Rapid identity testing of antibody-based hot targeted radionuclide therapies by bio-layer interferometry.

Targeted Radionuclide Therapies (TRT) involve the tailored combination of a therapeutic radionuclide and a targeting molecule, as for instance antibodies or fragments thereof. Despite their short shelf-life, these drug products must meet stringent regulatory standards before use. We introduce a novel, efficient method utilizing Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) for rapid identity testing of TRT drug products in less than five minutes. This approach not only reduces radioactive waste but also minimizes operator exposure to radiation. This label-free method has been successfully developed and validated for three different TRT products, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Furthermore, we outline our strategic approach to the production and testing of custom biosensors for each product, firmly grounded in Quality-by-Design (QbD) principles.

Preclinical Efficacy of a PSMA-Targeted Thorium-227 Conjugate (PSMA-TTC), a Targeted Alpha Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is an attractive target for radionuclide therapy of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). PSMA-targeted alpha therapy (TAT) has shown early signs of activity in patients with prostate cancer refractory to beta radiation. We describe a novel, antibody-based TAT, the PSMA-targeted thorium-227 conjugate PSMA-TTC (BAY 2315497) consisting of the alpha-particle emitter thorium-227 complexed by a 3,2-HOPO chelator covalently linked to a fully human PSMA-targeting antibody. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: PSMA-TTC was characterized for affinity, mode of action, and cytotoxic activity in vitro. Biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor efficacy were investigated in vivo using cell line and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of prostate cancer. RESULTS: PSMA-TTC was selectively internalized into PSMA-positive cells and potently induced DNA damage, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis in vitro. Decrease in cell viability was observed dependent on the cellular PSMA expression levels. In vivo, PSMA-TTC showed strong antitumor efficacy with T/C values of 0.01 to 0.31 after a single injection at 300 to 500 kBq/kg in subcutaneous cell line and PDX models, including models resistant to standard-of-care drugs such as enzalutamide. Furthermore, inhibition of both cancer and cancer-induced abnormal bone growth was observed in a model mimicking prostate cancer metastasized to bone. Specific tumor uptake and efficacy were demonstrated using various PSMA-TTC doses and dosing schedules. Induction of DNA double-strand breaks was identified as a key mode of action for PSMA-TTC both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The strong preclinical antitumor activity of PSMA-TTC supports its clinical evaluation, and a phase I trial is ongoing in mCRPC patients (NCT03724747).

Fully human antagonistic antibodies against CCR4 potently inhibit cell signaling and chemotaxis.

BACKGROUND: CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) represents a potentially important target for cancer immunotherapy due to its expression on tumor infiltrating immune cells including regulatory T cells (Tregs) and on tumor cells in several cancer types and its role in metastasis. METHODOLOGY: Using phage display, human antibody library, affinity maturation and a cell-based antibody selection strategy, the antibody variants against human CCR4 were generated. These antibodies effectively competed with ligand binding, were able to block ligand-induced signaling and cell migration, and demonstrated efficient killing of CCR4-positive tumor cells via ADCC and phagocytosis. In a mouse model of human T-cell lymphoma, significant survival benefit was demonstrated for animals treated with the newly selected anti-CCR4 antibodies. SIGNIFICANCE: For the first time, successful generation of anti- G-protein coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR) antibodies using human non-immune library and phage display on GPCR-expressing cells was demonstrated. The generated anti-CCR4 antibodies possess a dual mode of action (inhibition of ligand-induced signaling and antibody-directed tumor cell killing). The data demonstrate that the anti-tumor activity in vivo is mediated, at least in part, through Fc-receptor dependent effector mechanisms, such as ADCC and phagocytosis. Anti-CC chemokine receptor 4 antibodies inhibiting receptor signaling have potential as immunomodulatory antibodies for cancer.