Potentiation of PBD Dimers by Lipophilicity Manipulation.

Abstract

Background & Introduction: Pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimers are highly potent DNA cross-linking agents used as warheads in Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy. We propose to investigate the correlation existing between the lipophilicity of those molecules and their activity (both in vitro and in vivo) as well as any effect observed during conjugation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Reaction progress was monitored by Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) using Merck Kieselgel 60 F254 silica gel, with a fluorescent indicator on aluminium plates. Visualisation of TLC was achieved with UV light or iodine vapour unless otherwise stated. Flash chromatography was performed using Merck Kieselgel 60 F254 silica gel.

RESULTS:

We have successfully designed and synthesized a novel PBD warhead (SG3312) with enhanced physicochemical properties. The warhead also displayed increased potency in vitro. After overcoming some epimerization issues, the synthesis of enantiomerically pure payload was achieved (SG3259) and fulfilled our criteria for a simplified and more efficient conjugation. No addition of propylene glycol was required, and high DAR and excellent monomeric purity were achieved.

CONCLUSION:

The ADC (Herceptin-maia-SG3259) has been shown to release the active warhead (SG3312) upon exposure to Cathepsin B and demonstrated encouraging activity both in vitro and in vivo.

• Authors: Thaїs Cailleau, Lauren R Adams, Neha Arora, Gyoung-Dong Kang, Luke Masterson, Neki Patel, John A Hartley, Shenlan Mao, Jay Harper, Philip W Howard
• Journal: Current topics in medicinal chemistry (Curr Top Med Chem) Vol. 19 Issue 9 Pg. 741-752 ( 2019) ISSN: 1873-4294 [Electronic] United Arab Emirates
• PMID: 30931859 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at [email protected].

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Gels
• Pyrroles
• pyrrolo(2,1-c)(1,4)benzodiazepine
• Benzodiazepines
• Silicon Dioxide

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (chemical synthesis, chemistry, pharmacology)
• Benzodiazepines (chemical synthesis, chemistry, pharmacology)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Chromatography, Thin Layer
• Dimerization
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
• Gels (chemistry)
• Humans
• Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
• Molecular Structure
• Pyrroles (chemical synthesis, chemistry, pharmacology)
• Silicon Dioxide (chemistry)
• Structure-Activity Relationship