Bivatuzumab mertansine

Bivatuzumab mertansine is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that was developed for the treatment of cancer. It is composed of the monoclonal antibody bivatuzumab, linked to the cytotoxic agent mertansine.

Structure

Bivatuzumab mertansine is an ADC, a type of drug that combines an antibody with a cytotoxic agent. The antibody component, bivatuzumab, is designed to target a specific protein found on the surface of cancer cells. The cytotoxic agent, mertansine, is a powerful drug that can kill cells.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of bivatuzumab mertansine involves the specific targeting of cancer cells by the bivatuzumab component of the ADC. Once the ADC binds to the target protein on the cancer cell, it is internalized into the cell where the cytotoxic agent, mertansine, is released. This leads to the death of the cancer cell.

Clinical Development

Bivatuzumab mertansine was developed for the treatment of cancers that express the target protein. However, the development of this drug was discontinued due to safety concerns.

Safety and Efficacy

The safety and efficacy of bivatuzumab mertansine were evaluated in clinical trials. However, the development of the drug was halted due to the occurrence of serious side effects.

See Also

• Antibody-drug conjugate
• Monoclonal antibody
• Cytotoxicity