Definition

An antibody drug conjugate (ADC) consisting of a monoclonal antibody directed against the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor CD30 conjugated, via a nonreducible thioether linker (succinimidyl trans-4-(maleimidylmethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate or SMCC), to the cytotoxic agent maytansinoid mertansine (DM1), with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration, the monoclonal antibody moiety of F0002 targets and binds to CD30-expressing tumor cells. Upon cellular uptake and internalization, the mertansine moiety binds to tubulin and interferes with microtubule assembly and disassembly dynamics. This inhibits both cell division and the proliferation of tumor cells that express CD30. Transiently activated during lymphocyte activation, CD30 (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 8; TNFRSF8) may be constitutively expressed in some hematologic malignancies.