ADC Development Services Targeting CanAg

Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) represents one of the most promising and effective targeted immunotherapy in cancer treatment. ADCs possess unique advantages including the specificity of antibody and the potent antitumor activity of cytotoxin. Until now, several ADCs have obtained the approval for the treatment of cancer. Besides, a large number of new ADCs candidates are under development and evaluation currently.

Creative Biolabs offers comprehensive ADCs development services targeting the CanAg biomarker which is highly expressed on tumor cells. Our talented scientists who have years of experience in antibody discovery and bioconjugation will offer unmatched expertise to assist you in ADCs drug development. Our optimal conjugation strategy will save the time and cost of your programs.

Introduction of CanAg

CanAg is a type I transmembrane and is a novel glycoform of MUC1. MUC1 belongs to the mucin family and is encoded by the MUC1 gene in humans. It has an extracellular domain with extensive O-linked glycosylation, which plays a role in the intracellular signaling. CanAg is a heterodimeric complex and can be cleaved into alpha and beta subunits. The N-terminal alpha subunit is involved in the cell-adhesion and the C-terminal beta subunit is associated with the cell signaling. The protein is highly expressed in most solid tumors such as the pancreatic, biliary, colorectal cancers and other cancers, but is limitedly expressed in normal tissues. The overexpression of CanAg in carcinomas has made it become a potential target in the cancer immunotherapy.

Fig.1 Structure of the MUC1 glycoprotein in normal and tumor cells. (Roulois, 2013)

Anti-CanAg ADC in Solid Tumors

CanAg is highly expressed on solid tumour cells, which has been used in the targeted ADCs development. For instance, Cantuzumab mertansine (also known as SB‑408075) is an ADCs designed against the CanAg. It consists of the maytansinoid drug DM1 conjugated to an anti-CanAg antibody (huC242) via a disulfide linker.

Preclinical trials showed that the Cantuzumab mertansine has significant antitumor activity with feasible and safe toxicity in patients with advanced malignancies. It has presented highly effective for CanAg-positive tumors and resulted in complete responses including the gastric, colon, pancreatic, and non-small cell lung cell lines in xenograft tumors. Besides, this ADC has been investigated in patients with chemotherapy-refractory solid tumors to further assess the treatment outcome in clinical study. To date, Cantuzumab mertansine has entered the clinical phase I trial.

Fig.2 Schematic of immunoconjugate structure of DM1 (n= 3 to 4). (Tolcher, 2003)

What Can We Do for You?

Creative Biolabs is dedicated to offering ADCs design and construction service as well as qualified ADCs related products. Our service is highly flexible addressing your special demands on novel drug discovery, and our experienced experts will work in close collaboration with your team to effectively support your ADCs development against the CanAg. With our unparalleled expertise and experience in antibody discovery and bioconjugation, Creative Biolabs should be your first choice for the ADCs preparation and characterization. Our services include ADC Antibody Screening, DrugLnk™ Custom Synthesis, Antibody Design and Conjugation, ADC in vitro Analysis and ADC in vivo Analysis.

If you are interested in our ADCs services, please feel free to contact us.

References

1. Roulois, D.; et al. MUC1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in cancer therapy: induction and challenge. BioMed research international. 2013.
2. Tolcher, A. W.; et al. Cantuzumab mertansine, a maytansinoid immunoconjugate directed to the CanAg antigen: a phase I, pharmacokinetic, and biologic correlative study. Journal of clinical oncology. 2003, 21(2): 211-222.

For Research Use Only. NOT FOR CLINICAL USE.