Bilal Sufi

Novel detection of DNA-alkylated adducts of antibody–drug conjugates with potentially unique preclinical and biomarker applications

BACKGROUND MDX-1203 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) currently in clinical trials for the treatment of renal carcinoma. The active ingredient of MDX-1203 is a DNA minor groove-binding cytotoxic drug that forms a covalently linked adduct with an adenine base. Formation of this adenine adduct prevents DNA replication, thus triggering cell death. RESULTS A method has been developed to successfully isolate, identify and quantitate the adenine adduct using LC-MS/MS. The method is highly useful to validate the mode of action of this class of ADCs. Additionally, we have demonstrated that this method could potentially be utilized to assess the efficacy of the ADC in in vitro studies by measuring the amount of adenine adduct in various cells expressing the antigen. CONCLUSION Upon validation, this method could serve as an invaluable tool to evaluate compounds in preclinical in vivo models and in utilizing the DNA adduct as a potential biomarker.

Abstract 2587: In vitro plasma stability of human anti-CD70 antibody drug conjugate, MDX-1203

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC MDX-1203 is a human anti-CD70 antibody conjugated to a pro-drug containing DNA alkylating cytotoxic Drug A. Drug A is composed of the anti-tumor compound Drug B, containing an ester linked protecting group, and a maleimide containing cleavable peptide linker designed to facilitate conjugation to the antibody. Mechanism of action of ADCs involve antibody mediated tumor specific delivery, cellular uptake, and intracellular pro-drug release and activation. Understanding the stability of the peptide linker as well as the pro-drug in various plasma matrices is critical for the development of successful ADC therapeutic. We have generated mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize either the intact Drug A or Drug A without the protecting group. Using these antibodies, an ELISA method was developed to study in vitro plasma stability of pro-drug in MDX-1203. Our results indicate that the plasma stability of ester linked protecting group varies significantly depending on the animal species probably due to variation in the level of plasma esterase activity. In order to determine the peptide linker stability, a radiolabeled MDX-1203 with 14C radiolabel on Drug A was made. A Thin Layer Chromatography method was developed to determine the in vitro plasma stability of the peptide linker in different plasma matrices. Our results indicate that the peptide linker in MDX-1203 is stable at 37o C up to 6 days. Based on these experimental data, we propose a model for stability of the peptide linker as well as the pro-drug in MDX-1203 in various plasma matrices. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2587.

Abstract 2575: Activation of antibody drug conjugate MDX-1203 by human carboxylesterase

MDX-1203 is a human anti-CD70 antibody conjugated to a DNA alkylating cytotoxic Drug A. Drug A is an enzyme-activated prodrug that requires cleavage of its peptide linker and removal of an ester-linked protecting group for cytotoxic activity. Upon internalization of MDX-1203 in targeted cancer cells, peptide linker in drug A is cleaved by lysosomal enzymes to produce Drug B; which is further processed by intracellular enzymes to produce active drug. The purpose of this study was to determine if Drug B and n-acetyl-cysteine-conjugated Drug A (NAC-Drug A) are substrates of recombinant human carboxylesterase, and to determine kinetic parameters for the enzyme iso-forms rhCE1 and rhCE2. Furthermore, a comparison of rhCE1 and rhCE2 kinetics was made with CPT-11, a commercially available prodrug used to treat colon cancer that is preferentially activated by human CE2. Human carboxylesterase 1 and 2 with a C-terminal histidine tag were cloned and expressed in CHO cells. The enzymes were purified using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC), and their identities were confirmed by N-terminal protein sequencing and Western blot using an anti-his antibody. Enzyme reactions were carried out at 37°C by incubation with Drug A, NAC-Drug B, or CPT-11. The amount of enzymatically released drug product was determined by RP-HPLC. Drug B was determined to be a substrate for both rhCE1 and rhCE2; however, its K m was much lower with rhCE2 (1.5 uM) as compared to rhCE1 (53 uM), and the overall enzyme efficiency (V max /K m ) was approximately 50 fold higher for rhCE2 as compared to rhCE1. Similarly, Drug B and NAC-Drug A were both found to be better substrates for rhCE2 as compared to rhCE1. Furthermore, recombinant human CE2 cleaves ester group in NAC-Drug A, 20 fold more efficiently as compared to CPT-11. These results indicate that expression of carboxylesterase 2 in targeted cancer cells is probably important for intracellular activation of MDX-1203. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2575.