Molecular Strategies to Minimize Off-Target Toxicities of Antibody Drug Conjugates

Deadline: 2019-09-30
Award: $15,000
Open to: Everyone*

The therapeutic activity of ADCs depends on recognition of the cell surface target antigen, internalization of the ADC upon target binding, and release of the cytotoxic agent within the cell. Off-target binding of the ADCs results in limited efficacy and unwanted toxicities. The Seeker calls for new molecular (i.e. antibody engineering) and chemical (e.g. linker design, tumor restricted release mechanisms, pro-drug approaches) strategies for creating ADCs that are solely active at the tumor site or at the tumor microenvironment thus minimizing off-target toxicities.