Lysine-PEG Linker Units for Modular Targeting-Effector Constructs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to construct molecular constructs with specific combinations of targeting and effector elements efficiently, limiting their versatility in therapeutic applications.

Innovation Solution

A linker unit comprising a center core with lysine residues separated by glycine and serine sequences, linked to PEG chains with functional groups, allowing for the attachment of multiple targeting and effector elements through amide bonds and click chemistry reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If chemical crosslinkers are used to associate different antibodies or binding fragments, then multivalent constructs can be produced, but the complexity of constructing molecular constructs with specific combinations of targeting and effector elements remains difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in constructing molecular constructsVSAvoidcomplexity of construction process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The molecular construct is divided into distinct functional modules: a core structure with multiple attachment points, targeting elements (antibodies or binding fragments), and effector elements. Each module can be independently designed and optimized, then assembled through controlled chemical reactions. This segmentation allows for systematic construction of complex constructs with specific combinations of targeting and effector elements without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The core structure is designed with multiple identical or similar attachment points that can universally bind different types of targeting and effector elements. This universal interface allows the same core scaffold to be used for constructing various molecular constructs with different functional combinations, enhancing versatility while maintaining a standardized construction approach that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple functional elements are combined in a single molecular construct, then therapeutic efficacy is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision required to achieve specific combinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidprecision of element combination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Targeting elements and effector elements are pre-conjugated to the core structure in a controlled sequence. The core is first prepared with a specific number of attachment points, then targeting elements are attached in predetermined amounts and configurations. After purification, effector elements are added to remaining attachment points. This stepwise preliminary action ensures precise control over the final composition and stoichiometry of the molecular construct, achieving manufacturing precision required for specific functional combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized chemical linker or adapter molecule serves as an intermediary between the core structure and the functional elements (targeting and effector components). This intermediary provides a universal binding interface with controlled chemistry, enabling precise and reproducible attachment of different elements. The intermediary simplifies the conjugation chemistry and allows for accurate control of the number and type of functional elements in the final construct, thereby achieving the required manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If chemical crosslinking methods are used to produce multivalent antibodies, then production efficiency improves, but the difficulty of achieving specific combinations of targeting and effector elements persists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidability to achieve specific combinations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The construction process is made dynamic and adjustable through controlled chemical reactions. The core structure contains a defined number of reactive attachment points that can be selectively consumed in a controlled sequence. By adjusting reaction conditions, stoichiometry, and timing, the exact number and type of functional elements attached to the core can be dynamically controlled. This dynamic approach maintains high production efficiency while achieving specific desired combinations of targeting and effector elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the creation of molecular constructs with adjustable functional elements, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties, such as targeting specificity and prolonged circulation time.

Implementation Method 1

linked to one of the K residues of the center core by forming an amide bond between the amine group of the K residue and the NHS group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmide bond formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the amino acid residue at the N- or C-terminus of the center core has the azide or the alkyne group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClick chemistry: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3297670B1Linker units with targeting and effector elements
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 IMMUNWORK INC
  • EP3297670B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3297670B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP3297670B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides various molecular constructs having a targeting element and an effector element. Methods for treating various diseases using such molecular constructs are also disclosed.