Seco-Duocarmycin SA

Seco-Duocarmycin SA is a highly potent DNA-alkylating agent and a promising ADC cytotoxin used as an ADC payload in antibody-drug conjugates. This compound binds selectively to the minor groove of DNA, inducing sequence-specific alkylation and causing irreversible DNA damage. Its extreme cytotoxicity makes it ideal for targeted cancer therapies, particularly when integrated into ADC platforms for selective tumor delivery.

Within antibody-drug conjugates, Seco-Duocarmycin SA is typically linked to monoclonal antibodies via cleavable linkers, enabling controlled release inside tumor cells. Once internalized, the payload is liberated by enzymatic cleavage, allowing it to interact with DNA and trigger apoptosis. This tumor-specific mechanism ensures maximal cytotoxic activity at the cancer site while minimizing off-target toxicity, making Seco-Duocarmycin SA a highly effective payload option in oncology-focused ADC design.

Applications of Seco-Duocarmycin SA include its incorporation into experimental ADCs targeting both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. Its high potency allows effective therapeutic effects even at low drug-to-antibody ratios (DARs). Researchers also leverage its structural compatibility with diverse linker technologies to optimize conjugation efficiency, payload stability, and intracellular release, facilitating the development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates with improved selectivity and antitumor efficacy.