Antibody–drug conjugate drug development: where are the challenges?

“…the challenges that remain associated with supporting drug development, characterization, preclinical and clinical studies are extensive and, notably, require a different set of expertise than typical biologic programs.” Combining the specificity of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) with the potency of a cyto­toxic anticancer product produces a therapeutic agent capable of a highly specific delivery of a drug to the target of concern. Furthermore, this is achieved without inducing any detriment to surrounding tissue and, thus, has the potential for fewer toxic side effects and an increased therapeutic window. Despite the obvious advantages therapies such as this present, there have been...