abstract |
The present invention describes a method for conjugating a cell binding agent, such as an antibody, with an effector group (eg, cytotoxic agent) or a reporter group (eg, radionuclide), in which the reporter or effector group is first transferred. It is reacted with a soluble linker and then the mixture is used for conjugation reaction with a cell binder without purification. The methods described herein are advantageous for the production of stably-linked conjugates of effector or reporter groups with cell binders such as antibodies. This conjugation method provides high purity and homogeneous conjugates without cross-linking and inactivating linker residues with high yield in high yield. |