Conjugation methods

US9376500B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IMMUNOGEN, INC. · US

Inventors

• Brenda A. Kellogg · Medford, US
• Rajeeva Singh · Framingham, US
• Ravi V. J. Chari · Newton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 3, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 28, 2016
• Expiry date: Dec 3, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07K2317/24
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention describes a method of conjugating a cell binding agent such as an antibody with an effector group (e.g., a cytotoxic agent) or a reporter group (e.g., a radionuclide), whereby the reporter or effector group is first reacted with a bifunctional linker and the mixture is then used without purification for the conjugation reaction with the cell binding agent. The method described in this invention is advantageous for preparation of stably-linked conjugates of cell binding agents, such as antibodies with effector or reporter groups. This conjugation method provides in high yields conjugates of high purity and homogeneity that are without inter-chain cross-linking and inactivated linker residues.