Cantuzumab mertansine (SB-408075; huC242-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate investigated to treat colorectal cancer and other types of cancer.[1] It is a humanized monoclonal antibody, cantuzumab (huC242) linked to a cytotoxic agent, mertansine (DM1).[2] It was developed by ImmunoGen.
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| Monoclonal antibody | |
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| Type | Whole antibody |
| Source | Humanized (from mouse) |
| Target | MUC1 |
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Mechanism
After the huC242 mab binds to the external domain of CanAg, the cantuzumab mertansine-CanAg complex is internalized, and the DM1 molecules are released intracellularly by cleavage of the DM1-huC242 disulfide bonds.[3]
Clinical trials
Three phase I clinical studies had reported results by 2003.[4] By 2005, clinical development had been suspended.[5]