Mesothelin is a
tumor differentiation antigen frequently overexpressed in
tumors such as
mesothelioma, ovarian, pancreatic, and
lung adenocarcinomas while showing limited expression in nonmalignant tissues.
Mesothelin is therefore an attractive target for
cancer therapy using
antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). This study describes the detailed characterization of
anetumab ravtansine, here referred to as
BAY 94-9343, a novel ADC consisting of a human anti-
mesothelin antibody conjugated to the maytansinoid
tubulin inhibitor DM4 via a
disulfide-containing linker. Binding properties of the anti-
mesothelin antibody were analyzed using surface plasmon resonance, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Effects of
BAY 94-9343 on cell proliferation were first studied in vitro and subsequently in vivo using subcutaneous, orthotopic, and patient-derived xenograft
tumor models. The antibody binds to human
mesothelin with high affinity and selectivity, thereby inducing efficient
antigen internalization. In vitro,
BAY 94-9343 demonstrated potent and selective cytotoxicity of
mesothelin-expressing cells with an IC(50) of 0.72 nmol/L, without affecting
mesothelin-negative or nonproliferating cells. In vivo,
BAY 94-9343 localized specifically to
mesothelin-positive
tumors and inhibited
tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models. In addition,
BAY 94-9343 was able to induce a bystander effect on neighboring
mesothelin-negative
tumor cells. Antitumor efficacy of
BAY 94-9343 correlated with the amount of
mesothelin expressed and was generally superior to that of standard-of-care regimen resulting in complete
tumor eradication in most of the models.
BAY 94-9343 is a selective and highly potent ADC, and our data support its development for the treatment of patients with
mesothelin-expressing
tumors.