The present invention relates generally to immunotoxins. More particularly, the invention relates to immunotoxins (e.g. immunotoxins that comprise an antibody that binds to EpCAM or binds to MUC-1) for use in the treatment of cancer. The invention also relates to a method for treating cancer, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an immunotoxin. The invention also relates to the use an immunotoxin in the manufacture of a medicament for treating cancer.

A molecule comprising a saccharide bound via an O-glycosidic bond to a hydroxyl group of a toxic payload molecule is disclosed. An antibody-drug conjugate comprising an antibody covalently bound to a toxic payload molecule, optionally via a linker group, and a saccharide bound via an O-glycosidic bond to a hydroxyl group of the toxic payload molecule is further disclosed.

Fentanyl is an addictive prescription opioid that is over 80 times mora potent than morphine. The synthetic nature of fentanyl has enabled the creation of dangerous “designer drug’ analogues that escape toxicology screening, yet display comparable potency to the parent drug. Alarmingly, a large number of fatalities have been linked to overdose of fentanyl derivatives. Herein, we report an effective immunotherapy for reducing the psychoactive effects of fentanyl class drugs. A single conjugate vaccine was created that elicited high levels of antibodies with cross-reactivity for a wide panel of fentanyl analogues, Moreover, vaccinated mice gained significant protection from lethal fentanyl doses. Lastly, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based technique was established enabling drug specificity profiling of antibodies derived directly from serum. Our newly developed fentanyl vaccine and analytical methods may assist in the battle against synthetic opioid abuse.

The present disclosure relates to compounds of formula (V): ##STR00001##
wherein Ab represents an antibody. The disclosure also relates to cryptophycin payloads, as well as to cryptophycin conjugates, to compositions containing them and to their therapeutic use, especially as anticancer agents. The disclosure also relates to the process for preparing these conjugates.

The present invention provides cell-targeting molecules which can deliver a CD8+ T-cell epitope cargo to the MHC class I presentation pathway of the cell. The cell-targeting molecules of the invention can be used to deliver virtually any CD8+ T-cell epitope from an extracellular space to the MHC class I pathway of a target cell, which may be a malignant cell and/or non-immune cell. The target cell can then display on a cell-surface the delivered CD8+ T-cell epitope complexed with MHC I molecule. The cell-targeting molecules of the invention have uses which include the targeted labeling and/or killing of specific cell-types within a mixture of cell-types, including within a chordate, as well as the stimulation of beneficial immune responses. The cell-targeting molecules of the invention have uses, e.g., in the treatment of a variety of diseases, disorders, and conditions, including cancers, tumors, growth abnormalities, immune disorders, and microbial infections.

A recombinant fusion protein includes a receptor associated protein 1 (RAP1), a cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28)-Pseudomonas exotoxin A translocation domain (PEt) fusion polypeptide, a legumain protein and a target peptide. The RAP1 is located at the N-terminus of the recombinant fusion protein. The CD28-PEt fusion polypeptide is located at the C-terminus of the RAP1. The legumain protein is located at the C-terminus of the CD28-PEt fusion polypeptide. The target peptide is located at the C-terminus of the legumain protein. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an immunogenic composition is provided. The immunogenic composition including the recombinant fusion protein and an adjuvant is used for inducing specific immune responses in a subject with cancer, whereby the risk of cancer metastasis and recurrence for the subject may be successfully reduced.

Provided herein are compositions and methods for inducing cell death in a regulated manner, for example in a safety switch system. Inducible cell death can be triggered by ligand binding to a one or more ligand binding domains. Cell death can include induction of apoptosis.

The present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating head and neck squamous cell cancer and bladder cancer using an immunotoxin comprising (a) a ligand that binds to a protein on the cancer cell attached to; (b) a toxin that is cytotoxic to the cancer cell. In a specific embodiment, the invention is directed to the prevention or treatment of head and neck squamous cell cancer or bladder cancer using Vb4-845, which is a recombinant immunotoxin comprising a humanized, MOC31-derived, single-chain antibody fragment that is fused to a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. Also encompassed by the invention are combination therapy methods, including the use of reduced dosages of chemotherapeutic agents, for the prevention or treatment of cancer. Also encompassed by the invention are formulations and methods for direct administration of the recombinant immunotoxin to the carcinoma, for the prevention or treatment of cancer.

The present invention relates to novel linkers containing a 2,3-disubstituted succinic group, or 2-monosubstituted, or 2,3-disubstituted fumaric or maleic (trans (E)-or cis (Z)-butenedioic), or acetylenedicarboxyl group for conjugation of a cytotoxic agent, and/or one or more different functional molecules per linker to a cell-binding molecule, through bridge linking pairs of thiols on the cell-binding molecule specifically. The invention also relates to methods of making such linkers, and of using such linkers in making homogeneous conjugates, as well as of application of the conjugates in treatment of cancers, infections and autoimmune disorders.

The present invention generally relates to T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules, PD-1 axis binding antagonists, and in particular to combination therapies employing such T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules and PD-1 axis binding antagonists, and their use of these combination therapies for the treatment of cancer.