Monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) (MMAE), an antimitotic agent, inhibits cell division by blocking the polymerization of tubulin and also has inhibition of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) activity.

When coupled to cAC10, Monomethyl auristatin E shows selective cytotoxicity in CD30+ cells, and induces G2/M-phase growth arrest and cell death through the induction of apoptosis. [1] When coupled to anti-CD79b antibody, anti–CD79b-vcMonomethyl auristatin E has very potent and broad activity across a large panel of NHL cell lines in vitro. [2] When coupled to anti-HER2 antibody, hertuzumab-vc-Monomethyl auristatin E can also be effectively internalized and potently kill HER2 over-expressing tumor cells. [3]

In the Karpas 299 ALCL model, cAC10-vcMonomethyl auristatin E (1 mg/kg, i.v.) induces complete, durable tumor regression, while free Monomethyl auristatin E (0.36 mg/kg) doesn't produce detectable antitumor activity. [1] In mouse xenograft models of NHL, anti–CD79b-vcMonomethyl auristatin E (7 mg/kg, p.o.) strikingly results in sustained complete tumor remission. [2]

Cytotoxicity is measured using Alamar Blue dye reduction assay according to the manufacturer's directions. Briefly, a 40% solution (wt/vol) of Alamar Blue is freshly prepared in complete media just before cultures are added. Ninety-two hours after drug exposure, Alamar Blue solution is added to cells to constitute 10% culture volume. Cells are incubated for 4 hours, and dye reduction is measured on a Fusion HT fluorescent plate reader (Packard Instruments, Meriden, CT). (Only for Reference)