Development of a Novel DNA Mono-alkylator Platform for Antibody–Drug Conjugates

Abstract

Although microtubule inhibitors (MTI) remain a therapeutically valuable payload option for antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), some cancers do not respond to MTI-based ADCs. Efforts to fill this therapeutic gap have led to a recent expansion of the ADC payload "toolbox" to include payloads with novel mechanisms of action such as topoisomerase inhibition and DNA crosslinking. We present here the development of a novel DNA mono-alkylator ADC platform that exhibits sustained tumor growth suppression at single doses in MTI-resistant tumors and is well-tolerated in the rat upon repeat dosing. A phosphoramidate prodrug of the payload enables low ADC aggregation even at drug to antibody ratios of 5:1 while still delivering a bystander-capable payload that is effective in MDR-overexpressing cell lines. The platform was comparable in xenograft studies to the clinical benchmark DNA mono-alkylator ADC platform DGN459 but with a significantly better tolerability profile in rats. Thus, the activity and tolerability profile of this new platform make it a viable option for the development of ADCs.