Linker-Payload Conjugates

Payload and linker are important small molecule units that constitute ADC and play a key role in ADC drugs. Small molecule toxins that can be used as payloads are warheads that produce cytotoxicity after ADC enters cancer cells. According to research, only about 2% of ADC drugs can reach the targeted tumor site after intravenous administration. Therefore, the payload needs to be sufficiently efficient in killing tumor cells. In addition, the water solubility, serum stability, and immunogenicity of the payload are also required during drug design. The linker plays a balancing role in the entire ADC molecule, balancing the hydrophobicity of the payload, enhancing the stability of the linker-payload and the entire ADC molecule. The characteristics of the linker will greatly affect the therapeutic indicators, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of the ADC drug.