Analytical methods for physicochemical characterization of antibody drug conjugates

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), formed through the chemical linkage of a potent small molecule cytotoxin (drug) to a monoclonal antibody, have more complex and heterogeneous structures than the corresponding antibodies. This review describes the analytical methods that have been used in their physicochemical characterization. The selection of the most appropriate methods for a specific ADC is heavily dependent on the properties of the linker, the drug, and the choice of attachment sites (lysines, inter-chain cysteines, Fc glycans). Improvements in analytical techniques such as protein mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis have significantly increased the quality of information that can be obtained for use in product and process characterization, and for routine lot release and stability testing.