Pharmacokinetic characteristics and biodistribution of radioiodinated chimeric TNT-1, -2, and -3 monoclonal antibodies after chemical modification with biotin.

To improve the clinical potential of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), new methods are required to augment antibody uptake in the tumor while minimizing binding in normal tissues. Our laboratory has pioneered the use of chemical modification to accomplish this goal. Using three chimeric MAbs, chTNT-1, chTNT-2, and chTNT-3, which target solid tumors by binding to common antigens found in the central necrotic core, we now demonstrate the potential of chemical modification to improve the pharmacokinetic characteristics of these unique MAbs. To identify optimal modification conditions, TNT MAbs were reacted with biotin at various ratios and tested by clearance and biodistribution analyses. The biodistribution results revealed that the numbers of biotin molecules per MAb yielding optimal tumor uptake were 3:1 for chTNT-1, 5:1 for chTNT-2, and 8:1 for chTNT-3. Biotinylated MAbs were found to have faster whole body clearance times and better biodistribution profiles compared to unmodified antibodies. Although chTNT-2 showed only a modest improvement after biotinylation, biodistribution results indicated that this MAb had the highest uptake in tumor. By reducing the charge of the antibody molecule, chemical modification appears to be a useful method for improving the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of TNT antibodies directed to the necrotic region of solid tumors.