Progress and Future Directions with Peptide-Drug Conjugates for Targeted Cancer Therapy

We review drug conjugates combining a tumor-selective moiety with a cytotoxic agent as cancer treatments. Currently, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are the most common drug conjugates used clinically as cancer treatments. While providing both efficacy and favorable tolerability, ADCs have limitations due to their size and complexity. Peptides as tumor-targeting carriers in peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) offer a number of benefits. Melphalan flufenamide (melflufen) is a highly lipophilic PDC that takes a novel approach by utilizing increased aminopeptidase activity to selectively increase the release and concentration of cytotoxic alkylating agents inside tumor cells. The only other PDC approved currently for clinical use is ¹⁷⁷Lu-dotatate, a targeted form of radiotherapy combining a somatostatin analog with a radionuclide. It is approved as a treatment for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Results with other PDCs combining synthetic analogs of natural peptide ligands with cytotoxic agents have been mixed. The field of drug conjugates as drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer continues to advance with the application of new technologies. Melflufen provides a paradigm for rational PDC design, with a targeted mechanism of action and the potential for deepening responses to treatment, maintaining remissions, and eradicating therapy-resistant stem cells.     

Methyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzoyl-4-deoxy-4-methoxy­amino-α-d-gluco­pyran­oside

The crystalline-state conformation of the title compound, C₂₉H₂₉NO₉, has been established unequivocally. The R absolute configuration is observed at the 4-methoxy­amino moiety and the pyranose ring adopts essentially a perfect ⁴C₁ chair. The torsion angle of the exocyclic hydroxy­methyl group is shown to be gauche–gauche with respect to O1 and C4, respectively. The conformation along the methoxy­amino bond is consistent with that observed for calicheamicin γ₁^I.     

Improved Methodology for the Synthesis of a Cathepsin B Cleavable Dipeptide Linker,Widely Used in Antibody-Drug Conjugate Research

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent an emerging class of biopharmaceutical agents that deliver highly potent anticancer agents (payloads) selectively to tumors or components associated with the tumor microenvironment. The linker, responsible for the connection between the antibody and payload, is a crucial component of ADCs. In certain examples the linker is composed of a cleavable short peptide which imparts an additional aspect of selectivity. Especially prevalent is the cathepsin B cleavable Mc-Val-Cit-PABOH linker utilized in many pre-clinical ADC candidates, as well as the FDA approved ADC ADCETRIS^® (brentuximab vedotin). An alternative route for the synthesis of the cathepsin B cleavable Mc-Val-Cit-PABOH linker is reported herein that involved six steps from l-Citrulline and proceeded with a 50% overall yield. In this modified route, the spacer (a para-aminobenzyl alcohol moiety) was incorporated via HATU coupling followed by dipeptide formation. Importantly, this route avoided undesirable epimerization and proceeded with improved overall yield. Utilizing this methodology, a drug-linker construct incorporating a potent small-molecule inhibitor of tubulin polymerization (referred to as KGP05), was synthesized as a representative example.     

Reactions of 1,1′‐Diphosphaferrocene with CuCl and CuBr Resulting in Cu4P4X4Fe2 (X = Cl,Br) Complexes with Adamantane‐like Topologies

Cu₄P₄X₄Fe₂ (X = Cl, Br) cages are formed upon reactions of octaethyl‐1,1′‐diphosphaferrocene (odpf) with the respective Cu^I halide in CH₂Cl₂/CH₃CN solvent mixtures. These cages have adamantoid Cu₄X₄P₂ cores with two planar anelated CuP₂Fe rings as the flaps. Both complexes 1 and 2 feature tri‐ and tetracoordinate Cu^I ions and an additional acetonitrile solvent molecule in the crystal. In 1 , the solvent molecule is coordinated to one copper ion whereas it remains uncoordinated in 2 . The tricoordinate Cu^I ions show a slight pyramidalization at the metal atom and somewhat short contacts to the other tricoordinate Cu^I ion in 2 or the Cu₃‐triangle in 1 . NMR spectroscopy revealed easy decoordination of the acetonitrile ligand from 1 and a dynamic “windshield‐wiper”‐type process that interconverts the differently coordinated phospholide rings of each odpf ligand and the tri‐ and tetracoordinate Cu^I ions.     

Antibody drug conjugates: Development,characterization, and regulatory considerations

Previously, cancer chemotherapy was often accompanied by severe side effects. Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) were introduced to address this treatment complication. ADCs are a potent category of bioconjugates and immunoconjugates designed as targeted therapy for the treatment of cancer. ADCs are complex molecules composed of an antibody linked via linker chemistry to a cytotoxic payload or drug. Therefore, biologic properties of the cell‐surface target antigen are important in designing an effective ADC as an anticancer agent. ADCs have the ability to discriminate between the healthy and diseased tissue, so that healthy cells are less effected and get maximum therapeutic benefit. This review describes the development, characterization, and regulatory consideration of ADCs, and it summarizes the approved products in the market and in clinical trials.     

Isolation and Characterization of Lewis Base Stabilized Monomeric Parent Stibanylboranes

The synthesis of the Lewis base stabilized monomeric parent compound of stibanylboranes, “H₂Sb? BH₂”, is reported. Through a salt metathesis route, the silyl‐substituted compounds (Me₃Si)₂Sb? BH₂?LB (LB=NMe₃, NHC^Me) were synthesized as representatives of derivatives with a Sb? B σ bond. Under very mild conditions, they could be transformed into the target compounds Me₃N?H₂B? HSb? BH₂?NMe₃ and H₂Sb? BH₂?NHC^Me, respectively. The products were characterized by X‐ray structure analysis, NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. DFT calculations give further insight into the stability and bonding of these unique compounds.     

Structure and Reactivity of a Cobalt(I) Phthalaldehyde Complex with Both σ‐ and π‐Bonded Aldehyde Groups

A bidentate phthalaldehyde ligand with both σ and π coordination of the aldehyde groups is found in [(C₅Me₅)Co{(C(O)H)₂C₆H₄}] (structure depicted). This complex is the “resting state” of the catalyst in the ring closure of the dialdehyde to give the lactone. Interchange of coordination modes occurs with a barrier of 70 kJ mol⁻¹ at 35°C. Investigation of other Co^I chelate complexes with a single aldehyde group shows that the coordination mode of the aldehyde is dictated by the nature of the bonding of the other ligating group.     

Formation,Expansion, and Interconversion of Metallarings in a Sulfur‐Bridged AuICoIII Coordination System

A novel Au^ICo^III coordination system that is derived from the newly prepared [Co(D ‐nmp)₂]^? ( 1 ^?; D ‐nmp=N‐methyl‐D ‐penicillaminate) and a gold(I) precursor Au^I is reported. Complex 1 ^? acts as a sulfur‐donating metallaligand and reacts with the gold(I) precursor to give [Au₂Co₂(D ‐nmp)₄] ( 2 ), which has an eight‐membered Au^I₂Co^III₂ metallaring. Treatment of 2 with [Au₂(dppe)₂]²⁺ (dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) leads to the formation of [Au₄Co₂(dppe)₂(D ‐nmp)₄]²⁺ ( 3 ²⁺), which consists of an 18‐membered Au^I₄Co^III₂ metallaring that accommodates a tetrahedral anion (BF₄^?, ClO₄^?, ReO₄^?). In solution, the metallaring structure of 3 ²⁺ is readily interconvertible with the nine‐membered Au^I₂Co^III metallaring structure of [Au₂Co(dppe)(D ‐nmp)₂]⁺ ( 4 ⁺); this process depends on external factors, such as solvent, concentration, and nature of the counteranion. These results reveal the lability of the Au? S and Au? P bonds, which is essential for metallaring expansion and contraction.     

A Novel Metal–Ligand Iodo‐bridged Lead(II) Compound: Synthesis,Crystal Structure,Thermal Properties,and DFT Calculations of [Pb(dmp)I2]n

. A novel 1D Pb^II coordination polymer [Pb(dmp)I₂]_n ( 1 ) (dmp = 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) containing a Pb₂‐(μ‐I)₂ unit was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and studied by thermal analysis as well as X‐ray crystallography. The single‐crystal X‐ray data show that the coordination number of Pb^II ions is six, i.e. PbN₂I₄, with “stereo‐chemically active” electron lone pairs, and the coordination sphere is asymmetrical. They also show that the chains interact with each other through π‐π stacking interactions, which create a 3D framework. The structure of the title complex has been optimized by density functional theory calculations. The calculated structural parameters and the IR spectra of the title complex are in agreement with the crystal structure.     

Analysis of exact valence shell hamiltonian: Nonclassical terms and molecular based parameters

The exact valence shell effective hamiltonian is analyzed for one- and two-valence orbital systems using a second quantized formulation. The exact solutions of the exact effective hamiltonian are used, to display the meaning of each of its terms. The well-known α_υ = ?I_p and γ_υυ = I_p ? A_f relations are provided a molecular basis for certain special cases, thereby enabling molecular definitions for molecular “integrals” and allowing the determination of the molecule and bond length dependence of traditional semi-empirical “integrals”. It is shown how the presence of nonclassical terms in the effective hamiltonian destroys the pairing symmetry of alternate hydrocarbons.     

The influence of surface character of Fe?Mo?O Catalysts on their activity in methanol to formaldehyde oxidation reaction

The synthesis of the catalyst Fe^III? Mo^II? O was performed starting from isortho Fe(OH)₃ and γ-FeOOH. The catalysts differed markedly as to their activity in the reaction of methanol oxidation depending on the “biography” of their iron(III) oxide. The catalytic properties of the system were found to depend on its porous structure.     

β‐Cyclodextrin Duplexes That Are Connected through Two Disulfide Bonds: Potent Hosts for the Complexation of Organic Molecules

New tubular host molecules, which are composed of two β‐cyclodextrin macrocycles that are connected through two disulfide bonds, have been prepared by the air‐promoted oxidation of 6^I,6^IV‐dideoxy‐6^I,6^IV‐disulfanyl‐β‐cyclodextrin in aqueous solution. This reaction leads to three products: monomeric intramolecular disulfide and two dimeric species, which are termed as “non‐eclipsed” and “eclipsed” cyclodextrin duplexes. Oxidation at a concentration of the starting thiol of 0.1 mM gave the intramolecular disulfide as the major product whereas a concentration in the millimolar range afforded the dimeric species as the dominant products. The tubular structure of the “non‐eclipsed” isomer was unequivocally determined by X‐ray analysis. The binding affinities of the duplexes to a wide range of compounds, including fluorescent dyes and clinically used drugs Imatinib and Esomeprazol, were studied in water by ITC. For most guest compounds, the experimentally determined K_a values were in the range 10⁷–10⁸ M ^?1. These binding affinities are significantly higher than those found in the literature for analogous complexes with native cyclodextrins. In cases of binding of neutral or anionic guest molecules cyclodextrin duplexes outperformed cucurbiturils. A complex between a duplex and Nile blue was used to investigate its ability to penetrate the cytoplasmic membrane of HeLa cells. We found that the complex accumulated in the cell membrane but did not pass into cytosol. Importantly, the complex did not decompose to a significant extent under high dilution in the cellular environment.     

Complexes of 1,3‐Bis(diphenylphosphano)propane (dppp) with Dichloroplatinum(II) and Bis(chlorogold(I)): Intramolecular versus Intermolecular AuI–AuI Association of [(μ‐dppp)(AuCl)2] in catena and cyclo Forms

The compound [(μ‐dppp)(AuCl)₂], previously reported to associate intermolecularly in a chain (catena) structure through Au^I–Au^I interactions (3.316Å), was obtained from gold(III) precursors in a cyclo form with shortened intramolecular Au^I—Au^I contacts at 3.237Å and a puckered AuPCCCPAu seven‐membered ring. DFT calculations using a large relativistic basis to account for the d¹⁰–d¹⁰ interaction reproduce the observed molecular structure in the crystal of this “linkage isomer”, including the conspicuous distortion at one of the gold atoms. The chelate complex [(dppp)PtCl₂] was crystallized and structurally characterized as the dichloromethane solvate.     

Cs2[Pr6(C2)]I12 - das erste quaternäre reduzierte Halogenid mit isolierten [M6(C2)]-Clustern

Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)]I₁₂ — the First Quaternary Reduced Halide with Isolated [M₆(C₂)] Clusters . Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)]I₁₂ is obtained as one of the major products from the reaction of PrI₃, cesium and carbon in sealed tantalum containers at 850°C. The crystal structure triclinic, P 1 ; a=948.1(2), b=953.6(3), c=1 005.2(3) pm; α=71.01(2); β=84,68(3), γ=89.37(2)°; Z=1 contains discrete Pr₆I₁₂-type clusters elongated along the pseudo-four-fold axis to accommodate the C₂ units (d(C—C)=139 pm). The clusters are connected through common ^i?aI and ^a?iI linkages at metal vertices and edges according to Cs₂[Pr₆(C₂)ⁱI₆^i?aI_6/2]^a?iI_6/2. The cesium cations occupy interstices within the (distorted) iodide layers in a way that “Cs₂I₁₈” dimers are formed, in which Cs⁺ is surrounded by eleven I^?. On the basis of the MO scheme of [Sc₆(C₂]I₁₁, the bonding of the C² unit is discussed and compared with other cluster compounds containing C₂ units.     

The Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer from Firefly Luciferase to a Synthetic Dye and its Application for the Rapid Homogeneous Immunoassay of Progesterone

The sensitive BRET system for the homogeneous immunoassay of a low‐molecular weight antigen was developed using progesterone as an example. Two thermostable mutants of the Luciola mingrelica firefly luciferase (Luc)—the “red” mutant with λ_max.em = 590 nm (RedLuc) and the “green” mutant with λ_max.em = 550 nm (GreenLuc)—were tested as the donors. The water‐soluble Alexa Fluor 610× (AF) dye was selected as the acceptor because its two absorption maxima, located at 550 and 610 nm, are close to the bioluminescence maxima of the GreenLuc and RedLuc, respectively. The methods for the synthesis of the luciferase–progesterone (Luc–Pg) conjugate and the conjugate of the dye and the polyclonal antiprogesterone antibody (AF–Ab) were developed. Both conjugates retained their functional properties, had high antigen–antibody binding activity, and demonstrated a high BRET signal. The homogeneous immunoassay system based on the BRET from the firefly luciferase to the synthetic dye was established to assay progesterone as a model antigen. Optimization of the assay conditions, the composition of the reaction mixture, and the concentrations of the donor and the acceptor made it possible to reach the minimum detectable progesterone concentration of 0.5 ng mL^?1.     

Die Kristallstrukturen von Me3SiI · β-Picolin und Me3SiI · γ-Picolin Vergleich der Lewis-Basen Pyridin, β-Picolin und γ-Picolin

The Crystal Structure of Me₃SiI · β-Picoline and Me₃SiI · γ-Picoline A Comparison between the Lewis-Bases Pyridine, β-Picoline, and γ-Picoline The reaction of Iodinetrimethylsilane with β- und γ-Picoline (Pic) leads to solid 1 : 1 compounds Me₃SiI · β-Picoline 1 , Me₃SiI · γ-Picoline 2. The reaction was performed at room temperature. Yellow single crystals were obtained by sublimation. Single crystal X-ray investigations confirm that both compounds are ionic [Me₃SiPic]⁺I^?. The comparison of β-Picoline with γ-Picoline and Pyridine (Py) demonstrates that the presence of a methyl group and also its position has no significant influence on the Si? N bond length in compound 1, 2 and on the adduct Me₃SiI · Py.     

Crystal and molecular structure of (BEDT-TTF)4Cd2I6

The new radical-cation salt (BEDT-TTF)₄Cd₂I₆ has been studied by x-ray diffraction (a=19.284(6), b=12.84(1), c=7.869 (2) Å; α=72.77(4), β=94.44(2), γ= 103.97(3)^o, space group P1, Z=1, d_calc=2.32 g/cm³). The radical cation (BEDT-TTF)^1/2+ and the Cd₂I₆ ^2? anions form organic and inorganic layers alternating along the a axis. In the organic layer, (BEDT-TTF)^1/2+ are arranged in stacks and ribbons. The radical-cations in the ribbon are packed “side to side” and are joined to one another through shortened intermolecular contacts S...S 3.346(5)-3.657(4) Å. The Cd₂I₆ ^2? anion is dimeric. The Cd atom has a distorted tetrahedral bond configuration, with bond lengths Cd-I 2.722(l)-2.886(1) Å and valence angles I-Cd-I 93.8(1)-114.1(1)°.     

Observation of a CuII2(μ‐1,2‐peroxo)/CuIII2(μ‐oxo)2 Equilibrium and its Implications for Copper–Dioxygen Reactivity

Synthesis of small‐molecule Cu₂O₂ adducts has provided insight into the related biological systems and their reactivity patterns including the interconversion of the Cu^II₂(μ‐η²:η²‐peroxo) and Cu^III₂(μ‐oxo)₂ isomers. In this study, absorption spectroscopy, kinetics, and resonance Raman data show that the oxygenated product of [(BQPA)Cu^I]⁺ initially yields an “end‐on peroxo” species, that subsequently converts to the thermodynamically more stable “bis‐μ‐oxo” isomer (K_eq=3.2 at ?90 °C). Calibration of density functional theory calculations to these experimental data suggest that the electrophilic reactivity previously ascribed to end‐on peroxo species is in fact a result of an accessible bis‐μ‐oxo isomer, an electrophilic Cu₂O₂ isomer in contrast to the nucleophilic reactivity of binuclear Cu^II end‐on peroxo species. This study is the first report of the interconversion of an end‐on peroxo to bis‐μ‐oxo species in transition metal‐dioxygen chemistry.     

Photoswitchable Sol–Gel Transitions and Catalysis Mediated by Polymer Networks with Coumarin‐Decorated Cu24L24 Metal–Organic Cages as Junctions

Photoresponsive materials that change in response to light have been studied for a range of applications. These materials are often metastable during irradiation, returning to their pre‐irradiated state after removal of the light source. Herein, we report a polymer gel comprising poly(ethylene glycol) star polymers linked by Cu₂₄L₂₄ metal–organic cages/polyhedra (MOCs) with coumarin ligands. In the presence of UV light, a photosensitizer, and a hydrogen donor, this “polyMOC” material can be reversibly switched between Cu^II, Cu^I, and Cu⁰. The instability of the MOC junctions in the Cu^I and Cu⁰ states leads to network disassembly, forming Cu^I/Cu⁰ solutions, respectively, that are stable until re‐oxidation to Cu^II and supramolecular gelation. This reversible disassembly of the polyMOC network can occur in the presence of a fixed covalent second network generated in situ by copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), providing interpenetrating supramolecular and covalent networks.     

An Insight into FDA Approved Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Cancer Therapy

The large number of emerging antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy has resulted in a significant market ‘boom’, garnering worldwide attention. Despite ADCs presenting huge challenges to researchers, particularly regarding the identification of a suitable combination of antibody, linker, and payload, as of September 2021, 11 ADCs have been granted FDA approval, with eight of these approved since 2017 alone. Optimism for this therapeutic approach is clear, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a landmark year for deals and partnerships in the ADC arena, suggesting that there remains significant interest from Big Pharma. Herein we review the enthusiasm for ADCs by focusing on the features of those approved by the FDA, and offer some thoughts as to where the field is headed.