Vandortuzumab vedotin

Vandortuzumab vedotin

Vandortuzumab vedotin is an investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed for the treatment of cancer. It is composed of a monoclonal antibody targeting the protein CD70, which is linked to the cytotoxic agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease-cleavable linker. This ADC is being developed to deliver the cytotoxic drug directly to cancer cells expressing CD70, thereby minimizing systemic exposure and reducing side effects.

Mechanism of Action

Vandortuzumab vedotin works by specifically binding to CD70, a protein that is overexpressed in various types of cancer cells, including renal cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and glioblastoma. Upon binding to CD70, the ADC is internalized into the cancer cell, where the linker is cleaved by lysosomal enzymes, releasing MMAE. MMAE then disrupts the microtubule network within the cell, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Development and Clinical Trials

Vandortuzumab vedotin is being developed by Seattle Genetics, a biotechnology company known for its work in ADCs. The drug has undergone several phases of clinical trials to evaluate its safety, tolerability, and efficacy in patients with CD70-positive cancers. Early-phase trials have shown promising results, with manageable side effects and evidence of anti-tumor activity.

Side Effects

As with other ADCs, the side effects of vandortuzumab vedotin are primarily related to the cytotoxic payload. Common adverse effects include neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue. The safety profile is continuously monitored in clinical trials to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Future Directions

Research is ongoing to explore the full potential of vandortuzumab vedotin in various cancer types. Combination therapies with other anticancer agents are also being investigated to enhance its efficacy. The development of biomarkers to predict response to treatment is another area of active research.

Related Pages

• Antibody-drug conjugate
• Monomethyl auristatin E
• CD70
• Seattle Genetics

References

Diagram of vedotin-based ADCs, showing the structure of the linker and payload.