Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Linker-Duocarmycin Payloads: Toward Selection of HER2-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate SYD985.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that are currently on the market or in clinical trials are predominantly based on two drug classes: auristatins and maytansinoids. Both are tubulin binders and block the cell in its progression through mitosis. We set out to develop a new class of linker-drugs based on duocarmycins, potent DNA-alkylating agents that are composed of a DNA-alkylating and a DNA-binding moiety and that bind into the minor groove of DNA. Linker-drugs were evaluated as ADCs by conjugation to the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab via reduced interchain disulfides. Duocarmycin 3b, bearing an imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-based DNA-binding unit, was selected as the drug moiety, notably because of its rapid degradation in plasma. The drug was incorporated into the linker-drugs in its inactive prodrug form, seco-duocarmycin 3a. Linker attachment to the hydroxyl group in the DNA-alkylating moiety was favored over linking to the DNA-binding moiety, as the first approach gave more consistent results for in vitro cytotoxicity and generated ADCs with excellent human plasma stability. Linker-drug 2 was eventually selected based on the properties of the corresponding trastuzumab conjugate, SYD983, which had an average drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of about 2. SYD983 showed subnanomolar potencies against multiple human cancer cell lines, was highly efficacious in a BT-474 xenograft model, and had a long half-life in cynomolgus monkeys, in line with high stability in monkey and human plasma. Studies comparing ADCs with a different average DAR showed that a higher average DAR leads to increased efficacy but also to somewhat less favorable physicochemical and toxicological properties. Fractionation of SYD983 with hydrophobic interaction chromatography resulted in SYD985, consisting of about 95% DAR2 and DAR4 species in an approximate 2:1 ratio and having an average DAR of about 2.8. SYD985 combines several favorable properties from the unfractionated ADCs with an improved homogeneity. It was selected for further development and recently entered clinical Phase I evaluation.

Plasmin-activated doxorubicin prodrugs containing a spacer reduce tumor growth and angiogenesis without systemic toxicity.

To generate doxorubicin (Dox) specifically at the tumor site, the chemotherapeutic agent was incorporated into a prodrug by linkage to a peptide specifically recognized by plasmin, which is overproduced in many cancers. ST-9905, which contains an elongated self-elimination spacer, is activated more rapidly in vitro by plasmin than is ST-9802. Prodrug activation in vitro depended on the level of urokinase produced by tumor cells and was inhibited by aprotinin, a plasmin inhibitor. Comparison of equimolar concentrations of ST-9905, ST-9802, and Dox in EF43.fgf-4 and MCF7 models revealed that both prodrugs, in sharp contrast to Dox, displayed antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities without discernible toxicity. Although MCF7 cells are poor urokinase producers in vitro, prodrug efficacy in this model may be explained by production of plasmin by tumor-infiltrating host cells. Mice treated with equitoxic concentrations (maximum tolerated doses) of prodrugs showed 100% survival and negligible body weight loss, in contrast to results after Dox treatment. ST-9905 was substantially more effective than ST-9802 and induced similar tumor growth inhibition as Dox but without apparent toxicity. This finding may be explained by the elongated spacer, which facilitates enzymatic prodrug activation. These data validate both the use of elongated spacers in vivo and the concept of targeting anticancer prodrugs to tumor-associated plasmin.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a dual tumor-specific motive containing integrin-targeted plasmin-cleavable doxorubicin prodrug.

The design, synthesis, and initial biological evaluation of a doxorubicin prodrug that contains a dual tumor specific moiety, which allows enhanced tumor recognition potential, is reported. Both a tumor-specific recognition site and a tumor selective enzymatic activation sequence are incorporated in the prodrug. The first tumor-specific sequence is the bicyclic CDCRGDCFC (RGD-4C) peptide that selectively binds alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 integrins. These integrins are highly overexpressed on invading tumor endothelial cells. The second tumor-specific sequence is a D-Ala-Phe-Lys tripeptide that is selectively recognized by the tumor-associated protease plasmin, which is involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. An aminocaproyl residue was incorporated as a spacer between the two peptide sequences, whereas a self-eliminating 4-aminobenzyl alcohol spacer was inserted between the plasmin substrate and doxorubicin. Although the prodrug showed a decreased binding affinity as compared with the unconjugated reference peptide, it was still a potent ligand for alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 integrin receptors. The synthesized construct also possessed plasmin substrate properties as demonstrated by doxorubicin release from 1 upon incubation with plasmin. The release of doxorubicin from 1 was not complete, possibly related to low prodrug solubility. In vitro prodrug 1 showed plasmin-dependent cytotoxicity for endothelial cells and HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. On the basis of these in vitro results, derivatives of 1 with improved water solubility are considered good candidates for additional development and in vivo evaluation of this dual targeting concept.

Novel 20-carbonate linked prodrugs of camptothecin and 9-aminocamptothecin designed for activation by tumour-associated plasmin.

The first prodrugs of camptothecin and 9-aminocamptothecin that are activated by the tumour-associated protease plasmin are reported. The tripartate prodrugs consist of a tripeptide sequence recognised by plasmin, which is linked to the 20-hydroxyl group of the camptothecins via a 1,6-elimination spacer. After selective N-protection of 9-aminocamptothecin with an Aloc group, the promoiety (tripeptide-spacer conjugate) was linked to camptothecin or 9-Aloc-9-aminocamptothecin via a 20-carbonate linkage by reacting parent drugs with the p-nitrophenyl carbonate activated promoiety in the presence of DMAP. Both prodrugs showed to be stable in buffer solution and both parent drugs were released upon incubation in the presence of plasmin. Furthermore, the prodrugs showed an average 10-fold decreased cytotoxicity with respect to their parent drugs upon incubation in seven human tumour cell lines.

Structural identification and biological activity of 7-methyl-10,11-ethylenedioxy-20(S)-camptothecin, a photodegradant of lurtotecan.

An additional chromatographic peak was observed in plasma samples of patients receiving NX 211, a liposomal formulation of the topoisomerase I inhibitor lurtotecan. We have isolated and purified this product by sequential solid-phase extractions, and we report its structure and cytotoxicity relative to lurtotecan and related agents. Nuclear magnetic resonance data indicate that cleavage of the piperazino moiety occurred at the N-C bond of the B-ring, yielding 7-methyl-10,11-ethylenedioxy-20(S)-camptothecin (MEC). Tests of the growth inhibition potential of MEC in seven human tumor cell lines showed that the compound was approximately 2-18-fold more cytotoxic than lurtotecan, topotecan, and 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-20(S)-camptothecin (SN-38). Subsequently, we found that MEC was the product of rapid photolysis of lurtotecan, with the rate of degradation inversely proportional to NX 211 concentrations, and greatly depends on light intensity. Furthermore, MEC concentrations were found to increase significantly in plasma samples exposed to laboratory light but not in blood. MEC was not produced from NX 211 in the presence of human liver microsomes, suggesting that it is not a product of cytochrome P-450 metabolism. Using a validated analytical method, trace levels of MEC were quantitated in blood samples of two patients. These observations confirm that the precautions for protection from light currently specified for preparation and administration of NX 211 dose solutions are critical. Procedures to minimize formation of MEC, by the use of amber vials for NX 211 and by preparation of dilutions immediately before clinical use in a fashion completely protected from light, are now being routinely implemented.

Synthesis of novel paclitaxel prodrugs designed for bioreductive activation in hypoxic tumour tissue.

The syntheses and preliminary evaluation of the first potential bioreductive paclitaxel prodrugs are described. These prodrugs were designed as potential candidates in more selective chemotherapy by targeting hypoxic tumour tissue. Aromatic nitro and azide groups were used as the bioreductive trigger. Generation of paclitaxel occurs after reduction and subsequent 1,6-elimination or 1,8-elimination. All prodrugs are stable in buffer and indeed give paclitaxel after chemical reduction of the aromatic nitro or azide functionality. In aerobic cytotoxicity assays several prodrugs exhibit diminished cytotoxicity. These compounds are interesting candidates for further biological evaluation.

Semisynthesis of Some 7-Deoxypaclitaxel Analogs from Taxine B.

Taxine B (3), isolated from the dried needles of Taxus baccata, was converted into six novel 7-deoxypaclitaxel analogs, 20, 21a,b, and 23-25, that have structural changes at C1, C2, and C4. A method for the introduction of the benzoyl function at C2, via a benzylidene acetal at C1-C2, will be revealed. All compounds showed very little or no measurable cytotoxic activity against some well-characterized human tumor cell lines, probably due to the nonacylated hydroxyl group at C4.