Definition

An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a monoclonal antibody against tumor-associated antigen (TAA) trophoblast cell surface protein 2 (trophoblast antigen 2; calcium signal transducer 2; TROP2; TROP-2; TACSTD2; GA733-1; M1S1) conjugated via an uncleavable linker to an as of yet undisclosed maytansine derivative toxin, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration of the anti-TROP2 ADC BAT8003, the anti-TROP2 antibody targets and binds to TROP2 expressed on tumor cells. Upon cellular uptake, the cytotoxic maytansine derivative binds to tubulin, thereby affecting microtubule assembly and disassembly dynamics. This inhibits tumor cell proliferation of TROP2-expressing tumor cells. TROP2 is a transmembrane protein overexpressed in various tumors. Its expression is associated with enhanced tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, drug resistance and increased tumor cell survival.