U.S. patent application number 11/141344 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-15 for antibody-drug conjugates and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Genentech, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ebens, Allen J. JR., Jacobson, Frederic S., Polakis, Paul, Schwall, Ralph H., Sliwkowski, Mark X., Spencer, Susan D..
Application Number | 20050276812 11/141344 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35262141 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050276812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ebens, Allen J. JR. ; et
al. |
December 15, 2005 |
Antibody-drug conjugates and methods
Abstract
The present invention relates to antibody-drug conjugate
compounds of Formula I: Ab-(L-D).sub.p I where one or more
maytansinoid drug moieties (D) are covalently linked by L to an
antibody (Ab) which binds to an ErbB receptor, or which binds to
one or more tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface receptors.
These compounds may be used in methods of diagnosis or treatment of
cancer, and other diseases and disorders.
Inventors: |
Ebens, Allen J. JR.; (San
Carlos, CA) ; Jacobson, Frederic S.; (Berkeley,
CA) ; Polakis, Paul; (Burlingame, CA) ;
Schwall, Ralph H.; (Pacifica, CA) ; Sliwkowski, Mark
X.; (San Carlos, CA) ; Spencer, Susan D.;
(Tiburon, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GENENTECH, INC.
1 DNA WAY
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94080
US
|
Assignee: |
Genentech, Inc.
South San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
35262141 |
Appl. No.: |
11/141344 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60616098 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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60576517 |
Jun 1, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/178.1 ;
530/391.1; 540/462 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 16/1063 20130101;
A61P 13/12 20180101; A61P 13/08 20180101; A61K 47/6803 20170801;
A61P 35/00 20180101; C07K 16/283 20130101; A61P 5/14 20180101; A61K
47/6875 20170801; A61P 43/00 20180101; C07K 16/3069 20130101; C07K
16/2866 20130101; C07K 16/3046 20130101; C07K 16/32 20130101; C07K
16/28 20130101; A61K 2039/505 20130101; A61P 11/00 20180101; C07K
16/2803 20130101; C07K 16/2896 20130101; C07K 2317/24 20130101;
A61P 13/10 20180101; A61P 15/00 20180101; A61P 1/04 20180101; C07D
498/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/178.1 ;
530/391.1; 540/462 |
International
Class: |
A61K 039/395; C07K
016/46; C07D 491/14 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An antibody-drug conjugate compound comprising an antibody
covalently attached by a linker to one or more maytansinoid drug
moieties, the compound having Formula I: Ab-(L-D).sub.p I or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein: Ab is
an antibody which binds to an ErbB receptor, or which binds to one
or more tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface receptors
selected from (1)-(36): (1) BMPR1B (bone morphogenetic protein
receptor-type IB, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--001203); (2) E16
(LAT1, SLC7A5, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--003486); (3) STEAP1
(six transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate, Genbank
accession no. NM.sub.--012449); (4) 0772P (CA125, MUC16, Genbank
accession no. AF361486); (5) MPF (MPF, MSLN, SMR, megakaryocyte
potentiating factor, mesothelin, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--005823); (6) Napi3b (NAPI-3B, NPTIIb, SLC34A2, solute
carrier family 34 (sodium phosphate), member 2, type II
sodium-dependent phosphate transporter 3b, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--006424); (7) Sema 5b (FLJ10372, KIAA1445, Mm.42015,
SEMA5B, SEMAG, Semaphorin 5b Hlog, sema domain, seven
thrombospondin repeats (type 1 and type 1-like), transmembrane
domain (TM) and short cytoplasmic domain, (semaphorin) 5B, Genbank
accession no. AB040878); (8) PSCA hlg (2700050C12Rik,
C530008016Rik, RIKEN cDNA 2700050C12, RIKEN cDNA 2700050C12 gene,
Genbank accession no. AY358628); (9) ETBR (Endothelin type B
receptor, Genbank accession no. AY275463); (10) MSG783 (RNF124,
hypothetical protein FLJ20315, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--017763); (11) STEAP2 (HGNC.sub.--8639, IPCA-1, PCANAP1,
STAMP 1, STEAP2, STMP, prostate cancer associated gene 1, prostate
cancer associated protein 1, six transmembrane epithelial antigen
of prostate 2, six transmembrane prostate protein, Genbank
accession no. AF455138); (12) TrpM4 (BR22450, FLJ20041, TRPM4,
TRPM4B, transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M,
member 4, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--017636); (13) CRIPTO (CR,
CR1, CRGF, CRIPTO, TDGF1, teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor,
Genbank accession no. NP.sub.--003203 or NM.sub.--003212); (14)
CD21 (CR2 (Complement receptor 2) or C3DR (C3d/Epstein Barr virus
receptor) or Hs.73792 Genbank accession no. M26004); (15) CD79b
(CD79B, CD79.beta., IGb (immunoglobulin-associated beta), B29,
Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--000626); (16) FcRH2 (IFGP4, IRTA4,
SPAP1A (SH2 domain containing phosphatase anchor protein 1a),
SPAP1B, SPAP1C, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--030764); (17) HER2
(Genbank accession no. M11730); (18) NCA (Genbank accession no.
M18728); (19) MDP (Genbank accession no. BC017023); (20)
IL20R.alpha. (Genbank accession no. AF184971); (21) Brevican
(Genbank accession no. AF229053); (22) EphB2R (Genbank accession
no. NM.sub.--004442); (23) ASLG659 (Genbank accession no.
AX092328); (24) PSCA (Genbank accession no. AJ297436); (25) GEDA
(Genbank accession no. AY260763; (26) BAFF-R (B cell-activating
factor receptor, BLyS receptor 3, BR3, NP.sub.--443177.1); (27)
CD22 (B-cell receptor CD22-.beta.-form, NP-001762.1); (28) CD79a
(CD79A, CD79a, immunoglobulin-associated alpha, a B cell-specific
protein that covalently interacts with Ig beta (CD79B) and forms a
complex on the surface with Ig M molecules, transduces a signal
involved in B-cell differentiation, Genbank accession No.
NP.sub.--001774.1); (29) CXCR5 (Burkitt's lymphoma receptor 1, a G
protein-coupled receptor that is activated by the CXCL13 chemokine,
functions in lymphocyte migration and humoral defense, plays a role
in HIV-2 infection and perhaps development of AIDS, lymphoma,
myeloma, and leukemia, Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--001707.1);
(30) HLA-DOB (Beta subunit of MHC class II molecule (Ia antigen)
that binds peptides and presents them to CD4+ T lymphocytes,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--002111.1); (31) P2X5 (Purinergic
receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 5, an ion channel gated by
extracellular ATP, may be involved in synaptic transmission and
neurogenesis, deficiency may contribute to the pathophysiology of
idiopathic detrusor instability, Genbank accession No.
NP.sub.--002552.2); (32) CD72 (B-cell differentiation antigen CD72,
Lyb-2, Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--001773.1); (33) LY64
(Lymphocyte antigen 64 (RP105), type I membrane protein of the
leucine rich repeat (LRR) family, regulates B-cell activation and
apoptosis, loss of function is associated with increased disease
activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--005573.1); (34) FcRH1 (Fc receptor-like
protein 1, a putative receptor for the immunoglobulin Fc domain
that contains C2 type Ig-like and ITAM domains, may have a role in
B-lymphocyte differentiation, Genbank accession No.
NP.sub.--443170.1); (35) IRTA2 (Immunoglobulin superfamily receptor
translocation associated 2, a putative immunoreceptor with possible
roles in B cell development and lymphomagenesis; deregulation of
the gene by translocation occurs in some B cell malignancies,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--112571.1); and (36) TENB2 (putative
transmembrane proteoglycan, related to the EGF/heregulin family of
growth factors and follistatin, Genbank accession No. AF179274;
provided that the antibody is not TA. 1; L is a non-disulfide
linker; D is a maytansinoid drug moiety; and p is 1 to 8.
2. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 wherein Ab is an
antibody which binds to one or more tumor-associated antigens or
cell-surface receptors selected from (1)-(16) and (18)-(36).
3. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 wherein L is a
linker selected from the structures: 26where the wavy lines
indicate the covalent attachments to Ab and D; X is: 27R is
independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and n is 1 to 12.
4. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 wherein D is
selected from the structure: 28where the wavy line indicates the
covalent attachment to L, R is independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6
alkyl, and m is 1, 2, or 3.
5. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 4 wherein m is 2,
and R is H.
6. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 5 wherein the
maytansinoid drug moiety is DM1, having the structure: 29
7. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 3 having the
structure: 30
8. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 7 having the
structure: 31
9. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 3 having the
structure: 32
10. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 having the
structure: 33
11. The antibody-drug conjugate of claim 10 wherein Ab is
trastuzumab, and p is 1, 2, 3, or 4.
12. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 having the
structure: 34where Tr is trastuzumab, and p is 1, 2, 3, or 4.
13. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 having the
structure: 35wherein n is 0, 1, or 2; and p is 1, 2, 3, or 4.
14. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 13 wherein Ab is
trastuzumab.
15. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 wherein p is 1,
2, 3, or 4.
16. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 wherein the
antibody binds to a receptor encoded by an ErbB gene.
17. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 16 wherein the
receptor is selected from EGFR, HER2, HER3 and HER4.
18. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 17 wherein the
antibody specifically binds to a HER2 receptor.
19. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 which
specifically binds to the extracellular domain of the HER2 receptor
and inhibits growth of tumor cells which overexpress HER2
receptor.
20. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 wherein the
antibody is selected from a monoclonal antibody, an antibody
fragment, a chimeric antibody, and a humanized antibody.
21. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 20 wherein the
humanized antibody is selected from huMAb4D5-1, huMAb4D5-2,
huMAb4D5-3, huMAb4D5-4, huMAb4D5-5, huMAb4D5-6, huMAb4D5-7 and
huMAb4D5-8 (trastuzumab).
22. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 21 wherein the
antibody is huMAb4D5-8 (trastuzumab).
23. The antibody-drug conjugate of claim 20 wherein the antibody is
a Fab fragment.
24. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1 wherein the
antibody is attached to the linker through a cysteine thiol of the
antibody.
25. The antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 24 wherein p is
1, 2, 3, or 4.
26. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody-drug
conjugate compound of claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier or
excipient.
27. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26 further comprising a
therapeutically effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent
selected from Erlotinib, Bortezomib, Fulvestrant, Sutent,
Letrozole, Imatinib mesylate, PTK787/ZK 222584, Oxaliplatin, 5-FU,
Leucovorin, Rapamycin, Lapatinib, Lonafarnib, Sorafenib, and
Gefitinib.
28. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26 further comprising a
therapeutically effective amount of a anti-angiogenic agent.
29. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26 further comprising a
therapeutically effective amount of bevacizumab.
30. A method of inhibiting cellular proliferation comprising
treating mammalian cells in a cell culture medium with an
antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1, whereby proliferation
of the cells is inhibited.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein the mammalian cells have HER2
receptor proteins to the antibody-drug conjugate compound.
32. The method of claim 31 wherein the mammalian cells are breast
tumor cells.
33. The method of claim 30 wherein the antibody-drug conjugate
compound is more cytotoxic than a maytansinoid compound comprising
the maytansinoid moiety of the antibody-drug conjugate
compound.
34. The method of claim 30 wherein the antibody-drug conjugate
induces apoptosis.
35. A method of treating cancer comprising administering to a
patient a formulation of an antibody-drug conjugate compound of
claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier or
excipient.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein the cancer is selected from the
group consisting of breast, ovarian, stomach, endometrial, salivary
gland, lung, kidney, colon, colorectal, thyroid, pancreatic,
prostate and bladder cancer.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein the cancer is breast cancer
which overexpresses ErbB2 at a 2+ level or more.
38. The method of claim 35 wherein the amount of antibody-drug
conjugate compound administered to the patient is in the range of
about 0.1 to about 10 mg/kg of patient weight per dose.
39. The method of claim 35 wherein the antibody-drug conjugate is
administered at about three week intervals.
40. The method of claim 35 wherein the antibody-drug conjugate is
administered by infusion.
41. The method of claim 35 wherein the antibody-drug conjugate is
formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable parenteral
vehicle.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the antibody-drug conjugate is
formulated in a unit dosage injectable form.
43. The method of claim 42 wherein the antibody-drug conjugate is
administered intravenously.
44. The method of claim 35 wherein the patient is administered a
growth inhibitory antibody, in combination with the antibody-drug
conjugate compound.
45. The method of claim 35 wherein the patient is administered a
second antibody which binds ErbB2 and blocks ligand activation of
an ErbB receptor, in combination with the antibody-drug conjugate
compound.
46. The method of claim 45 wherein the second antibody comprises
monoclonal antibody 2C4 or humanized 2C4.
47. The method of claim 46 wherein said second antibody is
conjugated with a cytotoxic agent.
48. The method of claim 35 wherein the patient is administered a
chemotherapeutic agent, in combination with the antibody-drug
conjugate compound, where the chemotherapeutic agent is selected
from Erlotinib, Bortezomib, Fulvestrant, Sutent, Letrozole,
Imatinib mesylate, PTK787/ZK 222584, Oxaliplatin, 5-FU, Leucovorin,
Rapamycin, Lapatinib, Lonafarnib, Sorafenib, and Gefitinib.
49. The method of claim 35 wherein the patient is administered an
anti-angiogenic agent in combination with the antibody-drug
conjugate compound where the anti-angiogenic agent is selected from
bevacizumab.
50. A method of inhibiting the growth of tumor cells that
overexpress a growth factor receptor, comprising administering to a
patient an antibody-drug conjugate of claim 1 which binds
specifically to a growth factor receptor selected from HER2 or EGF
and a chemotherapeutic agent wherein said antibody-drug conjugate
and said chemotherapeutic agent are each administered in amounts
effective to inhibit growth of tumor cells in the patient.
51. A method for the treatment of a human patient susceptible to or
diagnosed with a disorder characterized by overexpression of ErbB2
receptor, comprising administering a combination of an
antibody-drug conjugate of claim 1 and a chemotherapeutic agent or
a growth inhibitory agent.
52. The method of claim 51 wherein the antibody of the
antibody-drug conjugate is an anti-ErbB2 antibody.
53. The method of claim 52 wherein the anti-ErbB2 antibody has a
biological characteristic of a 4D5 monoclonal antibody.
54. The method of claim 52 wherein the anti-ErbB2 antibody binds
essentially the same epitope as a 4D5 monoclonal antibody.
55. The method of claim 52 wherein the anti-ErbB2 antibody is
selected from the group consisting of humanized antibodies
huMAb4D5-1, huMAb4D5-2, huMAb4D5-3, huMAb4D5-4, huMAb4D5-5,
huMAb4D5-6, huMAb4D5-7 and huMAb4D5-8 (trastuzumab).
56. An assay for detecting cancer cells comprising: (a) exposing
cells to an antibody-drug conjugate compound of claim 1; and (b)
determining the extent of binding of the antibody-drug conjugate
compound to the cells.
57. The assay of claim 56 wherein the cells are breast tumor
cells.
58. The assay of claim 56 wherein the extent of binding is
determined by measuring levels of ErbB-encoding nucleic acid by
fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).
59. The assay of claim 56 wherein the extent of binding is
determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
60. An article of manufacture comprising an antibody-drug conjugate
compound of claim 1; a container; and a package insert or label
indicating that the compound can be used to treat cancer
characterized by the overexpression of an ErbB receptor.
61. The article of manufacture of claim 60 wherein said package
insert of label indicates that the compound can be used to treat
cancer characterized by the overexpression of an ErbB2
receptor.
62. The article of manufacture of claim 61 wherein the cancer is
breast cancer.
63. The article of manufacture of claim 62 wherein the cancer is
characterized by the overexpression of an ErbB2 receptor at a 2+
level or above.
64. A method of making an antibody-drug conjugate compound
comprising an antibody covalently attached by a linker to one or
more maytansinoid drug moieties, the compound having Formula I:
Ab-(L-D).sub.p I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate
thereof, wherein: Ab is an antibody which binds to an ErbB
receptor, or which binds to one or more tumor-associated antigens
or cell-surface receptors selected from (1)-(36): (1) BMPR1B (bone
morphogenetic protein receptor-type IB, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--001203); (2) E16 (LAT1, SLC7A5, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--003486); (3) STEAP1 (six transmembrane epithelial antigen
of prostate, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--012449); (4) 0772P
(CA125, MUC16, Genbank accession no. AF361486); (5) MPF (MPF, MSLN,
SMR, megakaryocyte potentiating factor, mesothelin, Genbank
accession no. NM.sub.--005823); (6) Napi3b (NAPI-3B, NPTIIb,
SLC34A2, solute carrier family 34 (sodium phosphate), member 2,
type II sodium-dependent phosphate transporter 3b, Genbank
accession no. NM.sub.--006424); (7) Sema 5b (FLJ10372, KIAA1445,
Mm.42015, SEMA5B, SEMAG, Semaphorin 5b Hlog, sema domain, seven
thrombospondin repeats (type 1 and type 1-like), transmembrane
domain (TM) and short cytoplasmic domain, (semaphorin) 5B, Genbank
accession no. AB040878); (8) PSCA hlg (2700050C12Rik,
C530008016Rik, RIKEN cDNA 2700050C12, RIKEN cDNA 2700050C12 gene,
Genbank accession no. AY358628); (9) ETBR (Endothelin type B
receptor, Genbank accession no. AY275463); (10) MSG783 (RNF124,
hypothetical protein FLJ20315, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--017763); (11) STEAP2 (HGNC.sub.--8639, IPCA-1, PCANAP1,
STAMP1, STEAP2, STMP, prostate cancer associated gene 1, prostate
cancer associated protein 1, six transmembrane epithelial antigen
of prostate 2, six transmembrane prostate protein, Genbank
accession no. AF455138); (12) TrpM4 (BR22450, FLJ20041, TRPM4,
TRPM4B, transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M,
member 4, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--017636); (13) CRIPTO (CR,
CR1, CRGF, CRIPTO, TDGF1, teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor,
Genbank accession no. NP.sub.--003203 or NM.sub.--003212); (14)
CD21 (CR2 (Complement receptor 2) or C3DR (C3d/Epstein Barr virus
receptor) or Hs.73792 Genbank accession no. M26004); (15) CD79b
(CD79B, CD79.beta., IGb (immunoglobulin-associated beta), B29,
Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--000626); (16) FcRH2 (IFGP4, IRTA4,
SPAP1A (SH2 domain containing phosphatase anchor protein 1a),
SPAP1B, SPAP1C, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--030764); (17) HER2
(Genbank accession no. M11730); (18) NCA (Genbank accession no.
M18728); (19) MDP (Genbank accession no. BC017023); (20)
IL20R.alpha. (Genbank accession no. AF184971); (21) Brevican
(Genbank accession no. AF229053); (22) EphB2R (Genbank accession
no. NM.sub.--004442); (23) ASLG659 (Genbank accession no.
AX092328); (24) PSCA (Genbank accession no. AJ297436); (25) GEDA
(Genbank accession no. AY260763; (26) BAFF-R (B cell-activating
factor receptor, BLyS receptor 3, BR3, NP.sub.--443177.1); (27)
CD22 (B-cell receptor CD22-.beta.-form, NP-001762.1); (28) CD79a
(CD79A, CD79.alpha., immunoglobulin-associated alpha, a B
cell-specific protein that covalently interacts with Ig beta
(CD79B) and forms a complex on the surface with Ig M molecules,
transduces a signal involved in B-cell differentiation, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--001774.1); (29) CXCR5 (Burkitt's lymphoma
receptor 1, a G protein-coupled receptor that is activated by the
CXCL13 chemokine, functions in lymphocyte migration and humoral
defense, plays a role in HIV-2 infection and perhaps development of
AIDS, lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia, Genbank accession No.
NP.sub.--001707.1); (30) HLA-DOB (Beta subunit of MHC class II
molecule (Ia antigen) that binds peptides and presents them to CD4+
T lymphocytes, Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--002111.1); (31) P2X5
(Purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 5, an ion channel
gated by extracellular ATP, may be involved in synaptic
transmission and neurogenesis, deficiency may contribute to the
pathophysiology of idiopathic detrusor instability, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--002552.2); (32) CD72 (B-cell differentiation
antigen CD72, Lyb-2, Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--001773.1); (33)
LY64 (Lymphocyte antigen 64 (RP105), type I membrane protein of the
leucine rich repeat (LRR) family, regulates B-cell activation and
apoptosis, loss of function is associated with increased disease
activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--005573.1); (34) FcRH1 (Fc receptor-like
protein 1, a putative receptor for the immunoglobulin Fc domain
that contains C2 type Ig-like and ITAM domains, may have a role in
B-lymphocyte differentiation, Genbank accession No.
NP.sub.--443170.1); (35) IRTA2 (Immunoglobulin superfamily receptor
translocation associated 2, a putative immunoreceptor with possible
roles in B cell development and lymphomagenesis; deregulation of
the gene by translocation occurs in some B cell malignancies,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--112571.1); and (36) TENB2 (putative
transmembrane proteoglycan, related to the EGF/heregulin family of
growth factors and follistatin, Genbank accession No. AF179274;
provided that the antibody is not TA.1; L is a linker selected from
the structures; 36where the wavy lines indicates the covalent
attachments to Ab and D; X is: 37where R is independently H or
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and n is 1 to 12; D is a maytansinoid drug
moiety selected from the structure: 38where the wavy line indicates
the covalent attachment to L; R is independently H or C.sub.1-6
alkyl; m is 1, 2, or 3; and p is 1 to 8; wherein the method
comprises: reacting Ab with a linker reagent to form
antibody-linker intermediate Ab-L, and then reacting Ab-L with a
drug moiety D to form the antibody-drug conjugate; or reacting a
drug moiety D with a linker reagent to form a drug-linker
intermediate D-L, and then reacting D-L with Ab to form the
antibody-drug conjugate.
65. The method of claim 64 wherein Ab is an antibody which binds to
one or more tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface receptors
selected from (1)-(16) and (18)-(36).
66. The method of claim 64 wherein the linker reagent is SMCC.
67. The method of claim 64 wherein the linker reagent is a
bis-maleimide reagent selected from DTME, BMB, BMDB, BMH, BMOE,
BM(PEO).sub.3, and BM(PEO).sub.4.
Description
[0001] This non-provisional application filed under 37 CFR
.sctn.1.53(b), claims the benefit under 35 USC .sctn.119(e) of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/576,517 filed on Jun. 1, 2004
and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/616,098 filed on Oct.
5, 2004, each of which are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to compounds with
anti-cancer activity and more specifically to antibodies conjugated
with chemotherapeutic maytansinoid drugs or toxins. The invention
also relates to methods of using antibody-drug conjugate compounds
for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis or treatment of
mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Antibody therapy has been established for the targeted
treatment of patients with cancer, immunological and angiogenic
disorders. The use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), i.e.
immunoconjugates, for the local delivery of cytotoxic or cytostatic
agents, i.e. drugs to kill or inhibit tumor cells in the treatment
of cancer (Payne, G. (2003) Cancer Cell 3:207-212; Trail et al
(2003) Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 52:328-337; Syrigos and Epenetos
(1999) Anticancer Research 19:605-614; Niculescu-Duvaz and Springer
(1997) Adv. Drug Del. Rev. 26:151-172; U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,278)
theoretically allows targeted delivery of the drug moiety to
tumors, and intracellular accumulation therein, where systemic
administration of these unconjugated drug agents may result in
unacceptable levels of toxicity to normal cells as well as the
tumor cells sought to be eliminated (Baldwin et al., (1986) Lancet
pp. (Mar. 15, 1986):603-05; Thorpe, (1985) "Antibody Carriers Of
Cytotoxic Agents In Cancer Therapy: A Review," in Monoclonal
Antibodies '84: Biological And Clinical Applications, A. Pinchera
et al. (eds), pp. 475-506). Maximal efficacy with minimal toxicity
is sought thereby. Efforts to design and refine ADC have focused on
the selectivity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as well as
drug-linking and drug-releasing properties. Both polyclonal
antibodies and monoclonal antibodies have been reported as useful
in these strategies (Rowland et al., (1986) Cancer Immunol.
Immunother. 21:183-87). Drugs used in these methods include
daunomycin, doxorubicin, methotrexate, mitomycin, neocarzinostatin
(Takahashi et al (1988) Cancer 61:881-888) and vindesine (Rowland
et al., (1986) supra). Toxins used in antibody-toxin conjugates
include bacterial toxins such as diphtheria toxin, plant toxins
such as ricin (U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,894; U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,197;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,009; U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,453), small molecule
toxins such as geldanamycin (Mandler et al (2000) J. of the Nat.
Cancer Inst. 92(19):1573-1581; Mandler et al (2000) Bioorganic
& Med. Chem. Letters 10: 1025-1028; Mandler et al (2002)
Bioconjugate Chem. 13:786-791), maytansinoids (EP 1391213; Liu et
al., (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:8618-8623), and
calicheamicin (Lode et al (1998) Cancer Res. 58:2928; Hinman et al
(1993) Cancer Res. 53:3336-3342). The toxins may effect their
cytotoxic and cytostatic effects by mechanisms including tubulin
binding, DNA binding, or topoisomerase inhibition. Some cytotoxic
drugs tend to be inactive or less active when conjugated to large
antibodies or protein receptor ligands.
[0004] An antibody-radioisotope conjugate has been approved,
ZEVALIN.RTM. (ibritumomab tiuxetan, Biogen/Idec) composed of a
murine IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 antigen
and .sup.111In or .sup.90Y radioisotope bound by a thiourea
linker-chelator (Wiseman et al (2000) Eur. J. Nucl. Med.
27(7):766-77; Wiseman et al (2002) Blood 99(12):4336-42; Witzig et
al (2002) J. Clin. Oncol. 20(10):2453-63; Witzig et al (2002) J.
Clin. Oncol. 20(15):3262-69). MYLOTARG.TM. (gemtuzumab ozogamicin,
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals), an antibody-drug conjugate composed of a hu
CD33 antibody linked to calicheamicin, was approved in 2000 for the
treatment of acute myeloid leukemia by injection (Drugs of the
Future (2000) 25(7):686; U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,198; U.S. Pat. No.
5,079,233; U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,089; U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,040; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,693,762; U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,116; U.S. Pat. No.
5,767,285; U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,001). Cantuzumab mertansine
(Immunogen, Inc.), an antibody-drug conjugate composed of the
huC242 antibody linked via the disulfide linker SPP to the
maytansinoid drug moiety, DM1 (Xie et al (2004) J. of Pharm. and
Exp. Ther. 308(3):1073-1082; Tolcher et al (2003) J. Clin. Oncology
21(2):211-222; U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,020), underwent Phase I trials
for the treatment of cancers that express CanAg, such as colon,
pancreatic, gastric, and others. MLN-2704 (Millennium Pharm., BZL
Biologics, Immunogen Inc.) is an antibody-drug conjugate composed
of the anti-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) monoclonal
antibody linked to the maytansinoid drug moiety, DM1, under
development for the potential treatment of prostate tumors. The
same maytansinoid drug moiety, DM1, was linked through a
non-disulfide linker, SMCC, to a mouse murine monoclonal antibody,
TA.1 (Chari et al. (1992) Cancer Research 52:127-131) This
conjugate was reported to be 200-fold less potent than the
corresponding disulfide linker conjugate. The SMCC linker was
considered therein to be "noncleavable" (also, see: U.S. Pat. No.
4,981,979). HERCEPTIN.RTM. (trastuzumab) linked by SMCC to DM1 has
been reported (WO 2005/037992).
[0005] In attempts to discover effective cellular targets for
cancer diagnosis and therapy, researchers have sought to identify
transmembrane or otherwise tumor-associated polypeptides that are
specifically expressed on the surface of one or more particular
type(s) of cancer cell as compared to on one or more normal
non-cancerous cell(s). Often, such tumor-associated polypeptides
are more abundantly expressed on the surface of the cancer cells as
compared to on the surface of the non-cancerous cells. The
identification of such tumor-associated cell surface antigen
polypeptides, i.e. tumor-associated antigens (TAA), has given rise
to the ability to specifically target cancer cells for destruction
via antibody-based therapies.
[0006] Monoclonal antibody therapy has been established for the
targeted treatment of patients with cancer, immunological and
angiogenic disorders. An example of successful antibody therapy is
HERCEPTIN.RTM. (trastuzumab), a recombinant DNA-derived humanized
monoclonal antibody that selectively binds with high affinity in a
cell-based assay (Kd=5 nM) to the extracellular domain of the human
epidermal growth factor receptor2 protein, HER2 (ErbB2) (U.S. Pat.
No. 5,821,337; U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,297; U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,213;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,639,055; Coussens L, et al (1985) Science
230:1132-9; Slamon D J, et al (1989) Science 244:707-12).
Trastuzumab is an IgG1 kappa antibody that contains human framework
regions with the complementarity-determining regions of a murine
antibody (4D5) that binds to HER2. Trastuzumab binds to the HER2
antigen and thus inhibits the growth of cancerous cells. Because
trastuzumab is a humanized antibody, it minimizes any HAMA response
in patients. The humanized antibody against HER2 is produced by a
mammalian cell (Chinese Hamster Ovary, CHO) suspension culture. The
HER2 (or c-erbB2) proto-oncogene encodes a transmembrane receptor
protein of 185 kDa, which is structurally related to the epidermal
growth factor receptor. HER2 protein overexpression is observed in
25%-30% of primary breast cancers and can be determined using an
immunohistochemistry based assessment of fixed tumor blocks (Press
M F, et al (1993) Cancer Res 53:4960-70. Trastuzumab has been
shown, in both in vitro assays and in animals, to inhibit the
proliferation of human tumor cells that overexpress HER2 (Hudziak R
M, et al (1989) Mol Cell Biol 9:1165-72; Lewis G D, et al (1993)
Cancer Immunol Immunother; 37:255-63; Baselga J, et al (1998)
Cancer Res. 58:2825-2831). Trastuzumab is a mediator of
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, ADCC (Hotaling T E, et al
(1996) [abstract]. Proc. Annual Meeting Am Assoc Cancer Res;
37:471; Pegram M D, et al (1997) [abstract]. Proc Am Assoc Cancer
Res; 38:602; Sliwkowski et al (1999) Seminars in Oncology 26(4),
Suppl 12:60-70; Yarden Y. and Sliwkowski, M. (2001) Nature Reviews:
Molecular Cell Biology, Macmillan Magazines, Ltd., Vol. 2:127-137).
HERCEPTIN.RTM. is clinically active in patients with
ErbB2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancers that have received
extensive prior anti-cancer therapy (Baselga et al, (1996) J. Clin.
Oncol. 14:737-744). Although HERCEPTIN is a breakthrough in
treating patients with ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancers that
have received extensive prior anti-cancer therapy, the majority of
the patients in this population fail to respond or respond only
poorly to HERCEPTIN treatment. Therefore, there is a significant
clinical need for developing further HER2-directed cancer therapies
for those patients with HER2-overexpressing tumors or other
diseases associated with HER2 expression that do not respond, or
respond poorly, to HERCEPTIN treatment. In addition to HER2, there
is an opportunity to exploit other tumor-associated antigens with
targeted therapies.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides novel compounds with
biological activity against cancer cells. The compounds may inhibit
tumor growth in mammals and may be useful for treating human cancer
patients.
[0008] The present invention relates to the delivery, transport,
accumulation or retention of therapeutic antibody-drug conjugate
(ADC) compounds inside cells. The invention is more particularly
related to attaining high concentrations of active metabolite
molecules in cancer cells. Intracellular targeting may be achieved
by methods and compounds which allow accumulation or retention of
biologically active agents inside cells. Such effective targeting
may be applicable to a variety of therapeutic formulations and
procedures.
[0009] The surprising discovery has been made that antibody-drug
conjugates with stable, non-disulfide linkers groups that attach a
maytansinoid drug moiety to an antibody result in increased in
vitro potency and in vivo efficacy. In addition, the antibody-drug
conjugates show the unexpected result of better safety in vivo
relative to certain disulfide linker conjugates.
[0010] Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) compounds comprise an antibody
covalently attached by a linker to one or more maytansinoid drug
moieties. ADC may be represented by Formula I:
Ab-(L-D).sub.p I
[0011] where one or more maytansinoid drug moieties (D) are
covalently linked by L to an antibody (Ab). Ab is an antibody which
binds to an ErbB receptor, or which binds to one or more
tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface receptors. The linker L
may be stable outside a cell, i.e. extracellular. The linker L, the
maytansinoid drug moiety D, or the linker and the maytansinoid drug
moiety taken together (L-D), do not comprise a disulfide group.
[0012] In one embodiment, a substantial amount of the drug moiety
is not cleaved from the antibody until the antibody-drug conjugate
enters a cell with a cell-surface receptor specific for the
antibody of the antibody-drug conjugate, and the drug moiety is
cleaved from the antibody when the antibody-drug conjugate does
enter the cell.
[0013] In another embodiment, the ADC specifically binds to a
receptor encoded by an ErbB gene, such as EGFR, HER2, HER3 and
HER4. The ADC may specifically bind to the extracellular domain of
the HER2 receptor. The ADC may inhibit growth of tumor cells which
overexpress HER2 receptor.
[0014] In another embodiment, the antibody (Ab) of Formula I is a
humanized antibody such as huMAb4D5-1, huMAb4D5-2, huMAb4D5-3,
huMAb4D5-4, huMAb4D5-5, huMAb4D5-6, huMAb4D5-7 or huMAb4D5-8
(trastuzumab).
[0015] Another aspect of the invention is a pharmaceutical
composition including a Formula I compound, or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutically
acceptable diluent, carrier, or excipient.
[0016] Another aspect provides a pharmaceutical combination
comprising a Formula I compound and a second compound having
anti-cancer properties or other therapeutic effects.
[0017] Another aspect includes diagnostic and therapeutic uses for
the compounds and compositions disclosed herein.
[0018] Another aspect is a method for killing or inhibiting the
proliferation of tumor cells or cancer cells comprising treating
the cells with an amount of an antibody-drug conjugate, or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, being
effective to kill or inhibit the proliferation of the tumor cells
or cancer cells.
[0019] Another aspect are methods of treating cancer comprising
administering to a patient a formulation of a Formula I compound.
One method is for the treatment of cancer in a mammal, wherein the
cancer is characterized by the overexpression of an ErbB receptor.
The mammal optionally does not respond, or responds poorly, to
treatment with an unconjugated anti-ErbB antibody. The method
comprises administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective
amount of an antibody-drug conjugate compound.
[0020] Another aspect is a method of inhibiting the growth of tumor
cells that overexpress a growth factor receptor selected from the
group consisting of HER2 receptor and EGF receptor comprising
administering to a patient an antibody-drug conjugate compound
which binds specifically to said growth factor receptor and a
chemotherapeutic agent wherein said antibody-drug conjugate and
said chemotherapeutic agent are each administered in amounts
effective to inhibit growth of tumor cells in the patient.
[0021] Another aspect is a method for the treatment of a human
patient susceptible to or diagnosed with a disorder characterized
by overexpression of ErbB2 receptor, comprising administering a
combination of an antibody-drug conjugate compound of Formula I and
a chemotherapeutic agent.
[0022] Another aspect is an assay method for detecting cancer cells
comprising: exposing cells to an antibody-drug conjugate compound,
and determining the extent of binding of the antibody-drug
conjugate compound to the cells.
[0023] Another aspect concerns methods of screening ADC drug
candidates for the treatment of a disease or disorder where the
disease or disorder is characterized by the overexpression of
HER2.
[0024] Another aspect includes articles of manufacture, i.e. kits,
comprising an antibody-drug conjugate, a container, and a package
insert or label indicating a treatment.
[0025] Another aspect includes methods of treating a disease or
disorder characterized by the overexpression of HER2 in a patient
with the antibody-drug conjugate compounds.
[0026] Another aspect includes methods of making, methods of
preparing, methods of synthesis, methods of conjugation, and
methods of purification of the antibody-drug conjugate compounds,
and the intermediates for the preparation, synthesis, and
conjugation of the antibody-drug conjugate compounds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an in vitro, cell proliferation assay with
SK-BR-3 cells treated with antibody-drug conjugates: -.quadrature.-
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, -.DELTA.- trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1, and -o-
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows an in vitro, cell proliferation assay with
BT-474 cells treated with antibody-drug conjugates: -.quadrature.-
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, -.DELTA.- trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1, and -o-
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows an in vitro, cell proliferation assay with MCF7
cells treated with antibody-drug conjugates: -.quadrature.-
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, -.DELTA.- trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1, and -o-
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows an in vitro, cell proliferation assay with
MDA-MB-468 cells treated with antibody-drug conjugates:
-.quadrature.- trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, -.DELTA.- trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1,
and -o- trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows the serum clearance in beige nude mice without
tumors of trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 vs. trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, measuring
conjugate and total antibody serum concentration at six time points
(5 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, 72, 168 hours post-dose)
over 7 days.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows the stability over time in nude mice without
tumors of the conjugates: trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1,
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, trastuzumab-SPP-DM3, trastuzumab-SPP-DM4, and
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, measuring serum concentration at six time
points (5 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, 72, 168 hours
post-dose) over 7 days.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows the measurement of serum concentrations of
total trastuzumab/trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, and total
trastuzumab/trastuzumab-SPP-D- M1 in mice, 7 days after treatment,
with and without tumor.
[0034] FIG. 8 shows a plasma concentration clearance study after
administration of 10 mg/kg of trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 to 4 subject
rats. Concentrations of total antibody and trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 were
measured. (tr=trastuzumab)
[0035] FIG. 9 shows a plasma concentration clearance study after
administration of 10 mg/kg of trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 to 4 subject
rats. Concentrations of total antibody and trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
were measured.
[0036] FIG. 10 shows the mean tumor volume change over time in mice
dosed with: Vehicle (PBS pH 6.5), trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 (370 .mu.g
DM1/m.sup.2), and trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (330 .mu.g DM1/m.sup.2)
where dose refers to the dose of DM1 administered.
[0037] FIG. 11 shows the mean tumor volume change over time in
athymic nude mice with Fo5 tumor allografts dosed on Day 0 with:
Vehicle (PBS pH 6.5), 10 mg/kg trastuzumab-SIAB-DM1 (3.4 DM1/Ab;
168 .mu.g DM1/kg), and 10 mg/kg trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (3.2 DM1/Ab;
158 .mu.g DM1/kg) where dose refers to the dose amount of the
antibody-drug conjugate administered.
[0038] FIG. 12 shows the mean tumor volume change over time in
MMTV-Her2 Fo 5 beige nude mice (seven each group, all with tumors,
Ti=7) by single injection with Vehicle (PBS pH 6.5), 10 mg/kg
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, 10 mg/kg trastuzumab-SPP-DM4, 10 mg/kg
trastuzumab-SPP-DM3, and 10 mg/kg trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1.
[0039] FIG. 13 shows the time to double tumor volume and log cell
kill analysis for Vehicle (PBS pH 6.5), trastuzumab-SPP-DM1,
trastuzumab-SPP-DM4, trastuzumab-SPP-DM3, and trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
in HER2-Fo5 tumors.
[0040] FIG. 14 shows the change in body weight over time of rats
dosed with: Vehicle (10 mM sodium succinate, 100 mg/mL sucrose,
0.1% Tween 20, pH 5.0), trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 (1860 .mu.g DM1/m ),
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (1860 .mu.g DM1/m 2), trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
(3260 .mu.g DM1/m 2), and free DM1 (650 .mu.g/m.sup.2).
[0041] FIG. 15 shows a liver function test measured in AST units
per liter over time in the rat model dosed with: Vehicle (10 mM
sodium succinate, 100 mg/mL sucrose, 0.1% Tween 20, pH 5.0),
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 (22.3 mg/kg), trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (10 mg/kg),
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (25 mg/kg), trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (50 mg/kg),
and free DM1.
[0042] FIG. 16 shows a safety profile measured in PLT units in
cells per liter over time in the rat model dosed with: Vehicle (10
mM sodium succinate, 100 mg/mL sucrose, 0.1% Tween 20, pH 5.0),
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 (22.3 mg/kg), trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (10 mg/kg),
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (25 mg/kg), trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (50 mg/kg),
and free DM1.
[0043] FIG. 17 shows an in vitro, cell proliferation assay with
HT1080EphB2 (C8) cells treated with antibody-drug conjugates:
-.tangle-solidup.- antiEphB2R 2H9-SPP-DM1, and -.tangle-soliddn.-
antiEphB2R 2H9-SMCC-DM1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments
of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying structures and formulas. While the invention will be
described in conjunction with the enumerated embodiments, it will
be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to
cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may
be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by
the claims.
[0045] One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and
materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which
could be used in the practice of the present invention. The present
invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials
described.
[0046] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, and are
consistent with: Singleton et al., (1994) Dictionary of
Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2nd Ed., J. Wiley & Sons,
New York, N.Y.; and Janeway, C., Travers, P., Walport, M.,
Shlomchik (2001) Immuno Biology, 5th Ed., Garland Publishing, New
York
[0047] Definitions
[0048] Unless stated otherwise, the following terms and phrases as
used herein are intended to have the following meanings:
[0049] When trade names are used herein, applicants intend to
independently include the trade name product formulation, the
generic drug, and the active pharmaceutical ingredient(s) of the
trade name product.
[0050] The term "antibody" herein is used in the broadest sense and
specifically covers monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies,
dimers, multimers, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific
antibodies), and antibody fragments, so long as they exhibit the
desired biological activity (Miller et al (2003) Jour. of
Immunology 170:4854-4861). Antibodies may be murine, human,
humanized, chimeric, or derived from other species. An antibody is
a protein generated by the immune system that is capable of
recognizing and binding to a specific antigen. (Janeway, C.,
Travers, P., Walport, M., Shlomchik (2001) Immuno Biology, 5th Ed.,
Garland Publishing, New York). A target antigen generally has
numerous binding sites, also called epitopes, recognized by CDRs on
multiple antibodies. Each antibody that specifically binds to a
different epitope has a different structure. Thus, one antigen may
have more than one corresponding antibody. An antibody includes a
full-length immunoglobulin molecule or an immunologically active
portion of a full-length immunoglobulin molecule, i.e., a molecule
that contains an antigen binding site that immunospecifically binds
an antigen of a target of interest or part thereof, such targets
including but not limited to, cancer cell or cells that produce
autoimmune antibodies associated with an autoimmune disease. The
immunoglobulin disclosed herein can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE,
IgM, IgD, and IgA), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and
IgA2) or subclass of immunoglobulin molecule. The immunoglobulins
can be derived from any species. In one aspect, however, the
immunoglobulin is of human, murine, or rabbit origin.
[0051] "Antibody fragments" comprise a portion of a full length
antibody, generally the antigen binding or variable region thereof.
Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab', F(ab').sub.2, and
Fv fragments; diabodies; linear antibodies; fragments produced by a
Fab expression library, anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies, CDR
(complementary determining region), and epitope-binding fragments
of any of the above which immunospecifically bind to cancer cell
antigens, viral antigens or microbial antigens, single-chain
antibody molecules; and multispecific antibodies formed from
antibody fragments.
[0052] The term "monoclonal antibody" as used herein refers to an
antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous
antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the
population are identical except for possible naturally occurring
mutations that may be present in minor amounts. Monoclonal
antibodies are highly specific, being directed against a single
antigenic site. Furthermore, in contrast to polyclonal antibody
preparations which include different antibodies directed against
different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonal antibody is
directed against a single determinant on the antigen. In addition
to their specificity, the monoclonal antibodies are advantageous in
that they may be synthesized uncontaminated by other antibodies.
The modifier "monoclonal" indicates the character of the antibody
as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of
antibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring production of
the antibody by any particular method. For example, the monoclonal
antibodies to be used in accordance with the present invention may
be made by the hybridoma method first described by Kohler et al
(1975) Nature 256:495, or may be made by recombinant DNA methods
(see, U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567). The monoclonal antibodies may also
be isolated from phage antibody libraries using the techniques
described in Clackson et al (1991) Nature, 352:624-628; Marks et al
(1991) J. Mol. Biol., 222:581-597; for example.
[0053] The monoclonal antibodies herein specifically include
"chimeric" antibodies in which a portion of the heavy and/or light
chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in
antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a
particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder of the
chain(s) is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences
in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another
antibody class or subclass, as well as fragments of such
antibodies, so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity
(U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; and Morrison et al (1984) Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA, 81:6851-6855). Chimeric antibodies of interest
herein include "primatized" antibodies comprising variable domain
antigen-binding sequences derived from a non-human primate (e.g.,
Old World Monkey or Ape) and human constant region sequences.
[0054] An "intact antibody" herein is one comprising a VL and VH
domains, as well as a light chain constant domain (CL) and heavy
chain constant domains, CH1, CH2 and CH3. The constant domains may
be native sequence constant domains (e.g., human native sequence
constant domains) or amino acid sequence variant thereof. The
intact antibody may have one or more "effector functions" which
refer to those biological activities attributable to the Fc region
(a native sequence Fc region or amino acid sequence variant Fc
region) of an antibody. Examples of antibody effector functions
include C1q binding; complement dependent cytotoxicity; Fc receptor
binding; antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC);
phagocytosis; and down regulation of cell surface receptors such as
B cell receptor and BCR.
[0055] Depending on the amino acid sequence of the constant domain
of their heavy chains, intact antibodies can be assigned to
different "classes." There are five major classes of intact
antibodies: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, and several of these may
be further divided into "subclasses" (isotypes), e.g., IgG1, IgG2,
IgG3, IgG4, IgA, and IgA2. The heavy-chain constant domains that
correspond to the different classes of antibodies are called
.alpha., .delta., .epsilon., .gamma., and .mu., respectively. The
subunit structures and three-dimensional configurations of
different classes of immunoglobulins are well known.
[0056] An "ErbB receptor" is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase
which belongs to the ErbB receptor family which are important
mediators of cell growth, differentiation and survival. The ErbB
receptor family includes four distinct members including epidermal
growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB1, HER1), HER2 (ErbB2 or
p185.sup.neu), HER3 (ErbB3) and HER4 (ErbB4 or tyro2). A panel of
anti-ErbB2 antibodies has been characterized using the human breast
tumor cell line SKBR3 (Hudziak et al (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol.
9(3):1165-1172. Maximum inhibition was obtained with the antibody
called 4D5 which inhibited cellular proliferation by 56%. Other
antibodies in the panel reduced cellular proliferation to a lesser
extent in this assay. The antibody 4D5 was further found to
sensitize ErbB2-overexpressing breast tumor cell lines to the
cytotoxic effects of TNF-.alpha. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,171). The
anti-ErbB2 antibodies discussed in Hudziak et al are further
characterized in Fendly et al (1990) Cancer Research 50:1550-1558;
Kotts et al. (1990) In Vitro 26(3):59A; Sarup et al. (1991) Growth
Regulation 1:72-82; Shepard et al. J. (1991) Clin. Immunol.
11(3):117-127; Kumar et al. (1991) Mol. Cell. Biol. 11(2):979-986;
Lewis et al. (1993) Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 37:255-263; Pietras
et al. (1994) Oncogene 9:1829-1838; Vitetta et al. (1994) Cancer
Research 54:5301-5309; Sliwkowski et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem.
269(20):14661-14665; Scott et al. (1991) J. Biol. Chem.
266:14300-5; D'souza et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (1994)
91:7202-7206; Lewis et al. (1996) Cancer Research 56:1457-1465; and
Schaefer et al. (1997) Oncogene 15:1385-1394.
[0057] Other anti-ErbB2 antibodies with various properties have
been described in Franklin et al (2004) Cancer Cell 5:317-328;
Tagliabue et al (1991) Int. J. Cancer 47:933-937; McKenzie et al
(1989) Oncogene 4:543-548; Maier et al (1991) Cancer Res.
51:5361-5369; Bacus et al (1990) Molecular Carcinogenesis
3:350-362; Stancovski et al (1991) PNAS (USA) 88:8691-8695; Bacus
et al (1992) Cancer Research 52:2580-2589; Xu et al (1993) Int. J.
Cancer 53:401-408; WO94/00136; Kasprzyk et al (1992) Cancer
Research 52:2771-2776; Hancock et al (1991) Cancer Res.
51:4575-4580; Shawver et al (1994) Cancer Res. 54:1367-1373;
Arteaga et al (1994) Cancer Res. 54:3758-3765; Harwerth et al
(1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267:15160-15167; U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,186; and
Klapper et al (1997) Oncogene 14:2099-2109.
[0058] Sequence identity screening has resulted in the
identification of two other ErbB receptor family members; ErbB3
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,884; U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,968; Kraus et al
(1989) PNAS (USA) 86:9193-9197) and ErbB4 (EP 599274; Plowman et al
(1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:1746-1750; and Plowman et al
(1993) Nature 366:473-475). Both of these receptors display
increased expression on at least some breast cancer cell lines.
[0059] The ErbB receptor will generally comprise an extracellular
domain, which may bind an ErbB ligand; a lipophilic transmembrane
domain; a conserved intracellular tyrosine kinase domain; and a
carboxyl-terminal signaling domain harboring several tyrosine
residues which can be phosphorylated. The ErbB receptor may be a
"native sequence" ErbB receptor or an "amino acid sequence variant"
thereof. The ErbB receptor may be native sequence human ErbB
receptor. Accordingly, a "member of the ErbB receptor family" is
EGFR (ErbB 1), ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4 or any other ErbB receptor
currently known or to be identified in the future.
[0060] The terms "ErbB1", "epidermal growth factor receptor",
"EGFR" and "HER1" are used interchangeably herein and refer to EGFR
as disclosed, for example, in Carpenter et al (1987) Ann. Rev.
Biochem. 56:881-914, including naturally occurring mutant forms
thereof (e.g., a deletion mutant EGFR as in Humphrey et al., (1990)
PNAS (USA), 87:4207-4211). The term erbB1 refers to the gene
encoding the EGFR protein product. Antibodies against HER1 are
described, for example, in Murthy et al (1987) Arch. Biochem.
Biophys., 252:549-560 and in WO 95/25167.
[0061] The term "ERRP", "EGF-Receptor Related Protein", "EGFR
Related Protein" and "epidermal growth factor receptor related
protein" are used interchangeably herein and refer to ERRP as
disclosed, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,743 and U.S.
2003/0096373.
[0062] The expressions "ErbB2" and "HER2" are used interchangeably
herein and refer to human HER2 protein described, for example, in
Semba et al (1985) PNAS (USA), 82:6497-6501 and Yamamoto et al
(1986) Nature, 319:230-234 (Genbank accession number X03363). The
term "erbB2" refers to the gene encoding human ErbB2 and "neu"
refers to the gene encoding rat p185neu.
[0063] "ErbB3" and "HER3" refer to the receptor polypeptide as
disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,884; U.S. Pat. No.
5,480,968; Kraus et al (1989) PNAS (USA) 86:9193-9197. Antibodies
against ErbB3 are known in the art (U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,884; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,480,968; WO 97/35885).
[0064] The terms "ErbB4" and "HER4" herein refer to the receptor
polypeptide as disclosed, for example, in EP Pat Appln No 599,274;
Plowman et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:1746-1750 (1993);
and Plowman et al., Nature, 366:473-475 (1993), including isoforms
thereof, e.g., as disclosed in WO 99/19488. Antibodies against HER4
are described, for example, in WO 02/18444.
[0065] Antibodies to ErbB receptors are available commercially from
a number of sources, including, for example, Santa Cruz
Biotechnology, Inc., California, USA.
[0066] By "ErbB ligand" is meant a polypeptide which binds to
and/or activates an ErbB receptor. The ErbB ligand may be a native
sequence human ErbB ligand such as epidermal growth factor (EGF)
(Savage et al (1972) J. Biol. Chem., 247:7612-7621); transforming
growth factor alpha (TGF-.alpha.) (Marquardt et al (1984) Science
223:1079-1082); amphiregulin also known as schwanoma or
keratinocyte autocrine growth factor (Shoyab et al (1989) Science
243:1074-1076; Kimura et al (1990) Nature 348:257-260; and Cook et
al (1991) Mol. Cell. Biol., 11:2547-2557); betacellulin (Shing et
al (1993) Science 259:1604-1607; and Sasada et al (1993) Biochem.
Biophys. Res. Commun. 190:1173); heparin-binding epidermal growth
factor (HB-EGF) (Higashiyama et al (1991) Science 251:936-939);
epiregulin (Toyoda et al (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:7495-7500; and
Komurasaki et al (1997) Oncogene 15:2841-2848); a heregulin (see
below); neuregulin-2 (NRG-2) (Carraway et al., Nature, 387:512-516
(1997)); neuregulin-3 (NRG-3) (Zhang et al (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci., 94:9562-9567); neuregulin-4 (NRG-4) (Harari et al (1999)
Oncogene, 18:2681-89) or cripto (CR-1) (Kannan et al (1997) J.
Biol. Chem., 272(6):3330-3335). ErbB ligands which bind EGFR
include EGF, TGF-.alpha., amphiregulin, betacellulin, HB-EGF and
epiregulin. ErbB ligands which bind ErbB3 include heregulins. ErbB
ligands capable of binding ErbB4 include betacellulin, epiregulin,
HB-EGF, NRG-2, NRG-3, NRG-4 and heregulins. The ErbB ligand may
also be a synthetic ErbB ligand. The synthetic ligand may be
specific for a particular ErbB receptor, or may recognize
particular ErbB receptor complexes. An example of a synthetic
ligand is the synthetic heregulin/EGF chimera biregulin (see, for
example, Jones et al (1999) FEBS Letters, 447:227-231, which is
incorporated by reference).
[0067] "Heregulin" (HRG) refers to a polypeptide encoded by the
heregulin gene product as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,869 or
Marchionni et al (1993) Nature 362:312-318. Examples of heregulins
include heregulin-.alpha., heregulin-.beta.1, heregulin-.beta.2 and
heregulin-.beta.3 (Holmes et al (1992) Science 256:1205-1210; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,869); neu differentiation factor (NDF) (Peles
et al (1992) Cell 69: 205-216); acetylcholine receptor-inducing
activity (ARIA) (Falls et al (1993) Cell 72:801-815); glial growth
factors (GGFs) (Marchionni et al (1993) Nature, 362:312-318);
sensory and motor neuron derived factor (SMDF) (Ho et al (1995) J.
Biol. Chem. 270:14523-14532); .gamma.-heregulin (Schaefer et al
(1997) Oncogene, 15:1385-1394). The term includes biologically
active fragments and/or amino acid sequence variants of a native
sequence HRG polypeptide, such as an EGF-like domain fragment
thereof (e.g., HRG.beta.1177-244).
[0068] "ErbB hetero-oligomer" is a noncovalently associated
oligomer comprising at least two different ErbB receptors. An "ErbB
dimer" is a noncovalently associated oligomer that comprises two
different ErbB receptors. Such complexes may form when a cell
expressing two or more ErbB receptors is exposed to an ErbB ligand.
ErbB oligomers, such as ErbB dimers, can be isolated by
immunoprecipitation and analyzed by SDS-PAGE as described in
Sliwkowski et al (1994) J. Biol. Chem., 269(20):14661-14665, for
example. Examples of such ErbB hetero-oligomers include EGFR-ErbB2
(also referred to as HER1/HER2), ErbB2-ErbB3 (HER2/HER3) and
ErbB3-ErbB4 (HER3/HER4) complexes. Moreover, the ErbB
hetero-oligomer may comprise two or more ErbB2 receptors combined
with a different ErbB receptor, such as ErbB3, ErbB4 or EGFR
(ErbB1). Other proteins, such as a cytokine receptor subunit (e.g.,
gp130) may be included in the hetero-oligomer.
[0069] By "ligand activation of an ErbB receptor" is meant signal
transduction (e.g., that caused by an intracellular kinase domain
of an ErbB receptor phosphorylating tyrosine residues in the ErbB
receptor or a substrate polypeptide) mediated by ErbB ligand
binding to a ErbB hetero-oligomer comprising the ErbB receptor of
interest. Generally, this will involve binding of an ErbB ligand to
an ErbB hetero-oligomer which activates a kinase domain of one or
more of the ErbB receptors in the hetero-oligomer and thereby
results in phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in one or more of
the ErbB receptors and/or phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in
additional substrate polypeptides(s). ErbB receptor activation can
be quantified using various tyrosine phosphorylation assays.
[0070] A "native sequence" polypeptide is one which has the same
amino acid sequence as a polypeptide (e.g., ErbB receptor or ErbB
ligand) derived from nature. Such native sequence polypeptides can
be isolated from nature or can be produced by recombinant or
synthetic means. Thus, a native sequence polypeptide can have the
amino acid sequence of naturally occurring human polypeptide,
murine polypeptide, or polypeptide from any other mammalian
species.
[0071] The term "amino acid sequence variant" refers to
polypeptides having amino acid sequences that differ to some extent
from a native sequence polypeptide. Ordinarily, amino acid sequence
variants will possess at least about 70% sequence identity with at
least one receptor binding domain of a native ErbB ligand or with
at least one ligand binding domain of a native ErbB receptor, or at
least about 80%, or at least about 90% homologous with such
receptor or ligand binding domains. The amino acid sequence
variants possess substitutions, deletions, and/or insertions at
certain positions within the amino acid sequence of the native
amino acid sequence.
[0072] "Sequence identity" is defined as the percentage of residues
in the amino acid sequence variant that are identical after
aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to
achieve the maximum percent sequence identity. Methods and computer
programs for the alignment are well known in the art. One such
computer program is "Align 2," authored by Genentech, Inc., which
was filed with user documentation in the United States Copyright
Office, Washington, D.C. 20559, on Dec. 10, 1991.
[0073] "Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity" and "ADCC"
refer to a cell-mediated reaction in which nonspecific cytotoxic
cells that express Fc receptors (FcRs) (e.g., Natural Killer (NK)
cells, neutrophils, and macrophages) recognize bound antibody on a
target cell and subsequently cause lysis of the target cell. The
primary cells for mediating ADCC, NK cells, express Fc.gamma.RIII
only, whereas monocytes express Fc.gamma.RI, Fc.gamma.RII and
Fc.gamma.RIII. FcR expression on hematopoietic cells in summarized
is Table 3 on page 464 of Ravetch and Kinet, (1991) Annu. Rev.
Immunol, 9:457-92. To assess ADCC activity of a molecule of
interest, an in vitro ADCC assay may be performed (U.S. Pat. No.
55,003,621; U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,337). Useful effector cells for
such assays include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and
Natural Killer (NK) cells. Alternatively, or additionally, ADCC
activity of the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g.,
in a animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes et al (1998)
PNAS (USA), 95:652-656.
[0074] "Maytansinoid drug moiety" means the substructure of an
antibody-drug conjugate that has the structure of a maytansine
compound. Maytansine was first isolated from the east African shrub
Maytenus serrata (U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,111). Subsequently, it was
discovered that certain microbes also produce maytansinoids, such
as maytansinol and C-3 maytansinol esters (U.S. Pat. No.
4,151,042). Synthetic maytansinol and maytansinol analogues have
been reported. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,137,230; 4,248,870; 4,256,746;
4,260,608; 4,265,814; 4,294,757; 4,307,016; 4,308,268; 4,308,269;
4,309,428; 4,313,946; 4,315,929; 4,317,821; 4,322,348; 4,331,598;
4,361,650; 4,364,866; 4,424,219; 4,450,254; 4,362,663; and
4,371,533, and Kawai et al (1984) Chem. Pharm. Bull. 3441-3451),
each of which are expressly incorporated by reference.
[0075] The terms "Fc receptor" or "FcR" are used to describe a
receptor that binds to the Fc region of an antibody, such as a
native sequence human FcR. FcR may bind an IgG antibody (a gamma
receptor) and includes receptors of the Fc.gamma.RI, Fc.gamma.RII,
and Fc.gamma.RIII subclasses, including allelic variants and
alternatively spliced forms of these receptors. Fc.gamma.RII
receptors include Fc.gamma.RIIA (an "activating receptor") and
Fc.gamma.RIIB (an "inhibiting receptor"), which have similar amino
acid sequences that differ primarily in the cytoplasmic domains
thereof. Activating receptor Fc.gamma.RIIA contains an
immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in its
cytoplasmic domain. Inhibiting receptor Fc.gamma.RIIB contains an
immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) in its
cytoplasmic domain. (See review M. in Daron, Annu. Rev. Immunol.,
15:203-234 (1997)). FcRs are reviewed in Ravetch and Kinet, Annu.
Rev. Immunol., 9:457-92 (1991); Capel et al (1994) Immunomethods,
4:25-34; and de Haas et al (1995) J. Lab. Clin. Med., 126:330-41.
Other FcRs, including those to be identified in the future, are
encompassed by the term "FcR" herein. The term also includes the
neonatal receptor, FcRn, which is responsible for the transfer of
maternal IgGs to the fetus (Guyer et al (1976) J. Immunol. 117:587,
and Kim et al (1994) J. Immunol., 24:249).
[0076] "Complement dependent cytotoxicity" or "CDC" refers to the
ability of a molecule to lyse a target in the presence of
complement. The complement activation pathway is initiated by the
binding of the first component of the complement system (C1q) to a
molecule (e.g., an antibody) complexed with a cognate antigen. To
assess complement activation, a CDC assay, e.g., as described in
Gazzano-Santoro et al (1996) J. Immunol. Methods, 202:163, may be
performed.
[0077] "Native antibodies" are usually heterotetrameric
glycoproteins of about 150,000 daltons, composed of two identical
light (L) chains and two identical heavy (H) chains. Each light
chain is linked to a heavy chain by one covalent disulfide bond,
while the number of disulfide linkages varies among the heavy
chains of different immunoglobulin isotypes. Each heavy and light
chain also has regularly spaced intrachain disulfide bridges. Each
heavy chain has at one end a variable domain (VH) followed by a
number of constant domains. Each light chain has a variable domain
at one end (VL) and a constant domain at its other end. The
constant domain of the light chain is aligned with the first
constant domain of the heavy chain, and the light-chain variable
domain is aligned with the variable domain of the heavy chain.
Particular amino acid residues are believed to form an interface
between the light chain and heavy chain variable domains.
[0078] The term "variable" refers to the fact that certain portions
of the variable domains differ extensively in sequence among
antibodies and are used in the binding and specificity of each
particular antibody for its particular antigen. However, the
variability is not evenly distributed throughout the variable
domains of antibodies. It is concentrated in three segments called
hypervariable regions both in the light chain and the heavy chain
variable domains. The more highly conserved portions of variable
domains are called the framework regions (FRs). The variable
domains of native heavy and light chains each comprise four FRs,
largely adopting a .beta.-sheet configuration, connected by three
hypervariable regions, which form loops connecting, and in some
cases forming part of, the .beta.-sheet structure. The
hypervariable regions in each chain are held together in close
proximity by the FRs and, with the hypervariable regions from the
other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen-binding
site of antibodies (see Kabat et al (1991) Sequences of Proteins of
Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.). The constant domains are not
involved directly in binding an antibody to an antigen, but exhibit
various effector functions, such as participation of the antibody
in antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
[0079] The term "hypervariable region" when used herein refers to
the amino acid residues of an antibody which are responsible for
antigen-binding. The hypervariable region generally comprises amino
acid residues from a "complementarity determining region" or "CDR"
(e.g., residues 24-34 (L1), 50-56 (L2) and 89-97 (L3) in the light
chain variable domain and 31-35 (H1), 50-65 (H2) and 95-102 (H3) in
the heavy chain variable domain; Kabat et al supra) and/or those
residues from a "hypervariable loop" (e.g., residues 26-32 (L1),
50-52 (L2) and 91-96 (L3) in the light chain variable domain and
26-32 (H1), 53-55 (H2) and 96-101 (H3) in the heavy chain variable
domain; Chothia and Lesk (1987) J. Mol. Biol., 196:901-917).
"Framework Region" or "FR" residues are those variable domain
residues other than the hypervariable region residues as herein
defined.
[0080] Papain digestion of antibodies produces two identical
antigen-binding fragments, called "Fab" fragments, each with a
single antigen-binding site, and a residual "Fc" fragment, whose
name reflects its ability to crystallize readily. Pepsin treatment
yields an F(ab')2 fragment that has two antigen-binding sites and
is still capable of cross-linking antigen.
[0081] "Fv" is the minimum antibody fragment which contains a
complete antigen-recognition and antigen-binding site. This region
consists of a dimer of one heavy chain and one light chain variable
domain in tight, non-covalent association. It is in this
configuration that the three hypervariable regions of each variable
domain interact to define an antigen-binding site on the surface of
the VH-VL dimer. Collectively, the six hypervariable regions confer
antigen-binding specificity to the antibody. However, even a single
variable domain (or half of an Fv comprising only three
hypervariable regions specific for an antigen) has the ability to
recognize and bind antigen, although at a lower affinity than the
entire binding site.
[0082] The Fab fragment also contains the constant domain of the
light chain and the first constant domain (CH1) of the heavy chain.
Fab' fragments differ from Fab fragments by the addition of a few
residues at the carboxy terminus of the heavy chain CH1 domain
including one or more cysteines from the antibody hinge region.
Fab'-SH is the designation herein for Fab' in which the cysteine
residue(s) of the constant domains bear at least one free thiol
group. F(ab')2 antibody fragments originally were produced as pairs
of Fab' fragments which have hinge cysteines between them. Other
chemical couplings of antibody fragments are also known.
[0083] The "light chains" of antibodies from any vertebrate species
can be assigned to one of two clearly distinct types, called kappa
(.kappa.) and lambda (.lambda.), based on the amino acid sequences
of their constant domains.
[0084] "Single-chain Fv" or "scFv" mean single chain variable
region antibody fragments which comprise the VH and VL domains of
antibody, wherein these domains are present in a single polypeptide
chain. The Fv polypeptide may further comprise a polypeptide linker
between the VH and VL domains which enables the scFv to form the
desired structure for antigen binding (Pluckthun in The
Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, vol. 113, Rosenburg and
Moore eds., Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 269-315 (1994).
Anti-ErbB2 antibody scFv fragments are described in WO 93/16185;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,894; U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,458.
[0085] The term "diabodies" refers to small antibody fragments with
two antigen-binding sites, which fragments comprise a variable
heavy domain (VH) connected to a variable light domain (VL) in the
same polypeptide chain (VH-VL). By using a linker that is too short
to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain, the
domains are forced to pair with the complementary domains of
another chain and create two antigen-binding sites. Diabodies are
described more fully in, for example, EP 404,097; WO 93/11161; and
Hollinger et al (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6444-6448.
[0086] "Humanized" forms of non-human (e.g., rodent) antibodies are
chimeric antibodies that contain minimal sequence derived from
non-human immunoglobulin. For the most part, humanized antibodies
are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues
from a hypervariable region of the recipient are replaced by
residues from a hypervariable region of a non-human species (donor
antibody) such as mouse, rat, rabbit or nonhuman primate having the
desired specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some instances,
framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are
replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore,
humanized antibodies may comprise residues that are not found in
the recipient antibody or in the donor antibody. These
modifications are made to further refine antibody performance. In
general, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of
at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or
substantially all of the hypervariable loops correspond to those of
a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FRs
are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized
antibody optionally also will comprise at least a portion of an
immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human
immunoglobulin. For further details, see Jones et al (1986) Nature,
321:522-525; Riechmann et al (1988) Nature 332:323-329; and Presta,
(1992) Curr. Op. Struct. Biol., 2:593-596.
[0087] Humanized anti-ErbB2 antibodies include huMAb4D5-1,
huMAb4D5-2, huMAb4D5-3, huMAb4D5-4, huMAb4D5-5, huMAb4D5-6,
huMAb4D5-7 and huMAb4D5-8 (HERCEPTIN.RTM., trastuzumab) as
described in Table 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,337 expressly
incorporated herein by reference; humanized 520C9 (WO 93/21319) and
humanized 2C4 antibodies.
[0088] An "isolated" antibody is one which has been identified and
separated and/or recovered from a component of its natural
environment. Contaminant components of its natural environment are
materials which would interfere with diagnostic or therapeutic uses
for the antibody, and may include enzymes, hormones, and other
proteinaceous or nonproteinaceous solutes. The antibody may be
purified (1) to greater than 95% by weight of antibody as
determined by the Lowry method, or more than 99% by weight, (2) to
a degree sufficient to obtain at least 15 residues of N-terminal or
internal amino acid sequence by use of a spinning cup protein
sequencer, or (3) to homogeneity by SDS-PAGE under reducing or
nonreducing conditions using Coomassie blue or silver stain.
Isolated antibody includes the antibody in situ within recombinant
cells since at least one component of the antibody's natural
environment will not be present. Ordinarily, however, isolated
antibody will be prepared by at least one purification step.
[0089] An antibody "which binds" an antigen of interest, e.g.,
ErbB2 antigen, is one capable of binding that antigen with
sufficient affinity such that the antibody is useful in targeting a
cell expressing the antigen. Where the antibody is one which binds
ErbB2, it will usually preferentially bind ErbB2 as opposed to
other ErbB receptors, and may be one which does not significantly
cross-react with other proteins such as EGFR, ErbB3 or ErbB4. In
such embodiments, the extent of binding of the antibody to these
non-ErbB2 proteins (e.g., cell surface binding to endogenous
receptor) will be less than 10% as determined by fluorescence
activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis or radioimmunoprecipitation
(RIA). Sometimes, the anti-ErbB2 antibody will not significantly
cross-react with the rat neu protein, e.g., as described in
Schecter et al (1984) Nature 312:513, and Drebin et al (1984)
Nature, 312:545-548.
[0090] An antibody which "blocks" ligand activation of an ErbB
receptor reduces or prevents such activation, wherein the antibody
is able to block ligand activation of the ErbB receptor
substantially more effectively than monoclonal antibody 4D5, e.g.,
about as effectively as monoclonal antibodies 7F3 or 2C4 or Fab
fragments thereof. For example, the antibody that blocks ligand
activation of an ErbB receptor may be one which is about 50-100%
more effective than 4D5 at blocking formation of an ErbB
hetero-oligomer. Blocking of ligand activation of an ErbB receptor
can occur by any means, e.g., by interfering with: ligand binding
to an ErbB receptor, ErbB complex formation, tyrosine kinase
activity of an ErbB receptor in an ErbB complex and/or
phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase residue(s) in or by an ErbB
receptor.
[0091] An antibody having a "biological characteristic" of a
designated antibody, such as the monoclonal antibody designated 2C4
(Omnitarg, Genentech, Inc.), is one which possesses one or more of
the biological characteristics of that antibody which distinguish
it from other antibodies that bind to the same antigen (e.g.,
ErbB2). For example, an antibody with a biological characteristic
of 2C4 may block HRG activation of an ErbB hetero-oligomer
comprising ErbB2 and ErbB3, ErbB1 or ErbB4; block EGF, TGF-.alpha.,
HB-EGF, epiregulin and/or amphiregulin activation of an ErbB
receptor comprising EGFR and ErbB2; block EGF, TGF-.alpha. and/or
HRG mediated activation of MAPK; and/or bind the same epitope in
the extracellular domain of ErbB2 as that bound by 2C4 (e.g., which
blocks binding of monoclonal antibody 2C4 to ErbB2).
[0092] Unless indicated otherwise, the expression "monoclonal
antibody 2C4" refers to an antibody that has antigen binding
residues of, or derived from, the murine 2C4 antibody of the
Examples below. For example, the monoclonal antibody 2C4 may be
murine monoclonal antibody 2C4 or a variant thereof, such as
humanized antibody 2C4, possessing antigen binding amino acid
residues of murine monoclonal antibody 2C4 (WO 01/00245). Unless
indicated otherwise, the expression "rhuMAb 2C4" when used herein
refers to an antibody comprising the variable light (VL) and
variable heavy (VH) sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 3 and 4, respectively,
fused to human light and heavy IgG1 (non-A allotype) constant
region sequences optionally expressed by a Chinese Hamster Ovary
(CHO) cell (WO 01/00245).
[0093] Unless indicated otherwise, the term "monoclonal antibody
4D5" refers to an antibody that has antigen binding residues of, or
derived from, the murine 4D5 antibody (ATCC CRL 10463). For
example, the monoclonal antibody 4D5 may be murine monoclonal
antibody 4D5 or a variant thereof, such as a humanized 4D5,
possessing antigen binding residues of murine monoclonal antibody
4D5. Exemplary humanized 4D5 antibodies include huMAb4D5-1,
huMAb4D5-2, huMAb4D5-3, huMAb4D5-4, huMAb4D5-5, huMAb4D5-6,
huMAb4D5-7 and huMAb4D5-8 (HERCEPTIN.RTM.) as in U.S. Pat. No.
5,821,337.
[0094] A "growth inhibitory agent" refers to a compound or
composition which inhibits growth of a cell, e.g. an ErbB
expressing cancer cell either in vitro or in vivo. Thus, the growth
inhibitory agent may be one which significantly reduces the
percentage of ErbB expressing cells in S phase. Examples of growth
inhibitory agents include agents that block cell cycle progression
(at a place other than S phase), such as agents that induce G1
arrest and M-phase arrest (The Molecular Basis of Cancer,
Mendelsohn and Israel, eds., Chapter 1, entitled "Cell cycle
regulation, oncogenes, and antineoplastic drugs" by Murakami et al.
(W B Saunders: Philadelphia, 1995), especially p. 13). Examples of
"growth inhibitory" antibodies are those which bind to ErbB2 and
inhibit the growth of cancer cells overexpressing ErbB2. Growth
inhibitory anti-ErbB2 antibodies may inhibit growth of SK-BR-3
breast tumor cells in cell culture by greater than 20%, or greater
than 50% (e.g., from about 50% to about 100%) at an antibody
concentration of about 0.5 to 30 .mu.g/ml, where the growth
inhibition is determined six days after exposure of the SK-BR-3
cells to the antibody (U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,171).
[0095] An antibody which "induces cell death" is one which causes a
viable cell to become nonviable. The cell is generally one which
expresses the ErbB2 receptor, especially where the cell
overexpresses the ErbB2 receptor. The cell may be a cancer cell,
e.g., a breast, ovarian, stomach, endometrial, salivary gland,
lung, kidney, colon, thyroid, pancreatic or bladder cell. In vitro,
the cell may be a SK-BR-3, BT474, Calu 3, MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-361 or
SKOV3 cell. Cell death in vitro may be determined in the absence of
complement and immune effector cells to distinguish cell death
induced by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) or
complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Thus, the assay for cell
death may be performed using heat inactivated serum (i.e., in the
absence of complement) and in the absence of immune effector cells.
To determine whether the antibody is able to induce cell death,
loss of membrane integrity as evaluated by uptake of propidium
iodide (PI), trypan blue (see Moore et al (1995) Cytotechnology,
17:1-11) or 7AAD can be assessed relative to untreated cells. Cell
death-inducing antibodies are those which induce PI uptake in the
PI uptake assay in BT474 cells (see below).
[0096] An antibody which "induces apoptosis" is one which induces
programmed cell death as determined by binding of annexin V,
fragmentation of DNA, cell shrinkage, dilation of endoplasmic
reticulum, cell fragmentation, and/or formation of membrane
vesicles (called apoptotic bodies). The cell is usually one which
overexpresses the ErbB2 receptor, including a tumor cell, e.g., a
breast, ovarian, stomach, endometrial, salivary gland, lung,
kidney, colon, thyroid, pancreatic or bladder cell. In vitro, the
cell may be a SK-BR-3, BT474, Calu 3 cell, MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-361
or SKOV3 cell.
[0097] The terms "treat" or "treatment" refer to both therapeutic
treatment and prophylactic or preventative measures, wherein the
object is to prevent or slow down (lessen) an undesired
physiological change or disorder, such as the development or spread
of cancer. For purposes of this invention, beneficial or desired
clinical results include, but are not limited to, alleviation of
symptoms, diminishment of extent of disease, stabilized (i.e., not
worsening) state of disease, delay or slowing of disease
progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease state, and
remission (whether partial or total), whether detectable or
undetectable. "Treatment" can also mean prolonging survival as
compared to expected survival if not receiving treatment. Those in
need of treatment include those already with the condition or
disorder as well as those prone to have the condition or disorder
or those in which the condition or disorder is to be prevented.
[0098] A "disorder" is any condition that would benefit from
treatment of the present invention. This includes chronic and acute
disorders or diseases including those pathological conditions which
predispose the mammal to the disorder in question. Non-limiting
examples of disorders to be treated herein include benign and
malignant tumors; leukemia and lymphoid malignancies, in particular
breast, ovarian, stomach, endometrial, salivary gland, lung,
kidney, colon, thyroid, pancreatic, prostate or bladder cancer;
neuronal, glial, astrocytal, hypothalamic and other glandular,
macrophagal, epithelial, stromal and blastocoelic disorders; and
inflammatory, angiogenic and immunologic disorders. An exemplary
disorder to be treated in accordance with the present invention is
a solid, malignant tumor
[0099] The term "therapeutically effective amount" refers to an
amount of a drug effective to treat a disease or disorder in a
mammal. In the case of cancer, the therapeutically effective amount
of the drug may: (i) reduce the number of cancer cells; (ii) reduce
the tumor size; (iii) inhibit, retard, slow to some extent and
preferably stop cancer cell infiltration into peripheral organs;
(iv) inhibit (i.e., slow to some extent and preferably stop) tumor
metastasis; (v) inhibit tumor growth; and/or (vi) relieve to some
extent one or more of the symptoms associated with the cancer. To
the extent the drug may prevent growth and/or kill existing cancer
cells, it may be cytostatic and/or cytotoxic. In animal models,
efficacy may be assessed by physical measurements of the tumor
during the course following administration of the ADC, and by
determining partial and complete remission of tumor. For cancer
therapy, efficacy can, for example, be measured by assessing the
time to disease progression (TTP) and/or determining the response
rate (RR).
[0100] The term "bioavailability" refers to the systemic
availability (i.e., blood/plasma levels) of a given amount of drug
administered to a patient. Bioavailability is an absolute term that
indicates measurement of both the time (rate) and total amount
(extent) of drug that reaches the general circulation from an
administered dosage form.
[0101] The terms "cancer" and "cancerous" refer to or describe the
physiological condition in mammals that is typically characterized
by unregulated cell growth. A "tumor" comprises one or more
cancerous cells. Examples of cancer include, but are not limited
to, carcinoma, lymphoma, blastoma, sarcoma, and leukemia or
lymphoid malignancies. More particular examples of such cancers
include squamous cell cancer (e.g., epithelial squamous cell
cancer), lung cancer including small-cell lung cancer, non-small
cell lung cancer ("NSCLC"), adenocarcinoma of the lung and squamous
carcinoma of the lung, cancer of the peritoneum, hepatocellular
cancer, gastric or stomach cancer including gastrointestinal
cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), pancreatic cancer,
glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer,
bladder cancer, hepatoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal
cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial or uterine carcinoma,
salivary gland carcinoma, kidney or renal cancer, prostate cancer,
vulval cancer, thyroid cancer, hepatic carcinoma, anal carcinoma,
penile carcinoma, as well as head and neck cancer.
[0102] An "ErbB-expressing cancer" is one comprising cells which
have ErbB protein present at their cell surface. An
"ErbB2-expressing cancer" is one which produces sufficient levels
of ErbB2 at the surface of cells thereof, such that an anti-ErbB2
antibody can bind thereto and have a therapeutic effect with
respect to the cancer.
[0103] A cancer which "overexpresses" a receptor, e.g. an ErbB
receptor, is one which has significantly higher levels of the
receptor, such as ErbB2, at the cell surface thereof, compared to a
noncancerous cell of the same tissue type. Such overexpression may
be caused by gene amplification or by increased transcription or
translation. ErbB receptor overexpression may be determined in a
diagnostic or prognostic assay by evaluating increased levels of
the ErbB protein present on the surface of a cell (e.g., via an
immunohistochemistry assay; IHC). Alternatively, or additionally,
one may measure levels of ErbB-encoding nucleic acid in the cell,
e.g., via fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH; see WO
98/45479), southern blotting, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
techniques, such as real time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR).
Overexpression of the ErbB ligand, may be determined diagnostically
by evaluating levels of the ligand (or nucleic acid encoding it) in
the patient, e.g., in a tumor biopsy or by various diagnostic
assays such as the IHC, FISH, southern blotting, PCR or in vivo
assays described above. One may also study ErbB receptor
overexpression by measuring shed antigen (e.g., ErbB extracellular
domain) in a biological fluid such as serum (see, e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 4,933,294; WO 91/05264; U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,638; and Sias et al
(1990) J. Immunol. Methods 132: 73-80). Aside from the above
assays, various other in vivo assays are available to the skilled
practitioner. For example, one may expose cells within the body of
the patient to an antibody which is optionally labeled with a
detectable label, e.g., a radioactive isotope, and binding of the
antibody to cells in the patient can be evaluated, e.g., by
external scanning for radioactivity or by analyzing a biopsy taken
from a patient previously exposed to the antibody.
[0104] The tumors overexpressing HER2 are rated by
immunohistochemical scores corresponding to the number of copies of
HER2 molecules expressed per cell, and can be determined
biochemically: 0=0-10,000 copies/cell, 1+=at least about 200,000
copies/cell, 2+=at least about 500,000 copies/cell, 3+=about
1-2.times.10.sup.6 copies/cell. Overexpression of HER2 at the 3+
level, which leads to ligand-independent activation of the tyrosine
kinase (Hudziak et al., (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
84:7159-7163), occurs in approximately 30% of breast cancers, and
in these patients, relapse-free survival and overall survival are
diminished (Slamon et al (1989) Science 244:707-712; Slamon et al
(1987) Science, 235:177-182). Conversely, a cancer which is "not
characterized by overexpression of the ErbB2 receptor" is one
which, in a diagnostic assay, does not express higher than normal
levels of ErbB2 receptor compared to a noncancerous cell of the
same tissue type. The murine monoclonal anti-HER2 antibody inhibits
the growth of breast cancer cell lines that overexpress HER2 at the
2+ and 3+ (1-2.times.10.sup.6 HER2 receptors per cell) level, but
has no activity on cells that express lower levels of HER2 (Lewis
et al (1993) Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 37:255-263). Based on this
observation, antibody 4D5 was humanized (huMAb4D5-8, rhuMAb HER2,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,337; Carter et al (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA 89: 4285-4289) and tested in breast cancer patients whose
tumors overexpress HER2 but who had progressed after conventional
chemotherapy (Cobleigh et al (1999) J. Clin. Oncol. 17: 2639-2648).
Most patient tumors in this trial expressed HER2 at the 3+ level,
though a fraction was 2+.
[0105] A "hormone independent" cancer is one in which proliferation
thereof is not dependent on the presence of a hormone which binds
to a receptor expressed by cells in the cancer. Such cancers do not
undergo clinical regression upon administration of pharmacological
or surgical strategies that reduce the hormone concentration in or
near the tumor. Examples of hormone independent cancers include
androgen independent prostate cancer, estrogen independent breast
cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer. Such cancers may
begin as hormone dependent tumors and progress from a
hormone-sensitive stage to a hormone-refractory tumor following
anti-hormonal therapy.
[0106] The term "cytotoxic agent" as used herein refers to a
substance that inhibits or prevents the function of cells and/or
causes destruction of cells. The term is intended to include
radioactive isotopes (e.g., .sup.211At, .sup.131I, .sup.125I,
.sup.90Y, .sup.186Re, .sup.188Re, .sup.153Sm, .sup.212Bi, .sup.32P,
.sup.60C, and radioactive isotopes of Lu), chemotherapeutic agents,
and toxins such as small molecule toxins or enzymatically active
toxins of bacterial, fungal, plant or animal origin, including
synthetic analogs and derivatives thereof.
[0107] A "chemotherapeutic agent" is a chemical compound useful in
the treatment of cancer. Examples of chemotherapeutic agents
include Erlotinib (TARCEVA.RTM., Genentech/OSI Pharm.), Bortezomib
(VELCADE.RTM., Millenium Pharm.), Fulvestrant (FASLODEX.RTM.,
Astrazeneca), Sutent (SU11248, Pfizer), Letrozole (FEMARA.RTM.,
Novartis), Imatinib mesylate (GLEEVEC.RTM., Novartis), PTK787/ZK
222584 (Novartis), Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin.RTM., Sanofi), 5-FU
(5-fluorouracil), Leucovorin, Rapamycin (Sirolimus, RAPAMUNE.RTM.,
Wyeth), Lapatinib (GSK572016, GlaxoSmithKline), Lonafarnib (SCH
66336), Sorafenib (BAY43-9006, Bayer Labs.), and Gefitinib
(IRESSA.RTM., Astrazeneca), AG1478, AG1571 (SU 5271; Sugen),
alkylating agents such as thiotepa and CYTOXAN.RTM.
cyclosphosphamide; alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan, improsulfan
and piposulfan; aziridines such as benzodopa, carboquone,
meturedopa, and uredopa; ethylenimines and methylamelamines
including altretamine, triethylenemelamine,
triethylenephosphoramide, triethylenethiophosphorami- de and
trimethylomelamine; acetogenins (especially bullatacin and
bullatacinone); a camptothecin (including the synthetic analogue
topotecan); bryostatin; callystatin; CC-1065 (including its
adozelesin, carzelesin and bizelesin synthetic analogues);
cryptophycins (particularly cryptophycin 1 and cryptophycin 8);
dolastatin; duocarmycin (including the synthetic analogues, KW-2189
and CB1-TM1); eleutherobin; pancratistatin; a sarcodictyin;
spongistatin; nitrogen mustards such as chlorambucil,
chlornaphazine, cholophosphamide, estramustine, ifosfamide,
mechlorethamine, mechlorethamine oxide hydrochloride, melphalan,
novembichin, phenesterine, prednimustine, trofosfamide, uracil
mustard; nitrosureas such as carmustine, chlorozotocin,
fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, and ranimnustine; antibiotics
such as the enediyne antibiotics (e.g., calicheamicin, especially
calicheamicin gamma1I and calicheamicin omegaI1 (Angew Chem Intl.
Ed. Engl. (1994) 33:183-186); dynemicin, including dynemicin A;
bisphosphonates, such as clodronate; an esperamicin; as well as
neocarzinostatin chromophore and related chromoprotein enediyne
antibiotic chromophores), aclacinomysins, actinomycin, authramycin,
azaserine, bleomycins, cactinomycin, carabicin, carminomycin,
carzinophilin, chromomycinis, dactinomycin, daunorubicin,
detorubicin, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, ADRIAMYCIN.RTM.
doxorubicin (including morpholino-doxorubicin,
cyanomorpholino-doxorubicin, 2-pyrrolino-doxorubicin and
deoxydoxorubicin), epirubicin, esorubicin, idarubicin,
marcellomycin, mitomycins such as mitomycin C, mycophenolic acid,
nogalamycin, olivomycins, peplomycin, potfiromycin, puromycin,
quelamycin, rodorubicin, streptonigrin, streptozocin, tubercidin,
ubenimex, zinostatin, zorubicin; anti-metabolites such as
methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); folic acid analogues such
as denopterin, methotrexate, pteropterin, trimetrexate; purine
analogs such as fludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine, thiamiprine,
thioguanine; pyrimidine analogs such as ancitabine, azacitidine,
6-azauridine, carmofur, cytarabine, dideoxyuridine, doxifluridine,
enocitabine, floxuridine; androgens such as calusterone,
dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol, mepitiostane,
testolactone; anti-adrenals such as aminoglutethimide, mitotane,
trilostane; folic acid replenisher such as frolinic acid;
aceglatone; aldophosphamide glycoside; aminolevulinic acid;
eniluracil; amsacrine; bestrabucil; bisantrene; edatraxate;
defofamine; demecolcine; diaziquone; elformithine; elliptinium
acetate; an epothilone; etoglucid; gallium nitrate; hydroxyurea;
lentinan; lonidainine; maytansinoids such as maytansine and
ansamitocins; mitoguazone; mitoxantrone; mopidanmol; nitraerine;
pentostatin; phenamet; pirarubicin; losoxantrone; podophyllinic
acid; 2-ethylhydrazide; procarbazine; PSK.RTM. polysaccharide
complex (JHS Natural Products, Eugene, Oreg.); razoxane; rhizoxin;
sizofiran; spirogermanium; tenuazonic acid; triaziquone;
2,2',2"-trichlorotriethylamine; trichothecenes (especially T-2
toxin, verracurin A, roridin A and anguidine); urethan; vindesine;
dacarbazine; mannomustine; mitobronitol; mitolactol; pipobroman;
gacytosine; arabinoside ("Ara-C"); cyclophosphamide; thiotepa;
taxoids, e.g., TAXOL.RTM. paclitaxel (Bristol-Myers Squibb
Oncology, Princeton, N.J.), ABRAXANE.TM. Cremophor-free,
albumin-engineered nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel (American
Pharmaceutical Partners, Schaumberg, Ill.), and TAXOTERE.RTM.
doxetaxel (Rhne-Poulenc Rorer, Antony, France); chloranbucil;
GEMZAR.RTM. gemcitabine; 6-thioguanine; mercaptopurine;
methotrexate; platinum analogs such as cisplatin and carboplatin;
vinblastine; platinum; etoposide (VP-16); ifosfamide; mitoxantrone;
vincristine; NAVELBINE.RTM. vinorelbine; novantrone; teniposide;
edatrexate; daunomycin; aminopterin; xeloda; ibandronate; CPT-11;
topoisomerase inhibitor RFS 2000; difluorometlhylornithine (DMFO);
retinoids such as retinoic acid; capecitabine; and pharmaceutically
acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above.
[0108] Also included in this definition of "chemotherapeutic agent"
are: (i) anti-hormonal agents that act to regulate or inhibit
hormone action on tumors such as anti-estrogens and selective
estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), including, for example,
tamoxifen (including NOLVADEX.RTM. tamoxifen), raloxifene,
droloxifene, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, trioxifene, keoxifene, LY117018,
onapristone, and FARESTON. toremifene; (ii) aromatase inhibitors
that inhibit the enzyme aromatase, which regulates estrogen
production in the adrenal glands, such as, for example,
4(5)-imidazoles, aminoglutethimide, MEGASE.RTM. megestrol acetate,
AROMASIN.RTM. exemestane, formestanie, fadrozole, RIVISOR.RTM.
vorozole, FEMARA.RTM. letrozole, and ARIMIDEX.RTM. anastrozole;
(iii) anti-androgens such as flutamide, nilutamide, bicalutamide,
leuprolide, and goserelin; as well as troxacitabine (a
1,3-dioxolane nucleoside cytosine analog); (iv) aromatase
inhibitors; (v) protein kinase inhibitors; (vi) lipid kinase
inhibitors; (vii) antisense oligonucleotides, particularly those
which inhibit expression of genes in signaling pathways implicated
in abherant cell proliferation, such as, for example, PKC-alpha,
Ralf and H-Ras; (viii) ribozymes such as a VEGF expression
inhibitor (e.g., ANGIOZYME.RTM. ribozyme) and a HER2 expression
inhibitor; (ix) vaccines such as gene therapy vaccines, for
example, ALLOVECTIN.RTM. vaccine, LEUVECTIN.RTM. vaccine, and
VAXID.RTM. vaccine; PROLEUKIN.RTM. rIL-2; LURTOTECAN.RTM.
topoisomerase 1 inhibitor; ABARELIX.RTM. rmRH; (x) anti-angiogenic
agents such as bevacizumab (AVASTIN.RTM., Genentech); and (xi)
pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of
the above.
[0109] Protein kinase inhibitors include tyrosine kinase inhibitors
which inhibit to some extent tyrosine kinase activity of a tyrosine
kinase such as an ErbB receptor. Examples of tyrosine kinase
inhibitors include EGFR-targeted drugs such as: (i) antibodies
which bind to EGFR, including MAb 579 (ATCC CRL HB 8506), MAb 455
(ATCC CRL HB8507), MAb 225 (ATCC CRL 8508), MAb 528 (ATCC CRL 8509)
(see, U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,533, Mendelsohn et al.) and variants
thereof, such as chimerized 225 (C225 or Cetuximab; ERBITUX.RTM.,
Imclone) and reshaped human 225 (H225) (WO 96/40210, Imclone
Systems Inc.); antibodies that bind type II mutant EGFR (U.S. Pat.
No. 5,212,290); humanized and chimeric antibodies that bind EGFR
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,996); and human antibodies that bind EGFR,
such as ABX-EGF (WO 98/50433); (ii) anti-EGFR antibody conjugated
with a cyotoxic agent (EP 659439A2); and small molecules that bind
to EGFR including ZD1839 or Gefitinib (IRESSA.TM.; Astra Zeneca),
Erlotinib HCl (CP-358774, TARCEVA.TM.; Genentech/OSI) and AG1478,
AG1571 (SU 5271; Sugen), quinazolines such as PD 153035,
4-(3-chloroanilino) quinazoline, pyridopyrimidines,
pyrimidopyrimidines, pyrrolopyrimidines, such as CGP 59326, CGP
60261 and CGP 62706, and pyrazolopyrimidines,
4-(phenylamino)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines, curcumin (diferuloyl
methane, 4,5-bis (4-fluoroanilino)phthalimide), tyrphostines
containing nitrothiophene moieties; PD-0183805 (Warner-Lambert);
antisense molecules (e.g., those that bind to ErbB-encoding nucleic
acid); quinoxalines (U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,396); tryphostins (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,804,396); ZD6474 (Astra Zeneca); PTK-787
(Novartis/Schering AG); pan-ErbB inhibitors such as CI-1033
(Pfizer); Affinitac (ISIS 3521; Isis/Lilly); Imatinib mesylate
(Gleevac; Novartis); PKI 166 (Novartis); GW2016 (Glaxo SmithKline);
CI-1033 (Pfizer); EKB-569 (Wyeth); Semaxanib (Sugen); ZD6474
(AstraZeneca); PTK-787 (Novartis/Schering AG); INC-1C11 (Imclone);
or as described in: U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,396; WO 99/09016 (American
Cyanamid); WO 98/43960 (American Cyanamid); WO 97/38983 (Warner
Lambert); WO 99/06378 (Warner Lambert); WO 99/06396 (Warner
Lambert); WO 96/30347 (Pfizer, Inc); WO 96/33978 (Zeneca); WO
96/3397 (Zeneca); and WO 96/33980 (Zeneca).
[0110] An "anti-angiogenic agent" refers to a compound which
blocks, or interferes with to some degree, the development of blood
vessels. The anti-angiogenic factor may, for instance, be a small
molecule or antibody that binds to a growth factor or growth factor
receptor involved in promoting angiogenesis. An exemplary
anti-angiogenic agent is an antibody that binds to Vascular
Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) such as bevacizumab (AVASTIN.RTM.,
Genentech).
[0111] The term "cytokine" is a generic term for proteins released
by one cell population which act on another cell as intercellular
mediators. Examples of such cytokines are lymphokines, monokines,
and traditional polypeptide hormones. Included among the cytokines
are growth hormone such as human growth hormone, N-methionyl human
growth hormone, and bovine growth hormone; parathyroid hormone;
thyroxine; insulin; proinsulin; relaxin; prorelaxin; glycoprotein
hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH); hepatic
growth factor; fibroblast growth factor; prolactin; placental
lactogen; tumor necrosis factor-.alpha. and -.beta.;
mullerian-inhibiting substance; mouse gonadotropin-associated
peptide; inhibin; activin; vascular endothelial growth factor;
integrin; thrombopoietin (TPO); nerve growth factors such as
NGF-.beta.; platelet-growth factor; transforming growth factors
(TGFs) such as TGF-.alpha. and TGF-.beta.; insulin-like growth
factor-I and -II; erythropoietin (EPO); osteoinductive factors;
interferons such as interferon-.alpha., -.beta., and -.gamma.;
colony stimulating factors (CSFs) such as macrophage-CSF (M-CSF);
granulocyte-macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF); and granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF);
interleukins (ILs) such as IL-1, IL-1.alpha., IL-2, IL-3, IL-4,
IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12; a tumor necrosis
factor such as TNF-.alpha. or TNF-.beta.; and other polypeptide
factors including LIF and kit ligand (KL). As used herein, the term
cytokine includes proteins from natural sources or from recombinant
cell culture and biologically active equivalents of the native
sequence cytokines.
[0112] The term "prodrug" as used in this application refers to a
precursor or derivative form of a pharmaceutically active substance
that is less cytotoxic to tumor cells compared to the parent drug
and is capable of being enzymatically activated or converted into
the more active parent form. See, e.g., Wilman, "Prodrugs in Cancer
Chemotherapy" Biochemical Society Transactions, 14, pp. 375-382,
615th Meeting Belfast (1986) and Stella et al., "Prodrugs: A
Chemical Approach to Targeted Drug Delivery," Directed Drug
Delivery, Borchardt et al., (ed.), pp. 247-267, Humana Press
(1985). The prodrugs of this invention include, but are not limited
to, phosphate-containing prodrugs, thiophosphate-containing
prodrugs, sulfate-containing prodrugs, peptide-containing prodrugs,
D-amino acid-modified prodrugs, glycosylated prodrugs,
P-lactam-containing prodrugs, optionally substituted
phenoxyacetamide-containing prodrugs or optionally substituted
phenylacetamide-containing prodrugs, 5-fluorocytosine and other
5-fluorouridine prodrugs which can be converted into the more
active cytotoxic free drug. Examples of cytotoxic drugs that can be
derivatized into a prodrug form for use in this invention include,
but are not limited to, those chemotherapeutic agents described
above.
[0113] A "liposome" is a small vesicle composed of various types of
lipids, phospholipids and/or surfactant which is useful for
delivery of a drug (such as the anti-ErbB2 antibodies disclosed
herein and, optionally, a chemotherapeutic agent) to a mammal. The
components of the liposome are commonly arranged in a bilayer
formation, similar to the lipid arrangement of biological
membranes.
[0114] The term "package insert" is used to refer to instructions
customarily included in commercial packages of therapeutic
products, that contain information about the indications, usage,
dosage, administration, contraindications and/or warnings
concerning the use of such therapeutic products.
[0115] A "cardioprotectant" is a compound or composition which
prevents or reduces myocardial dysfunction (i.e., cardiomyopathy
and/or congestive heart failure) associated with administration of
a drug, such as an anthracycline antibiotic and/or an anti-ErbB2
antibody, to a patient. The cardioprotectant may, for example,
block or reduce a free-radical-mediated cardiotoxic effect and/or
prevent or reduce oxidative-stress injury. Examples of
cardioprotectants encompassed by the present definition include the
iron-chelating agent dexrazoxane (ICRF-187) (Seifert et al., The
Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 28:1063-1072 (1994)); a lipid-lowering
agent and/or anti-oxidant such as probucol (Singal et al., J. Mol.
Cell Cardiol., 27:1055-1063 (1995)); amifostine (aminothiol
2-[(3-aminopropyl)amino]ethanethiol-dihydrogen phosphate ester,
also called WR-2721, and the dephosphorylated cellular uptake form
thereof called WR-1065) and
S-3-(3-methylaminopropylamino)propylphosphoro- thioic acid
(WR-151327), see Green et al., (1994) Cancer Research, 54:738-741;
digoxin (Bristow, M. R. ed. (1980) Drug-Induced Heart Disease. New
York: Elsevier 191-215); beta-blockers such as metoprolol
(Hjalmarson et al (1994) Drugs 47:Suppl 4:31-9; and Shaddy et al
(1995) Am. Heart J., 129:197-9); vitamin E; ascorbic acid (vitamin
C); free radical scavengers such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid
and N-acetylcysteine (NAC); spin trapping compounds such as
alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN); (Paracchini et al (1993)
Anticancer Res., 13:1607-1612); selenoorganic compounds such as
P251 (Elbesen); and the like.
[0116] An "isolated" nucleic acid molecule is a nucleic acid
molecule that is identified and separated from at least one
contaminant nucleic acid molecule with which it is ordinarily
associated in the natural source of the antibody nucleic acid. An
isolated nucleic acid molecule is other than in the form or setting
in which it is found in nature. Isolated nucleic acid molecules
therefore are distinguished from the nucleic acid molecule as it
exists in natural cells. However, an isolated nucleic acid molecule
includes a nucleic acid molecule contained in cells that ordinarily
express the antibody where, for example, the nucleic acid molecule
is in a chromosomal location different from that of natural
cells.
[0117] "Alkyl" is C.sub.1-C.sub.18 hydrocarbon containing normal,
secondary, tertiary or cyclic carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl
radicals include C.sub.1-C.sub.8 hydrocarbon moieties such as, but
not limited to: methyl (Me, --CH.sub.3), ethyl (Et,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 1-propyl (n-Pr, n-propyl,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 2-propyl (i-Pr, i-propyl,
--CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 1-butyl (n-Bu, n-butyl,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2- CH.sub.3), 2-methyl-1-propyl (i-Bu,
i-butyl, --CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2)- , 2-butyl (s-Bu, s-butyl,
--CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 2-methyl-2-propyl (t-Bu, t-butyl,
--C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1-pentyl (n-pentyl,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 2-pentyl
(--CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 3-pentyl
(--CH(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2), 2-methyl-2-butyl
(--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.s- ub.2CH.sub.3), 3-methyl-2-butyl
(--CH(CH.sub.3)CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 3-methyl-1-butyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2), 2-methyl-1-butyl
(--CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 1-hexyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.s- ub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 2-hexyl
(--CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.s- ub.2CH.sub.3), 3-hexyl
(--CH(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)),
2-methyl-2-pentyl (--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3),
3-methyl-2-pentyl (--CH(CH.sub.3)CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3),
4-methyl-2-pentyl (--CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2),
3-methyl-3-pentyl (--C(CH.sub.3)(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).sub.2),
2-methyl-3-pentyl (--CH(CH.sub.2CH.sub.3)CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2),
2,3-dimethyl-2-butyl (--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2),
3,3-dimethyl-2-butyl (--CH(CH.sub.3)C(CH.sub.3).sub.3.
[0118] "Alkenyl" is C.sub.2-C.sub.18 hydrocarbon containing normal,
secondary, tertiary or cyclic carbon atoms with at least one site
of unsaturation, i.e. a carbon-carbon, sp.sup.2 double bond.
Examples of alkenyl radicals include C.sub.2-C.sub.8 hydrocarbon
moieties such as, but not limited to: ethylene or vinyl
(--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2), allyl (--CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2),
cyclopentenyl (--C.sub.5H.sub.7), and 5-hexenyl (--CH.sub.2
CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2)
[0119] "Alkynyl" is C.sub.2-C.sub.18 hydrocarbon containing normal,
secondary, tertiary or cyclic carbon atoms with at least one site
of unsaturation, i.e. a carbon-carbon, sp triple bond. Examples of
alkynyl radicals include C.sub.2-C.sub.8 hydrocarbon moieties such
as, but not limited to: acetylenic (--C.ident.CH) and propargyl
(--CH.sub.2C.ident.CH),
[0120] "Alkylene" refers to a saturated, branched or straight chain
or cyclic hydrocarbon radical of 1-18 carbon atoms, and having two
monovalent radical centers derived by the removal of two hydrogen
atoms from the same or two different carbon atoms of a parent
alkane. Typical alkylene radicals include C.sub.1-C.sub.8
hydrocarbon moieties such as, but are not limited to: methylene
(--CH.sub.2--) 1,2-ethyl (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), 1,3-propyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), 1,4-butyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), and the like.
[0121] "Alkenylene" refers to an unsaturated, branched or straight
chain or cyclic hydrocarbon radical of 2-18 carbon atoms, and
having two monovalent radical centers derived by the removal of two
hydrogen atoms from the same or two different carbon atoms of a
parent alkene. Typical alkenylene radicals include C.sub.2-C.sub.8
hydrocarbon moieties such as, but are not limited to: 1,2-ethylene
(--CH.dbd.CH--).
[0122] "Alkynylene" refers to an unsaturated, branched or straight
chain or cyclic hydrocarbon radical of 2-18 carbon atoms, and
having two monovalent radical centers derived by the removal of two
hydrogen atoms from the same or two different carbon atoms of a
parent alkyne. Typical alkynylene radicals include C.sub.2-C.sub.8
hydrocarbon moieties such as, but are not limited to: acetylene
(--C.ident.C--), propargyl (--CH.sub.2C.ident.C--), and 4-pentynyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C.iden- t.C--).
[0123] "Aryl", alone or in combination, means a monovalent aromatic
hydrocarbon radical of 6-20 carbon atoms derived by the removal of
one hydrogen atom from a single carbon atom of a parent aromatic
ring system. Aryl radical may contain one, two or three rings
wherein such rings may be attached together in a pendent manner,
e.g. biphenyl, or may be fused, e.g. napthalene or anthracene. Some
aryl groups are represented in the exemplary structures as "Ar".
Typical aryl groups include C.sub.6-C.sub.12 hydrocarbon moieties
such as, but are not limited to, radicals derived from benzene,
substituted benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, and the
like.
[0124] "Arylalkyl" refers to an acyclic alkyl radical in which one
of the hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom, typically a terminal
or sp.sup.3 carbon atom, is replaced with an aryl radical. Typical
arylalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, benzyl,
2-phenylethan-1-yl, 2-phenylethen-1-yl, naphthylmethyl,
2-naphthylethan-1-yl, 2-naphthylethen-1-yl, naphthobenzyl,
2-naphthophenylethan-1-yl and the like. The arylalkyl group
comprises 6 to 20 carbon atoms, e.g. the alkyl moiety, including
alkanyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups, of the arylalkyl group is 1 to
6 carbon atoms and the aryl moiety is 5 to 14 carbon atoms.
[0125] "Heteroarylalkyl" refers to an acyclic alkyl radical in
which one of the hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom, typically
a terminal or sp.sup.3 carbon atom, is replaced with a heteroaryl
radical. Typical heteroarylalkyl groups include, but are not
limited to, 2-benzimidazolylmethyl, 2-furylethyl, and the like. The
heteroarylalkyl group comprises 6 to 20 carbon atoms, e.g. the
alkyl moiety, including alkanyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups, of the
heteroarylalkyl group is 1 to 6 carbon atoms and the heteroaryl
moiety is 5 to 14 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from
N, O, P, and S. The heteroaryl moiety of the heteroarylalkyl group
may be a monocycle having 3 to 7 ring members (2 to 6 carbon atoms
or a bicycle having 7 to 10 ring members (4 to 9 carbon atoms and 1
to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, P, and S), for example: a
bicyclo [4,5], [5,5], [5,6], or [6,6] system.
[0126] Alkyl, alkylene, aryl, arylalkyl, and heteroarylalkyl groups
may be substituted where one or more hydrogen atoms are each
independently replaced with a substituent. Typical substituents
include, but are not limited to, --X, --R, --O.sup.-, --OR, --SR,
--S.sup.-, --NR.sub.2, --NR.sub.3, .dbd.NR, --CX.sub.3, --CN,
--OCN, --SCN, --N.dbd.C.dbd.O, --NCS, --NO, --NO.sub.2,
.dbd.N.sub.2, --N.sub.3, --NC(.dbd.O)R, --C(.dbd.O)R,
--C(.dbd.O)NR.sub.2, --SO.sub.3.sup.-, --SO.sub.3H,
--S(.dbd.O).sub.2R, --OS(.dbd.O).sub.2OR, --S(.dbd.O).sub.2NR,
--S(.dbd.O)R, --OP(.dbd.O)(OR).sub.2, --P(.dbd.O)(OR).sub.2,
--PO'.sub.3, --PO.sub.3H.sub.2, --C(.dbd.O)R, --C(.dbd.O)X,
--C(.dbd.S)R, --CO.sub.2R, --CO.sub.2--, --C(.dbd.S)OR,
--C(.dbd.O)SR, --C(.dbd.S)SR, --C(.dbd.O)NR.sub.2,
--C(.dbd.S)NR.sub.2, --C(.dbd.NR)NR.sub.2, where each X is
independently a halogen: F, Cl, Br, or I; and each R is
independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.18 alkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20 aryl,
C.sub.3-C.sub.14 heterocycle, protecting group or prodrug moiety.
Alkylene, alkenylene, and alkynylene groups as described above may
also be similarly substituted.
[0127] "Heteroaryl", also known as heterocycle or heterocyclyl,
refers to a ring system radical in which one or more ring atoms is
a heteroatom, e.g. nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The heteroaryl
radical comprises 5 to 14 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms
selected from N, O, P, and S. A heteroaryl may be a monocycle
having 3 to 7 ring members (2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 to 3
heteroatoms selected from N, O, P, and S) or a bicycle having 7 to
10 ring members (4 to 9 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms
selected from N, O, P, and S), for example: a bicyclo [4,5], [5,5],
[5,6], or [6,6] system. Heteroaryl compounds are described in
Paquette, Leo A.; "Principles of Modern Heterocyclic Chemistry" (W.
A. Benjamin, New York, 1968), particularly Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7,
and 9; "The Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds, A series of
Monographs" (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1950 to present), in
particular Volumes 13, 14, 16, 19, and 28; and J. Am. Chem. Soc.
(1960) 82:5566.
[0128] "Linker" or "link" means a chemical moiety comprising a
covalent bond or a chain of atoms that covalently attaches an
antibody to a drug moiety. In various embodiments, a linker is
specified as L. Linkers include a divalent radical such as an
alkylene, an arylene, a heteroarylene, moieties such as:
--(CR.sub.2).sub.nO(CR.sub.2).sub.n--, repeating units of alkyloxy
(e.g. polyethylenoxy, PEG, polymethyleneoxy) and alkylamino (e.g.
polyethyleneamino, Jeffamine.TM.); and diacid ester and amides
including succinate, succinamide, diglycolate, malonate, and
caproamide.
[0129] The term "chiral" refers to molecules which have the
property of non-superimposability of the mirror image partner,
while the term "achiral" refers to molecules which are
superimposable on their mirror image partner.
[0130] The term "stereoisomers" refers to compounds which have
identical chemical constitution, but differ with regard to the
arrangement of the atoms or groups in space.
[0131] "Diastereomer" refers to a stereoisomer with two or more
centers of chirality and whose molecules are not mirror images of
one another. Diastereomers have different physical properties, e.g.
melting points, boiling points, spectral properties, and
reactivities. Mixtures of diastereomers may separate under high
resolution analytical procedures such as electrophoresis and
chromatography.
[0132] "Enantiomers" refer to two stereoisomers of a compound which
are non-superimposable mirror images of one another.
[0133] Stereochemical definitions and conventions used herein
generally follow S. P. Parker, Ed., McGraw-Hill Dictionary of
Chemical Terms (1984) McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York; and
Eliel, E. and Wilen, S., Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds
(1994) John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. Many organic
compounds exist in optically active forms, i.e., they have the
ability to rotate the plane of plane-polarized light. In describing
an optically active compound, the prefixes D and L, or R and S, are
used to denote the absolute configuration of the molecule about its
chiral center(s). The prefixes d and l or (+) and (-) are employed
to designate the sign of rotation of plane-polarized light by the
compound, with (-) or l meaning that the compound is levorotatory.
A compound prefixed with (+) or d is dextrorotatory. For a given
chemical structure, these stereoisomers are identical except that
they are mirror images of one another. A specific stereoisomer may
also be referred to as an enantiomer, and a mixture of such isomers
is often called an enantiomeric mixture. A 50:50 mixture of
enantiomers is referred to as a racemic mixture or a racemate,
which may occur where there has been no stereoselection or
stereospecificity in a chemical reaction or process. The terms
"racemic mixture" and "racemate" refer to an equimolar mixture of
two enantiomeric species, devoid of optical activity.
[0134] The phrase "pharmaceutically acceptable salt," as used
herein, refers to pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic
salts of an ADC. Exemplary salts include, but are not limited, to
sulfate, citrate, acetate, oxalate, chloride, bromide, iodide,
nitrate, bisulfate, phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate,
lactate, salicylate, acid citrate, tartrate, oleate, tannate,
pantothenate, bitartrate, ascorbate, succinate, maleate,
gentisinate, fumarate, gluconate, glucuronate, saccharate, formate,
benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate,
benzenesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, and pamoate (i.e.,
1,1'-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate)) salts. A
pharmaceutically acceptable salt may involve the inclusion of
another molecule such as an acetate ion, a succinate ion or other
counterion. The counterion may be any organic or inorganic moiety
that stabilizes the charge on the parent compound. Furthermore, a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt may have more than one charged
atom in its structure. Instances where multiple charged atoms are
part of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt can have multiple
counter ions. Hence, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt can have
one or more charged atoms and/or one or more counterion.
[0135] "Pharmaceutically acceptable solvate" refers to an
association of one or more solvent molecules and an ADC. Examples
of solvents that form pharmaceutically acceptable solvates include,
but are not limited to, water, isopropanol, ethanol, methanol,
DMSO, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, and ethanolamine.
[0136] Antibody-Drug Conjugates
[0137] The compounds of the invention include those with utility
for anticancer activity. In particular, the compounds include an
antibody conjugated, i.e. covalently attached by a linker, to a
drug moiety where the drug when not conjugated to an antibody has a
cytotoxic or cytostatic effect. The biological activity of the drug
moiety is thus modulated by conjugation to an antibody. The
antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) of the invention may selectively
deliver an effective dose of a cytotoxic agent to tumor tissue
whereby greater selectivity, i.e. a lower efficacious dose may be
achieved.
[0138] In one embodiment, the bioavailability of the ADC, or an
intracellular metabolite of the ADC, is improved in a mammal when
compared to the corresponding maytansinoid compound alone. Also,
the bioavailability of the ADC, or an intracellular metabolite of
the ADC is improved in a mammal when compared to the corresponding
antibody alone (antibody of the ADC, without the drug moiety or
linker).
[0139] In one embodiment, the maytansinoid drug moiety of the ADC
is not cleaved from the antibody until the antibody-drug conjugate
binds to a cell-surface receptor or enters a cell with a
cell-surface receptor specific for the antibody of the
antibody-drug conjugate. The drug moiety may be cleaved from the
antibody after the antibody-drug conjugate enters the cell. The
maytansinoid drug moiety may be intracellularly cleaved in a mammal
from the antibody of the compound, or an intracellular metabolite
of the compound, by enzymatic action, hydrolysis, oxidation, or
other mechanism. For example, and in no way meant to limit the
invention to a particular mechanism of action, the sulfur atom of
the maytansinoid drug moiety of the ADC may be oxidized to a
sulfone or sulfoxide group. Protons on carbons bound to the sulfone
and sulfoxide may be removed under general or enzymatic catalysis
inside the cell and result in a beta-elimination fragmentation that
cleaves and separates the drug moiety from the antibody of the ADC.
Alternatively, other electron withdrawing groups such as amides in
the linker, antibody or drug moiety may effect similar
fragmentation/cleavage mechanisms inside a cell.
[0140] Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) may be represented by Formula
I:
Ab-(L-D).sub.p I
[0141] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof,
wherein:
[0142] Ab is an antibody which binds to an ErbB receptor, or which
binds to one or more tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface
receptors selected from (1)-(36):
[0143] (1) BMPR1B (bone morphogenetic protein receptor-type IB,
Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--001203);
[0144] (2) E16 (LAT1, SLC7A5, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--003486);
[0145] (3) STEAP1 (six transmembrane epithelial antigen of
prostate, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--012449);
[0146] (4) 0772P (CA125, MUC16, Genbank accession no.
AF361486);
[0147] (5) MPF (MPF, MSLN, SMR, megakaryocyte potentiating factor,
mesothelin, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--005823);
[0148] (6) Napi3b (NAPI-3B, NPTIIb, SLC34A2, solute carrier family
34 (sodium phosphate), member 2, type II sodium-dependent phosphate
transporter 3b, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--006424);
[0149] (7) Sema 5b (FLJ10372, KIAA1445, Mm.42015, SEMA5B, SEMAG,
Semaphorin 5b Hlog, sema domain, seven thrombospondin repeats (type
1 and type 1-like), transmembrane domain (TM) and short cytoplasmic
domain, (semaphorin) 5B, Genbank accession no. AB040878);
[0150] (8) PSCA hlg (2700050C12Rik, C530008016Rik, RIKEN cDNA
2700050C12, RIKEN cDNA 2700050C12 gene, Genbank accession no.
AY358628);
[0151] (9) ETBR (Endothelin type B receptor, Genbank accession no.
AY275463);
[0152] (10) MSG783 (RNF124, hypothetical protein FLJ20315, Genbank
accession no. NM.sub.--017763);
[0153] (11) STEAP2 (HGNC.sub.--8639, IPCA-1, PCANAP1, STAMP1,
STEAP2, STMP, prostate cancer associated gene 1, prostate cancer
associated protein 1, six transmembrane epithelial antigen of
prostate 2, six transmembrane prostate protein, Genbank accession
no. AF455138);
[0154] (12) TrpM4 (BR22450, FLJ20041, TRPM4, TRPM4B, transient
receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 4, Genbank
accession no. NM.sub.--017636);
[0155] (13) CRIPTO (CR, CR1, CRGF, CRIPTO, TDGF1,
teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor, Genbank accession no.
NP.sub.--003203 or NM.sub.--003212);
[0156] (14) CD21 (CR2 (Complement receptor 2) or C3DR (C3d/Epstein
Barr virus receptor) or Hs.73792 Genbank accession no. M26004);
[0157] (15) CD79b (CD79B, CD79.beta., IGb
(immunoglobulin-associated beta), B29, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--000626);
[0158] (16) FcRH2 (IFGP4, IRTA4, SPAP1A (SH2 domain containing
phosphatase anchor protein 1a), SPAP1B, SPAP1C, Genbank accession
no. NM.sub.--030764);
[0159] (17) HER2 (Genbank accession no. M11730);
[0160] (18) NCA (Genbank accession no. M18728);
[0161] (19) MDP (Genbank accession no. BC017023);
[0162] (20) IL20R.alpha. (Genbank accession no. AF184971);
[0163] (21) Brevican (Genbank accession no. AF229053);
[0164] (22) EphB2R (Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--004442);
[0165] (23) ASLG659 (Genbank accession no. AX092328);
[0166] (24) PSCA (Genbank accession no. AJ297436);
[0167] (25) GEDA (Genbank accession no. AY260763;
[0168] (26) BAFF-R (B cell-activating factor receptor, BLyS
receptor 3, BR3, NP.sub.--443177.1);
[0169] (27) CD22 (B-cell receptor CD22-.beta.-form,
NP-001762.1);
[0170] (28) CD79a (CD79A, CD79.alpha., immunoglobulin-associated
alpha, a B cell-specific protein that covalently interacts with Ig
beta (CD79B) and forms a complex on the surface with Ig M
molecules, transduces a signal involved in B-cell differentiation,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--001774.1);
[0171] (29) CXCR5 (Burkitt's lymphoma receptor 1, a G
protein-coupled receptor that is activated by the CXCL13 chemokine,
functions in lymphocyte migration and humoral defense, plays a role
in HIV-2 infection and perhaps development of AIDS, lymphoma,
myeloma, and leukemia, Genbank accession No.
NP.sub.--001707.1);
[0172] (30) HLA-DOB (Beta subunit of MHC class II molecule (Ia
antigen) that binds peptides and presents them to CD4+ T
lymphocytes, Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--002111.1);
[0173] (31) P2X5 (Purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel
5, an ion channel gated by extracellular ATP, may be involved in
synaptic transmission and neurogenesis, deficiency may contribute
to the pathophysiology of idiopathic detrusor instability, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--002552.2);
[0174] (32) CD72 (B-cell differentiation antigen CD72, Lyb-2,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--001773.1);
[0175] (33) LY64 (Lymphocyte antigen 64 (RP105), type I membrane
protein of the leucine rich repeat (LRR) family, regulates B-cell
activation and apoptosis, loss of function is associated with
increased disease activity in patients with systemic lupus
erythematosis, Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--005573.1);
[0176] (34) FcRH1 (Fc receptor-like protein 1, a putative receptor
for the immunoglobulin Fc domain that contains C2 type Ig-like and
ITAM domains, may have a role in B-lymphocyte differentiation,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--443170.1);
[0177] (35) IRTA2 (Immunoglobulin superfamily receptor
translocation associated 2, a putative immunoreceptor with possible
roles in B cell development and lymphomagenesis; deregulation of
the gene by translocation occurs in some B cell malignancies,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--112571.1); and
[0178] (36) TENB2 (putative transmembrane proteoglycan, related to
the EGF/heregulin family of growth factors and follistatin, Genbank
accession No. AF179274;
[0179] provided that the antibody is not TA.1.
[0180] L is a non-disulfide linker. L includes but is not limited
to the structures: 1
[0181] where the wavy lines indicate the covalent attachments to Ab
and D;
[0182] X is: 2
[0183] Y is: 3
[0184] R is independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and n is 1 to
12;
[0185] D is a maytansinoid drug moiety. Maytansinoids include, but
are not limited to the structure: 4
[0186] where the wavy line indicates the covalent attachment to
L;
[0187] R is independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and
[0188] m is 1, 2, or 3.
[0189] The drug to antibody ratio or drug loading is represented by
p for Formula I compounds. The drug loading value p is 1 to 8.
Formula I compounds include all mixtures of variously loaded and
attached antibody-drug conjugates where 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
drug moieties are covalently attached to the antibody.
[0190] In another embodiment, Ab is an antibody which binds to one
or more tumor-associated antigens or cell-surface receptors
selected from (1)-(16) and (18)-(36), i.e. not to an ErbB receptor,
including HER2.
[0191] Antibodies
[0192] The antibody unit (Ab-) of Formula I includes within its
scope any unit of an antibody that binds or reactively associates
or complexes with a receptor, antigen or other receptive moiety
associated with a given target-cell population. An antibody can be
any protein or protein-like molecule that binds to, complexes with,
or reacts with a moiety of a cell population sought to be
therapeutically or otherwise biologically modified. In one aspect,
the antibody unit acts to deliver the maytansinoid drug moiety to
the particular target cell population with which the antibody unit
reacts. Such antibodies include, but are not limited to, large
molecular weight proteins such as, full-length antibodies and
antibody fragments.
[0193] Antibodies comprising the antibody-drug conjugates of the
invention preferably retain the antigen binding capability of their
native, wild type counterparts. Thus, antibodies of the invention
are capable of binding, preferably specifically, to antigens. Such
antigens include, for example, tumor-associated antigens (TAA),
cell surface receptor proteins and other cell surface molecules,
cell survival regulatory factors, cell proliferation regulatory
factors, molecules associated with (for e.g., known or suspected to
contribute functionally to) tissue development or differentiation,
lymphokines, cytokines, molecules involved in cell cycle
regulation, molecules involved in vasculogenesis and molecules
associated with (for e.g., known or suspected to contribute
functionally to) angiogenesis. The tumor-associated antigen may be
a cluster differentiation factor (i.e., a CD protein). An antigen
to which an antibody of the invention is capable of binding may be
a member of a subset of one of the above-mentioned categories,
wherein the other subset(s) of said category comprise other
molecules/antigens that have a distinct characteristic (with
respect to the antigen of interest).
[0194] In one embodiment, the antibody of the antibody-drug
conjugates (ADC) specifically binds to a receptor encoded by an
ErbB gene. The antibody may bind specifically to an ErbB receptor
selected from EGFR, HER2, HER3 and HER4. The ADC may specifically
bind to the extracellular domain (ECD) of the HER2 receptor and
inhibit the growth of tumor cells which overexpress HER2 receptor.
The antibody of the ADC may be a monoclonal antibody, e.g. a murine
monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, or a humanized antibody.
A humanized antibody may be huMAb4D5-1, huMAb4D5-2, huMAb4D5-3,
huMAb4D5-4, huMAb4D5-5, huMAb4D5-6, huMAb4D5-7 or huMAb4D5-8
(trastuzumab). The antibody may be an antibody fragment, e.g. a Fab
fragment.
[0195] Antibodies in Formula I antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) and
which may be useful in the treatment of cancer include, but are not
limited to, antibodies against cell surface receptors and
tumor-associated antigens (TAA). Such tumor-associated antigens are
known in the art, and can prepared for use in generating antibodies
using methods and information which are well known in the art. In
attempts to discover effective cellular targets for cancer
diagnosis and therapy, researchers have sought to identify
transmembrane or otherwise tumor-associated polypeptides that are
specifically expressed on the surface of one or more particular
type(s) of cancer cell as compared to on one or more normal
non-cancerous cell(s). Often, such tumor-associated polypeptides
are more abundantly expressed on the surface of the cancer cells as
compared to on the surface of the non-cancerous cells. The
identification of such tumor-associated cell surface antigen
polypeptides has given rise to the ability to specifically target
cancer cells for destruction via antibody-based therapies.
[0196] Examples of TAA include, but are not limited to,
Tumor-Associated Antigens (1)-(36) listed below. For convenience,
information relating to these antigens, all of which are known in
the art, is listed below and includes names, alternative names,
Genbank accession numbers and primary reference(s), following
nucleic acid and protein sequence identification conventions of the
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Nucleic acid
and protein sequences corresponding to TAA (1)-(36) are available
in public databases such as GenBank. Tumor-associated antigens
targeted by antibodies include all amino acid sequence variants and
isoforms possessing at least about 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%
sequence identity relative to the sequences identified in the cited
references, or which exhibit substantially the same biological
properties or characteristics as a TAA having a sequence found in
the cited references. For example, a TAA having a variant sequence
generally is able to bind specifically to an antibody that binds
specifically to the TAA with the corresponding sequence listed. The
sequences and disclosure in the reference specifically recited
herein are expressly incorporated by reference.
[0197] Tumor-Associated Antigens (1)-(36):
[0198] (1) BMPR1B (bone morphogenetic protein receptor-type IB,
Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--001203)
[0199] ten Dijke, P., et al Science 264 (5155):101-104 (1994),
Oncogene 14 (11):1377-1382 (1997)); WO2004063362 (Claim 2);
WO2003042661 (Claim 12); U.S. 2003134790-A1 (Page 38-39);
WO2002102235 (Claim 13; Page 296); WO2003055443 (Page 91-92);
WO200299122 (Example 2; Page 528-530); WO2003029421 (Claim 6);
WO2003024392 (Claim 2; FIG. 112); WO200298358 (Claim 1; Page 183);
WO200254940 (Page 100-101); WO200259377(Page 349-350); WO200230268
(Claim 27; Page 376); WO200148204 (Example; FIG. 4) NP.sub.--001194
bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type
IB/pid=NP.sub.--001194.1-
[0200] Cross-references: MIM:603248; NP.sub.--001194.1;
AY065994
[0201] (2) E16 (LAT1, SLC7A5, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--003486)
[0202] Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 255 (2), 283-288 (1999),
Nature 395 (6699):288-291 (1998), Gaugitsch, H. W., et al (1992) J.
Biol. Chem. 267 (16):11267-11273); WO2004048938 (Example 2);
WO2004032842 (Example IV); WO2003042661 (Claim 12); WO2003016475
(Claim 1); WO200278524 (Example 2); WO200299074 (Claim 19; Page
127-129); WO200286443 (Claim 27; Pages 222, 393); WO2003003906
(Claim 10; Page 293); WO200264798 (Claim 33; Page 93-95);
WO200014228 (Claim 5; Page 133-136); U.S. 2003224454 (FIG. 3);
WO2003025138 (Claim 12; Page 150); U.S. 20050107595; U.S.
20050106644; NP.sub.--003477 solute carrier family 7 (cationic
amino acid transporter, y+ system), member
5/pid=NP.sub.--003477.3-Homo sapiens
[0203] Cross-references: MIM: 600182; NP.sub.--003477.3;
NM.sub.--015923; NM.sub.--003486.sub.--1
[0204] (3) STEAP1 (six transmembrane epithelial antigen of
prostate, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--012449) Cancer Res. 61
(15), 5857-5860 (2001), Hubert, R. S., et al (1999) Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96 (25):14523-14528); WO2004065577 (Claim 6);
WO2004027049 (FIG. 1L); EP1394274 (Example 11); WO2004016225 (Claim
2); WO2003042661 (Claim 12); U.S. 2003157089 (Example 5); U.S.
2003185830 (Example 5); U.S. 2003064397 (FIG. 2); WO200289747
(Example 5; Page 618-619); WO2003022995 (Example 9; FIG. 13A,
Example 53; Page 173, Example 2; FIG. 2A); NP.sub.--036581 six
transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate
[0205] Cross-references: MIM: 604415; NP.sub.--036581.1;
NM.sub.--012449.sub.--1
[0206] (4) 0772P (CA125, MUC16, Genbank accession no. AF361486)
[0207] J. Biol. Chem. 276 (29):27371-27375 (2001)); WO2004045553
(Claim 14); WO200292836 (Claim 6; FIG. 12); WO200283866 (Claim 15;
Page 116-121); U.S. 2003124140 (Example 16); U.S. 2003091580 (Claim
6); WO200206317 (Claim 6; Page 400-408);
[0208] Cross-references: GI: 34501467; AAK74120.3;
AF361486.sub.--1
[0209] (5) MPF (MPF, MSLN, SMR, megakaryocyte potentiating factor,
mesothelin, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--005823)
[0210] Yamaguchi, N., et al Biol. Chem. 269 (2), 805-808 (1994),
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96 (20):11531-11536 (1999), Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93 (1):136-140 (1996), J. Biol. Chem. 270
(37):21984-21990 (1995)); WO2003101283 (Claim 14); (WO2002102235
(Claim 13; Page 287-288); WO2002101075 (Claim 4; Page 308-309);
WO200271928 (Page 320-321); WO9410312 (Page 52-57);
[0211] Cross-references: MIM: 601051; NP.sub.--005814.2;
NM.sub.--005823.sub.--1
[0212] (6) Napi3b (NAPI-3B, NPTIIb, SLC34A2, solute carrier family
34 (sodium phosphate), member 2, type II sodium-dependent phosphate
transporter 3b, Genbank accession no. NM.sub.--006424)
[0213] J. Biol. Chem. 277 (22):19665-19672 (2002), Genomics 62
(2):281-284 (1999), Feild, J. A., et al (1999) Biochem. Biophys.
Res. Commun. 258 (3):578-582); WO2004022778 (Claim 2); EP1394274
(Example 11); WO2002102235 (Claim 13; Page 326); EP875569 (Claim 1;
Page 17-19); WO200157188 (Claim 20; Page 329); WO2004032842
(Example IV); WO200175177 (Claim 24; Page 139-140);
[0214] Cross-references: MIM: 604217; NP.sub.--006415.1;
NM.sub.--006424.sub.--1
[0215] (7) Sema 5b (FLJ10372, KIAA1445, Mm.42015, SEMA5B, SEMAG,
Semaphorin 5b Hlog, sema domain, seven thrombospondin repeats (type
1 and type 1-like), transmembrane domain (TM) and short cytoplasmic
domain, (semaphorin) 5B, Genbank accession no. AB040878)
[0216] Nagase T., et al (2000) DNA Res. 7 (2):143-150);
WO2004000997 (Claim 1); WO2003003984 (Claim 1); WO200206339 (Claim
1; Page 50); WO200188133 (Claim 1; Page 41-43, 48-58); WO2003054152
(Claim 20); WO2003101400 (Claim 11); Accession: Q9P283; EMBL;
AB040878; BAA95969.1. Genew; HGNC: 10737;
[0217] (8) PSCA hlg (2700050C12Rik, C530008016Rik, RIKEN cDNA
2700050C12, RIKEN cDNA 2700050C12 gene, Genbank accession no.
AY358628); Ross et al (2002) Cancer Res. 62:2546-2553; U.S.
2003129192 (Claim 2); U.S. 2004044180 (Claim 12); U.S. 2004044179
(Claim 11); U.S. 2003096961 (Claim 11); U.S. 2003232056 (Example
5); WO2003105758 (Claim 12); U.S. 2003206918 (Example 5); EP1347046
(Claim 1); WO2003025148 (Claim 20);
[0218] Cross-references: GI: 37182378; AAQ88991.1;
AY358628.sub.--1
[0219] (9) ETBR (Endothelin type B receptor, Genbank accession no.
AY275463);
[0220] Nakamuta M., et al Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 177,
34-39, 1991; Ogawa Y., et al Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 178,
248-255, 1991; Arai H., et al Jpn. Circ. J. 56, 1303-1307, 1992;
Arai H., et al J. Biol. Chem. 268, 3463-3470, 1993; Sakamoto A.,
Yanagisawa M., et al Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 178, 656-663,
1991; Elshourbagy N. A., et al J. Biol. Chem. 268, 3873-3879, 1993;
Haendler B., et al J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 20, s1-S4, 1992;
Tsutsumi M., et al Gene 228, 43-49, 1999; Strausberg R. L., et al
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99, 16899-16903, 2002; Bourgeois C.,
et al J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 82, 3116-3123, 1997; Okamoto Y.,
et al Biol. Chem. 272, 21589-21596, 1997; Verheij J. B., et al Am.
J. Med. Genet. 108, 223-225, 2002; Hofstra R. M. W., et al Eur. J.
Hum. Genet. 5, 180-185, 1997; Puffenberger E. G., et al Cell 79,
1257-1266, 1994; Attie T., et al, Hum. Mol. Genet. 4, 2407-2409,
1995; Auricchio A., et al Hum. Mol. Genet. 5:351-354, 1996; Amiel
J., et al Hum. Mol. Genet. 5, 355-357, 1996; Hofstra R. M. W., et
al Nat. Genet. 12,445-447, 1996; Svensson P. J., et al Hum. Genet.
103, 145-148, 1998; Fuchs S., et al Mol. Med. 7, 115-124, 2001;
Pingault V., et al (2002) Hum. Genet. 111, 198-206; WO2004045516
(Claim 1); WO2004048938 (Example 2); WO2004040000 (Claim 151);
WO2003087768 (Claim 1); WO2003016475 (Claim 1); WO2003016475 (Claim
1); WO200261087 (FIG. 1); WO2003016494 (FIG. 6); WO2003025138
(Claim 12; Page 144); WO200198351 (Claim 1; Page 124-125); EP522868
(Claim 8; FIG. 2); WO200177172 (Claim 1; Page 297-299); U.S.
2003109676; U.S. Pat. No. 6,518,404 (FIG. 3); U.S. Pat. No.
5,773,223 (Claim 1a; Col 31-34); WO2004001004;
[0221] (10) MSG783 (RNF124, hypothetical protein FLJ20315, Genbank
accession no. NM.sub.--017763);
[0222] WO2003104275 (Claim 1); WO2004046342 (Example 2);
WO2003042661 (Claim 12); WO2003083074 (Claim 14; Page 61);
WO2003018621 (Claim 1); WO2003024392 (Claim 2; FIG. 93);
WO200166689 (Example 6);
[0223] Cross-references: LocusID: 54894; NP.sub.--060233.2;
NM.sub.--017763.sub.--1
[0224] (11) STEAP2 (HGNC.sub.--8639, IPCA-1, PCANAP1, STAMP1,
STEAP2, STMP, prostate cancer associated gene 1, prostate cancer
associated protein 1, six transmembrane epithelial antigen of
prostate 2, six transmembrane prostate protein, Genbank accession
no. AF455138)
[0225] Lab. Invest. 82 (11):1573-1582 (2002)); WO2003087306; U.S.
2003064397 (Claim 1; FIG. 1); WO200272596 (Claim 13; Page 54-55);
WO200172962 (Claim 1; FIG. 4B); WO2003104270 (Claim 11);
WO2003104270 (Claim 16); U.S. 2004005598 (Claim 22); WO2003042661
(Claim 12); U.S. 2003060612 (Claim 12; FIG. 10); WO200226822 (Claim
23; FIG. 2); WO200216429 (Claim 12; FIG. 10);
[0226] Cross-references: GI: 22655488; AAN04080.1;
AF455138.sub.--1
[0227] (12) TrpM4 (BR22450, FLJ20041, TRPM4, TRPM4B, transient
receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 4, Genbank
accession no. NM.sub.--017636)
[0228] Xu, X. Z., et al Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98
(19):10692-10697 (2001), Cell 109 (3):397-407 (2002), J. Biol.
Chem. 278 (33):30813-30820 (2003)); U.S. 2003143557 (Claim 4);
WO200040614 (Claim 14; Page 100-103); WO200210382 (Claim 1; FIG.
9A); WO2003042661 (Claim 12); WO200230268 (Claim 27; Page 391);
U.S. 2003219806 (Claim 4); WO200162794 (Claim 14; FIG. 1A-D);
[0229] Cross-references: MIM: 606936; NP.sub.--060106.2;
NM.sub.--017636.sub.--1
[0230] (13) CRIPTO (CR, CR1, CRGF, CRIPTO, TDGF1,
teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor, Genbank accession no.
NP.sub.--003203 or NM.sub.--003212)
[0231] Ciccodicola, A., et al EMBO J. 8 (7):1987-1991 (1989), Am.
J. Hum. Genet. 49 (3):555-565 (1991)); U.S. 2003224411 (Claim 1);
WO2003083041 (Example 1); WO2003034984 (Claim 12); WO200288170
(Claim 2; Page 52-53); WO2003024392 (Claim 2; FIG. 58); WO200216413
(Claim 1; Page 94-95, 105); WO200222808 (Claim 2; FIG. 1); U.S.
Pat. No. 5,854,399 (Example 2; Col 17-18); U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,616
(FIG. 2); Cross-references: MIM: 187395; NP.sub.--003203.1;
NM.sub.--003212.sub.--1
[0232] (14) CD21 (CR2 (Complement receptor 2) or C3DR (C3d/Epstein
Barr virus receptor) or Hs.73792 Genbank accession no. M26004)
[0233] Fujisaku et al (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264 (4):2118-2125);
Weis J. J., et al J. Exp. Med. 167, 1047-1066, 1988; Moore M., et
al Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84, 9194-9198, 1987; Barel M., et
al Mol. Immunol. 35, 1025-1031, 1998; Weis J. J., et al Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83, 5639-5643, 1986; Sinha S. K., et al (1993) J.
Immunol. 150, 5311-5320; WO2004045520 (Example 4); U.S. 2004005538
(Example 1); WO2003062401 (Claim 9); WO2004045520 (Example 4);
WO9102536 (FIG. 9.1-9.9); WO2004020595 (Claim 1);
[0234] Accession: P20023; Q13866; Q14212; EMBL; M26004;
AAA35786.1.
[0235] (15) CD79b (CD79B, CD79.beta., IGb
(immunoglobulin-associated beta), B29, Genbank accession no.
NM.sub.--000626 or 11038674)
[0236] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. (2003) 100 (7):4126-4131,
Blood (2002) 100 (9):3068-3076, Muller et al (1992) Eur. J.
Immunol. 22 (6):1621-1625); WO2004016225 (Claim 2, FIG. 140);
WO2003087768, U.S. 2004101874 (Claim 1, page 102); WO2003062401
(Claim 9); WO200278524 (Example 2); U.S. 2002150573 (Claim 5, page
15); U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,033; WO2003048202 (Claim 1, pages 306 and
309); WO 99/558658, U.S. Pat. No. 6,534,482 (Claim 13, FIG. 17A/B);
WO200055351 (Claim 11, pages 1145-1146);
[0237] Cross-references: MIM: 147245; NP.sub.--000617.1;
NM.sub.--000626.sub.--1
[0238] (16) FcRH2 (IFGP4, IRTA4, SPAP1A (SH2 domain containing
phosphatase anchor protein 1a), SPAP1B, SPAP1C, Genbank accession
no. NM.sub.--030764, AY358130)
[0239] Genome Res. 13 (10):2265-2270 (2003), Immunogenetics 54
(2):87-95 (2002), Blood 99 (8):2662-2669 (2002), Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. U.S.A. 98 (17):9772-9777 (2001), Xu, M. J., et al (2001)
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 280 (3):768-775; WO2004016225 (Claim
2); WO2003077836; WO200138490 (Claim 5; FIG. 18D-1-18D-2);
WO2003097803 (Claim 12); WO2003089624 (Claim 25);
[0240] Cross-references: MIM: 606509; NP.sub.--110391.2;
NM.sub.--030764.sub.--1
[0241] (17) HER2 (ErbB2, Genbank accession no. M11730)
[0242] Coussens L., et al Science (1985) 230(4730):1132-1139);
Yamamoto T., et al Nature 319, 230-234, 1986; Semba K., et al Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82, 6497-6501, 1985; Swiercz J. M., et al
J. Cell Biol. 165, 869-880, 2004; Kuhns J. J., et al J. Biol. Chem.
274, 36422-36427, 1999; Cho H.-S., et al Nature 421, 756-760, 2003;
Ehsani A., et al (1993) Genomics 15, 426-429; WO2004048938 (Example
2); WO2004027049 (FIG. 11); WO2004009622; WO2003081210;
WO2003089904 (Claim 9); WO2003016475 (Claim 1); U.S. 2003118592;
WO2003008537 (Claim 1); WO2003055439 (Claim 29; FIG. 1A-B);
WO2003025228 (Claim 37; FIG. 5C); WO200222636 (Example 13; Page
95-107); WO200212341 (Claim 68; FIG. 7); WO200213847 (Page 71-74);
WO200214503 (Page 114-117); WO200153463 (Claim 2; Page 41-46);
WO200141787 (Page 15); WO200044899 (Claim 52; FIG. 7); WO200020579
(Claim 3; FIG. 2); U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,445 (Claim 3; Col 31-38);
WO9630514 (Claim 2; Page 56-61); EP1439393 (Claim 7); WO2004043361
(Claim 7); WO2004022709; WO200100244 (Example 3; FIG. 4);
[0243] Accession: P04626; EMBL; M11767; AAA35808.1. EMBL; M11761;
AAA35808.1.
[0244] (18) NCA (CEACAM6, Genbank accession no. M18728);
[0245] Barnett T., et al Genomics 3, 59-66, 1988; Tawaragi Y., et
al Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 150, 89-96, 1988; Strausberg R.
L., et al Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99:16899-16903, 2002;
WO2004063709; EP1439393 (Claim 7); WO2004044178 (Example 4);
WO2004031238; WO2003042661 (Claim 12); WO200278524 (Example 2);
WO200286443 (Claim 27; Page 427); WO200260317 (Claim 2); Accession:
P40199; Q14920; EMBL; M29541; AAA59915.1. EMBL; M18728;
[0246] (19) MDP (DPEP1, Genbank accession no. BC017023)
[0247] Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99 (26):16899-16903 (2002));
WO2003016475 (Claim 1); WO200264798 (Claim 33; Page 85-87);
JP05003790 (FIG. 6-8); WO9946284 (FIG. 9);
[0248] Cross-references: MIM: 179780; AAH17023.1;
BC017023.sub.--1
[0249] (20) IL20R.alpha. (IL20Ra, ZCYTOR7, Genbank accession no.
AF184971);
[0250] Clark H. F., et al Genome Res. 13, 2265-2270, 2003; Mungall
A. J., et al Nature 425, 805-811, 2003; Blumberg H., et al Cell
104, 9-19, 2001; Dumoutier L., et al J. Immunol. 167, 3545-3549,
2001; Parrish-Novak J., et al J. Biol. Chem. 277, 47517-47523,
2002; Pletnev S., et al (2003) Biochemistry 42:12617-12624; Sheikh
F., et al (2004) J. Immunol. 172, 2006-2010; EP1394274 (Example
11); U.S. 2004005320 (Example 5); WO2003029262 (Page 74-75);
WO2003002717 (Claim 2; Page 63); WO200222153 (Page 45-47); U.S.
2002042366 (Page 20-21); WO200146261 (Page 57-59); WO200146232
(Page 63-65); WO9837193 (Claim 1; Page 55-59); Accession: Q9UHF4;
Q6UWA9; Q96SH8; EMBL; AF184971; AAF01320.1.
[0251] (21) Brevican (BCAN, BEHAB, Genbank accession no.
AF229053)
[0252] Gary S. C., et al Gene 256, 139-147, 2000; Clark H. F., et
al Genome Res. 13, 2265-2270, 2003; Strausberg R. L., et al Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99, 16899-16903, 2002; U.S. 2003186372
(Claim 11); U.S. 2003186373 (Claim 11); U.S. 2003119131 (Claim 1;
FIG. 52); U.S. 2003119122 (Claim 1; FIG. 52); U.S. 2003119126
(Claim 1); U.S. 2003119121 (Claim 1; FIG. 52); U.S. 2003119129
(Claim 1); U.S. 2003119130 (Claim 1); U.S. 2003119128 (Claim 1;
FIG. 52); U.S. 2003119125 (Claim 1); WO2003016475 (Claim 1);
WO200202634 (Claim 1);
[0253] (22) EphB2R (DRT, ERK, Hek5, EPHT3, Tyro5, Genbank accession
no. NM.sub.--004442)
[0254] Chan, J. and Watt, V. M., Oncogene 6 (6), 1057-1061 (1991)
Oncogene 10 (5):897-905 (1995), Annu. Rev. Neurosci. 21:309-345
(1998), Int. Rev. Cytol. 196:177-244 (2000)); WO2003042661 (Claim
12); WO200053216 (Claim 1; Page 41); WO2004065576 (Claim 1);
WO2004020583 (Claim 9); WO2003004529 (Page 128-132); WO200053216
(Claim 1; Page 42);
[0255] Cross-references: MIM: 600997; NP.sub.--004433.2;
NM.sub.--004442.sub.--1
[0256] (23) ASLG659 (B7h, Genbank accession no. AX092328)
[0257] U.S. 20040101899 (Claim 2); WO2003104399 (Claim 11);
WO2004000221 (FIG. 3); U.S. 2003165504 (Claim 1); U.S. 2003124140
(Example 2); U.S. 2003065143 (FIG. 60); WO2002102235 (Claim 13;
Page 299); U.S. 2003091580 (Example 2); WO200210187 (Claim 6; FIG.
10); WO200194641 (Claim 12; FIG. 7b); WO200202624 (Claim 13; FIG.
1A-1B); U.S. 2002034749 (Claim 54; Page 45-46); WO200206317
(Example 2; Page 320-321, Claim 34; Page 321-322); WO200271928
(Page 468-469); WO200202587 (Example 1; FIG. 1); WO200140269
(Example 3; Pages 190-192); WO200036107 (Example 2; Page 205-207);
WO2004053079 (Claim 12); WO2003004989 (Claim 1); WO200271928 (Page
233-234, 452-453); WO 0116318;
[0258] (24) PSCA (Prostate stem cell antigen precursor, Genbank
accession no. AJ297436)
[0259] Reiter R. E., et al Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95,
1735-1740, 1998; Gu Z., et al Oncogene 19, 1288-1296, 2000;
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (2000) 275(3):783-788; WO2004022709;
EP1394274 (Example 11); U.S. 2004018553 (Claim 17); WO2003008537
(Claim 1); WO200281646 (Claim 1; Page 164); WO2003003906 (Claim 10;
Page 288); WO200140309 (Example 1; FIG. 17); U.S. 2001055751
(Example 1; FIG. 1b); WO200032752 (Claim 18; FIG. 1); WO9851805
(Claim 17; Page 97); WO9851824 (Claim 10; Page 94); WO9840403
(Claim 2; FIG. 1B);
[0260] Accession: 043653; EMBL; AF043498; AAC39607.1.
[0261] (25) GEDA (Genbank accession No. AY260763);
[0262] AAP14954 lipoma HMGIC fusion-partner-like
protein/pid=AAP14954.1--H- omo sapiens Species: Homo sapiens
(human)
[0263] WO2003054152 (Claim 20); WO2003000842 (Claim 1);
WO2003023013 (Example 3, Claim 20); U.S. 2003194704 (Claim 45);
[0264] Cross-references: GI: 30102449; AAP14954.1;
AY260763.sub.--1
[0265] (26) BAFF-R (B cell-activating factor receptor, BLyS
receptor 3, BR3, Genbank accession No. AF116456); BAFF
receptor/pid=NP.sub.--443177.1- --Homo sapiens
[0266] Thompson, J. S., et al Science 293 (5537), 2108-2111 (2001);
WO2004058309; WO2004011611; WO2003045422 (Example; Page 32-33);
WO2003014294 (Claim 35; FIG. 6B); WO2003035846 (Claim 70; Page
615-616); WO200294852 (Col 136-137); WO200238766 (Claim 3; Page
133); WO200224909 (Example 3; FIG. 3);
[0267] Cross-references: MIM: 606269; NP.sub.--443177.1;
NM.sub.--052945.sub.--1; AF132600
[0268] (27) CD22 (B-cell receptor CD22-.beta.-form, BL-CAM, Lyb-8,
Lyb8, SIGLEC-2, FLJ22814, Genbank accession No. AK026467);
[0269] Wilson et al (1991) J. Exp. Med. 173:137-146; WO2003072036
(Claim 1; FIG. 1);
[0270] Cross-references: MIM: 107266; NP.sub.--001762.1;
NM.sub.--001771.sub.--1
[0271] (28) CD79a (CD79A, CD79.alpha., immunoglobulin-associated
alpha, a B cell-specific protein that covalently interacts with Ig
beta (CD79B) and forms a complex on the surface with Ig M
molecules, transduces a signal involved in B-cell differentiation)
PROTEIN SEQUENCE Full mpggpgv . . . dvqlekp (1 . . . 226; 226 aa),
pI: 4.84, MW: 25028 TM: 2 [P] Gene Chromosome: 19q13.2, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--001774.10) WO2003088808, U.S. 20030228319;
WO2003062401 (Claim 9); U.S. 2002150573 (Claim 4, pages 13-14);
WO9958658 (Claim 13, FIG. 16); WO9207574 (FIG. 1); U.S. Pat. No.
5,644,033; Ha et al (1992) J. Immunol. 148(5):1526-1531; Mueller et
al (1992) Eur. J. Biochem. 22:1621-1625; Hashimoto et al (1994)
Immunogenetics 40(4):287-295; Preud'homme et al (1992) Clin. Exp.
Immunol. 90(1):141-146; Yu et al (1992) J. Immunol. 148(2) 633-637;
Sakaguchi et al (1988) EMBO J. 7(11):3457-3464;
[0272] (29) CXCR5 (Burkitt's lymphoma receptor 1, a G
protein-coupled receptor that is activated by the CXCL13 chemokine,
functions in lymphocyte migration and humoral defense, plays a role
in HIV-2 infection and perhaps development of AIDS, lymphoma,
myeloma, and leukemia) PROTEIN SEQUENCE Full mnypltl . . . atslttf
(1 . . . 372; 372 aa), pI: 8.54 MW: 41959 TM: 7 [P] Gene
Chromosome: 11q23.3, Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--001707.1)
[0273] WO2004040000; WO2004015426; U.S. 2003105292 (Example 2);
U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,339 (Example 2); WO200261087 (FIG. 1);
WO200157188 (Claim 20, page 269); WO200172830 (pages 12-13);
WO200022129 (Example 1, pages 152-153, Example 2, pages 254-256);
WO9928468 (Claim 1, page 38); U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,021 (Example 2,
col 49-52); WO9428931 (pages 56-58); WO9217497 (Claim 7, FIG. 5);
Dobner et al (1992) Eur. J. Immunol. 22:2795-2799; Barella et al
(1995) Biochem. J. 309:773-779;
[0274] (30) HLA-DOB (Beta subunit of MHC class II molecule (Ia
antigen) that binds peptides and presents them to CD4+ T
lymphocytes) PROTEIN SEQUENCE Full mgsgwvp . . . vllpqsc (1 . . .
273; 273 aa, pI: 6.56 MW: 30820 TM: 1 [P] Gene Chromosome: 6p21.3,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--002111.1)
[0275] Tonnelle et al (1985) EMBO J. 4(11):2839-2847; Jonsson et al
(1989) Immunogenetics 29(6):411-413; Beck et al (1992) J. Mol.
Biol. 228:433-441; Strausberg et al (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci
USA 99:16899-16903; Servenius et al (1987) J. Biol. Chem.
262:8759-8766; Beck et al (1996) J. Mol. Biol. 255:1-13; Naruse et
al (2002) Tissue Antigens 59:512-519; WO9958658 (Claim 13, FIG.
15); U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,408 (Col 35-38); U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,551
(col 168-170); U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,146 (col 145-146); Kasahara et
al (1989) Immunogenetics 30(1):66-68; Larhammar et al (1985) J.
Biol. Chem. 260(26):14111-14119;
[0276] (31) P2X5 (Purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel
5, an ion channel gated by extracellular ATP, may be involved in
synaptic transmission and neurogenesis, deficiency may contribute
to the pathophysiology of idiopathic detrusor instability) PROTEIN
SEQUENCE Full mgqagck . . . lephrst (1 . . . 422; 422 aa), pI:
7.63, MW: 47206 TM: 1 [P] Gene Chromosome: 17p13.3, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--002552.2) Le et al (1997) FEBS Lett.
418(1-2):195-199; WO2004047749; WO2003072035 (Claim 10); Touchman
et al (2000) Genome Res. 10:165-173; WO200222660 (Claim 20);
WO2003093444 (Claim 1); WO2003087768 (Claim 1); WO2003029277 (page
82);
[0277] (32) CD72 (B-cell differentiation antigen CD72, Lyb-2)
PROTEIN SEQUENCE Full maeaity . . . tafrfpd (1 . . . 359; 359 aa),
pI: 8.66, MW: 40225 TM: 1 [P] Gene Chromosome: 9p13.3, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--001773.1) WO2004042346 (Claim 65);
WO2003026493 (pages 51-52, 57-58); WO200075655 (pages 105-106); Von
Hoegen et al (1990) J. Immunol. 144(12):4870-4877; Strausberg et al
(2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 99:16899-16903;
[0278] (33) LY64 (Lymphocyte antigen 64 (RP105), type I membrane
protein of the leucine rich repeat (LRR) family, regulates B-cell
activation and apoptosis, loss of function is associated with
increased disease activity in patients with systemic lupus
erythematosis) PROTEIN SEQUENCE Full mafdvsc . . . rwkyqhi (1 . . .
661; 661 aa), pI: 6.20, MW: 74147 TM: 1 [P] Gene Chromosome: 5q12,
Genbank accession No. NP.sub.--005573.1)
[0279] U.S. 2002193567; WO9707198 (Claim 11, pages 39-42); Miura et
al (1996) Genomics 38(3):299-304; Miura et al (1998) Blood
92:2815-2822; WO2003083047; WO9744452 (Claim 8, pages 57-61);
WO200012130 (pages 24-26);
[0280] (34) FcRH1 (Fc receptor-like protein 1, a putative receptor
for the immunoglobulin Fc domain that contains C2 type Ig-like and
ITAM domains, may have a role in B-lymphocyte differentiation)
PROTEIN SEQUENCE Full mlprlll . . . vdyedam (1 . . . 429; 429 aa),
pI: 5.28, MW: 46925 TM: 1 [P] Gene Chromosome: 1q21-1q22, Genbank
accession No. NP.sub.--443170.1)
[0281] WO2003077836; WO200138490 (Claim 6, FIG. 18E-1-18-E-2);
Davis et al (2001) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 98(17):9772-9777;
WO2003089624 (Claim 8); EP1347046 (Claim 1); WO2003089624 (Claim
7);
[0282] (35) IRTA2 (Immunoglobulin superfamily receptor
translocation associated 2, a putative immunoreceptor with possible
roles in B cell development and lymphomagenesis; deregulation of
the gene by translocation occurs in some B cell malignancies)
PROTEIN SEQUENCE Full mllwvil . . . assaphr (1 . . . 977; 977 aa),
pI: 6.88 MW: 106468 TM: 1 [P] Gene Chromosome: 1q21, Genbank
accession No. Human: AF343662, AF343663, AF343664, AF343665,
AF369794, AF397453, AK090423, AK090475, AL834187, AY358085; Mouse:
AK089756, AY158090, AY506558; NP.sub.--112571.1
[0283] WO2003024392 (Claim 2, FIG. 97); Nakayama et al (2000)
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 277(1):124-127; WO2003077836;
WO200138490 (Claim 3, FIG. 18B-1-18B-2);
[0284] (36) TENB2 (TMEFF2, tomoregulin, TPEF, HPP1, TR, putative
transmembrane proteoglycan, related to the EGF/heregulin family of
growth factors and follistatin) PROTEIN SEQUENCE Full mvlwesp . . .
rastrli (1 . . . 374; 374 aa, NCBI Accession: AAD55776, AAF91397,
AAG49451, NCBI RefSeq: NP.sub.--057276; NCBI Gene: 23671; OMIM:
605734; SwissProt Q9UIK5; Genbank accession No. AF179274; AY358907,
CAF85723, CQ782436
[0285] WO2004074320 (SEQ ID NO 810); JP2004113151 (SEQ ID NOS 2, 4,
8); WO2003042661 (SEQ ID NO 580); WO2003009814 (SEQ ID NO 411);
EP1295944 (pages 69-70); WO200230268 (page 329); WO200190304 (SEQ
ID NO 2706); U.S. 2004249130; U.S. 2004022727; WO2004063355; U.S.
2004197325; U.S. 2003232350; U.S. 2004005563; U.S. 2003124579; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,410,506; U.S. Pat. No. 66,420,061; Horie et al (2000)
Genomics 67:146-152; Uchida et al (1999) Biochem. Biophys. Res.
Commun. 266:593-602; Liang et al (2000) Cancer Res. 60:4907-12;
Glynne-Jones et al (2001) Int J Cancer. October
15;94(2):178-84.
[0286] Production of Antibodies
[0287] Various methods have been employed to produce monoclonal
antibodies (MAbs). Hybridoma technology, which refers to a cloned
cell line that produces a single type of antibody, uses the cells
of various species, including mice (murine), hamsters, rats, and
humans. Other methods to prepare MAbs, including chimeric and
humanized antibodies, uses genetic engineering, i.e. recombinant
DNA techniques.
[0288] Polyclonal antibodies may be raised in animals by multiple
subcutaneous (sc) or intraperitoneal (ip) injections of the
relevant antigen and an adjuvant. Monoclonal antibodies are
obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies,
i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are
identical except for possible naturally occurring mutations that
may be present in minor amounts.
[0289] Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines also
have been described for the production of human monoclonal
antibodies (Kozbor, (1984) J. Immunol., 133:3001, and Brodeur et
al., Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications,
pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1987)). Culture medium in
which hybridoma cells are growing is assayed for production of
monoclonal antibodies directed against the antigen. Binding
specificity of monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridoma cells
may be determined by immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding
assay, such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked
immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). The binding affinity of the
monoclonal antibody can, for example, be determined by the
Scatchard analysis of Munson et al (1980) Anal. Biochem.
107:220.
[0290] DNA encoding the monoclonal antibodies is readily isolated
and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using
oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to
genes encoding the heavy and light chains of murine antibodies).
The hybridoma cells serve as a source of such DNA. Once isolated,
the DNA may be placed into expression vectors, which are then
transfected into host cells such as E. coli cells, simian COS
cells, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells that do
not otherwise produce antibody protein, to obtain the synthesis of
monoclonal antibodies in the recombinant host cells (U.S.
2005/0048572; U.S. 2004/0229310). Review articles on recombinant
expression in bacteria of DNA encoding the antibody include Skerra
et al (1993) Curr. Opinion in Immunol. 5:256-262 and Pluckthun
(1992) Immunol. Revs. 130:151-188.
[0291] In a further embodiment, monoclonal antibodies or antibody
fragments can be isolated from antibody phage libraries generated
using the techniques described in McCafferty et al (1990) Nature
348:552-554; Clackson et al (1991) Nature 352:624-628; and Marks et
al (1991) J. Mol. Biol., 222:581-597 describe the isolation of
murine and human antibodies, respectively, using phage libraries.
Subsequent publications describe the production of high affinity
(nM range) human antibodies by chain shuffling (Marks et al (1992)
Bio/Technology 10:779-783), as well as combinatorial infection and
in vivo recombination as a strategy for constructing very large
phage libraries (Waterhouse et al (1993) Nuc. Acids. Res.
21:2265-2266). Thus, these techniques are viable alternatives to
traditional monoclonal antibody hybridoma techniques for isolation
of monoclonal antibodies.
[0292] The DNA also may be modified, for example, by substituting
the coding sequence for human heavy chain and light chain constant
domains in place of the homologous murine sequences (U.S. Pat. No.
4,816,567); and Morrison et al (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
81:6851), or by covalently joining to the immunoglobulin coding
sequence all or part of the coding sequence for a
non-immunoglobulin polypeptide.
[0293] Typically such non-immunoglobulin polypeptides are
substituted for the constant domains of an antibody, or they are
substituted for the variable domains of one antigen-combining site
of an antibody to create a chimeric bivalent antibody comprising
one antigen-combining site having specificity for an antigen and
another antigen-combining site having specificity for a different
antigen.
[0294] A description follows as to exemplary techniques for the
production of the antibodies (Ab) used in the antibody-drug
conjugates (ADC) of the present invention. The production of
antibodies will be illustrated with reference to anti-ErbB2
antibodies but it will be apparent for those skilled in the art
that antibodies to other members of the ErbB receptor family, as
well as any other receptor or tumor-associated antigen or target,
can be produced and modified in a similar manner.
[0295] The ErbB2 antigen to be used for production of antibodies
may be, e.g., a soluble form of the extracellular domain of ErbB2
or a portion thereof, containing the desired epitope.
Alternatively, cells expressing ErbB2 at their cell surface, e.g.
NIH-3T3 cells transformed to overexpress ErbB2; or a carcinoma cell
line such as SK-BR-3 cells (Stancovski et al (1991) PNAS (USA)
88:8691-8695), can be used to generate antibodies. Other forms of
ErbB2 useful for generating antibodies will be apparent to those
skilled in the art.
[0296] Example 1 describes production of an exemplary humanized
anti-ErbB2 antibody. The humanized antibody may, for example,
comprise nonhuman hypervariable region residues incorporated into a
human variable heavy domain and may further comprise a framework
region (FR) substitution at a position selected from the group
consisting of 69H, 71H and 73H utilizing the variable domain
numbering system set forth in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins
of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991). In one embodiment, the
humanized antibody comprises FR substitutions at two or all of
positions 69H, 71H and 73H.
[0297] As an alternative to humanization, human antibodies can be
generated. For example, it is now possible to produce transgenic
animals (e.g., mice) that are capable, upon immunization, of
producing a full repertoire of human antibodies in the absence of
endogenous immunoglobulin production (Jakobovits et al (1993) Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:2551; Jakobovits et al (1993) Nature
362:255-258; Bruggermann et al (1993) Year in Immuno. 7:33; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,669; U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,369; U.S. Pat. No.
5,545,807).
[0298] Alternatively, phage display technology (McCafferty et al
(1990) Nature 348:552-553) can be used to produce human antibodies
and antibody fragments in vitro, from immunoglobulin variable (V)
domain gene repertoires from unimmunized donors (Johnson, Kevin S.
and Chiswell, David J. (1993) Current Opinion in Structural Biology
3:564-571). A repertoire of V genes from unimmunized human donors
can be constructed and antibodies to a diverse array of antigens
(including self-antigens) can be isolated essentially (Marks et al
(1991) J. Mol. Biol. 222:581-597; Griffith et al (1993) EMBO J.
12:725-734; U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,332; U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,905).
Human antibodies may also be generated by in vitro activated B
cells (U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,610; U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,275). Human
anti-ErbB2 antibodies are described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,997 and WO
97/00271.
[0299] Various techniques have been developed for the production of
antibody fragments. Traditionally, these fragments were derived via
proteolytic digestion of intact antibodies (see Morimoto et al
(1992) Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods 24:107-117;
and Brennan et al (1985) Science 229:81). Antibody fragments can
also be produced directly by recombinant host cells and the
antibody phage libraries discussed above. Fab'-SH fragments can be
directly recovered from E. coli and chemically coupled to form
F(ab').sub.2 fragments (Carter et al (1992) Bio/Technology
10:163-167). According to another approach, F(ab').sub.2 fragments
can be isolated directly from recombinant host cell culture. Other
techniques for the production of antibody fragments will be
apparent to the skilled practitioner. In other embodiments, the
antibody of choice is a single chain Fv fragment (scFv). See WO
93/16185; U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,894; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,458. The
antibody fragment may also be a "linear antibody", e.g., as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,870 for example. Such linear
antibody fragments may be monospecific or bispecific.
[0300] Bispecific antibodies with binding specificities for at
least two different epitopes (Millstein et al (1983), Nature
305:537-539) may bind to two different epitopes of the ErbB2
protein. Other such antibodies may combine an ErbB2 binding site
with binding site(s) for EGFR, ErbB3 and/or ErbB4. Alternatively,
an anti-ErbB2 arm may be combined with an arm which binds to a
triggering molecule on a leukocyte such as a T-cell receptor
molecule (e.g. CD2 or CD3), or Fc receptors for IgG (Fc.gamma.R),
such as Fc.gamma.RI (CD64), Fc.gamma.RII (CD32) and Fc.gamma.RIII
(CD16) so as to focus cellular defense mechanisms to the
ErbB2-expressing cell. Bispecific antibodies may also be used to
localize cytotoxic agents to cells which express ErbB2 (WO
96/16673; U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,234; WO98/02463; U.S. Pat. No.
5,821,337). Purification methods for bispecific antibodies have
been disclosed (WO 93/08829; Traunecker et al (1991) EMBO J.
10:3655-3659; WO 94/04690; Suresh et al (1986) Methods in
Enzymology 121:210; U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,168). Bispecific antibodies
can be produced using leucine zippers (Kostelny et al (1992) J.
Immunol. 148(5):1547-1553), and single-chain Fv (sFv) dimers
(Gruber et al (1994) J. Immunol. 152:5368).
[0301] Techniques for generating bispecific antibodies from
antibody fragments have also been described, such as using chemical
linkage wherein intact antibodies are proteolytically cleaved to
generate F(ab').sub.2 fragments (Brennan et al (1985) Science
229:81). Fab'-SH fragments can be recovered from E. coli and
chemically coupled to form bispecific antibodies (Shalaby et al
(1992) J. Exp. Med. 175:217-225. The "diabody" technology provides
an alternative method for making bispecific antibody fragments
(Hollinger et al (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
90:6444-6448).
[0302] Antibodies with more than two valencies are contemplated.
Multivalent, "Octopus" antibodies with three or more antigen
binding sites and two or more variable domains can be readily
produced by recombinant expression of nucleic acid encoding the
polypeptide chains of the antibody (U.S. 2002/0004586; WO
01/77342). For example, trispecific antibodies can be prepared
(Tutt et al (1991) J. Immunol. 147:60.
[0303] Amino acid sequence modification(s) of antibodies are
contemplated. For example, mutants and various isoforms of
antibodies which bind to tumor-associated antigens are contemplated
to improve the binding affinity and/or other biological properties
of the antibody. Amino acid sequence variants of an antibody are
prepared by introducing appropriate nucleotide changes into the
nucleic acid encoding the antibody, or by peptide synthesis. Such
modifications include, for example, deletions from, and/or
insertions into and/or substitutions of, residues within the amino
acid sequences of the antibody. Any combination of deletion,
insertion, and substitution is made to arrive at the final
construct, provided that the final construct possesses the desired
characteristics. The amino acid changes also may alter
post-translational processes of the antibody, such as changing the
number or position of glycosylation sites.
[0304] A useful method for identification of certain residues or
regions of the antibody that are preferred locations for
mutagenesis is "alanine scanning mutagenesis" (Cunningham and Wells
(1989) Science 244:1081-1085) where an amino acid residue, or group
of target residues, are identified (e.g., charged residues such as
arg, asp, his, lys, and glu) and replaced by a neutral or
negatively charged amino acid, such as alanine or polyalanine, to
optimize the interaction of the amino acids with antigen. Amino
acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminal
fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides
containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence
insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues. Examples of
terminal insertions include an anti-ErbB2 antibody with an
N-terminal methionyl residue or the antibody fused to a cytotoxic
polypeptide. Other insertional variants of the anti-ErbB2 antibody
molecule include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the
anti-ErbB2 antibody to an enzyme (e.g. for ADEPT: Tietze et al
(2003) Current Pharm. Design 9:2155-2175) or a polypeptide which
increases the serum half-life of the antibody, such as an
albumin-binding peptide.
[0305] Plasma-protein binding can be an effective means of
improving the pharmacokinetic properties of short lived molecules.
Albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma. Serum albumin
binding peptides (ABP) can alter the pharmacodynamics of fused
active domain proteins, including alteration of tissue uptake,
penetration, and diffusion. These pharmacodynamic parameters can be
modulated by specific selection of the appropriate serum albumin
binding peptide sequence (U.S. 20040001827). A series of albumin
binding peptides were identified by phage display screening (Dennis
et al (2002) "Albumin Binding As A General Strategy For Improving
The Pharmacokinetics Of Proteins" J Biol. Chem. 277:35035-35043; WO
01/45746). Compounds of the invention include ABP sequences taught
by: (i) Dennis et al (2002) J Biol. Chem. 277:35035-35043 at Tables
III and IV, page 35038; (ii) U.S. 20040001827 at [0076] SEQ ID NOS:
9-22; and (iii) WO 01/45746 at pages 12-13, SEQ ID NOS: z1-z14, and
all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0306] The amino acid sequence is usually altered by altering the
underlying nucleic acid sequence. Nucleic acid molecules encoding
amino acid sequence variants of the antibody are prepared by a
variety of methods known in the art. These methods include, but are
not limited to, isolation from a natural source (in the case of
naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants) or preparation by
oligonucleotide-mediated (or site-directed) mutagenesis, PCR
mutagenesis, and cassette mutagenesis of an earlier prepared
variant or a non-variant version of the antibody. The sites of
greatest interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the
hypervariable regions, but FR alterations are also
contemplated.
[0307] Substantial modifications in the biological properties of
the antibody are accomplished by selecting substitutions that
differ significantly in their effect on maintaining (a) the
structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the
substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation, (b)
the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site, or
(c) the bulk of the side chain. Naturally occurring residues are
divided into groups based on common side-chain properties:
[0308] (1) hydrophobic: norleucine, met, ala, val, leu, ile;
[0309] (2) neutral hydrophilic: cys, ser, thr;
[0310] (3) acidic: asp, glu;
[0311] (4) basic: asn, gln, his, lys, arg;
[0312] (5) residues that influence chain orientation: gly, pro;
and
[0313] (6) aromatic: trp, tyr, phe.
[0314] Non-conservative substitutions will entail exchanging a
member of one of these classes for another class.
[0315] Any cysteine residue not involved in maintaining the proper
conformation of the antibody also may be substituted, generally
with serine, to improve the oxidative stability of the molecule and
prevent aberrant crosslinking. Conversely, cysteine bond(s) may be
added to the antibody to improve its stability (particularly where
the antibody is an antibody fragment such as an Fv fragment).
[0316] To increase the serum half life of the antibody, one may
incorporate a salvage receptor binding epitope into the antibody
(especially an antibody fragment) as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,739,277, for example. As used herein, the term "salvage receptor
binding epitope" refers to an epitope of the Fc region of an IgG
molecule (e.g., IgG.sub.1, IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3, or IgG.sub.4) that
is responsible for increasing the in vivo serum half-life of the
IgG molecule (U.S. 2003/0190311, U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,505; U.S. Pat.
No. 6,165,745; U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,821; U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,260;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,745; U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,597).
[0317] Glycosylation variants of antibodies are variants in which
the glycosylation pattern of an antibody is altered. By altering is
meant deleting one or more carbohydrate moieties found in the
antibody, adding one or more carbohydrate moieties to the antibody,
changing the composition of glycosylation (glycosylation pattern),
or the extent of glycosylation.
[0318] Antibodies may be glycosylated at conserved positions
(N-linked or O-linked) in their constant regions (Hse et al (1997)
J. Biol. Chem. 272:9062-9070; Jefferis and Lund, (1997) Chem.
Immunol. 65:111-128; Wright and Morrison, (1997) TibTECH 15:26-32).
The oligosaccharide side chains of the immunoglobulins affect the
protein's function (Boyd et al (1996) Mol. Immunol. 32:1311-1318;
Wittwe and Howard, (1990) Biochem. 29:4175-4180), and the
intramolecular interaction between portions of the glycoprotein
which can affect the conformation and presented three-dimensional
surface of the glycoprotein (Hefferis and Lund, supra; Wyss and
Wagner (1996) Current Opin. Biotech. 7:409-416). Oligosaccharides
may also serve to target a given glycoprotein to certain molecules
based upon specific recognition structures (Malhotra et al (1995)
Nature Med. 1:237-243; Umana et al (1999) Nature Biotech.
17:176-180). Removal of the oligosaccharides may optimize antigen
binding and other properties of the antibody (Boyd et al (1996)
Mol. Immunol. 32:1311-1318).
[0319] Factors which affect glycosylation during recombinant
production of antibodies include growth mode, media formulation,
culture density, oxygenation, pH, purification schemes and the like
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,335; U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,261; U.S. Pat. No.
5,278,299). Glycosylation, or certain types of glycosylation, can
be enzymatically removed from the glycoprotein, for example using
endoglycosidase H (Endo H). In addition, the recombinant host cell
can be genetically engineered, e.g. make defective in processing
certain types of polysaccharides. These and similar techniques are
well known in the art.
[0320] The glycosylation structure of antibodies can be readily
analyzed by conventional techniques of carbohydrate analysis,
including lectin chromatography, NMR, Mass spectrometry, HPLC, GPC,
monosaccharide compositional analysis, sequential enzymatic
digestion, and HPAEC-PAD, which uses high pH anion exchange
chromatography to separate oligosaccharides based on charge.
Methods for releasing oligosaccharides for analytical purposes are
also known, and include, without limitation, enzymatic treatment
(commonly performed using peptide-N-glycosidase
F/endo-.beta.-galactosidase), elimination using harsh alkaline
environment to release mainly O-linked structures, and chemical
methods using anhydrous hydrazine to release both N- and O-linked
oligosaccharides.
[0321] Maytansinoid Drug Moieties
[0322] Maytansine compounds inhibit cell proliferation by
inhibiting the formation of microtubules during mitosis through
inhibition of polymerization of the microtubulin protein, tubulin
(Remillard et al (1975) Science 189:1002-1005; U.S. Pat. No.
5,208,020). Maytansine and maytansinoids are highly cytotoxic but
their clinical use in cancer therapy has been greatly limited by
their severe systemic side-effects primarily attributed to their
poor selectivity for tumors. Clinical trials with maytansine had
been discontinued due to serious adverse effects on the central
nervous system and gastrointestinal system (Issel et al (1978) Can.
Treatment. Rev. 5:199-207.
[0323] Maytansinoid drug moieties are attractive drug moieties in
antibody-drug conjugates because they are: (i) relatively
accessible to prepare by fermentation or chemical modification,
derivatization of fermentation products, (ii) amenable to
derivatization with functional groups suitable for conjugation
through the non-disulfide linkers to antibodies, (iii) stable in
plasma, and (iv) effective against a variety of tumor cell
lines.
[0324] Maytansine compounds suitable for use as maytansinoid drug
moieties are well known in the art, and can be isolated from
natural sources according to known methods, produced using genetic
engineering techniques (see Yu et al (2002) PNAS 99:7968-7973), or
maytansinol and maytansinol analogues prepared synthetically
according to known methods.
[0325] Exemplary maytansinoid drug moieties include those having a
modified aromatic ring, such as: C-19-dechloro (U.S. Pat. No.
4,256,746) (prepared by lithium aluminum hydride reduction of
ansamitocin P2); C-20-hydroxy (or C-20-demethyl)+/-C-19-dechloro
(U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,361,650 and 4,307,016) (prepared by demethylation
using Streptomyces or Actinomyces or dechlorination using LAH); and
C-20-demethoxy, C-20-acyloxy (--OCOR), +/-dechloro (U.S. Pat. No.
4,294,757) (prepared by acylation using acyl chlorides). and those
having modifications at other positions
[0326] Exemplary maytansinoid drug moieties also include those
having modifications such as: C-9-SH, prepared by the reaction of
maytansinol with H.sub.2S or P.sub.2S.sub.5 (U.S. Pat. No.
4,424,219); C-14-alkoxymethyl(demethoxy/CH.sub.2OR) (U.S. Pat. No.
4,331,598); C-14-hydroxymethyl or acyloxymethyl (CH.sub.2OH or
CH.sub.2OAc) prepared from Nocardia (U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,254);
C-15-hydroxy/acyloxy, prepared by the conversion of maytansinol by
Streptomyces (U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,866); C-15-methoxy, isolated from
Trewia nudlflora (U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,946 and U.S. Pat. No.
4,315,929); C-18-N-demethyl, prepared by the demethylation of
maytansinol by Streptomyces (U.S. Pat. No. 4,362,663 and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,322,348); and 4,5-deoxy, prepared by the titanium
trichloride/LAH reduction of maytansinol (U.S. Pat. No.
4,371,533).
[0327] Many positions on maytansine compounds are known to be
useful as the linkage position, depending upon the type of link.
For example, for forming an ester linkage, the C-3 position having
a hydroxyl group, the C-14 position modified with hydroxymethyl,
the C-15 position modified with a hydroxyl group and the C-20
position having a hydroxyl group are all suitable.
[0328] Maytansinoid drug moieties (D) include those having the
structure: 5
[0329] where the wavy line indicates the covalent attachment of the
sulfur atom of D to a linker (L) of an antibody-drug conjugate
(ADC). R may independently be H or a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl. The
alkylene chain attaching the amide group to the sulfur atom may be
methanyl, ethanyl, or propyl, i.e. m is 1, 2, or 3 (U.S. Pat. Nos.
633,410, 5,208,020, Chari et al (1992) Cancer Res. 52:127-131; Liu
et al (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci 93:8618-8623).
[0330] All stereoisomers of the maytansinoid drug moiety are
contemplated for the compounds of the invention, i.e. any
combination of R and S configurations at the chiral carbons of D.
In one embodiment, the maytansinoid drug moiety (D) will have the
following stereochemistry: 6
[0331] Embodiments of D include:
[0332] DM1
(N.sup.2'-deacetyl-N.sup.2'-(3-mercapto-1-oxopropyl)-maytansine- )
where (CR.sub.2).sub.m=CH.sub.2CH.sub.2; 7
[0333] DM3
(N.sup.2'-deacetyl-N-.sup.2'(4-mercapto-1-oxopentyl)-maytansine- )
where (CR.sub.2).sub.m=CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3); 8
[0334] DM4
(N.sup.2'-deacetyl-N.sup.2'-(4-methyl-4-mercapto-1-oxopentyl)-m-
aytansine) where
(CR.sub.2).sub.m=CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3).sub.2: 9
[0335] Steric hindrance conferred by alkyl groups such as the
methyl groups on the carbon adjacent to the sulfur atom of DM3 and
DM4 may affect the rate of intracellular cleavage of the ADC (U.S.
2004/0235840 A1). The variable alkyl unit (CR.sub.2).sub.m may
therefore affect potency, efficacy, and safety/toxicity in vitro
and in vivo.
[0336] Linkers
[0337] The linker, L, attaches the antibody to a drug moiety
through covalent bond(s), not comprising a disulfide group. The
linker is a bifunctional or multifunctional moiety which can be
used to link one or more Drug moieties (D) and an antibody unit
(Ab) to form antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) of Formula I.
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) can be conveniently prepared using a
linker having reactive functionality for binding to the Drug and to
the Antibody. A cysteine thiol, or an amine, e.g. N-terminus or
amino acid side chain such as lysine, of the antibody (Ab) can form
a bond with a functional group of a linker reagent, drug moiety or
drug-linker reagent.
[0338] The linkers are preferably stable extracellularly. Before
transport or delivery into a cell, the antibody-drug conjugate
(ADC) is preferably stable and remains intact, i.e. the antibody
remains linked to the drug moiety. The linkers are stable outside
the target cell and may be cleaved at some efficacious rate inside
the cell. An effective linker will: (i) maintain the specific
binding properties of the antibody; (ii) allow intracellular
delivery of the conjugate or drug moiety; (iii) remain stable and
intact, i.e. not cleaved, until the conjugate has been delivered or
transported to its targetted site; and (iv) maintain a cytotoxic,
cell-killing effect or a cytostatic effect of the maytansinoid drug
moiety. Stability of the ADC may be measured by standard analytical
techniques such as mass spectroscopy, HPLC, and the
separation/analysis technique LC/MS.
[0339] Covalent attachment of the antibody and the drug moiety
requires the linker to have two reactive functional groups, i.e.
bivalency in a reactive sense. Bivalent linker reagents which are
useful to attach two or more functional or biologically active
moieties, such as peptides, nucleic acids, drugs, toxins,
antibodies, haptens, and reporter groups are known, and methods
have been described their resulting conjugates (Hermanson, G. T.
(1996) Bioconjugate Techniques; Academic Press: New York,
p234-242).
[0340] Linkers may have structures selected from: 10
[0341] where the wavy lines indicate the covalent attachments to Ab
and D in either orientation. X may have the structures, in either
orientation: 11
[0342] where R is independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and n
is 1 to 12. Y may have the structures, in either orientation:
12
[0343] where R is independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and n
is 1 to 12.
[0344] For example, the linker may have the structure, designated
as SMCC: 13
[0345] In another embodiment, linker (L) has the structure: 14
[0346] where the wavy lines indicate the covalent attachments to Ab
and D in either orientation.
[0347] For example, the linker may have the structure, designated
as SIAB: 15
[0348] In another embodiment, linker (L) has the structure: 16
[0349] In another embodiment, the linker may be substituted with
groups which modulated solubility or reactivity. For example, a
sulfonate substituent may increase water solubility of the reagent
and facilitate the coupling reaction of the linker reagent with the
antibody or the drug moiety, or facilitate the coupling reaction of
Ab-L with D, or D-L with Ab, depending on the synthetic route
employed to prepare the ADC.
[0350] In another embodiment, a Linker has a reactive functional
group which has a nucleophilic group that is reactive to an
electrophilic group present on an antibody. Useful electrophilic
groups on an antibody include, but are not limited to, aldehyde and
ketone carbonyl groups. The heteroatom of a nucleophilic group of a
Linker can react with an electrophilic group on an antibody and
form a covalent bond to an antibody unit. Useful nucleophilic
groups on a Linker include, but are not limited to, hydrazide,
oxime, amino, hydrazine, thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine carboxylate,
and arylhydrazide. The electrophilic group on an antibody provides
a convenient site for attachment to a Linker.
[0351] Linkers can be peptidic, comprising one or more amino acid
units. Peptide linker reagents may be prepared by solid phase or
liquid phase synthesis methods (E. Schroder and K. Lubke, The
Peptides, volume 1, pp 76-136 (1965) Academic Press) that are well
known in the field of peptide chemistry, including t-BOC chemistry
(Geiser et al "Automation of solid-phase peptide synthesis" in
Macromolecular Sequencing and Synthesis, Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1988,
pp. 199-218) and Fmoc/HBTU chemistry (Fields, G. and Noble, R.
(1990) "Solid phase peptide synthesis utilizing
9-fluoroenylmethoxycarbonyl amino acids", Int. J. Peptide Protein
Res. 35:161-214), on an automated synthesizer such as the Rainin
Symphony Peptide Synthesizer (Protein Technologies, Inc., Tucson,
Ariz.), or Model 433 (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.).
[0352] The compounds expressly contemplate, but are not limited to,
ADC prepared with cross-linker reagents: BMPEO, BMPS, EMCS, GMBS,
HBVS, LC-SMCC, MBS, MPBH, SBAP, SIA, SIAB, SMCC, SMPB, SMPH,
sulfo-EMCS, sulfo-GMBS, sulfo-KMUS, sulfo-MBS, sulfo-SIAB,
sulfo-SMCC, and sulfo-SMPB, and SVSB
(succinimidyl-(4-vinylsulfone)benzoate), and including
bis-maleimide reagents: DTME, BMB, BMDB, BMH, BMOE, BM(PEO).sub.3,
and BM(PEO).sub.4, which are commercially available from Pierce
Biotechnology, Inc., Customer Service Department, P.O. Box 117,
Rockford, Ill. 61105 U.S.A, U.S.A 1-800-874-3723, International
+815-968-0747. See pages 467-498, 2003-2004 Applications Handbook
and Catalog. Bis-maleimide reagents allow the attachment of a free
thiol group of a cysteine residue of an antibody to a
thiol-containing drug moiety, label, or linker intermediate, in a
sequential or concurrent fashion. Other functional groups besides
maleimide, which are reactive with a thiol group of an antibody,
maytansinoid drug moiety, or linker intermediate include
iodoacetamide, bromoacetamide, vinyl pyridine, disulfide, pyridyl
disulfide, isocyanate, and isothiocyanate. 17
[0353] Exemplary antibody-drug conjugates where DM1 is linked
through a BMPEO linker to a thiol group of trastuzumab have the
structure: 18
[0354] where Tr is trastuzumab; n is 0, 1, or 2; and p is 1, 2, 3,
or 4.
[0355] Useful linker reagents can also be obtained via other
commercial sources, such as Molecular Biosciences Inc. (Boulder,
Colo.), or synthesized in accordance with procedures described in
Toki et al (2002) J. Org. Chem. 67:1866-1872; U.S. Pat. No.
6,214,345 to Firestone et al; WO 02/088172; U.S. 2003130189; U.S.
2003096743; WO 03/026577; WO 03/043583; and WO 04/032828.
[0356] The Linker may be a dendritic type linker for covalent
attachment of more than one drug moiety through a branching,
multifunctional linker moiety to an antibody (Sun et al (2002)
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 12:2213-2215; Sun et
al (2003) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 11:1761-1768; King
et al (2002) Tetrahedron Letters 43:1987-1990). Dendritic linkers
can increase the molar ratio of drug to antibody, i.e. loading,
which is related to the potency of the ADC. Thus, where an antibody
bears only one reactive cysteine thiol group, a multitude of drug
moieties may be attached through a dendritic linker.
[0357] The following exemplary embodiments of dendritic linker
reagents allow up to nine nucleophilic drug moiety reagents to be
conjugated by reaction with the chloroethyl nitrogen mustard
functional groups: 19
[0358] Drug Loading
[0359] The drug loading is represented by p in a molecule of
Formula I, the average number of maytansinoid drugs per antibody.
Drug loading may range from 1 to 8 drugs (D) per antibody (Ab),
i.e. where 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 drug moieties are covalently
attached to the antibody. Compositions of ADC of Formula I include
collections of antibodies conjugated with a range of drugs, from 1
to 8. The average number of drugs per antibody in preparations of
ADC from conjugation reactions may be characterized by conventional
means such as mass spectroscopy, ELISA assay, electrophoresis, and
HPLC. The quantitative distribution of ADC in terms of p may also
be determined. By ELISA, the averaged value of p in a particular
preparation of ADC may be determined (Hamblett et al (2004)
Clinical Cancer Res. 10:7063-7070; Sanderson et al (2005) Clinical
Cancer Res. 11:843-852). However, the distribution of p (drug)
values is not discernible by the antibody-antigen binding and
detection limitation of ELISA. Also, ELISA assay for detection of
antibody-drug conjugates does not determine where the drug moieties
are attached to the antibody, such as the heavy chain or light
chain fragments, or the particular amino acid residues. In some
instances, separation, purification, and characterization of
homogeneous ADC where p is a certain value from ADC with other drug
loadings may be achieved by means such as reverse phase HPLC or
electrophoresis.
[0360] For some antibody-drug conjugates, p may be limited by the
number of attachment sites on the antibody. For example, where the
attachment is a cysteine thiol, as in the exemplary embodiments
above, an antibody may have only one or several cysteine thiol
groups, or may have only one or several sufficiently reactive thiol
groups through which a linker may be attached. Higher drug loading,
e.g. p>5, may cause aggregation, insolubility, toxicity, or loss
of cellular permeability of certain antibody-drug conjugates.
[0361] Typically, fewer than the theoretical maximum of drug
moieties are conjugated to an antibody during a conjugation
reaction. An antibody may contain, for example, many lysine
residues that do not react with the drug-linker intermediate (D-L)
or linker reagent. Only the most reactive lysine groups may react
with an amine-reactive linker reagent. Also, only the most reactive
cysteine thiol groups may react with a thiol-reactive linker
reagent. Generally, antibodies do not contain many, if any, free
and reactive cysteine thiol groups which may be linked to a drug
moiety. Most cysteine thiol residues in the antibodies of the
compounds exist as disulfide bridges and must be reduced with a
reducing agent such as dithiothreitol (DTT) or TCEP, under partial
or total reducing conditions. Additionally, the antibody must be
subjected to denaturing conditions to reveal reactive nucleophilic
groups such as lysine or cysteine. The loading (drug/antibody
ratio) of an ADC may be controlled in several different manners,
including: (i) limiting the molar excess of drug-linker
intermediate (D-L) or linker reagent relative to antibody, (ii)
limiting the conjugation reaction time or temperature, and (iii)
partial or limiting reductive conditions for cysteine thiol
modification.
[0362] Where more than one nucleophilic or electrophilic group of
the antibody reacts with a drug-linker intermediate, or linker
reagent followed by drug moiety reagent, then the resulting product
is a mixture of ADC compounds with a distribution of drug moieties
attached to an antibody, e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc. Liquid chromatography
methods such as polymeric reverse phase (PLRP) and hydrophobic
interaction (HIC) may separate compounds in the mixture by drug
loading value. Preparations of ADC with a single drug loading value
(p) may be isolated ("Effect of drug loading on the pharmacology,
pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of an anti-CD30 antibody-drug
conjugate", Hamblett, K. J., et al, Abstract No. 624, American
Association for Cancer Research; 2004 Annual Meeting, Mar. 27-31,
2004, Proceedings of the AACR, Volume 45, March 2004; "Controlling
the Location of Drug Attachment in Antibody-Drug Conjugates",
Alley, S. C., et al, Abstract No. 627, American Association for
Cancer Research; 2004 Annual Meeting, Mar. 27-31, 2004, Proceedings
of the AACR, Volume 45, March 2004). However, these single loading
value ADCs may still be heterogeneous mixtures because the drug
moieties may be attached, via the linker, at different sites on the
antibody.
[0363] Preparation of Antibody-Drug Conjugates
[0364] The ADC of Formula I may be prepared by several routes,
employing organic chemistry reactions, conditions, and reagents
known to those skilled in the art, including: (1) reaction of a
nucleophilic group or an electrophilic group of an antibody with a
bivalent linker reagent, to form antibody-linker intermediate Ab-L,
via a covalent bond, followed by reaction with an activated drug
moiety D; and (2) reaction of a nucleophilic group or an
electrophilic group of a drug moiety with a linker reagent, to form
drug-linker intermediate D-L, via a covalent bond, followed by
reaction with the nucleophilic group or an electrophilic group of
an antibody. Conjugation methods (1) and (2) may be employed with a
variety of antibodies, drug moieties, and linkers to prepare the
antibody-drug conjugates of Formula I.
[0365] Nucleophilic groups on antibodies include, but are not
limited to: (i) N-terminal amine groups, (ii) side chain amine
groups, e.g. lysine, (iii) side chain thiol groups, e.g. cysteine,
and (iv) sugar hydroxyl or amino groups where the antibody is
glycosylated. Amine, thiol, and hydroxyl groups are nucleophilic
and capable of reacting to form covalent bonds with electrophilic
groups on linker moieties and linker reagents including: (i) active
esters such as NHS esters, HOBt esters, haloformates, and acid
halides; (ii) alkyl and benzyl halides such as haloacetamides;
(iii) aldehydes, ketones, carboxyl, and maleimide groups. Certain
antibodies have reducible interchain disulfides, i.e. cysteine
bridges. Antibodies may be made reactive for conjugation with
linker reagents by treatment with a reducing agent such as DTT
(Cleland's reagent, dithiothreitol) or TCEP
(tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride; Getz et al (1999)
Anal. Biochem. Vol 273:73-80; Soltec Ventures, Beverly, Mass.).
Each cysteine disulfide bridge will thus form, theoretically, two
reactive thiol nucleophiles. Additional nucleophilic groups can be
introduced into antibodies through the reaction of lysines with
2-iminothiolane (Traut's reagent) resulting in conversion of an
amine into a thiol.
[0366] Antibody-drug conjugates may also be produced by
modification of the antibody to introduce electrophilic moieties,
which can react with nucleophilic substituents on the linker
reagent or drug. The sugars of glycosylated antibodies may be
oxidized, e.g. with periodate oxidizing reagents, to form aldehyde
or ketone groups which may react with the amine group of linker
reagents or drug moieties. The resulting imine Schiff base groups
may form a stable linkage, or may be reduced, e.g. by borohydride
reagents to form stable amine linkages. In one embodiment, reaction
of the carbohydrate portion of a glycosylated antibody with either
galactose oxidase or sodium meta-periodate may yield carbonyl
(aldehyde and ketone) groups in the protein that can react with
appropriate groups on the drug (Hermanson, G. T. (1996)
Bioconjugate Techniques; Academic Press: New York, p234-242). In
another embodiment, proteins containing N-terminal serine or
threonine residues can react with sodium meta-periodate, resulting
in production of an aldehyde in place of the first amino acid
(Geoghegan & Stroh, (1992) Bioconjugate Chem. 3:138-146; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,362,852). Such aldehyde can be reacted with a drug
moiety or linker nucleophile.
[0367] Likewise, nucleophilic groups on a drug moiety include, but
are not limited to: amine, thiol, hydroxyl, hydrazide, oxime,
hydrazine, thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine carboxylate, and
arylhydrazide groups capable of reacting to form covalent bonds
with electrophilic groups on linker moieties and linker reagents
including: (i) active esters such as NHS esters, HOBt esters,
haloformates, and acid halides; (ii) alkyl and benzyl halides such
as haloacetamides; (iii) aldehydes, ketones, carboxyl, and
maleimide groups.
[0368] Maytansine may, for example, be converted to May-SSCH.sub.3,
which can be reduced to the free thiol, May-SH, and reacted with a
modified antibody (Chari et al (1992) Cancer Research 52:127-131)
to generate a maytansinoid-antibody immunoconjugate with a
disulfide linker. Antibody-maytansinoid conjugates with disulfide
linkers have been reported (WO 04/016801; U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,874;
U.S. 2004/039176 A1; WO 03/068144; U.S. 2004/001838 A1; U.S. Pat.
No. 6,441,163; U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,020; U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,064; WO
01/024763). The disulfide linker SPP is constructed with linker
reagent N-succinimidyl 4-(2-pyridylthio) pentanoate.
Antibody-SPP-DM1 conjugates are represented by the structure:
[0369] Disulfide (S--S) linker antibody-drug conjugates were tested
for purposes of comparison to the non-disulfide linker ADC of the
invention. Trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 was prepared according to Example 3
(Ranson, M. and Sliwkowski M. (2002) Oncology 63(suppl 1):17-24).
Disulfide antibody-drug conjugates: trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1,
trastuzumab-SPP-DM3, and trastuzumab-SPP-DM4 were also tested, and
have the structures below: 20
[0370] ADC of the invention include SMCC linkers and the DM1
maytansinoid drug moiety, represented as Ab-SMCC-DM1: 21
[0371] One embodiment of Ab-SMCC-DM1 is trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 where
p is 1, 2, 3, or 4 (Ab=trastuzumab, Tr, WO 2005/037992). Another
embodiment of an ADC is trastuzumab-SIAB-DM1 (trastuzumab=Tr)
having the structure: 22
[0372] Screening for Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Directed
Against Tumor-Associated Antigens and Cell Surface Receptors
[0373] Transgenic animals and cell lines are particularly useful in
screening antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) that have potential as
prophylactic or therapeutic treatments of diseases or disorders
involving overexpression of tumor-associated antigens and cell
surface receptors, e.g. HER2 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,979). Screening
for a useful ADC may involve administering candidate ADC over a
range of doses to the transgenic animal, and assaying at various
time points for the effect(s) of the ADC on the disease or disorder
being evaluated. Alternatively, or additionally, the drug can be
administered prior to or simultaneously with exposure to an inducer
of the disease, if applicable. Candidate ADC may be screened
serially and individually, or in parallel under medium or
high-throughput screening format. The rate at which ADC may be
screened for utility for prophylactic or therapeutic treatments of
diseases or disorders is limited only by the rate of synthesis or
screening methodology, including detecting/measuring/analysis of
data.
[0374] One embodiment is a screening method comprising (a)
transplanting cells from a stable breast cancer cell line into a
non-human animal, (b) administering an ADC drug candidate to the
non-human animal and (c) determining the ability of the candidate
to inhibit the formation of tumors from the transplanted cell line.
The invention also concerns a method of screening ADC candidates
for the treatment of a disease or disorder characterized by the
overexpression of a receptor protein comprising (a) contacting
cells from a stable breast cancer cell line with a drug candidate
and (b) evaluating the ability of the ADC candidate to inhibit the
growth of the stable cell line.
[0375] One embodiment is a screening method comprising (a)
contacting cells from a stable breast cancer cell line with an ADC
drug candidate and (b) evaluating the ability of the ADC candidate
to block ligand activation of HER2. Another embodiment the ability
of the ADC candidate to block heregulin binding is evaluated. In
another embodiment the ability of the ADC candidate to block
ligand-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation is evaluated.
[0376] Another embodiment is a screening method comprising (a)
contacting cells from a stable breast cancer cell line with an ADC
drug candidate and (b) evaluating the ability of the ADC candidate
to induce cell death. In one embodiment the ability of the ADC
candidate to induce apoptosis is evaluated.
[0377] Another embodiment is a screening method comprising (a)
administering an ADC drug candidate to a transgenic non-human
mammal that overexpresses, e.g. in its mammary gland cells, a
native human protein, e.g. HER2 or a fragment thereof, wherein such
transgenic mammal has stably integrated into its genome a nucleic
acid sequence encoding the native human protein or a fragment
thereof having the biological activity of the native human protein,
operably linked to transcriptional regulatory sequences directing
its expression, and develops a tumor, e.g. a mammary tumor, not
responding or poorly responding to antibody treatment, e.g.
anti-HER2, or to a non-human mammal bearing a tumor transplanted
from said transgenic non-human mammal; and (b) evaluating the
effect of the ADC candidate on the target disease or disorder.
Without limitations, the disease or disorder may be a
HER2-overexpressing cancer, such as breast, ovarian, stomach,
endometrial, salivary gland, lung, kidney, colon, thyroid,
pancreatic and bladder cancer. The cancer may be breast cancer
which expressed HER2 in at least about 500,000 copies per cell, or
at least about 2,000,000 copies per cell. ADC drug candidates may,
for example, be evaluated for their ability to induce cell death
and/or apoptosis, using assay methods well known in the art and
described hereinafter.
[0378] In one embodiment, candidate ADC are screened by being
administered to the transgenic animal over a range of doses, and
evaluating the animal's physiological response to the compounds
over time. Administration may be oral, or by suitable injection,
depending on the chemical nature of the compound being evaluated.
In some cases, it may be appropriate to administer the compound in
conjunction with co-factors that would enhance the efficacy of the
compound. If cell lines derived from the subject transgenic animals
are used to screen for compounds useful in treating various
disorders associated with overexpression of certain
tumor-associated antigen proteins or cell surface receptors, e.g.
HER2-overexpression, the test compounds are added to the cell
culture medium at an appropriate time, and the cellular response to
the compound is evaluated over time using the appropriate
biochemical and/or histological assays. In some cases, it may be
appropriate to apply the compound of interest to the culture medium
in conjunction with co-factors that would enhance the efficacy of
the compound.
[0379] Thus, the present invention provides assays for identifying
ADC which specifically target and bind the overexpressed HER2
protein, the presence of which is correlated with abnormal cellular
function, and in the pathogenesis of cellular proliferation and/or
differentiation of mammary gland that is causally related to the
development of breast tumors.
[0380] To identify an ADC which blocks ligand activation of an ErbB
(e.g. ErbB2) receptor, the ability of the compound to block ErbB
ligand binding to cells expressing the ErbB (ErbB2) receptor (e.g.
in conjugation with another ErbB receptor with which the ErbB
receptor of interest forms an ErbB hetero-oligomer) may be
determined. For example, cells isolated from the transgenic animal
overexpressing HER2 and transfected to express another ErbB
receptor (with which HER2 forms hetero-oligomer) may be incubated,
i.e. culturing, with the ADC and then exposed to labeled ErbB
ligand. The ability of the compound to block ligand binding to the
ErbB receptor in the ErbB hetero-oligomer may then be
evaluated.
[0381] For example, inhibition of heregulin (HRG) binding to breast
tumor cell lines, overexpressing HER2 and established from the
transgenic non-human mammals (e.g. mice) herein, by the candidate
ADC may be performed using monolayer cultures on ice in a
24-well-plate format. Anti-ErbB2 monoclonal antibodies may be added
to each well and incubated for 30 minutes. .sup.125I-labeled
rHRG.beta.1.sub.177-224 (25,000 cpm) may then be added, and the
incubation may be continued for 4 to 16 hours. Dose response curves
may be prepared and an IC.sub.50 value may be calculated for the
compound of interest.
[0382] Alternatively, or additionally, the ability of an ADC to
block ErbB ligand-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of an ErbB
receptor present in an ErbB hetero-oligomer may be assessed. For
example, cell lines established from the transgenic animals herein
may be incubated with a test ADC and then assayed for ErbB
ligand-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation activity using an
anti-phosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody (which is optionally
conjugated with a detectable label). The kinase receptor activation
assay described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,863 is also available for
determining ErbB receptor activation and blocking of that activity
by the compound.
[0383] In one embodiment, one may screen for ADC which inhibit HRG
stimulation of p180 tyrosine phosphorylation in MCF7 cells
essentially as described below. For example, a cell line
established from a HER2-transgenic animal may be plated in 24-well
plates and the compound may be added to each well and incubated for
30 minutes at room temperature; then rHRG.beta..sub.1177-244 may be
added to each well to a final concentration of 0.2 nM, and the
incubation may be continued for about 8 minutes. Media may be
aspirated from each well, and reactions may be stopped by the
addition of 100 .mu.l of SDS sample buffer (5% SDS, 25 mM DTT, and
25 mM Tris-HCl, pH 6.8). Each sample (25 .mu.l) may be
electrophoresed on a 4-12% gradient gel (Novex) and then
electrophoretically transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride
membrane. Antiphosphotyrosine (at 1 .mu.g/ml) immunoblots may be
developed, and the intensity of the predominant reactive band at
M.sub.r -180,000 may be quantified by reflectance densitometry. An
alternate method to evaluate inhibition of receptor phosphorylation
is the KIRA (kinase receptor activation) assay (Sadick et al (1998)
Jour. of Pharm. and Biomed. Anal. 1-9). Some of the
well-established monoclonal antibodies against HER2 that are known
to inhibit HRG stimulation of p180 tyrosine phosphorylation can be
used as positive control in this assay. A dose-response curve for
inhibition of HRG stimulation of p180 tyrosine phosphorylation as
determined by reflectance densitometry may be prepared and an
IC.sub.50 for the compound of interest may be calculated.
[0384] One may also assess the growth inhibitory effects of a test
ADC on cell lines derived from a HER2-transgenic animal (Schaefer
et al (1997) Oncogene 15:1385-1394). According to this assay, the
cells may be treated with a test compound at various concentrations
for 4 days and stained with crystal violet or the redox dye Alamar
Blue. Incubation with the compound may show a growth inhibitory
effect on this cell line similar to that displayed by monoclonal
antibody 2C4 on MDA-MB-175 cells (Schaefer et al., supra). In a
further embodiment, exogenous HRG will not significantly reverse
this inhibition.
[0385] To identify growth inhibitory ADC compounds that
specifically target HER2, one may screen for ADC which inhibit the
growth of HER2-overexpressing cancer cells derived from transgenic
animals (U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,171). According to this assay, HER2
overexpressing cells are grown in a 1:1 mixture of F12 and DMEM
medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, glutamine and
penicillin streptomycin. The cells are plated at 20,000 cells in a
35 mm cell culture dish (2 mls/35 mm dish) and the test compound is
added at various concentrations. After six days, the number of
cells, compared to untreated cells is counted using an electronic
COULTER.TM. cell counter. Those ADC which inhibit cell growth by
about 20-100% or about 50-100% may be selected as growth inhibitory
compounds.
[0386] To select for ADC which induce cell death, loss of membrane
integrity as indicated by, e.g., PI, trypan blue or 7AAD uptake may
be assessed relative to control. The PI uptake assay uses cells
isolated from the breast tumor tissue of a transgenic animal.
According to this assay, the cells are cultured in Dulbecco's
Modified Eagle Medium (D-MEM): Ham's F-12 (50:50) supplemented with
10% heat-inactivated FBS (Hyclone) and 2 mM L-glutamine. Thus, the
assay is performed in the absence of complement and immune effector
cells. The cells are seeded at a density of 3.times.106 per dish in
100.times.20 mm dishes and allowed to attach overnight. The medium
is then removed and replaced with fresh medium alone or medium
containing various concentrations of the compound. The cells are
incubated for a 3-day time period. Following each treatment,
monolayers are washed with PBS and detached by trypsinization.
Cells are then centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 minutes at 4.degree.
C., the pellet resuspended in 3 ml cold Ca.sup.2+ binding buffer
(10 mM Hepes, pH 7.4, 140 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM CaCl.sub.2) and aliquoted
into 35 mm strainer-capped 12.times.75 mm tubes (1 ml per tube, 3
tubes per treatment group) for removal of cell clumps. Tubes then
receive PI (10 .mu.g/ml). Samples may be analyzed using a
FACSCAN.TM. flow cytometer and FACSCONVERT.TM. CellQuest software
(Becton Dickinson). Those compounds which induce statistically
significant levels of cell death as determined by PI uptake may be
selected as cell death-inducing compounds.
[0387] In order to select for compounds which induce apoptosis, an
annexin binding assay using cells established from the breast tumor
tissue of the transgenic animal is performed. The cells are
cultured and seeded in dishes as discussed in the preceding
paragraph. The medium is then removed and replaced with fresh
medium alone or medium containing 10 .mu.g/ml of the antibody-drug
conjugate (ADC). Following a three-day incubation period,
monolayers are washed with PBS and detached by trypsinization.
Cells are then centrifuged, resuspended in Ca.sup.2+ binding buffer
and aliquoted into tubes as discussed above for the cell death
assay. Tubes then receive labeled annexin (e.g. annexin V-FITC) (1
.mu.g/ml). Samples may be analyzed using a FACSCAN.TM. flow
cytometer and FACSCONVERT.TM. CellQuest software (Becton
Dickinson). Those compounds which induce statistically significant
levels of annexin binding relative to control are selected as
apoptosis-inducing compounds.
[0388] In Vitro Cell Proliferation Assays
[0389] Generally, the cytotoxic or cytostatic activity of an
antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is measured by: exposing mammalian
cells having tumor-associated antigens or receptor proteins to the
antibody of the ADC in a cell culture medium; culturing the cells
for a period from about 6 hours to about 5 days; and measuring cell
viability. Cell-based in vitro assays were used to measure
viability, i.e. proliferation (IC.sub.50), cytotoxicity
(EC.sub.50), and induction of apoptosis (caspase activation) of the
ADC.
[0390] The in vitro potency of antibody-drug conjugates was
measured by a cell proliferation assay (FIGS. 1-4). The
CellTiter-Glo.RTM. Luminescent Cell Viability Assay is a
commercially available (Promega Corp., Madison, Wis.), homogeneous
assay method based on the recombinant expression of Coleoptera
luciferase (U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,024; U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,713; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,700,670). This cell proliferation assay determines the
number of viable cells in culture based on quantitation of the ATP
present, an indicator of metabolically active cells (Crouch et al
(1993) J. Immunol. Meth. 160:81-88; U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,677). The
CellTiter-Glo.RTM. Assay was conducted in 96 well format, making it
amenable to automated high-throughput screening (HTS) (Cree et al
(1995) AntiCancer Drugs 6:398-404). The homogeneous assay procedure
involves adding the single reagent (CellTiter-Glo.RTM. Reagent)
directly to cells cultured in serum-supplemented medium. Cell
washing, removal of medium and multiple pipetting steps are not
required. The system detects as few as 15 cells/well in a 384-well
format in 10 minutes after adding reagent and mixing.
[0391] The homogeneous "add-mix-measure" format results in cell
lysis and generation of a luminescent signal proportional to the
amount of ATP present. The amount of ATP is directly proportional
to the number of cells present in culture. The CellTiter-Glo.RTM.
Assay generates a "glow-type" luminescent signal, produced by the
luciferase reaction, which has a half-life generally greater than
five hours, depending on cell type and medium used. Viable cells
are reflected in relative luminescence units (RLU). The substrate,
Beetle Luciferin, is oxidatively decarboxylated by recombinant
firefly luciferase with concomitant conversion of ATP to AMP and
generation of photons. The extended half-life eliminates the need
to use reagent injectors and provides flexibility for continuous or
batch mode processing of multiple plates. This cell proliferation
assay an be used with various multiwell formats, e.g. 96 or 384
well format. Data can be recorded by luminometer or CCD camera
imaging device. The luminescence output is presented as relative
light units (RLU), measured over time. 23
[0392] The anti-proliferative effects of three antibody-drug
conjugates were measured by the cell proliferation, in vitro cell
killing assay above against four different breast tumor cell lines
(FIGS. 1-4). FIG. 1 shows the potency measurements at increasing
concentrations of trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1 and
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 after a 3 day treatment on SK-BR-3 (HER2 3+)
breast tumor cells. FIG. 2 shows the potency measurements of at
increasing concentrations of trastuzumab-SPP-DM1,
trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1 and trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 after a 3 day
treatment on BT-474 (HER2 3+) breast tumor cells. FIG. 3 shows the
potency measurements of at increasing concentrations of
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1 and trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
after a 3 day treatment on MCF7 (HER2 low) breast tumor cells. FIG.
4 shows the potency measurements at increasing concentrations of
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1 and trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
after a 3 day treatment on MDA-MB-468 (HER2 negative) breast tumor
cells.
[0393] IC.sub.50 values were established for SK-BR-3 and BT-474
which are known to overexpress HER2 receptor protein. A lot of
conjugate trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 with 2.8 DM1 per trastuzumab
(drug/Ab) gave a mean IC.sub.50 of 14.4 .mu.g/ml with a range 9.1
to 22.3 .mu.g/ml for 6 experiments against SK-BR-3 cells and a mean
IC.sub.50 of 51.7 .mu.g/ml with a range 28.7 to 63.1 .mu.g/ml for 4
experiments against BT-474 cells. A lot of conjugate
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 with 2.7 DM1 per trastuzumab (drug/Ab) gave a
mean IC.sub.50 of 15.2 .mu.g/ml with a range 12.6 to 18.8 .mu.g/ml
for 4 experiments against SK-BR-3 cells and a mean IC.sub.50 of
94.9 .mu.g/ml with a range 75.2 to 114.6 .mu.g/ml for 2 experiments
against BT-474 cells. The conjugates were inactive against cells
MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 which do not overexpress HER2.
[0394] AntiCD19-SMCC-DM1 showed potent cell killing in vitro with
Raji cells (IC.sub.50=<0.25 .mu.g/ml) where the naked antibody
and control ADC, trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 showed no effect.
AntiCD79a-SMCC-DM1 and antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 showed potent cell
killing in vitro with Ramos cells (IC.sub.50=<0.25 .mu.g/ml)
where the naked antibody and control ADC, trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
showed no effect.
[0395] FIG. 17 shows an in vitro, cell proliferation assay (Example
5) with HT1080EphB2 (C8) cells treated with antiEphB2R 2H9
antibody-drug conjugates: 2H9-SPP-DM1 (IC.sub.50 80 ng/ml), and
2H9-SMCC-DM1 (IC.sub.50 50 ng/ml).
[0396] In Vivo Serum Clearance and Stability in Mice
[0397] Serum clearance and stability of ADC were investigated in
nude, naive (without tumors received by exogenous grafts) mice.
FIG. 5 shows the serum clearance in beige nude mice without tumors
of trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 vs. trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, measuring
conjugate and total antibody serum concentration at six time points
over 7 days. A difference in the amount of total antibody and ADC
indicates cleavage of the linker and separation of the antibody
from its DM1 moiety. As illustrated by the higher conjugated
antibody serum concentration at seven days, SMCC-linked ADC
remained intact in vivo longer than did SPP-linked conjugates.
[0398] FIG. 6 shows the stability over time in nude mice without
tumors of the conjugates: trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1,
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, trastuzumab-SPP-DM3, trastuzumab-SPP-DM4, and
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, measuring serum concentration at six time
points over 7 days. ADC with the SMCC linker were more stable in
vivo than were conjugates linked by SPP or SPDP, although
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 had approximately the same stability as the
most hindered disulfide conjugate, trastuzumab-SPP-DM4.
[0399] The experiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 were performed in
nude mice without tumors. However, SMCC-linked conjugates showed
the same increased stability compared to SPP-linked conjugates in
nude mice with tumors. As shown in FIG. 7, approximately 72% of the
initial trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 remained as a conjugate 7 days after
treatment, while only approximately 10% of the initial
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 remained as a conjugate 7 days after treatment,
illustrating the improved stability of non-enzymatically cleavable
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 conjugates in nude mice with tumors.
[0400] In Vivo Serum Clearance and Stability in Rats
[0401] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the comparative stability and clearance
profiles of a disulfide linker ADC (trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 and a
non-disulfide linker ADC (trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1) in rats. The
parameters of the study include:
1 trastuzumab- trastuzumab- Parameter SPP-DM1 SMCC-DM1 Vd (ml/kg 41
41 Clearance (ml/day/kg) 52 15 T 1/2 alpha 0.09 0.15 T 1/2 beta 0.7
0.85 T 1/2 gamma (days) 2.6 5.5
[0402] The non-disulfide linker ADC, trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (FIG. 9),
showed better stability in rat serum than the disulfide linker ADC,
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 (FIG. 8).
[0403] In Vivo Efficacy
[0404] The efficacy of the antibody-drug conjugates of the
invention may be measured in vivo by implanting allografts or
xenografts of cancer cells in rodents and treating the tumors with
ADC. Variable results are to be expected depending on the cell
line, the specificity of antibody binding of the ADC to receptors
present on the cancer cells, dosing regimen, and other factors. The
in vivo efficacy of anti-HER2 ADC was measured by a high expressing
HER2 transgenic explant mouse model. An allograft was propagated
from the Fo5 mmtv transgenic mouse which does not respond to, or
responds poorly to, HERCEPTIN therapy. Subjects were treated once
with ADC and monitored over 3-6 weeks to measure the time to tumor
doubling, log cell kill, and tumor shrinkage. Follow up
dose-response and multi-dose experiments were conducted.
[0405] Tumors arise readily in transgenic mice that express a
mutationally activated form of neu, the rat homolog of HER2, but
the HER2 that is overexpressed in breast cancers is not mutated and
tumor formation is much less robust in transgenic mice that
overexpress nonmutated HER2 (Webster et al (1994) Semin. Cancer
Biol. 5:69-76).
[0406] To improve tumor formation with nonmutated HER2, transgenic
mice were produced using a HER2 cDNA plasmid in which an upstream
ATG was deleted in order to prevent initiation of translation at
such upstream ATG codons, which would otherwise reduce the
frequency of translation initiation from the downstream authentic
initiation codon of HER2 (for example, see Child et al (1999) J.
Biol. Chem. 274: 24335-24341). Additionally, a chimeric intron was
added to the 5' end, which should also enhance the level of
expression as reported earlier (Neuberger and Williams (1988)
Nucleic Acids Res. 16: 6713; Buchman and Berg (1988) Mol. Cell.
Biol. 8: 4395; Brinster et al (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
85:836). The chimeric intron was derived from a Promega vector,
pCI-neo mammalian expression vector (bp 890-1022). The cDNA 3'-end
is flanked by human growth hormone exons 4 and 5, and
polyadenylation sequences. Moreover, FVB mice were used because
this strain is more susceptible to tumor development. The promoter
from MMTV-LTR was used to ensure tissue-specific HER2 expression in
the mammary gland. Animals were fed the AIN 76A diet in order to
increase susceptibility to tumor formation (Rao et al (1997) Breast
Cancer Res. and Treatment 45:149-158).
[0407] FIGS. 10-13 show that the ADC have strong anti-tumor
activity in the allograft of a HER2 positive tumor (Fo5) that
originally arose in an MMTV-HER2 transgenic mouse. The antibody
alone (e.g. trastuzumab) does not have significant anti-tumor
activity in this model (Erickson et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,979). As
illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the growth of the tumors was
retarded by treatment with ADC as compared to control (Vehicle)
level of growth. Tumor growth was slowed most by treatment with
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 and trastuzumab-SIAB-DM1 conjugates. As shown
in FIGS. 10, 12 and 13, the trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 conjugate slowed
tumor growth more than conjugates with SPP linkers, i.e. more
potency, whether measured as doubling time of tumors in nude mice
or as Log Cell Kill corresponding to the doubling time measurements
shown (FIG. 13).
[0408] The in vivo efficacy of anti-CD22 ADC was measured with a
mouse tumor xenograft model. Groups of eight SCID mice with 20
million Bjab-luc (luciferase expressing Bjab cells) xenograft tumor
cells per mouse were dosed once at day 1 (except where noted) with
an anti-CD22 antibody-drug conjugate, or a naked antibody (Example
8).
2 Ab mg/kg average drug MTD ADC or Ab .mu.g DM1/m2 mouse loading
(p) (days) Tr-SMCC-DM1 200 4.2 3.2 3 7A2-SMCC-DM1 200 3.8 3.6 6
5E8-SMCC-DM1 200 3.8 3.6 10 RFB4-SMCC-DM1 200 3.2 4.25 18
RFB4-SMCC-DM1 405 10 2.75 55 (dosed 3.times. at 1, 7, 14 days) 7A2
-- 4 -- 3 5E8 -- 4 -- 3 RFB4 -- 4 -- 3
[0409] The time for tumor size to double was measured (MTD, mean
tumor doubling time). The three naked anti-CD22 antibodies showed
essentially no efficacy relative to a non-specific binding ADC
(trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1). The corresponding conjugates all showed the
effect of significantly retarding tumor growth. The effect of
multiple dosing was established with RFB4-SMCC-DM1 where the MTD
for singly dosed mice was 18 days whereas the MTD for mice dosed
three times, at days 1, 7, and 14, was 55 days. Complete remission
of tumor occurred in all 8 mice in the triple-dosed group. Other
antiCD22-SMCC-DM1 conjugates, with antibodies 12F7, 9A8, 8C9, 8G10,
3F11, 10D2, 6C9, 14D1, and 11H10, showed shrinkage of initial tumor
volume or retardation of tumor growth relative to control
(trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1), after 7 days following a single dose (400
.mu.g DM1/m2) in SCID mice with 20 million Bjab-luc xenograft tumor
cells per mouse. AntiCD22 conjugates, RFB4-SMCC-DM1, 5E8-SMCC-DM1,
and 7A2-SMCC-DM1 were also effective in retardation of tumor growth
relative to control (trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1), after 11 days following
a single dose (200 .mu.g DM1/m2) in SCID mice with 5 million Ramos
RA1 xenograft tumor cells per mouse.
[0410] The conjugate RFB4-SMCC-DM1 was studied at three different
drug loadings on groups of ten SCID mice with Bjab-luc xenografts
(Example 8). The low (1.95) and medium (3.7) drug loaded conjugates
each showed the effect of significantly retarding tumor growth,
with an MTD of about 15 days. The high loaded (6.75) conjugate did
not show an effect significantly different than control conjugate
GP120-SMCC-DM1, or naked antibody RFB4.
3 anti-CD22 ADC Ab mg/kg average drug MTD or Ab .mu.g DM1/m2 mouse
loading (p) (days) RFB4 -- 10 -- 3 RFB4-SMCC-DM1 144 5 1.95 15 (low
loaded) RFB4-SMCC-DM1 273 5 3.7 15 (medium loaded) RFB4-SMCC-DM1
497 5 6.75 3 (high loaded) GP120-SMCC-DM1 449 5 6.1 3 (high
loaded)
[0411] AntiCD19-SMCC-DM1 and antiCD22-SMCC-DM1 conjugates did not
show in vivo activity in a Raji cell mouse tumor xenograft model.
Other antiCD19 and antiCD22 conjugates may have in vivo activity
against other cancer cell tumor models.
[0412] The in vivo efficacy of anti-CD79a (alpha) and anti-CD79b
(beta) ADC was measured with a mouse tumor xenograft model. Groups
of eight SCID mice with 20 million Bjab-luc xenograft tumor cells
per mouse were dosed at day 1 with samples in the table below and
following Example 8.
4 ADC, Ab, or Ab mg/kg average drug MTD control .mu.g DM1/m2 mouse
loading (p) (days) PBS (buffer -- -- -- 3.5 control) antiGP120 --
3.2 -- 3.5 SN8 antiCD79b -- 3.1 -- 4 17A7 antiCD79b -- 3.1 -- 4 8H9
antiCD79a -- 4.0 -- 3 antiGP120- 200 3.2 4.2 3.5 SMCC-DM1 SN8
antiCD79b- 200 3.1 4.4 >7 SMCC-DM1 17A7 antiCD79b- 200 3.1 4.4
>7 SMCC-DM1 8H9 antiCD79a- 200 4.0 3.4 >7 SMCC-DM1
[0413] Conjugates SN8 antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1, 17A7 antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1,
and 8H9 antiCD79a-SMCC-DM1, all showed shrinkage of initial tumor
volume (mean 160 mm3) after 7 days. In the groups of 8 mice,
conjugate SN8 antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 gave partial remission (PR) in 4
animals and complete remission (CR) in 2 animals. Conjugate 17A7
antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 gave CR in 1 animal. Conjugate 8H9
antiCD79a-SMCC-DM1 gave PR in 2 animals and CR in 1 animal. Other
antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 conjugates, with antibodies 2F2, 5C3, 7H7, 8D11,
15E4, and 16C11, showed retardation of tumor growth or shrinkage of
initial tumor volume, relative to control (trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1),
after 8 days following a single dose (192 .mu.g DM1/m2) in CB17 ICR
SCID mice with 20 million Bjab-luc xenograft tumor cells per
mouse.
[0414] The dose response effect on mice administered with
antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 was measured. Groups of eight SCID mice with 20
million Bjab-luc xenograft tumor cells per mouse were dosed at day
1 with samples in the table below (Example 8). The
antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 was dosed at levels of 0.5, 2.0, and 3.64 mg
Ab/kg mouse.
5 Ab mg/kg MTD ADC, Ab, or control .mu.g DM1/m2 mouse (days)
Vehicle control (PBS) -- 4 antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 32 0.5 10
antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 130 2.0 35 antiCD79b-SMCC-DM1 236 3.64
>70
[0415] The in vivo efficacy of antiTENB2 ADC was measured with a
mouse tumor xenograft model. TENB2 is a tumor antigen that is shown
to be almost exclusively expressed in the human prostate and
overexpressed in human prostate tumors (Glynne-Jones et al (2001)
Int J Cancer. October 15;94(2):178-84). PC3-TVA-919cv1:5 is a human
prostate cancer cell line expressing high level of TENB2.
[0416] Athymic nude mice were subcutaneously injected with 5
million PC3-TVA-919 high expressor or medium expressor cells in a
volume of 0.2 ml per mouse. Cells were suspended in HBSS. When mean
tumor size reached 100-200 mm.sup.3, the mice were randomly grouped
into 8 groups of 8-10 mice each and give a single IV treatment of
the samples below (Example 8).
6 medium high Ab mg/kg expressor expressor ADC or control .mu.g
DM1/m2 mouse MTD (days) MTD (days) PBS (vehicle -- -- 30 22
control) murine 373 6.68 18 22 anti-ragweed- SPP-DM1 (negative
control) murine 373 9.34 14 18 anti-ragweed- SMCC-DM1 (negative
control) murine 373 7.34 58 35 antiTENB2:3146- SPP-DM1 murine 373
10.6 44 19 antiTENB2:3146- SMCC-DM1 chimeric 373 8.7 57 43
antiTENB2- SPP-DM1 chimeric 373 7.63 43 22 antiTENB2- SMCC-DM1
[0417] Murine anti-TENB2-DM1 conjugates showed anti-tumor efficacy
against PC3-TENB2 tumors, relative to negative control and vehicle
control. Murine 10H1 antiNaPi3b-SMCC-DM1 conjugate showed no
anti-tumor efficacy against PC3-NaPi3b tumors, relative to negative
control and vehicle control. Other antibody variants of antiNaPi3b
conjugates may have in vivo activity against PC3-NaPi3b tumors, or
other cancer cell lines.
[0418] Rodent Toxicity
[0419] Antibody-drug conjugates and an ADC-minus control,
"Vehicle", were evaluated in an acute toxicity rat model. Toxicity
of ADC was investigated by treatment of female Sprague-Dawley rats
with the ADC and subsequent inspection and analysis of the effects
on various organs. Based on gross observations (body weights),
clinical pathology parameters (serum chemistry and hematology) and
histopathology, the toxicity of ADC may be observed, characterized,
and measured. It was found that at equivalent dose levels,
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM 1 was associated with less acute toxicity than
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1.
[0420] A 5-day acute toxicity study in adolescent female rats
(100-125 gms) was conducted by a single injection of
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (two doses: 1860 and 3260 .mu.g DM1/m.sup.2),
a comparison disulfide ADC, trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 (two doses: 1860
and 3260 .mu.g DM1/m.sup.2), free DM1 maytansine (thiol) and a
control Vehicle (day 0). Body weight was measured daily. Clinical
chemistry, serum enzymes and hematology analysis was conducted on
days 3 and 5; concluding with complete necropsy with
histopathological assessment. Toxicity signals included the
clinical observation of weight loss.
[0421] It is considered that weight loss, or weight change relative
to animals dosed only with Vehicle in animals after dosing with
ADC, is a gross and general indicator of systemic or localized
toxicity. FIG. 14 shows the changes in body weight (grams) over 5
days. Rats receiving the disulfide ADC, trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 showed
a marked, dose-dependent toxicity, indicated by lethality at the
higher dose and a decline in body weight at the lower dose. In
contrast, rats receiving trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 gained weight, with
the lower dosed rats showing no decline in the rate of weight gain,
relative to the placebo Vehicle-dosed rats. Rats dosed at the
higher level of trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 also gained weight, comparable
to the free DM1 cytotoxin.
[0422] Hepatotoxicity was measured by elevated liver enzymes,
increased numbers of mitotic and apoptotic figures and hepatocyte
necrosis. Hematolymphoid toxicity was observed by depletion of
leukocytes, primarily granuloctyes (neutrophils), and/or platelets,
and lymphoid organ involvement, i.e. atrophy or apoptotic activity.
Toxicity was also noted by gastrointestinal tract lesions such as
increased numbers of mitotic and apoptotic figures and degenerative
entercolitis.
[0423] Enzymes indicative of liver injury that were studied
include:
[0424] AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
[0425] Localization: cytoplasmic; liver, heart, skeletal muscle,
kidney
[0426] Liver: Plasma ratio of 7000:1
[0427] T1/2: 17 hrs
[0428] ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
[0429] Localization: cytoplasmic; liver, kidney, heart, skeletal
muscle
[0430] Liver: Plasma ratio of 3000:1
[0431] T1/2: 42 hrs; diurnal variation
[0432] GGT (g-glutamyl transferase)
[0433] Localization: plasma membrane of cells with high secretory
or absorptive capacity; liver, kidney, intestine
[0434] Poor predictor of liver injury; commonly elevated in bile
duct disorders
[0435] None of the three enzymes measured above are liver-specific.
It was found that the ADC of the present invention caused a
transient, mild elevation of liver enzymes ALT and AST, with
transient reticulocytopenia (FIG. 15). No significant effect on
peripheral blood granulocytes or platelets was observed (FIG.
16).
[0436] FIGS. 15 and 16 show that rats exposed to 22.3 mg/kg
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, (Group 2) demonstrated the most severe
clinical toxicity in this five day acute toxicity study. These
animals showed the most profound loss of body weight, elevations of
liver function tests, leuko- and thrombocytopenia and morphologic
evidence of toxicity against hematolymphoid tissues. The extent of
toxicity was similar compared to that encountered in previous
studies using a dose of 25 mg/kg. In contrast, animals in Groups 3
and 4 given trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 at 10 and 25 mg/kg, respectively,
were indistinguishable from vehicle-treated animals based on
clinical pathology and body weight data. Morphologically, these
animals showed a mildly increased number of mitotic figures in the
liver, however, peripheral lymphoid and hematopoietic tissues were
within normal limits.
[0437] Group 5 animals, 50 mg/kg trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, showed
evidence of toxicity. However, with the exception of one liver
function test (ALT), the severity of toxicity was less than in
animals receiving 50% of the same drug dose as trastuzumab-SPP-DM1
(Group 2). At about the same dose, trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (Group 4,
22.3 mg/kg) showed about 25% of the AST level as
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 (Group 2, 25 mg/kg). By day 5 of this study,
Group 5 animals showed increases in body weights (following a
transitory loss during days 3 and 4), a decreasing serum bilirubin
and a rising platelet count (FIG. 15).
[0438] Animals exposed to free maytansinoid DM1 (Group 6) show the
same pattern of toxicity as animals treated with trastuzumab
conjugates. This dose of free DM1 corresponds to the amount of drug
given as a 10 mg/kg trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 dose in previous studies.
The severity of toxicity in animals of group 6 was less than that
seen in animals of Group 2, but more than previously seen in
animals treated with 10 mg/kg trastuzumab-SPP-DM1. Recovery
appeared to be rather fast: The sections of spleen showed increased
numbers of immature hematopoietic elements in animals treated with
free maytansine; also, LFrs and clinical hematology parameters
showed a distinct trend towards normalization in animals of Group 6
by day 5.
[0439] Cynomolgus Monkey Toxicity/Safety
[0440] Toxicity and safety of ADC administered to Cynomolgus
monkeys may be assessed. A toxicity/safety study of the
antibody-drug conjugate, trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, was conducted in
Cynomolgus monkeys. Three groups of monkeys were studied to assess
the toxicity of trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 administered via intravenous
injection at escalating doses, relative to control (Vehicle). Group
1 (4 subjects) received only Vehicle (PBS, pH 6.5, i.e. formulation
minus ADC) at day 1 and day 22, followed by necropsy at day 36.
Group 2 (4 subjects) received trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 4900 .mu.g/m2 at
day 1 and at day 22. Group 3 (4 subjects) received
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 7200 .mu.g/m2 at day 22.
[0441] Hepatotoxicity was inferred by measurement of the elevated
liver enzymes from the Rodent Toxicity study. Cynomolgus monkeys
were dosed with Vehicle (Group 1) and trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 (Group
2: 4900 .mu.g/m.sup.2; Group 3: 7200 .mu.g/m.sup.2. Liver enzyme
AST, platelet counts, white blood cells, absolute neutrophil, red
blood cells, reticulocytes, and a comparison of 2 IV dose regimens
were measured for trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 in Cynomolgus Monkeys
(Example 10).
[0442] Administration of Antibody-Drug Conjugate Pharmaceutical
Formulations
[0443] Therapeutic antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) may be
administered by any route appropriate to the condition to be
treated. The ADC will typically be administered parenterally, i.e.
infusion, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal,
intrathecal, bolus, intratumor injection or epidural (Shire et al
(2004) J. Pharm. Sciences 93(6):1390-1402). Pharmaceutical
formulations of therapeutic antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are
typically prepared for parenteral administration with a
pharmaceutically acceptable parenteral vehicle and in a unit dosage
injectable form. An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) having the
desired degree of purity is optionally mixed with pharmaceutically
acceptable diluents, carriers, excipients or stabilizers, in the
form of a lyophilized formulation or an aqueous solution
(Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (1980) 16th edition, Osol, A.
Ed.).
[0444] Acceptable parenteral vehicles, diluents, carriers,
excipients, and stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the
dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as
phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including
ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as
octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride;
benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or
benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben;
catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low
molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides;
proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins;
hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such
as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine;
monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including
glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA;
sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol;
salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g.
Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants such as
TWEEN.TM., PLURONICS.TM. or polyethylene glycol (PEG). For example,
lyophilized anti-ErbB2 antibody formulations are described in WO
97/04801, expressly incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary
formulation of an ADC such as trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 contains about
100 mg/ml of trehalose
(2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hy-
droxymethyl)tetrahydropyran-2-yl]oxy-tetrahydropyran-3,4,5-triol;
C.sub.12H.sub.22O.sub.11; CAS Number 99-20-7) and about 0.1%
TWEEN.TM. 20 (polysorbate 20; dodecanoic acid
2-[2-[3,4-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)tetrahydro-
furan-2-yl]-2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl ester;
C.sub.26H.sub.50O.sub.1- 0; CAS Number 9005-64-5) at approximately
pH 6.
[0445] Pharmaceutical formulations of a therapeutic antibody-drug
conjugate (ADC) may contain certain amounts of unreacted drug
moiety (D), antibody-linker intermediate (Ab-L), and/or drug-linker
intermediate (D-L), as a consequence of incomplete purification and
separation of excess reagents, impurities, and by-products, in the
process of making the ADC; or time/temperature hydrolysis or
degradation upon storage of the bulk ADC or formulated ADC
composition. For example, a formulation of the ADC,
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 may contain a detectable amount of free drug
DM1. Alternatively, or in addition to, it may contain a detectable
amount of drug-linker intermediate DM1-SMCC. Alternatively, or in
addition to, it may contain a detectable amount of the antibody,
trastuzumab. An exemplary formulation of trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 may
contain up to 10% molar equivalent of DM1-SMCC. Unexpectedly, it
was determined by the in vitro cellular proliferation assay
(Example 5), that DM1-SMCC (IC.sub.50 0.05 .mu.M) is about 20 times
less potent in cell killing than free drug DM1 (IC.sub.50 0.0045
.mu.M) against SK-BR-3 and BT-474 breast cancer cells.
[0446] The active pharmaceutical ingredients may also be entrapped
in microcapsules prepared, for example, by coacervation techniques
or by interfacial polymerization, for example,
hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatin-microcapsules and
poly-(methylmethacylate) microcapsules, respectively, in colloidal
drug delivery systems (for example, liposomes, albumin
microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles and nanocapsules) or
in macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed in Remington's
Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980).
[0447] Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable
examples of sustained-release preparations include semi permeable
matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the ADC, which
matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g. films, or
microcapsules. Examples of sustained-release matrices include
polyesters, hydrogels (for example,
poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), or poly(vinylalcohol)),
polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic
acid and gamma-ethyl-L-glutamate, non-degradable ethylene-vinyl
acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as
the LUPRON DEPOT.TM. (injectable microspheres composed of lactic
acid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), and
poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid.
[0448] The formulations to be used for in vivo administration must
be sterile, which is readily accomplished by filtration through
sterile filtration membranes.
[0449] The formulations include those suitable for the foregoing
administration routes. The formulations may conveniently be
presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the
methods well known in the art of pharmacy. Techniques and
formulations generally are found in Remington's Pharmaceutical
Sciences (Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.). Such methods include
the step of bringing into association the active ingredient with
the carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. In
general the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately
bringing into association the active ingredient with liquid
carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if
necessary, shaping the product.
[0450] Aqueous suspensions contain the active materials (ADC) in
admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous
suspensions. Such excipients include a suspending agent, such as
sodium carboxymethylcellulose, croscarmellose, povidone,
methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcelluose, sodium alginate,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia, and dispersing
or wetting agents such as a naturally occurring phosphatide (e.g.,
lecithin), a condensation product of an alkylene oxide with a fatty
acid (e.g., polyoxyethylene stearate), a condensation product of
ethylene oxide with a long chain aliphatic alcohol (e.g.,
heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol), a condensation product of ethylene
oxide with a partial ester derived from a fatty acid and a hexitol
anhydride (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate). The aqueous
suspension may also contain one or more preservatives such as ethyl
or n-propyl p-hydroxy-benzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or
more flavoring agents and one or more sweetening agents, such as
sucrose or saccharin.
[0451] The pharmaceutical compositions of ADC may be in the form of
a sterile injectable preparation, such as a sterile injectable
aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension may be formulated
according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or
wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned
above. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile
injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally
acceptable diluent or solvent, such as a solution in
1,3-butane-diol or prepared as a lyophilized powder. Among the
acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water,
Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In
addition, sterile fixed oils may conventionally be employed as a
solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil
may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In
addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid may likewise be used in
the preparation of injectables.
[0452] The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with
the carrier material to produce a single dosage form will vary
depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of
administration. For example, an aqueous solution intended for
intravenous infusion may contain from about 3 to 500 .mu.g of the
active ingredient per milliliter of solution in order that infusion
of a suitable volume at a rate of about 30 mL/hr can occur.
Subcutaneous (bolus) administration may be effected with about 1.5
ml or less of total volume and a concentration of about 100 mg ADC
per ml. For ADC that require frequent and chronic administration,
the subcutaneous route may be employed, such as by pre-filled
syringe or autoinjector device technology.
[0453] As a general proposition, the initial pharmaceutically
effective amount of ADC administered per dose will be in the range
of about 0.01-100 mg/kg, namely about 0.1 to 20 mg/kg of patient
body weight per day, with the typical initial range of compound
used being 0.3 to 15 mg/kg/day. For example, human patients may be
initially dosed at about 1.5 mg ADC per kg patient body weight. The
dose may be escalated to the maximally tolerated dose (MTD). The
dosing schedule may be about every 3 weeks, but according to
diagnosed condition or response, the schedule may be more or less
frequent. The dose may be further adjusted during the course of
treatment to be at or below MTD which can be safely administered
for multiple cycles, such as about 4 or more.
[0454] Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include
aqueous and non-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may
contain anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which
render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended
recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which
may include suspending agents and thickening agents.
[0455] Although oral administration of protein therapeutics are
generally disfavored due to poor bioavailability due to limited
absorption, hydrolysis or denaturation in the gut, formulations of
ADC suitable for oral administration may be prepared as discrete
units such as capsules, cachets or tablets each containing a
predetermined amount of the ADC.
[0456] The formulations may be packaged in unit-dose or multi-dose
containers, for example sealed ampoules and vials, and may be
stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilized) condition requiring only the
addition of the sterile liquid carrier, for example water, for
injection immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection
solutions and suspensions are prepared from sterile powders,
granules and tablets of the kind previously described. Exemplary
unit dosage formulations contain a daily dose or unit daily
sub-dose, or an appropriate fraction thereof, of the active
ingredient.
[0457] The invention further provides veterinary compositions
comprising at least one active ingredient as above defined together
with a veterinary carrier therefore. Veterinary carriers are
materials useful for the purpose of administering the composition
and may be solid, liquid or gaseous materials which are otherwise
inert or acceptable in the veterinary art and are compatible with
the active ingredient. These veterinary compositions may be
administered parenterally, orally or by any other desired
route.
[0458] Antibody-Drug Conjugate Treatments
[0459] It is contemplated that the antibody-drug conjugates (ADC)
of the present invention may be used to treat various diseases or
disorders, such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Exemplary
conditions or disorders include benign or malignant tumors;
leukemia and lymphoid malignancies; other disorders such as
neuronal, glial, astrocytal, hypothalamic, glandular, macrophagal,
epithelial, stromal, blastocoelic, inflammatory, angiogenic and
immunologic disorders. Cancer susceptible to ADC treatment include
those which are characterized by the overexpression of certain
tumor associated antigens or cell surface receptors, e.g. HER2
[0460] The ADC compounds which are identified in the animal models
and cell-based assays can be further tested in tumor-bearing higher
primates and human clinical trials. Human clinical trials can be
designed similar to the clinical trials testing the efficacy of the
anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody HERCEPTIN in patients with HER2
overexpressing metastatic breast cancers that had received
extensive prior anti-cancer therapy as reported by Baselga et al.
(1996) J. Clin. Oncol. 14:737-744. The clinical trial may be
designed to evaluate the efficacy of an ADC in combination with
known therapeutic regimens, such as radiation and/or chemotherapy
involving known chemotherapeutic and/or cytotoxic agents (Pegram et
al (1999) Oncogene 18:2241-2251).
[0461] Generally, the disease or disorder to be treated is cancer.
Examples of cancer to be treated herein include, but are not
limited to, carcinoma, lymphoma, blastoma, sarcoma, and leukemia or
lymphoid malignancies. More particular examples of such cancers
include squamous cell cancer (e.g. epithelial squamous cell
cancer), lung cancer including small-cell lung cancer, non-small
cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma of the lung and squamous carcinoma
of the lung, cancer of the peritoneum, hepatocellular cancer,
gastric or stomach cancer including gastrointestinal cancer,
gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), pancreatic cancer,
glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer,
bladder cancer, hepatoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal
cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial or uterine carcinoma,
salivary gland carcinoma, kidney or renal cancer, prostate cancer,
vulval cancer, thyroid cancer, hepatic carcinoma, anal carcinoma,
penile carcinoma, as well as head and neck cancer.
[0462] The cancer to be treated herein may be one characterized by
excessive activation of an ErbB receptor, e.g. HER2. Such excessive
activation may be attributable to overexpression or increased
production of the ErbB receptor or an ErbB ligand. In one
embodiment, a diagnostic or prognostic assay will be performed to
determine whether the patient's cancer is characterized by
excessive activation of an ErbB receptor. For example, ErbB gene
amplification and/or overexpression of an ErbB receptor in the
cancer may be determined. Various assays for determining such
amplification/overexpression are available in the art and include
the IHC, FISH and shed antigen assays described above.
Alternatively, or additionally, levels of an ErbB ligand, such as
TGF-alpha., in or associated with the tumor may be determined
according to known procedures. Such assays may detect protein
and/or nucleic acid encoding it in the sample to be tested. In one
embodiment, ErbB ligand levels in the tumor may be determined using
immunohistochemistry (IHC); see, for example, Scher et al. (1995)
Clin. Cancer Research 1:545-550. Alternatively, or additionally,
one may evaluate levels of ErbB ligand-encoding nucleic acid in the
sample to be tested; e.g. via FISH, southern blotting, or PCR
techniques. In one embodiment, ErbB2 overexpression may be analyzed
by IHC, e.g. using the HERCEPTEST (Dako). Parrafin embedded tissue
sections from a tumor biopsy may be subjected to the IHC assay and
accorded a ErbB2 protein staining intensity criteria as follows:
Score 0, no staining is observed or membrane staining is observed
in less than 10% of tumor cells; Score 1+, a faint/barely
perceptible membrane staining is detected in more than 10% of the
tumor cells, the cells are only stained in part of their membrane;
Score 2+, a weak to moderate complete membrane staining is observed
in more than 10% of the tumor cells; Score 3+, a moderate to strong
complete membrane staining is observed in more than 10% of the
tumor cells. Those tumors with 0 or 1+ scores for ErbB2
overexpression assessment may be characterized as not
overexpressing ErbB2, whereas those tumors with 2+ or 3+ scores may
be characterized as overexpressing ErbB2.
[0463] Alternatively, or additionally, FISH assays such as the
INFORM.TM. (Ventana Co., Ariz.) or PATHVISION.TM. (Vysis, Ill.) may
be carried out on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue to
determine the extent (if any) of ErbB2 overexpression in the
tumor.
[0464] Moreover, ErbB receptor or ErbB ligand overexpression or
amplification may be evaluated using an in vivo diagnostic assay,
e.g. by administering a molecule (such as an antibody) which binds
the molecule to be detected and is tagged with a detectable label
(e.g. a radioactive isotope) and externally scanning the patient
for localization of the label.
[0465] For the prevention or treatment of disease, the appropriate
dosage of an ADC will depend on the type of disease to be treated,
as defined above, the severity and course of the disease, whether
the molecule is administered for preventive or therapeutic
purposes, previous therapy, the patient's clinical history and
response to the antibody, and the discretion of the attending
physician. The molecule is suitably administered to the patient at
one time or over a series of treatments. Depending on the type and
severity of the disease, about 1 .mu.g/kg to 15 mg/kg (e.g. 0.1-20
mg/kg) of molecule is an initial candidate dosage for
administration to the patient, whether, for example, by one or more
separate administrations, or by continuous infusion. A typical
daily dosage might range from about 1 .mu.g/kg to 100 mg/kg or
more, depending on the factors mentioned above. An exemplary dosage
of ADC to be administered to a patient is in the range of about 0.1
to about 10 mg/kg of patient weight.
[0466] For repeated administrations over several days or longer,
depending on the condition, the treatment is sustained until a
desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs. An exemplary dosing
regimen comprises administering an initial loading dose of about 4
mg/kg, followed by a weekly maintenance dose of about 2 mg/kg of
the anti-ErbB2 antibody. Other dosage regimens may be useful. The
progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional
techniques and assays.
[0467] Combination Therapy
[0468] An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) may be combined in a
pharmaceutical combination formulation, or dosing regimen as
combination therapy, with a second compound having anti-cancer
properties. The second compound of the pharmaceutical combination
formulation or dosing regimen preferably has complementary
activities to the ADC of the combination such that they do not
adversely affect each other.
[0469] The second compound may be a chemotherapeutic agent,
cytotoxic agent, cytokine, growth inhibitory agent, anti-hormonal
agent, aromatase inhibitor, protein kinase inhibitor, lipid kinase
inhibitor, anti-androgen, antisense oligonucleotide, ribozyme, gene
therapy vaccine, anti-angiogenic agent and/or cardioprotectant.
Such molecules are suitably present in combination in amounts that
are effective for the purpose intended. A pharmaceutical
composition containing an ADC may also have a therapeutically
effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent such as a
tubulin-forming inhibitor, a topoisomerase inhibitor, or a DNA
binder.
[0470] Alternatively, or additionally, the second compound may be
an antibody which binds ErbB2 and blocks ligand activation of an
ErbB receptor. The second antibody may be monoclonal antibody 2C4
or humanized 2C4 "Omnitarg" (WO 01/00245). The second antibody may
be conjugated with a cytotoxic or chemotherapeutic agent, e.g., a
maytansinoid, an auristatin, a calicheamicin, or a 1,8
bis-naphthalimide moiety. For example, it may be desirable to
further provide antibodies which bind to EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4,
or vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) in the one formulation or
dosing regimen.
[0471] Other therapeutic regimens may be combined with the
administration of an anticancer agent identified in accordance with
this invention. The combination therapy may be administered as a
simultaneous or sequential regimen. When administered sequentially,
the combination may be administered in two or more administrations.
The combined administration includes coadministration, using
separate formulations or a single pharmaceutical formulation, and
consecutive administration in either order, wherein there is a time
period while both (or all) active agents simultaneously exert their
biological activities.
[0472] In one embodiment, treatment with an ADC of the present
invention involves the combined administration of an anticancer
agent identified herein, and one or more chemotherapeutic agents or
growth inhibitory agents, including coadministration of cocktails
of different chemotherapeutic agents, optionally along with
treatment with an anti-ErbB2 antibody, such as trastuzumab.
Chemotherapeutic agents include Erlotinib HCl (CP-358774,
TARCEVA.TM.; Genentech/OSI), taxanes (such as paclitaxel and
doxetaxel) and/or anthracycline antibiotics. Preparation and dosing
schedules for such chemotherapeutic agents may be used according to
manufacturers's instructions or as determined empirically by the
skilled practitioner. Preparation and dosing schedules for such
chemotherapy are also described in Chemotherapy Service Ed., M. C.
Perry, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md. (1992).
[0473] The anticancer agent may be combined with an anti-hormonal
compound; e.g., an anti-estrogen compound such as tamoxifen; an
anti-progesterone such as onapristone (EP 616812); or an
anti-androgen such as flutamide, in dosages known for such
molecules. Where the cancer to be treated is hormone independent
cancer, the patient may previously have been subjected to
anti-hormonal therapy and, after the cancer becomes hormone
independent, the anti-ErbB2 antibody (and optionally other agents
as described herein) may be administered to the patient. It may be
beneficial to also coadminister a cardioprotectant (to prevent or
reduce myocardial dysfunction associated with the therapy) or one
or more cytokines to the patient. In addition to the above
therapeutic regimes, the patient may be subjected to surgical
removal of cancer cells and/or radiation therapy.
[0474] Suitable dosages for any of the above coadministered agents
are those presently used and may be lowered due to the combined
action (synergy) of the newly identified agent and other
chemotherapeutic agents or treatments.
[0475] The combination therapy may provide "synergy" and prove
"synergistic", i.e. the effect achieved when the active ingredients
used together is greater than the sum of the effects that results
from using the compounds separately. A synergistic effect may be
attained when the active ingredients are: (1) co-formulated and
administered or delivered simultaneously in a combined, unit dosage
formulation; (2) delivered by alternation or in parallel as
separate formulations; or (3) by some other regimen. When delivered
in alternation therapy, a synergistic effect may be attained when
the compounds are administered or delivered sequentially, e.g. by
different injections in separate syringes. In general, during
alternation therapy, an effective dosage of each active ingredient
is administered sequentially, i.e. serially, whereas in combination
therapy, effective dosages of two or more active ingredients are
administered together.
[0476] Metabolites of the Antibody-Drug Conjugates
[0477] Also falling within the scope of this invention are the in
vivo metabolic products of the ADC compounds described herein, to
the extent such products are novel and unobvious over the prior
art. Such products may result for example from the oxidation,
reduction, hydrolysis, amidation, esterification, enzymatic
cleavage, and the like, of the administered compound. Accordingly,
the invention includes novel and unobvious compounds produced by a
process comprising contacting a compound of this invention with a
mammal for a period of time sufficient to yield a metabolic product
thereof.
[0478] Metabolite products may be identified by preparing a
radiolabelled (e.g. .sup.14C or .sup.3H) ADC, administering it
parenterally in a detectable dose (e.g. greater than about 0.5
mg/kg) to an animal such as rat, mouse, guinea pig, monkey, or to
man, allowing sufficient time for metabolism to occur (typically
about 30 seconds to 30 hours) and isolating its conversion products
from the urine, blood or other biological samples. These products
are easily isolated since they are labeled (others are isolated by
the use of antibodies capable of binding epitopes surviving in the
metabolite). The metabolite structures are determined in
conventional fashion, e.g. by MS, LC/MS or NMR analysis. In
general, analysis of metabolites is done in the same way as
conventional drug metabolism studies well-known to those skilled in
the art. The conversion products, so long as they are not otherwise
found in vivo, are useful in diagnostic assays for therapeutic
dosing of the ADC compounds.
[0479] Metabolites include the products of in vivo cleavage of the
ADC where cleavage of any bond occurs that links the drug moiety to
the antibody. Metabolic cleavage may thus result in the naked
antibody, or an antibody fragment. The antibody metabolite may be
linked to a part, or all, of the linker. Metabolic cleavage may
also result in the production a drug moiety or part thereof. The
drug moiety metabolite may be linked to a part, or all, of the
linker.
[0480] Articles of Manufacture
[0481] In another embodiment, an article of manufacture, or "kit",
containing ADC and materials useful for the treatment of the
disorders described above is provided. The article of manufacture
comprises a container and a label or package insert on or
associated with the container. Suitable containers include, for
example, bottles, vials, syringes, or blister pack. The containers
may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic.
The container holds an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composition
which is effective for treating the condition and may have a
sterile access port (for example the container may be an
intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a
hypodermic injection needle). At least one active agent in the
composition is an ADC. The label or package insert indicates that
the composition is used for treating the condition of choice, such
as cancer. In one embodiment, the label or package inserts
indicates that the composition comprising the antibody which binds
ErbB2 can be used to treat cancer which expresses an ErbB receptor
selected from the group consisting of epidermal growth factor
receptor (EGFR), ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4. In addition, the label or
package insert may indicate that the patient to be treated is one
having cancer characterized by excessive activation of an ErbB
receptor selected from EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3 or ErbB4. For example,
the cancer may be one which overexpresses one of these receptors
and/or which overexpresses an ErbB ligand (such as TGF-.alpha.).
The label or package insert may also indicate that the composition
can be used to treat cancer, wherein the cancer is not
characterized by overexpression of the ErbB2 receptor. In other
embodiments, the package insert may indicate that the ADC
composition can be used also to treat hormone independent cancer,
prostate cancer, colon cancer or colorectal cancer.
[0482] The article of manufacture may comprise (a) a first
container with a compound contained therein, wherein the compound
comprises an ADC of the present invention in which the antibody of
the ADC is a first antibody which binds ErbB2 and inhibits growth
of cancer cells which overexpress ErbB2; and (b) a second container
with a compound contained therein, wherein the compound comprises a
second antibody which binds ErbB2 and blocks ligand activation of
an ErbB receptor, or a conjugate of this second antibody with a
maytansinoid. The article of manufacture in this embodiment may
further comprise a package insert indicating that the first and
second compounds can be used to treat cancer. Alternatively, or
additionally, the article of manufacture may further comprise a
second (or third) container comprising a
pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer, such as bacteriostatic water
for injection (BWFI), phosphate-buffered saline, Ringer's solution
and dextrose solution. It may further include other materials
desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other
buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Production, Characterization and Humanization of Anti-ErbB2
Monoclonal Antibody 4D5
[0483] The murine monoclonal antibody 4D5 which specifically binds
the extracellular domain of ErbB2 was produced as described in
Fendly et al (1990) Cancer Research 50:1550-1558. Briefly, NIH
3T3/HER2-3.sub.400 cells (expressing approximately
1.times.10.sup.5ErbB2 molecules/cell) produced as described in
Hudziak et al (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 84:7158-7163 were
harvested with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing 25 mM
EDTA and used to immunize BALB/c mice. The mice were given
injections i.p. of 10.sup.7 cells in 0.5 ml PBS on weeks 0, 2, 5
and 7. The mice with antisera that immunoprecipitated
.sup.32P-labeled ErbB2 were given i.p. injections of a wheat germ
agglutinin-Sepharose (WGA) purified ErbB2 membrane extract on weeks
9 and 13. This was followed by an i.v. injection of 0.1 ml of the
ErbB2 preparation and the splenocytes were fused with mouse myeloma
line X63-Ag8.653. Hybridoma supernatants were screened for
ErbB2-binding by ELISA and radioimmunoprecipitation.
[0484] The murine monoclonal antibody 4D5 was humanized, using a
"gene conversion mutagenesis" strategy, as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,821,337, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference. The humanized monoclonal antibody 4D5
used in the following experiments is designated huMAb4D5-8. This
antibody is of IgG1 isotype.
Example 2
Purification of Trastuzumab
[0485] One vial containing 440 mg HERCEPTIN.RTM. (huMAb4D5-8,
rhuMAb HER2, U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,337) antibody) was dissolved in 50
mL MES buffer (25 mM MES, 50 mM NaCl, pH 5.6) and loaded on a
cation exchange column (Sepharose S, 15 cm.times.1.7 cm) that had
been equilibrated in the same buffer. The column was then washed
with the same buffer (5 column volumes). Trastuzumab was eluted by
raising the NaCl concentration of the buffer to 200 mM. Fractions
containing the antibody were pooled, diluted to 10 mg/mL, and
dialyzed into a buffer containing 50 mm potassium phosphate, 50 mM
NaCl, 2 mM EDTA, pH 6.5.
Example 3
Preparation of Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Trastuzumab-SPP-DM1:
[0486] 24
[0487] Purified trastuzumab was derivatized with
N-succinimidyl-4-(2-pyrid- ylthio)pentanoate to introduce
dithiopyridyl groups. Trastuzumab (376.0 mg, 8 mg/mL) in 44.7 mL of
50 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) containing NaCl (50 mM)
and EDTA (1 mM) was treated with SPP (5.3 molar equivalents in 2.3
mL ethanol). After incubation for 90 minutes under argon at ambient
temperature, the reaction mixture was gel filtered through a
Sephadex G25 column equilibrated with 35 mM sodium citrate, 154 mM
NaCl, 2 mM EDTA. Antibody containing fractions were pooled and
assayed. The degree of modification of the antibody was determined
as described above. Recovery of the modified antibody
(trastuzumab-SPP-Py) was 337 mg (89.7%) with 4.5 releasable
2-thiopyridine groups linked per antibody (p').
[0488] Trastuzumab-SPP-Py (337.0 mg, 9.5 .mu.mols of releasable
2-thiopyridine groups) was diluted with the above 35 mM sodium
citrate buffer, pH 6.5, to a final concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. DM1
(N.sup.2'-deacetyl-N.sup.2'-(3-mercapto-1-oxopropyl)-maytansine),
the structure of which is shown in FIG. 1, (1.7 equivalents, 16.1
.mu.mols) in 3.0 mM dimethylacetamide (DMA, 3% v/v in the final
reaction mixture) was then added to the antibody solution. The
reaction proceeded at ambient temperature under argon for 20
hours.
[0489] The reaction was loaded on a Sephacryl S300 gel filtration
column (5.0 cm.times.90.0 cm, 1.77 L) equilibrated with 35 mM
sodium citrate, 154 mM NaCl, pH 6.5. The flow rate was 5.0 L/min
and 65 fractions (20.0 mL each) were collected. A major peak
centered around fraction No. 47 (FIG. 3). The major peak comprises
monomeric trastuzumab-SPP-DM1. Fractions 44-51 were pooled and
assayed. The number of DM1 drug molecules linked per antibody
molecule (p') was determined by measuring the absorbance at 252 nm
and 280 nm, and found to be 3.7 drug molecules per antibody
molecule.
Example 4
Preparation of Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
[0490] 25
[0491] Purified trastuzumab was derivatized with (Succinimidyl
4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate, SMCC, Pierce
Biotechnology, Inc) to introduce the SMCC linker. Trastuzumab was
purified from HERCEPTIN.RTM. as in Example 2 and buffer-exchange
treated at 20 mg/mL in 50 mM potassium phosphate/50 mM sodium
chloride/2 mM EDTA, pH 6.5 with 7.5 to 10 molar equivalents of SMCC
(20 mM in DMSO or DMA (dimethylacetamide), 6.7 mg/mL). After
stirring for 2 to 4 hours under argon at ambient temperature, the
reaction mixture was filtered through a Sephadex G25 column
equilibrated with 50 mM potassium phosphate/50 mM sodium chloride/2
mM EDTA, pH 6.5. Alternatively, the reaction mixture was gel
filtered with 30 mM citrate and 150 mM sodium chloride at pH 6.
Antibody containing fractions were pooled and assayed. Recovery of
trastuzumab-SMCC was 88%.
[0492] The drug-linker intermediate, trastuzumab-SMCC from above,
was diluted with 50 mM potassium phosphate/50 mM sodium chloride/2
mM EDTA, pH 6.5, to a final concentration of 10 mg/ml, and reacted
with a 10 mM solution of DM1 (1.7 equivalents assuming 5
SMCC/trastuzumab, 7.37 mg/ml) in dimethylacetamide. The reaction
was stirred at ambient temperature under argon for 4 to about 16
hours. The conjugation reaction mixture was filtered through a
Sephadex G25 gel filtration column (1.5.times.4.9 cm) with
1.times.PBS at pH 6.5. Alternatively, the reaction mixture was gel
filtered with 10 mM succinate and 150 mM sodium chloride at pH 5.
The DM1/trastuzumab ratio (p) was 3.1, as measured by the
absorbance at 252 nm and at 280 nm. The drug to antibody ratio (p)
may also be measured by mass spectrometry. Conjugation may also be
monitored by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Aggregation
may be assessed by laser light scattering analysis.
[0493] Antibody-SMCC-DM1 Conjugates:
[0494] Following this protocol, other antibody-drug conjugates with
the SMCC linker and DM1 drug moiety were prepared, including:
7 Antibody-drug average drug conjugate (ADC) antibody (Ab) antigen
loading (DM1/Ab) 10H-SMCC-DM1 10H1 (murine) anti-NaPi3b NaPi3b 5.0
2H9-SMCC-DM1 2H9 Mab anti-EphB2R 4.0 ragweed-SMCC-DM1 ragweed 2.7
antiTENB2-SMCC-DM1 anti-TENB2-3416#2 Mouse MAb TENB2 2.5 anti-TENB2
20D1 Fc Chimeric Human Mouse anti-TENB2 TENB2 3.32 Chimera-SMCC-DM1
antiCD19-SMCC-DM1 antiCD19 (mIgG1 isotype) CD19 5.05 2H7-SMCC-DM1
antiCD20 (mIgG2a isotype) CD20 2.44, 3.84 (two lots) CD
20LC-SMCC-DM1 antiCD20 (Rituxan .RTM.) CD20 HB5-SMCC-DM1 antiCD21
(mIgG2a isotype) CD21 4.05 RFB4-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 1.95-6.75
(multiple lots) Cy34.1.2-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 2.70
12F7.1.5-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 5.90 9A8.1.1-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22
5.00 8C9.1.2-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 2.90 14B3.3.1-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22
CD22 5.20 8G10.4.2-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 3.60 2B4.1.4-SMCC-DM1
antiCD22 CD22 5.20 7A2.4.1-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 3.60
4H3.2.2-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 3.60 5E8.1.8-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22
3.60 3F11.2.1-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 4.50 6C9.1.3-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22
CD22 3.70 10D2.4.3-SMCC-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 3.65 10D6.8.1-SMCC-DM1
antiCD72 CD72 2.90 ZL7-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a (alpha) CD79a 3.60
5C3-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a (alpha) CD79a 1.85 6G1-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a
(alpha) CD79a 3.50 7H7-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a (alpha) CD79a 3.25
8D11-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a (alpha) CD79a 3.60 8H9-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a
(alpha) CD79a 3.40 11E5-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a (alpha) CD79a 3.60
15E4-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a (alpha) CD79a 3.25 16C11-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79a
(alpha) CD79a 2.50 2F2-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79b (beta) CD79b 3.20
17A7-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79b (beta) CD79b 4.40 SN8-SMCC-DM1 antiCD79b
(beta) CD79b 4.40, 0.80 (two lots) 1F9-SMCC-DM1 antiFcRH1 FcRH1
4.20 7A2-SMCC-DM1 antiFcRH2 FcRH2 4.20, 3.95 (two lots)
7G7-SMCC-DM1 antiFcRH2 FcRH2 3.80 cl1D6-SMCC-DM1 antiFcRH2 FcRH2
2.20 51505.111-SMCC-DM1 antiCXCR5 CXCR5 6.10 12C7 Fc
Chimera-SMCC-DM1 antiBrevican brevican 4.60 H2:PSCA hlog-SMCC-DM1
antiPSCA hlog PSCA 3 H6:xPSCAhlog-SMCC-DM1 antiPSCA hlog PSCA 2.6
xFcRHS:3909 7D11.1.1-SMCC-DM1 antiIRTA2 IRTA2 2.6
xFCRH5.7D11-SMCC-DM1 antiIRTA2 IRTA2 4.4 11D10LC-SMCC-DM1 Mouse
anti-CA 0772P MAb CA 0772P MUC16 xNCA LC-SMCC-DM1 Mouse
anti-CEACAM6 MAb CEACAM6 NCA
[0495] Antibody-BMPEO-DM1 Conjugates:
[0496] For cysteine conjugation, the antibody may be reduced with a
reducing agent such as dithiothreitol (DTT) or TCEP, in the
presence of EDTA. After incubating for about one hour at 37.degree.
C., the pH is adjusted to about 7 with 100 mM potassium phosphate.
The reduced antibody is modified by the bis-maleimido reagent
BM(PEO)4 (Pierce Chemical), leaving an unreacted maleimido group on
the surface of the antibody. This may be accomplished by dissolving
BM(PEO)4 in a 50% ethanol/water mixture to a concentration of 10 mM
and adding a tenfold molar excess to a solution containing antibody
in phosphate buffered saline at a concentration of approximately
1.6 mg/ml (10 .mu.M) and allowing it to react for 1 hour to form
Ab-BMPEO. Excess BM(PEO)4 is removed by gel filtration (HiTrap
column, Pharmacia) in 30 mM citrate, pH 6 with 150 mM NaCl buffer.
An approximate 10 fold molar excess DM1 is dissolved in dimethyl
acetamide (DMA) and added to the Ab-BMPEO intermediate. Dimethyl
formamide (DMF) may also be employed to dissolve the drug moiety
reagent. The reaction mixture is allowed to react overnight before
gel filtration or dialysis into PBS to remove unreacted DM1. Gel
filtration on S200 columns in PBS was used to remove high molecular
weight aggregates and furnish purified Ab-BMPEO-DM1.
[0497] Following this protocol, other antibody-drug conjugates with
the BMPEO linker and DM1 drug moiety were prepared, including:
8 Antibody-drug average drug conjugate (ADC) antibody (Ab) antigen
loading (DM1/Ab) trastuzumab- trastuzumab HER2 2.94 BM(PEO)-DM1
(Herceptin .RTM.) CD120-BMPEO4-DM1 Mouse anti- GP120 2 GP120 MAb
RFB4-BMPEO4-DM1 antiCD22 CD22 3.7 and 4.25 (two lots)
Example 5
In Vitro Cell Proliferation Assay
[0498] Efficacy of ADC were measured by a cell proliferation assay
employing the following protocol (Promega Corp. Technical Bulletin
TB288; Mendoza et al (2002) Cancer Res. 62:5485-5488):
[0499] 1. An aliquot of 100 .mu.l of cell culture containing about
10.sup.4 cells (SKBR-3, BT474, MCF7 or MDA-MB-468) in medium was
deposited in each well of a 96-well, opaque-walled plate.
[0500] 2. Control wells were prepared containing medium and without
cells.
[0501] 3. ADC was added to the experimental wells and incubated for
3-5 days.
[0502] 4. The plates were equilibrated to room temperature for
approximately 30 minutes.
[0503] 5. A volume of CellTiter-Glo Reagent equal to the volume of
cell culture medium present in each well was added.
[0504] 6. The contents were mixed for 2 minutes on an orbital
shaker to induce cell lysis.
[0505] 7. The plate was incubated at room temperature for 10
minutes to stabilize the luminescence signal.
[0506] 8. Luminescence was recorded and reported in graphs as
RLU=relative luminescence units.
Example 6
Serum Clearance and Stability in Mice
[0507] A beige mutation, nude, naive (without tumors) mice in six
Groups of four animals were studied. At Day 0, each mouse received
a single 2 mg/kg dose of ADC in 200 .mu.l aqueous carrier, except
the Vehicle Group which received only carrier. Blood was collected
by cardiac puncture under anesthesia at each time point (5 minutes,
1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 168 hours) post-dose. The
serum was isolated and antibody and ADC were measured.
[0508] Group 1: Vehicle (PBS, pH 6.5, no ADC)
[0509] Group 2: Trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
[0510] Group 3: Trastuzumab-SPP-DM1
[0511] Group 4: Trastuzumab-SPDP-DM1
[0512] Group 5: Trastuzumab-SPP-DM3
[0513] Group 5: Trastuzumab-SPP-DM4
Example 7
Serum Stability in Rats
[0514] Six dose groups with 6 Sprague-Dawley rats (100-125 gms
each) per dose group were studied. At Day 0, Animals were
administered a single IV dose of Vehicle, 10 mg/kg
trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, or 10 mg/kg trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, at a dose
volume of 10 ml/kg via the lateral tail vein. Approximately 300
.mu.l whole blood was collected at each timepoint: 0 (predose), 10,
and 30 minutes; 1, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 36 hours; and 2, 3, 4, 7, 14,
21, 28 days post dose.
Example 8
Tumor Volume In Vivo Efficacy
[0515] High Expressing HER2 Transgenic Explant Mice:
[0516] Animals suitable for transgenic experiments can be obtained
from standard commercial sources such as Taconic (Germantown,
N.Y.). Many strains are suitable, but FVB female mice are preferred
because of their higher susceptibility to tumor formation. FVB
males were used for mating and vasectomized CD.1 studs were used to
stimulate pseudopregnancy. Vasectomized mice can be obtained from
any commercial supplier. Founders were bred with either FVB mice or
with 129/BL6 x FVB p53 heterozygous mice. The mice with
heterozygosity at p53 allele were used to potentially increase
tumor formation. However, this has proven unnecessary. Therefore,
some F1 tumors are of mixed strain. Founder tumors are FVB only.
Six founders were obtained with some developing tumors without
having litters.
[0517] Animals having tumors (allograft propagated from Fo5 mmtv
transgenic mice) were treated with a single injection of a
trastuzumab-DM1 maytansinoid conjugate (10 mg/kg dose) and tumor
volume was assessed for over 20 days after injection.
[0518] Bjab-Luc Xenograft SCID Mice:
[0519] Groups of eight to ten SCID mice with 20 million Bjab-luc
xenograft tumor cells per mouse were dosed at day 1 with an
antibody-drug conjugate, or a naked antibody. A group of eight mice
were tested each with anti-CD22 ADC, naked anti-CD22 antibodies,
and control. Control ADC (trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1; loading:
DM1/trastuzumab=3.2) is not a specific binder and was administered
at 200 .mu.g DM1/m2, 4.2 trastuzumab/kg mouse, and resulted in a
mean tumor doubling time of about 3 days. Anti-CD22 conjugates
7A2-SMCC-DM1 (loading: DM1/Ab=3.6), 5E8-SMCC-DM1 (loading:
DM1/Ab=3.6), and RFB4-SMCC-DM1 (loading: DM1/Ab=4.3). Naked
antibodies, 7A2, 5E8, and RFB4 were dosed at 4 mg/kg mouse.
Example 9
Rat Toxicity
[0520] The acute toxicity profile of trastuzumab-SPP-DM1 (disulfide
linker) compared with that of free DM1 and trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1
(non-disulfide linker) was evaluated). Animals were injected on day
1, complete chemistry and hematology profiles were obtained at
baseline, day 3 and day 5 and a complete necropsy was performed on
day 5. Routine histology was performed on three random animals for
each group for the following tissues: sternum, liver, kidney,
thymus, spleen, large and small intestine. The experimental groups
were as follows:
[0521] Group 1: Vehicle (10 mM sodium succinate, 100 mg/mL sucrose,
0.1% Tween 20, pH 5.0)
[0522] Group 2: Trastuzumab-SPP-DM1, 22.3 mg/kg
[0523] Group 3: Trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, 10 mg/kg
[0524] Group 4: Trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, 25 mg/kg
[0525] Group 5: Trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1, 50 mg/kg
[0526] Group 6: Free DM1, 160 .mu.g/kg
Example 10
Cynomolgus Monkey Toxicity/Safety
[0527] Three groups of four (2 male, 2 female) naive Macaca
fascicularis (cynomolgus monkey) were studied.
[0528] Group 1: (4 animals) received only Vehicle (PBS, pH 6.5,
i.e. formulation minus ADC) at day 1 and day 22, followed by
necropsy at day 36.
[0529] Group 2: (4 animals) received trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 4900
.mu.g/m2 at day 1 and at day 22.
[0530] Group 3: (4 animals) received trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 7200
.mu.g/m2 at day 22.
[0531] Dosing is expressed in surface area of an animal so as to be
relevant to other species, i.e. dosage at .mu.g/m2 is independent
of species and thus comparable between species. Formulations of
trastuzumab-SMCC-DM1 for Group 2 and Group 3 studies contained PBS,
5.4 mM sodium phosphate, 4.2 mM potassium phosphate, 140 mM sodium
chloride, pH 6.5.
[0532] Blood was collected for hematology analysis prior to first
dosing (acclimation period) and at days 3, 7, 11, and 14 after the
first dose (Groups 1 and 2) and at days 3, 7, 11, 14, and 21 after
the second dose (Groups 1, 2 and 3). Erythrocyte (RBC) and platelet
(PLT) counts were measured by the light scattering method.
Leukocyte (WBC) count was measured by the peroxidase/basophil
method. Reticulocyte count was measured by the light scattering
method with cationic dye. Cell counts were measured on an Advia 120
apparatus. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate
aminotransferase) were measured in U/L by UV/NADH; IFCC methodology
on an Olympus AU400 apparatus, and using Total Ab
ELISA--ECD/GxhuFc-HRP. Conj. Ab ELISA--xDM1/ECD-Bio/SA-HRP
tests.
[0533] All patents, patent applications, and references cited
throughout the specification are expressly incorporated by
reference.
* * * * *