Disclosed herein are maytansinoid drug linker derivatives which can be linked to a antigen binding unit (Abu), and maytansinoid drugs linked with an antigen binding unit (Drug-Linker-Antigen binding Unit: D-L-Abu), for targeted delivery to disease tissues. D-L-Abu, D-L-Abu derivatives, and methods relating to the use of such drug conjugates to treat antigen positive cells in cancers and immunological disorders are provided.
Provided are efficient methods for direct coupling of a maytansinoid with a carboxylic acid to prepare a maytansinoid C-3 ester in high yield using a rare earth metal-based or trifluoromethanesulfonate-based Lewis acid catalyst and a base together with a coupling reagent. Also provided are compositions used in such methods.
Disclosed herein are maytansinoid drug linker derivatives which can be linked to a antigen binding unit (Abu), and maytansinoid drugs linked with an antigen binding unit (Drug-Linker-Antigen binding Unit: D-L-Abu), for targeted delivery to disease tissues. D-L-Abu, D-L-Abu derivatives, and methods relating to the use of such drug conjugates to treat antigen positive cells in cancers and immunological disorders are provided.