Lorvotuzumab mertansine explained

Lorvotuzumab mertansine (IMGN901) is an antibody-drug conjugate. It comprises the CD56-binding antibody, lorvotuzumab (huN901), with a maytansinoid cell-killing agent, DM1, attached using a disulfide linker, SPP. (When DM1 is attached to an antibody with the SPP linker, it is mertansine; when it is attached with the thioether linker, SMCC, it is emtansine.)

Lorvotuzumab mertansine is an experimental agent created for the treatment of CD56 positive cancers (e.g. small-cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer).^{[1] [2]}

It has been granted Orphan drug status for Merkel cell carcinoma.^[3]

It has reported encouraging Phase II results for small-cell lung cancer.^[4]

Notes and References

1. News: Antibody-Drug Conjugates Stage a Comeback . 9 March 2010 . Dimond PF . Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News .
2. http://www.news-medical.net/news/20091206/ImmunoGen-reports-encouraging-clinical-data-of-IMGN901.aspx ImmunoGen reports encouraging clinical data of IMGN901
3. Web site: ImmunoGen receives FDA orphan drug designation for IMGN901 compound in treatment of MCC . 8 March 2010 . News-Medical.net .
4. Web site: ImmunoGen Announces Encouraging New Clinical Data With The Company's IMGN901 Compound In The Treatment Of Small-Cell Lung Cancer . 2009 .