristol-Myers Squibb Research & Development, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA. Electronic address: robert.borzilleri@bms.com.
Robert M
RM
Borzilleri
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents