Antibody drug conjugates (ADC) : Current status and mapping of ADC:s in clinical programs

Abstract: A literature study was performed on a new type of cancer medicine: antibody drug conjugates, or ADCs. These consist of a monoclonal antibody, chemically linked to a cytotoxic agent. What makes them unique is their selective toxicity against cancer cells. The first approval of such a pharmaceutical was in the year 2000, with three or four available in different regions of the world today. In the range of 50 registered drugs in clinical development were found, by major and minor corporations. These have been presented in a table in the appendix according to their properties such as type of linker, cytotoxin, development status etc. Furthermore, a detailed study has been done of the chemistry of the linker conjugation as well as an attempt at studying the ADC market. Finally, the mentioned strengths of the drug were compared to its weaknesses, mainly instability and otherwise poor pharmacokinetics. The main conclusion is that these drugs are expected to play a major role in oncology in the future.