P-1,6-GLUCAN TRASTUZUMAB ANTIBODY CONJUGATES

BACKGROUND

[0001] HER-2 overexpression (score 2/3+) and amplification occurs most often in breast cancers but is also seen in 18 other tumor entities including cancers of the urinary bladder, stomach, endometrium, lung and ovary (Modern Pathology (2007) 20: 192-198) as well as prostate cancer (Am J Clin Pathol (2001) 116:234-239).

[0002] Trastuzumab is a HER2 inhibitor monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of breast and gastric cancers. Kadcyla® (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) is an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab linked to the cytotoxic agent emtansine (DM1), and is approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Trastuzumab and Kadcyla® have efficacy for the treatment of these types of cancer in some but not all patients and/or under some but not all conditions. There is therefore a need for new forms of trastuzumab antibodies that have improved efficacy in cancer patients and/or efficacy across a broader set of cancer patients.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention encompasses embodiments in which trastuzumab, or a related trastuzumab antibody (e.g., biosimilar) is conjugated to β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. Thus, the present invention includes, among other things, compositions including trastuzumab conjugated to one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. The present invention further includes, among other things, methods of making and/or using these β-Ι,ό-glucan conjugates. In certain embodiments, a β-Ι,ό-glucan conjugate of the present invention is useful as a therapeutic or in a method of therapy.

[0004] In certain embodiments, the present invention encompasses a composition including a trastuzumab antibody conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers (e.g., between 1 and 5, 1 and 4, or 1 and 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers), wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units. In certain

embodiments, each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is independently comprised of between 2 and 8 glucose monomer units, each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is independently comprised of between 2 and 6 glucose monomer units, each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units, each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is comprised of 8 glucose monomer units, each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is comprised of 7 glucose monomer units, each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is comprised of 6 glucose monomer units, each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is comprised of 5 glucose monomer units, each of the β- 1,6-glucan oligomers is comprised of 4 glucose monomer units, each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is comprised of 3 glucose monomer units, or each of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers is comprised of 2 glucose monomer units. In certain embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, e.g., to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers.

[0005] In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-1,6- glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of between 2 and 8 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of between 2 and 6 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 8 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 7 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 6 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 5 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 3 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-1,6- glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 2 glucose monomer units.

[0006] In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-

1,6-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of between 2 and 8 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-1,6- glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of between 2 and 6 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 8 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 7 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 6 glucose monomer units. In certain particular

embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-1,6- glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 5 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 3 glucose monomer units. In certain particular embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, and the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently comprised of 2 glucose monomer units.

[0007] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers according to Formula II: wherein: Lys is a lysine residue; b is between 1 and 6, 1 and 5, 1 and 4, or 1 and 3; and compound of Formula I:

I

wherein: a is between 1 and 9, 1 and 8, 1 and 7, 1 and 6, 1 and 5, 1 and 4 or 1 and 3; L is a linker; and " " represents a point of attachment between two atoms.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, j _{s a} compound of Formula la:

wherein: a ¹ is between 1 and 9, 1 and 8, 1 and 7, 1 and 6, 1 and 5, 1 and 4 or 1 and 3; and " represents a point of attachment between two atoms.

[0008] In various embodiments of the present invention, the trastuzumab antibody includes a variable domain having at least 80% identity with SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain variable domain having at least 80% identity with SEQ ID NO: 3 or a heavy chain having at least 80% identity with SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain variable domain having at least 80% identity with SEQ ID NO: 4 or a light chain having at least 80% identity with SEQ ID NO: 2. In certain embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody is trastuzumab.

[0009] In some embodiments, the trastuzumab antibody competes with trastuzumab for binding to HER2.

[0010] In various embodiments, the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are chemically synthesized.

In various embodiments, at least 90% of the dry weight of glucan contained in the composition is β-Ι,ό-glucan. In various embodiments, less than 10% of the dry weight of glucan contained in the composition is P-l,3-glucan. In various embodiments, the composition is substantially free of P-l,3-glucan.

[0011] The present invention further provides methods of treating a cancer associated with expression of HER2 which involve administering a composition of the present invention to a subject in need thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the methods involve

administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that includes a trastuzumab antibody conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers (e.g., between 1 and 5, 1 and 4, or 1 and 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers), where each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units. In some embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is bladder cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is salivary gland cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is endometrial cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In some embodiments, the cancer is prostate cancer. In some embodiments the cancer is metastatic.

DEFINITIONS

[0012] As used herein, "antibody" means an immunoglobulin molecule that recognizes and specifically binds to a target through at least one antigen recognition site within a variable, optimized, or selected region of an immunoglobulin molecule. As used herein, the term

"antibody" encompasses intact polyclonal antibodies, intact monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments (such as Fab, Fab', Fab'2, Fab ₂ , Fab ₃ , F(ab') ₂ , Fd, Fv, Feb, scFv, SMTP, antibody, diabody, triabody, tetrabody, minibody, maxibody, tandab, DVD, BiTe, TandAb, or the like, or any combination thereof), single chain Fv (scFv) mutants, multispecific antibodies such as bispecific antibodies generated from at least two intact antibodies, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, human antibodies, fusion proteins comprising an antigen determination portion of an antibody, and any other modified immunoglobulin molecule comprising an antigen recognition site so long as the antibodies exhibit the desired biological activity. An antibody can be of any the five major classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, or subclasses (isotypes) thereof (e.g., IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgAl and IgA2), based on the identity of their heavy-chain constant domains referred to as alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma, and mu, respectively. The different classes of immunoglobulins have different and well known subunit structures and three-dimensional configurations. Antibodies can be naked or conjugated to other molecules such as glucans, toxins, radioisotopes, and the like. As used herein, an antibody can be, e.g., an "intact antibody" or an "antibody fragment." As used herein, "antibody" additionally

encompasses various alternative formats as may be known in the art, e.g., camelid antibodies. As used herein, an antibody or intact antibody can be an immunoglobulin molecule comprising four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds. Each heavy chain comprises a heavy chain variable (V _H ) region and a heavy chain constant region (C _H ). The heavy chain constant region comprises three domains, C _H I , C _H and C _H 3. Each light chain comprises a light chain variable (V _L ) region and a light chain constant region (C _L ). The V _H and V _L regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termed complementarity determining regions (CDR), interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework regions (FR). Other intact antibodies, e.g., intact camelid antibodies, are known in the art.

[0013] As used herein, the term "antibody fragment" means a molecule comprising at least a portion derived from or having significant identity to all or a portion of an

immunoglobulin protein, such as, for example, an antigen-binding or variable region of an antibody. Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab', F(ab') ₂ , and Fv fragments;

triabodies; tetrabodies; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody molecules; and CDR-containing moieties included in multi-specific antibodies formed from antibody fragments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "antibody fragment" does not imply and is not restricted to any particular mode of generation. An antibody fragment may be produced through use of any appropriate methodology, including but not limited to cleavage of an intact antibody, chemical synthesis, recombinant production, etc. [0014] As used herein, the term glucan means any polymeric or oligomeric molecule composed largely or entirely of glucose monomer units. A glucan can be a free molecule or may be a molecule that is conjugated with one or more other molecules, such as an antibody.

[0015] As used herein, the term "conjugate" refers to an antibody that is covalently linked to one or more glucans. The terms "glucan-conjugated" or "glucan-linked" as well as grammatical equivalents thereof refer to an antibody molecule that is covalently linked to one or more glucans.

[0016] As used herein, the term "identity" refers to the overall relatedness between a reference nucleic acid or amino acid sequence and one or more other nucleic acid or amino acid sequences. Identity may be expressed as a percentage. Methods for calculating percent identity are known in the art. Calculation of identity does not require that sequences be of same or similar length. Calculation of the percent identity can be performed by aligning the two sequences for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in one or both of a first and a second nucleic acid sequences for optimal alignment and non-identical sequences can be disregarded for comparison purposes); nucleotides at corresponding nucleotide positions can then be compared. When a position in a first sequence is occupied by the same nucleotide as the corresponding position in a second sequence, then the sequences are identical at that position. The percent identity between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences, typically taking into account, e.g., the number and/or length of any gaps introduced for optimal alignment of the sequences. The comparison of sequences and

determination of percent identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm, such as BLAST ^® .

[0017] As used herein, the term "linker" refers to that portion of a multi-element agent that connects different elements to one another. A linker may be derived from or synthesized from any source and/or by any procedure, e.g., any source and/or by any procedure known in the art. In some embodiments, a linker joins a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) and a β-1,6- glucan oligomer. In some embodiments, a linker is characterized in that it tends not to adopt a rigid three-dimensional structure, but rather provides flexibility between the joined elements.

[0018] As used herein, the term "treatment" (also "treat" or "treating") refers to any administration of a therapeutic molecule (e.g., a conjugate) that partially or completely alleviates, ameliorates, relieves, inhibits, delays onset of, reduces severity of and/or reduces incidence of one or more symptoms or features of a particular disease, disorder, and/or condition. Such treatment may be of a subject who does not exhibit signs of the relevant disease, disorder and/or condition and/or of a subject who exhibits only early signs of the disease, disorder, and/or condition. Alternatively or additionally, such treatment may be of a subject who exhibits one or more established signs of the relevant disease, disorder and/or condition.

[0019] As used herein, the term "therapeutically effective amount" is meant an amount that produces the desired effect for which it is administered. In some embodiments, the term refers to an amount that is sufficient, when administered to a population suffering from or susceptible to a disease, disorder, and/or condition in accordance with a therapeutic dosing regimen, to treat the disease, disorder, and/or condition. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount is one that reduces the incidence and/or severity of, and/or delays onset of, one or more symptoms of the disease, disorder, and/or condition. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the term "therapeutically effective amount" does not in fact require successful treatment be achieved in a particular subject. Rather, a therapeutically effective amount may be that amount that provides a particular desired pharmacological response in a significant number of subjects when administered to subjects in need of such treatment. In some embodiments, reference to a therapeutically effective amount may be a reference to an amount as measured in one or more specific tissues (e.g., a tissue affected by the disease, disorder or condition) or fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, serum, sweat, tears, urine, etc.). Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of a particular conjugate may be formulated and/or administered in a single dose. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of a particular conjugate may be formulated and/or administered in a plurality of doses, for example, as part of a dosing regimen.

[0020] In some embodiments, the present invention involves compounds (e.g., β-1,6- glucan oligomers and optional linkers) including those described generally for Formula I, above, and which are further illustrated by the classes, subclasses, and species disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that preferred subsets described for each variable herein can be used for any of the structural subsets as well. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply to these compounds unless otherwise indicated. [0021] As described herein, compounds used in the present invention may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents, such as are illustrated generally above, or as exemplified by particular classes, subclasses, and species of the invention. It will be appreciated that the phrase "optionally substituted" is used interchangeably with the phrase "substituted or unsubstituted." In general, the term "substituted", whether preceded by the term "optionally" or not, means that a hydrogen radical of the designated moiety is replaced with the radical of a specified substituent, provided that the substitution results in a stable or chemically feasible compound. The term "substitutable", when used in reference to a designated atom, means that attached to the atom is a hydrogen radical, which hydrogen atom can be replaced with the radical of a suitable substituent. Unless otherwise indicated, an "optionally substituted" group may have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure may be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group, the substituent may be either the same or different at every position. Combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are preferably those that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds.

[0022] A stable compound or chemically feasible compound is one in which the chemical structure is not substantially altered when kept at a temperature from about -80°C to about +40°, in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions, for at least a week, or a compound which maintains its integrity long enough to be useful for therapeutic or prophylactic administration to a patient. In some embodiments, a stable compound or chemically feasible compound is one in which the chemical structure is not substantially altered when kept at a temperature from about -80°C to about +25°. In some embodiments, a stable compound or chemically feasible compound is one in which the chemical structure is not substantially altered when kept at a temperature from about -80°C to about +4°.

[0023] The phrase "one or more substituents", as used herein, refers to a number of substituents that equals from one to the maximum number of substituents possible based on the number of available bonding sites, provided that the above conditions of stability and chemical feasibility are met.

[0024] The term "aliphatic" or "aliphatic group", as used herein, means an optionally substituted straight-chain or branched C _1-12 hydrocarbon which is completely saturated or which contains one or more units of unsaturation. For example, suitable aliphatic groups include optionally substituted linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups. Unless otherwise specified, in various embodiments, aliphatic groups have 1-12, 1-10, 1-8, 1-6, 1-4, 1-3, or 1-2 carbon atoms.

[0025] The term "alkyl", used alone or as part of a larger moiety, refers to a saturated, optionally substituted straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group having 1-12, 1-10, 1-8, 1- 6, 1-4, 1-3, or 1-2 carbon atoms, e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl. i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, neopentyl, 3,3-dimethyipropyl, hexyl, 2-methylpentyl, heptyl, and the like.

[0026] The term "alkenyl", used alone or as part of a larger moiety, refers to an optionally substituted straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group having at least one double bond and having 2-12, 2-10, 2-8, 2-6, 2-4, or 2-3 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkenyl groups include vinyl, prop-l-enyl, prop-2-enyl, allenyl, 2-methylprop-2-enyl, 3-methylbut-2-enyl, butadienyl, and the like.

[0027] The term "alkynyl", used alone or as part of a larger moiety, refers to an optionally substituted straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group having at least one triple bond and having 2-12, 2-10, 2-8, 2-6, 2-4, or 2-3 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkynyl groups include CH ₃ -C≡C-, H-C≡C-CH ₂ -, CH ₃ -C≡C-CH ₂ -, H-C≡C-CH ₂ CH ₂ -, H-C≡C-CH(CH ₃ )CH ₂ -, H-C≡C-CH ₂ -C≡C-CH ₂ -,

[0028] The term "alkylene" refers to a bivalent alkyl group. An "alkylene chain" is a polymethylene group, e.g., -(CH ₂ ) _n -, wherein n is a positive integer, e.g., from 1 to 6, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 3, from 1 to 2, or from 2 to 3. An optionally substituted alkylene chain is a polymethylene group in which one or more methylene hydrogen atoms is optionally replaced with a substituent. Suitable substituents include those described below for a substituted aliphatic group and also include those described in the specification herein. It will be appreciated that two substituents of the alkylene group may be taken together to form a ring system. In certain embodiments, two substituents can be taken together to form a 3-7-membered ring. The substituents can be on the same or different atoms. [0029] The term "alkenylene" refers to a bivalent alkenyl group. A substituted alkenylene chain is a polymethylene group containing at least one double bond in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced with a substituent. Suitable substituents include those described below for a substituted aliphatic group.

[0030] The term "alkynylene" refers to a bivalent alkynyl group. A substituted alkynylene chain is a polymethylene group containing at least one triple bond in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced with a substituent. Suitable substituents include those described below for a substituted aliphatic group.

[0031] The terms "aryl" and "ar-", used alone or as part of a larger moiety, e.g.,

"aralkyl", "aralkoxy", or "aryloxyalkyl", refer to an optionally substituted C ₆ _i ₄ aromatic hydrocarbon moiety comprising one to three aromatic rings. For example, the aryl group is a C6- ₁₀ aryl group (e.g., phenyl and naphthyl). Aryl groups include, without limitation, optionally substituted phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, and phenanthrenyl. The terms "aryl" and "ar-", as used herein, also include groups in which an aryl ring is fused to one or more cycloaliphatic rings to form an optionally substituted cyclic structure (e.g., 2,3-dihydroindenyl; 1,2,3,4- tetrahydroaphetalenyl; 1,2-dihydronaphthalenyl; 2,3-dihydronaphthalenyl; 8,10- dihydroanthracenyl, fluorenyl, and the like.

[0032] The term "heteroalkyl," as used herein, refers to straight, branched and cyclic alkyl groups, as defined herein, which are optionally substituted with one or more functional groups, and that contain one or more oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, or silicon atoms, e.g., in place of carbon atoms. An analogous convention applies to other generic terms such as "heteroalkenyl", "heteroalkynyl", and the like. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms

"heteroalkyl", "heteroalkenyl", "heteroalkynyl", and the like encompass both substituted and unsubstituted groups.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "heterocycle", "heterocyclyl", "heterocyclic radical", and "heterocyclic ring" are used interchangeably and refer to a stable 3- to 8-membered monocyclic or 7-10-membered bicyclic heterocyclic moiety that is either saturated or partially unsaturated, and having, in addition to carbon atoms, one or more, such as one to four, heteroatoms, as defined above. When used in reference to a ring atom of a heterocycle, the term "nitrogen" includes a substituted nitrogen. As an example, in a saturated or partially unsaturated ring having 0-3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen, the nitrogen may be N (as in 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrolyl), H (as in pyrrolidinyl), or R ⁺ (as in N-substituted pyrrolidinyl).

[0034] A heterocyclic ring can be attached to its pendant group at any heteroatom or carbon atom that results in a stable structure and any of the ring atoms can be optionally substituted. Examples of such saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic radicals include, without limitation, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, piperidinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperazinyl, dioxanyl, dioxolanyl, diazepinyl, oxazepinyl, thiazepinyl, morpholinyl, and thiamorpholinyl. A heterocyclyl group may be mono-, bi-, tri-, or poly cyclic, preferably mono-, bi-, or tricyclic, more preferably mono- or bicyclic. The term "heterocyclylalkyl" refers to an alkyl group substituted by a heterocyclyl, wherein the alkyl and heterocyclyl portions independently are optionally substituted. Additionally, a heterocyclic ring also includes groups in which the heterocyclic ring is fused to one or more aryl rings.

[0035] The terms "heteroaryl" and "heteroar-", used alone or as part of a larger moiety, e.g., "heteroaralkyl", or "heteroaralkoxy", refer to groups having 5 to 14 ring atoms, preferably 5, 6, 9, or 10 ring atoms; having 6, 10, or 14 π electrons shared in a cyclic array; and having, in addition to carbon atoms, from one to five heteroatoms. A heteroaryl group may be mono-, bi-, tri-, or polycyclic, for example, mono-, bi-, or tricyclic, (e.g., mono- or bicyclic). The term "heteroatom" refers to nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, and includes any oxidized form of nitrogen or sulfur, and any quaternized form of a basic nitrogen. For example, a nitrogen atom of a heteroaryl may be a basic nitrogen atom and may also be optionally oxidized to the

corresponding N-oxide. When a heteroaryl is substituted by a hydroxy group, it also includes its corresponding tautomer. The terms "heteroaryl" and "heteroar-", as used herein, also include groups in which a heteroaromatic ring is fused to one or more aryl, cycloaliphatic, or

heterocycloaliphatic rings. Nonlimiting examples of heteroaryl groups include thienyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolizinyl, purinyl, naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzothienyl, benzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, carbazolyl, acridinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, and pyrido[2,3-b]-l,4-oxazin- 3(4H)-one. The term "heteroaryl" may be used interchangeably with the terms "heteroaryl ring", "heteroaryl group", or "heteroaromatic", any of which terms include rings that are optionally substituted. The term "heteroaralkyl" refers to an alkyl group substituted by a heteroaryl, wherein the alkyl and heteroaryl portions independently are optionally substituted.

[0036] An aryl (including aralkyl, aralkoxy, aryloxyalkyl and the like) or heteroaryl

(including heteroaralkyl and heteroarylalkoxy and the like) group may contain one or more substituents and thus may be "optionally substituted". In addition to the substituents defined above and herein, suitable substituents on the unsaturated carbon atom of an aryl or heteroaryl group also include and are generally selected from -halo, -N0 ₂ , -CN, -R ⁺ , -C(R ⁺ )=C(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -C≡C-R ⁺ , -OR ⁺ , -SR°, -S(0)R°, -S0 ₂ R°, -S0 ₃ R ⁺ , -S0 ₂ N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , - R ⁺ C(0)R ⁺ , - R ⁺ C(S)R ⁺ , - R ⁺ C(0)N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , - R ⁺ C(S)N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -N(R ⁺ )C(= R ⁺ )-N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -N(R ⁺ )C(= R ⁺ )-R°, - R ⁺ C0 ₂ R ⁺ , - R ⁺ S0 ₂ R°, - R ⁺ S0 ₂ N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -0-C(0)R ⁺ , -0-C0 ₂ R ⁺ , -OC(0)N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -C(0)R ⁺ , -C(S)R°, -C0 ₂ R ⁺ , -C(0)-C(0)R ⁺ , -C(0)N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -C(S)N(R ⁺ ) _2; -C(0)N(R ⁺ )-OR ⁺ , -C(0)N(R ⁺ )C(= R ⁺ )-N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , - N(R ⁺ )C(= R ⁺ )-N(R ⁺ )-C(0)R ⁺ , -C(= R ⁺ )-N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -C(= R ⁺ )-OR ⁺ , -N(R ⁺ )-N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -C(= R ⁺ )-N( R ⁺ )-OR ⁺ , -C(R°)=N-OR ⁺ , -P(0)(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -P(0)(OR ⁺ ) ₂ , -0-P(0)-OR ⁺ , and -P(0)( R ⁺ )-N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , wherein R ⁺ , independently, is hydrogen or an optionally substituted aliphatic, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclyl group, or two independent occurrences of R ⁺ are taken together with their intervening atom(s) to form an optionally substituted 5-7-membered aryl, heteroaryl, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclyl ring. Each R° is an optionally substituted aliphatic, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclyl group.

[0037] An aliphatic or heteroaliphatic group, or a non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring may contain one or more substituents and thus may be "optionally substituted". Unless otherwise defined above and herein, suitable substituents on the saturated carbon of an aliphatic or heteroaliphatic group, or of a non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring are selected from those listed above for the unsaturated carbon of an aryl or heteroaryl group and additionally include the following: =0, =S, =C(R*) ₂ , =N-N(R*) ₂ , =N-OR*, =N- HC(0)R*, =N- HC0 ₂ R° =N- HS0 ₂ R° or =N-R* where R° is defined above, and each R* is independently selected from hydrogen or an optionally substituted Ci _-6 aliphatic group.

[0038] In addition to the substituents defined above and herein, optional substituents on the nitrogen of a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring also include and are generally selected from -R ⁺ , -N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -C(0)R ⁺ , -C(0)OR ⁺ , -C(0)C(0)R ⁺ , -C(0)CH ₂ C(0)R ⁺ , -S(0) ₂ R ⁺ ,

-S(0) ₂ N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -C(S)N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , -C(= H)-N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , or -N(R ⁺ )S(0) ₂ R ⁺ ; wherein each R ⁺ is defined above. A ring nitrogen atom of a heteroaryl or non-aromatic heterocyclic ring also may be oxidized to form the corresponding N-hydroxy or N-oxide compound. A nonlimiting example of such a heteroaryl having an oxidized ring nitrogen atom is N-oxidopyridyl.

[0039] As detailed above, in some embodiments, two independent occurrences of R (or any other variable similarly defined in the specification and claims herein), are taken together with their intervening atom(s) to form a monocyclic or bicyclic ring selected from 3—13- membered cycloaliphatic, 3-12-membered heterocyclyl having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, 6-10-membered aryl, or 5-10-membered heteroaryl having 1-5 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

[0040] Exemplary rings that are formed when two independent occurrences of R ⁺ (or any other variable similarly defined in the specification and claims herein), are taken together with their intervening atom(s) include, but are not limited to the following: a) two independent occurrences of R ⁺ (or any other variable similarly defined in the specification or claims herein) that are bound to the same atom and are taken together with that atom to form a ring, for example, N(R ⁺ ) ₂ , where both occurrences of R ⁺ are taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a piperidin-l-yl, piperazin-l-yl, or morpholin-4-yl group; and b) two independent occurrences of R ⁺ (or any other variable similarly defined in the specification or claims herein) that are bound to different atoms and are taken together with both of those atoms to form a ring, for example

where a phenyl group is substituted with two occurrences of OR , these two occurrences of R ⁺ are taken together with the oxygen atoms to which they are bound to form a

fused 6-membered oxygen containing ring: . It will be appreciated that a variety of other rings (e.g., spiro and bridged rings) can be formed when two independent occurrences of R ⁺ (or any other variable similarly defined in the specification and claims herein) are taken together with their intervening atom(s) and that the examples detailed above are not intended to be limiting. [0041] Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include all isomeric (e.g., enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational)) forms of the structure; for example, the R and S configurations for each asymmetric center, (Z) and (E) double bond isomers, and (Z) and (E) conformational isomers. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational) mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention.

Additionally, unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structures where there is a replacement of hydrogen by deuterium or tritium, or a replacement of a carbon by a ¹³ C- or ¹⁴ C-enriched carbon are within the scope of this invention. Such compounds are useful, as a nonlimiting example, as analytical tools or probes in biological assays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0042] Figure 1 depicts the results of an ELISA studying HER2 binding capability of trastuzumab, HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer), and HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer).

[0043] Figure 2 depicts the results of an ELISA detecting the presence of human anti-β-

1,6-glucan on trastuzumab, HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer) and HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer).

[0044] Figure 3 depicts the mean tumor size results of a study of the efficacy of trastuzumab, HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer), HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer) and Kadcyla® (T-DM1) in a nude mouse model implanted with the trastuzumab-resistant human cell line JIMT-1.

[0045] Figure 4 depicts the median tumor size results of a study of the efficacy of trastuzumab, HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer), HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer) and Kadcyla® (T-DM1) in a nude mouse model implanted with the trastuzumab-resistant human cell line JIMT-1.

[0046] Figure 5 depicts the mean tumor size of tumors in a nude mouse model implanted with the trastuzumab-resistant human cell line JIMT-1 on day 37 after treatment with

trastuzumab and HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer). [0047] Figure 6 depicts the mean tumor size of tumors in a nude mouse model implanted with the trastuzumab-resistant human cell line JIMT-1 on day 51 after treatment with

trastuzumab and HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The present invention encompasses embodiments in which trastuzumab or a related trastuzumab antibody is conjugated to β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. Thus, the present invention includes, among other things, compositions including trastuzumab conjugated to one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. The present invention further includes, among other things, methods of making and/or using these β-Ι,ό-glucan conjugates. In certain embodiments, a β-1,6- glucan conjugate of the present invention is useful as a therapeutic or in a method of therapy.

Trastuzumab and trastuzumab antibodies

[0049] Trastuzumab is an IgGl mouse-human chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets

HER2. Trastuzumab is indicated for the treatment of breast cancer and gastric cancer.

Trastuzumab includes two heavy chains and two light chains. Trastuzumab heavy chain and light chain sequences are known in the art. For instance, a trastuzumab heavy chain or light chain can have a trastuzumab heavy chain sequence or trastuzumab light chain sequence as disclosed in any of (1) sequence varients described in patents (e.g. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,821,337; 7,879,325; 8,937,159; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0275305; EP Patent Publication No. EP2540745A9); and/or (2) the art-recognized IMGT database, sequence (available online at www.imgt.org/3Dstructure-DB/cgi/details. cgi?pdbcode=7637&Part=Chain&Chain=7637H). The contents of all of these are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. Table 1 provides certain trastuzumab sequences that were obtained from these sources.

Table 1: Trastuzumab Sequences

[0050] As used herein, the term "trastuzumab antibody" encompasses trastuzumab and any antibody or antibody fragment that recognizes and specifically binds HER2 and has at least a heavy chain variable domain or light chain variable domain having at least 80% identity (e.g., at least 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identity) to a corresponding sequence of trastuzumab (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 4). In some instances, a trastuzumab antibody includes two such variable domains, three such variable domains, four such variable domains, two such heavy chain variable domains, two such light chain variable domains, and/or two such heavy chain variable domains and two such light chain variable domains. In some instances, a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain or light chain having at least 80% identity (e.g., at least 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%), 98%), 99%), or 100% identity) to a corresponding sequence of trastuzumab (e.g., one or more of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2). In some instances, a trastuzumab antibody includes two such chains, three such chains, four such chains, two such heavy chains, two such light chains, and/or two such heavy chains and two such light chains. Thus, a trastuzumab antibody may be, e.g., an intact antibody, antibody fragment (such as a Fab, Fab', F(ab') ₂ , Fd, or Fv), single chain Fv (scFv), or multispecific antibody such as a bispecific antibody.

[0051] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.

[0052] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. [0053] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain that includes at least one heavy chain variable domain having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.

[0054] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain that includes at least one light chain variable domain having at least 80%>, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4.

[0055] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a

CDR sequence having at least 80%>, at least 85%>, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, or SEQ ID NO: 7. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain including such a CDR sequence. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes two such heavy chains.

[0056] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes

CDR sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to each of SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain including such CDR sequences. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes two such heavy chains.

[0057] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes

CDR sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to each of SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 7. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain including such CDR sequences. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes two such heavy chains.

[0058] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes

CDR sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to each of SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ ID NO: 7. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain including such CDR sequences. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes two such heavy chains.

[0059] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes

CDR sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to each of SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, and SEQ ID NO: 7. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain including such CDR sequences. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes two such heavy chains.

[0060] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a

CDR sequence having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 10. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain including such a CDR sequence. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes two such light chains.

[0061] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a

CDR sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to each of SEQ ID NO: 8 and SEQ ID NO: 9. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain including such CDR sequences. In certain instances a

trastuzumab antibody includes two such light chains.

[0062] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes

CDR sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to each of SEQ ID NO: 8 and SEQ ID NO: 10. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain including such CDR sequences. In certain instances a

trastuzumab antibody includes two such light chains.

[0063] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes

CDR sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to each of SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain including such CDR sequences. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes two such light chains.

[0064] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes

CDR sequences having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% homology or identity to each of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, and SEQ ID NO: 10. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain including such CDR sequences. In certain instances a trastuzumab antibody includes two such light chains.

[0065] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain that includes at least one FW domain having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, or SEQ ID NO: 14.

[0066] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain that includes at least one FW domain having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, or SEQ ID NO: 18.

[0067] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a heavy chain that includes at least one constant or hinge domain having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%), at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of one or more of SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, or SEQ ID NO: 22.

[0068] In various instances of the present invention, a trastuzumab antibody includes a light chain that includes at least one constant domain having at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23.

[0069] Various antibodies or antibody fragments as described herein incorporate one or more amino acid mutations, e.g., one or more amino acid substitutions, in a sequence corresponding to any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-23. In some embodiments the one or more amino acid substitutions may be conservative substitutions as is known in the art. Various heavy chains and light chains described herein can be utilized in the production of an antibody, e.g., a monoclonal antibody including two heavy chains and light chains. β-Ι,ό-Glucan Oligomers

[0070] A β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer of the present invention can be derived from or synthesized from any source and/or by any procedure, e.g., any source and/or by any procedure known in the art.

[0071] In some embodiments, the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is derived from a lichen, which in one embodiment is from the genus Umbilicariaceae (e.g., from U. pustulata and U. hirsute, U. angulata, U. caroliniana, or U. polyphylla). In some embodiments, the β-Ι,ό-glucan is derived from a fungus, which in one embodiment is from the genus Candida (e.g., from C. albicans). Other organisms from which the glucan may be derived include Coccidioides immitis,

Trichophyton verrucosum, Blastomyces dermatidis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Botryosphaeria rhodina, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and Pythiumn insidiosum. Pure β-glucans are commercially available, e.g., pustulan is a β-Ι,ό-glucan purified from Umbilicaria papullosa which is available from Calbiochem and Elicityl. β-glucans can also be purified from fungal cell walls in various ways, for example, as described in Tokunaka et al., Carbohydr. Res. 316: 161-172, 1999, and the product may be enriched for β-Ι,ό-glucan moieties by methods as are known in the art. In some embodiments, a β-Ι,ό-glucan may be isolated from an organism and then chemically or enzymatically altered, for example, to increase solubility. Indeed, full-length native glucans are insoluble and have a molecular weight in the megadalton range. In some embodiments, this invention uses soluble β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. In some embodiments, solubilization may be achieved by fragmenting long insoluble glucans. This may be achieved by, for example, hydrolysis or, in some embodiments, by digestion with a glucanase (e.g., with a β-1,3 glucanase or limited digestion with a β-1,6 glucanase).

[0072] In some embodiments, the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is chemically synthesized, as is known in the art. In an example embodiment, the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is synthesized from glucose monomers, gentiobiose dimers, or amygdalin joined via glycolysation reactions. The length of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is controlled by selecting the number of "building blocks" to use. In an example embodiment, three different "building blocks" can be selected, from:

Building Block 3 Building Block 4

[0073] In an example embodiment, the glucose monomers or building blocks are joined via Schmidt reaction conditions. Exemplary Schmidt reaction conditions include, but are not limited to, converting a free hydroxyl group of the glucan monomer to its respective trichloroacetimidate and subsequent reaction with the free hydroxyl group of another glucose monomer or oligosaccharide in the presence of BF ₃ ^» OEt ₂ or TMSOTf.

[0074] In another example embodiment, the free hydroxyl groups of the glucose monomer are selectively protected. In another example embodiment, the free hydroxyl groups are protected by reaction with benzoyl chloride or thexyl dimethyl silyl chloride.

[0075] In another aspect, the present invention encompasses certain intermediate compounds which are represented by structural Formula V and that can be used in the chemical synthesis of certain β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers or oligomer precursors:

wherein

R ¹ is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group;

R ² is hydrogen or a hydroxyl protecting group;

R ³ is hydrogen, a hydroxyl protecting group,

a ² is between 0 and 8.

[0076] Hydroxyl protecting groups are well known in the art and include those described in detail in Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, 3 ^rd edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1999, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of suitably hydroxyl protecting groups further include, but are not limited to, esters, carbonates, sulfonates allyl ethers, ethers, silyl ethers, alkyl ethers, arylalkyl ethers, and alkoxyalkyl ethers. Examples of suitable esters include formates, acetates, proprionates, pentanoates, crotonates, and benzoates. Specific examples of suitable esters include formate, benzoyl formate, chloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, methoxyacetate, triphenylmethoxyacetate, p- chlorophenoxyacetate, 3-phenylpropionate, 4-oxopentanoate, 4,4-(ethylenedithio)pentanoate, pivaloate (trimethylacetate), crotonate, 4-methoxy-crotonate, benzoate, p-benylbenzoate, 2,4,6- trimethylbenzoate. Examples of suitable carbonates include 9-fluorenylmethyl, ethyl, 2,2,2- trichloroethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl, 2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethyl, vinyl, allyl, and p-nitrobenzyl carbonate. Examples of suitable silyl ethers include trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl,

t-butyldimethylsilyl, t-butyldiphenylsilyl, triisopropyl silyl ether, dimethylthexyl silyl, and other trialkylsilyl ethers. Examples of suitable alkyl ethers include methyl, benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, trityl, t-butyl, and allyl ether, or derivatives thereof. Alkoxyalkyl ethers include acetals such as methoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, (2-methoxyethoxy)methyl, benzyloxymethyl, beta-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl, and tetrahydropyran-2-yl ether. Examples of suitable arylalkyl ethers include benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl (MPM), 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl, O- nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-halobenzyl, 2,6-dichlorobenzyl, p-cyanobenzyl, 2- and 4-picolyl ethers. It is to be understood that any chemical terms used herein are intended to have their ordinary meaning as commonly used in the chemical arts.

[0077] Accordingly, in an example embodiment, R ¹ is hydrogen. In another

embodiment, R ¹ is a hydroxyl protecting group. In another embodiment, R ¹ is a hydroxyl protecting group, and the hydroxyl protecting group is dimethylthexyl silyl ("ThexDMS"). In another embodiment, R ¹ is a hydroxyl protecting group, and the hydroxyl protecting group is benzoyl formate ("Bz").In another embodiment, R ² is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R ² is a hydroxyl protecting group. In another embodiment, R ² is a hydroxyl protecting group, and the hydroxyl protecting group is benzoyl formate.

[0078] In another embodiment, R ³ is hydrogen. In another embodiment, R ³ is ¾T ^\ z^ ³

NH

In another embodiment, R is ³ . In another embodiment, R is a hydroxyl protecting group. In another embodiment, R ³ is a hydroxyl protecting group, and the hydroxyl protecting group is benzoyl formate. In another embodiment, R ³ is a hydroxyl protecting group, and the hydroxyl protecting group is allyl ether.

[0079] In another embodiment a ² is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.

[0080] As used herein, -~>~ appearing on a structure and joining a functional group to the structure in the position of a bond generally indicates a mixture of, or either of, the possible isomers, e.g., containing (R)- and (S)- stereochemistry. For example,

means containing either, or both of:

[0081] As used herein, appearing across a bond indicates a point of attachment between two atoms. For example,

means that the glucose ring above is bound to an undepicted structure on which it is a substituent.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, a β-1-6 glucan oligomer of the present invention includes a low molecular weight β-1-6 glucan oligomer, e.g., a β-1-6 glucan oligomer containing 10 or fewer (e.g., 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2) glucose monomer units. In some embodiments, a composition of the present invention comprises β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers which comprise, consist essentially of or consist of low molecular weight β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, e.g., β-1-6 glucan oligomers containing 10 or fewer (e.g., 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2) glucose monomer units. In certain embodiments, at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers contained in a composition of the invention by weight is low molecular weight β-1,6- glucan oligomers, e.g., β-1-6 glucan oligomers containing 10 or fewer (e.g., 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2) glucose monomer units. In certain embodiments, "weight" refers to "dry weight".

[0083] In certain embodiments, at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99% or 100% of the glucan contained in a composition of the invention by weight is β-1,6 glucan. In certain embodiments, "weight" refers to "dry weight". In certain embodiments, less than 20%, 10%, 5%), 2% or 1%) of the glucan contained in a composition of the invention by weight is β-1,3 glucan. In certain embodiments, "weight" refers to "dry weight".

Conjugates

[0084] Trastuzumab, or any trastuzumab antibody disclosed herein, may be conjugated to one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. The present application relates, among other things, to the length of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers to be conjugated to trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody, the load of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers to be conjugated to trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., the number of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers to be conjugated to each antibody), and to the type of conjugation by which β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are linked with trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody. In some embodiments, the trastuzumab, or any trastuzumab antibody disclosed herein may be conjugated to one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers via a linker. Glucan length

[0085] In some embodiments, a conjugate of the present invention includes a β-1,6- glucan oligomer which is comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 glucose monomer units). In particular embodiments, a conjugate of the present invention includes a β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer which is comprised of between 3 to 10, 3 to 9, 3 to 8, 3 to 7, 3 to 6, 3 to 5, 3 to 4, 4 to 10, 4 to 9, 4 to 8, 4 to 7, 4 to 6, 4 to 5, 4 to 8, 5 to 8, 5 to 7, 5 to 6, 6 to 7, or 7 to 8 glucose monomer units.

[0086] In some embodiments, a conjugate of the present invention includes a β-1,6- glucan oligomer covalently linked to trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody via a linker L as shown in Formula I:

I

wherein a is between 1 and 9, 1 and 8, 1 and 7, 1 and 6, 1 and 5, 1 and 4 or 1 and 3, L is a linker, and " " represents a point of attachment between two atoms (e.g., an atom of the linker and an atom of trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody).

[0087] In some embodiments, the linker L can be a ring-opened glucose monomer as shown in Formula la:

wherein a ¹ is between 1 and 9, 1 and 8, 1 and 7, 1 and 6, 1 and 5, 1 and 4 or 1 and 3, and represents a point of attachment between two atoms. [0088] In some embodiments, the term "conjugate" and grammatical forms thereof refers to any association between the indicated molecules. In some embodiments, the conjugation is covalent. In other embodiments, the conjugation is non-covalent. In some embodiments, the conjugation is direct. In other embodiments, the conjugation is via a linker molecule. In some embodiments the conjugation will be via any means known in the art and as described herein. For example, the conjugation may be via amide formation, urethane, imine or disulfide linkage between the respective molecules, or between a linker moiety with the respective molecules. It is to be understood that there is no limitation with respect to the chemical backbone of the linker molecules. In some embodiments, the chemical backbone may be biocompatible, non- immunogenic and/or water soluble. In some embodiments, the linker may comprise poly ethylene glycol (PEG), further comprising active chemical groups which facilitate linkage as herein described.

[0089] In some embodiments, the linker L is alkyl, alkylenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroalkyl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl, optionally substituted with alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, -N ₃ (azidyl), -C(0)H, -C(0)OH, -C(0)-alkyl, -C(0)-aryl. In some embodiments, the linker L is polyester, polyimine, poly-acid, protein, or peptides. In other embodiments, the linker molecule comprises an alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, or

heteroalkynylene moiety.

[0090] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula:

L

wherein a is defined above, R ¹ is H, alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; and R ² is alkyl optionally substituted with azidyl, alkyl optionally substituted with R ³ , -C(0)-alkyl, -C(0)-aryl. -C(0)0- alkyl, -C(0)0-aryl, or heteroaryl; R ³ is heteroaryl, optionally substituted with alkyl-C(0)H, aryl- C(0)H, alkyl-C(0)OH, or aryl-C(0)OH. In some embodiments, the conjugates can comprise the following structural

L

wherein a and R ¹ are defined above.

[0092] In some embodiments, the conjugates can comprise the following structural formula:

wherein a is defined above, R ⁴ is alkyl optionally substituted with R ⁵ , -C(0)-alkyl, -C(0)-aryl. - C(0)0-alkyl, -C(0)0-aryl; R ⁵ is heteroaryl, optionally substituted with alkyl-C(0)H, aryl- C(0)H, alkyl-C(0)OH, or aryl-C(0)OH.

[0093] In some embodiments, the conjugates can comprise the following structural formula:

wherein a is defined above.

[0094] In some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula: R1 .azidoalkyl

HO,

wherein a and R ¹ are defined above.

[0095] In some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula:

alkyl, carboxy aryl, or carboxy heteroaryl

wherein a and R ¹ are defined above.

[0096] In some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula:

wherein a and R ¹ are defined above.

[0097] In some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula: wherein a is defined above.

[0098] In some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula:

acid, Heteroaryl

wherein a is defined above.

[0099] In some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula:

wherein a is defined above.

[0100] In some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula:

wherein a is defined above.

[0101] In some embodiments, the conjugates are formed from or derived from the following structural formula:

wherein a is defined above.

[0102] When a conjugate includes several β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers or when discussing a composition that includes a population of conjugates, it is to be understood that the

aforementioned values and ranges may refer to the actual or average number of glucose monomer units that are present in the conjugated β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. The length of the β-1,6- glucan oligomers (defined based on the number of glucose monomer units) may be a whole number, e.g., when referring to a single β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer or a population of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers each having the same length. The length of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers may also be a whole number when referring to the length of a population of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers wherein the whole number length is representative of the actual length of at least 90% of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers in the population (e.g., at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers in the population). The length of the β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers may be presented as a fraction when a population includes a mixture of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers having two or more different lengths. The fraction may be indicative of a hypothetical, expected, approximate, or measured average length of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers in the population. Accordingly, a length expressed as being between two whole numbers encompasses any intervening fraction of a whole number.

[0103] Various methods of determining the number of monomeric glucose units in a β-

1,6-glucan oligomer are known in the art. In various instances, the number of monomeric glucose units in a β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is provided or determined prior to conjugation with trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody. For instance, in some instances, a β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer or β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer precursor is synthesized to have a particular known length. Example 7 describes synthesis of gentiopentose. Example 8 describes synthesis of 2- azidoethylgentiotetrose. Example 9 describes synthesis of 2-azidoethylgentiohexose. It will be appreciated that β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers and other β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer precursors having different lengths can be made in accordance with known synthetic methods (e.g., those described herein) using these and other building blocks that are described herein. In certain instances, β- 1,6-glucan oligomers having a particular number (or range) of monomeric glucose units are isolated from a population of oligomers, e.g., a population of oligomers derived from pustulan, e.g., by breakdown or modification of pustulan. In various instances a population of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers each having a particular number of monomeric glucose units is provided and the number of monomeric glucose units per oligomer is determined by chromatography (e.g., size exclusion chromatograph) and/or mass spectrometry (e.g., MALDI). In various instances, a population of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers including oligomers having various numbers of monomeric glucose units is provided and the number of monomeric glucose units per oligomer is determined by chromatography (e.g., size exclusion chromatograph) and/or mass spectrometry (e.g., MALDI). In various instances, one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers having a particular number of monomeric glucose units are selected or isolated. In various instances, the number of monomeric glucose units in a β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is provided or determined after conjugation with trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody for example by mass spectrometry (e.g., MALDI).

Glucan load

[0104] In some embodiments, a trastuzumab or trastuzumab antibody molecule present in a conjugate of the present invention may be conjugated to one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. In certain embodiments, it is conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers (e.g., between 1 and 5, 1 and 4 or 1 and 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers). In certain embodiments, it is conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. In certain embodiments, it is conjugated to 2 or 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. In certain

embodiments, it is conjugated to 3 or 4 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. In certain embodiments, it is conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. It is to be understood that when two or more β-1,6- glucan oligomers are conjugated to the same trastuzumab or trastuzumab antibody molecule, the two or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers may have the same or different lengths. In some

embodiments, the two or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers have the same length.

[0105] As used herein, the term "glucan load" or the variable "b" in Formula II or

Formula Ila refers to the actual or average number of individual β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers that are conjugated to each trastuzumab or trastuzumab antibody molecule. A glucan load may be a whole number, e.g., when referring to the load of a single conjugate or a population of conjugates each having the same load. A glucan load may also be a whole number when referring to the load of a population of conjugates wherein the whole number load is

representative of the actual load found on at least 90% of conjugates in the population (e.g., at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of molecules in the population). A glucan load may be presented as a fraction when a population includes a mixture of conjugates having two or more different loads. The fraction may be indicative of a hypothetical, expected, approximate, or measured average load of conjugates in the population. Accordingly, a glucan load expressed as being between two whole numbers encompasses any intervening fraction of a whole number.

[0106] Various methods of determining load of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are known in the art. In various instances, a conjugate is synthesized to have a particular load. In various instances a conjugate or population of conjugates each having a particular load is provided and the load is determined by chromatography (e.g., size exclusion chromatograph) and/or mass spectrometry (e.g., MALDI) and/or SDS-PAGE. In various instances, a population of conjugates having various loads is provided and load is determined by chromatography (e.g., size exclusion chromatograph) and/or mass spectrometry (e.g., MALDI) and/or SDS-PAGE. In various instances, conjugates having a particular load are selected or isolated.

Conjugation [0107] In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the aforementioned β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are conjugated as described herein to trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody. In particular embodiments, one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are conjugated via a linker. In some embodiments, the one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers are each independently conjugated to trastuzumab or a trastuzumab antibody, e.g., via a lysine residue.

[0108] In some embodiments, a conjugate of the present invention is of the Formula II:

II

wherein:

Lys is a lysine residue;

b is between 1 and 6, 1 and 5, 1 and 4 or 1 and 3; and is a compound of Formula I or Formula la.

[0109] Formula II is intended to be a schematic illustration of the conjugation of a compound of Formula I or Formula la to a trastuzumab antibody. Accordingly, when b is 1, and is a compound of Formula la, the conjugate of Formula II can be drawn as:

wherein "Lys" illustrates the aliphatic chain and terminal amine portion of the lysine residue.

[0110] Additionally, the structures above are intended to illustrate that multiple instances of the compound of Formula I or Formula la can be part of a conjugate. For example, when b is 2 in Formula II above, the conjugate is represented by the following schematic:

and when b is 3 in Formula II above, the conjugate is represented by the following schematic:

Exemplary Conjugates

[0111] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 3 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units; or • a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 10 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 8 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 3 and 7 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 5 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 7 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 8 glucose monomer units.

[0112] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features: • a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 6 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 2 and 6 glucose monomer units.

[0113] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 8 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 8 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 8 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 8 glucose monomer units; or • a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 8 glucose monomer units.

[0114] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4 and 6 glucose monomer units.

[0115] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4.5 and 5.5 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4.5 and 6.5 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4.5 and 5.5 glucose monomer units; • a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4.5 and 5.5 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of between 4.5 and 5.5 glucose monomer units.

[0116] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 8 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 8 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 8 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 8 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 8 glucose monomer units.

[0117] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 7 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 7glucose monomer units; • a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 7 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 7 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 7 glucose monomer units.

[0118] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 6 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 6 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 6 glucose monomer units.

[0119] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 5 glucose monomer units; • a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 5 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 5 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2.5 and 3.5 β- 1,6-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 5 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 5 glucose monomer units.

[0120] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 4 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 5 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units; or • a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 3 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 4 glucose monomer units.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 3 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 3 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 4 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 3 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 5 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 3 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 3 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 3 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 3 glucose monomer units.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may have

(or a composition may comprise conjugates having) the following features:

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 2 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 1 and 5 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 2 glucose monomer units; • a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 4 and 6 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 2 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to 5 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 2 glucose monomer units;

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 4 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 2 glucose monomer units; or

• a trastuzumab antibody (e.g., trastuzumab) conjugated to between 2 and 3 β-1,6- glucan oligomers, wherein each β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomer is independently comprised of 2 glucose monomer units.

[0123] In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a conjugate may be represented by Formula Ila:

wherein a ¹ is between 1 and 9; and b is between 1 and 6. In other embodiments a ¹ is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9. In other embodiments, b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is between 1 and 9, and b is between 2 and 4.

[0124] In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is between 1 and 9, and b is 3.

[0125] In another embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is between 1 and 3, and b is between 1 and 6. In other embodiments, a is 1, 2, or 3. In other embodiments, b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is between 1 and 3, and b is between 2 and 4. [0126] In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is between 1 and 3, and b is 3.

[0127] In another embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is between 2 and 4, and b is between 1 and 6. In other embodiments, a ¹ is 2, 3, or 4. In other embodiments, b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is between 2 and 4, and b is between 2 and 4.

[0128] In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is between 2 and 4, and b is 3.

[0129] In another embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is

3, and b is between 1 and 6. In other embodiments, b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 3 , and b is between 2 and

4. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is

3, and b is 3.

[0130] In another embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is

4, and b is between 1 and 6. In other embodiments, b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 4, and b is between 2 and 4 or between 4 and 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 4, and b is 3. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 4, and b is 5.

[0131] In another embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is

5, and b is between 1 and 6. In other embodiments, b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 5, and b is between 2 and 4 or between 4 and 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 5 , and b is 3. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 5, and b is 5.

[0132] In another embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is

6, and b is between 1 and 6. In other embodiments, b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 6, and b is between 2 and 4 or between 4 and 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 6, and b is 3. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 6, and b is 5. [0133] In another embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is

7, and b is between 1 and 6. In other embodiments, b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 7, and b is between 2 and 4 or between 4 and 6. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 7, and b is 3. In another exemplary embodiment, the conjugate is represented by Formula Ila, wherein a ¹ is 7, and b is 5.

Conjugate properties

[0134] In any of the various embodiments described herein, a trastuzumab antibody conjugate of the present invention may be capable of binding HER2, e.g., HER2 amplified and/or overexpressed by a cancer or tumor cell. In some embodiments, a trastuzumab antibody conjugate of the present invention competes with trastuzumab for binding with HER2. In some embodiments, conjugation enhances complement (C3) deposition. C3 deposition can be assayed by any known method, including Western analysis or FACS analysis using monoclonal antibodies directed against the alpha or beta chains of C3. In some embodiments, conjugation enhances binding by anti-P-l,6-glucan antibodies. Binding by anti-P-l,6-glucan antibodies can be assayed by any known method, including ELISA analysis using anti-human IgG2 antibodies. In these various embodiments, the enhancement as compared to an unconjugated counterpart may be at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 100%, or more.

Uses and administration

[0135] The following uses, and methods apply to any conjugate described herein. A trastuzumab antibody conjugate of the present invention may be used, e.g., in the treatment of cancer, e.g., a cancer associated with amplification and/or overexpression of HER2. A conjugate of the present invention may be used, e.g., in the treatment of cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is ovarian cancer. In some

embodiments, the cancer is bladder cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is salivary gland cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is endometrial cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is pancreatic cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is prostate cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

[0136] In some embodiments, the cancer is metastatic. In various embodiments, a cancer or tumor treated by administration of a conjugate described herein is a recurrent or treatment- resistant cancer or tumor (e.g., a cancer or tumor resistant to treatment by unconjugated trastuzumab or Kadcyla®). Such treatment may be, e.g., in a subject having, suspected of having, or diagnosed as having such cancer. In various embodiments, a conjugate described herein, upon administration to a subject having, suspected of having, or diagnosed as having a cancer or tumor, is cytostatic, cytotoxic, or slows, delays, or inhibits growth of the cancer or tumor. In various embodiments, a conjugate described herein, upon administration to a subject having, suspected of having, or diagnosed as having a cancer or tumor, increases the length or likelihood survival of the subject. In various embodiments, a conjugate described herein, upon administration to a subject having, suspected of having, or diagnosed as having a cancer or tumor, induces regression or stasis of a cancer or tumor. In various embodiments, a conjugate described herein, upon administration to a subject having, suspected of having, or diagnosed as having a cancer or tumor, induces an immune response that is effective in inhibiting recurrence of a cancer or tumor. In various embodiments, a conjugate described herein recruits neutrophils, e.g., to a targeted cancer or tumor. In various embodiments, a conjugate described herein causes or promotes neutrophil infiltration, e.g., of a targeted cancer or tumor. In various embodiments, administration of a conjugate described herein to a subject having, suspected of having, or diagnosed as having a cancer or tumor does not elicit an adverse effect, e.g., a cytokine storm or sepsis.

[0137] In some embodiments, a conjugate of the present invention produces an enhanced therapeutic response in a subject with a tumor as compared to its unconjugated counterpart (e.g., trastuzumab or trastuzumab antibody). For example, and in some embodiments, conjugation enhances phagocytosis and/or cytotoxic responses to tumor cells, or in some embodiments, enhances complement-mediated lysis of the tumor cells. In some embodiments, these responses are mediated by neutrophils and/or macrophages. Phagocytosis and/or lysis can be assessed by any known method, including time-lapse microscopy or Fluorescence- Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). In these various embodiments, the enhancement as compared to an unconjugated counterpart may be at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 100%, or more.

[0138] In various embodiments, conjugates described herein can be incorporated into a pharmaceutical composition. Such a pharmaceutical composition can be useful, e.g., for the treatment of a cancer or tumor, e.g., a cancer or tumor described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be formulated by methods known to those skilled in the art (e.g., as described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 22nd edition, ed. Lloyd Allen, Pharmaceutical Press and Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at University of the Sciences, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0139] A pharmaceutical composition can include a therapeutically effective amount of a conjugate described herein. Such effective amounts can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art based, in part, on the effect of the administered composition, or the combinatorial effect of the conjugate and one or more additional active agents, if more than one agent is used. A therapeutically effective amount of a conjugate described herein can also vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual, and the ability of the composition (and one or more additional active agents) to elicit a desired response in the individual, e.g., amelioration of at least one condition parameter, e.g., amelioration of at least one symptom of the disease or disorder. Other factors affecting the dose administered to the subject include, e.g., the type or severity of the disease or disorder. Other factors can include, e.g., other medical disorders concurrently or previously affecting the subject, the general health of the subject, the genetic disposition of the subject, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, etc. Suitable human doses of any of the compositions described herein can further be evaluated in, e.g., Phase I dose escalation studies.

[0140] The route of administration can be parenteral, for example, administration by injection. A pharmaceutical composition can be administered parenterally in the form of an injectable formulation comprising a sterile solution or suspension in water or another

pharmaceutically acceptable liquid. For example, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated by suitably combining the therapeutic molecule with pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles or media, such as sterile water and physiological saline, and other suitable excipients followed by mixing in a unit dose form required for generally accepted pharmaceutical practices. The amount of conjugate included in the pharmaceutical compositions is such that a suitable dose within the designated range is provided. The formulated injection can be packaged in a suitable ampule.

EXAMPLES

[0141] The examples described herein demonstrate, among other things, the purification of glucans from pustulan for use in making various HER2-mAbXcite-conjugates, (trastuzumab linked to one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers), the production and characterization of various HER2-mAbXcite-conjugates, methods of making synthetic β-Ι,ό-glucans, and suitable linking chemistries for conjugating trastuzumab to one or more β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers. Described herein are studies relating to the effect of conjugation with β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers of different length, e.g., from 4 to 6 glucose monomer units with about 3 β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers per trastuzumab molecule. Binding of trastuzumab to HER2 when conjugated to β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers was tested and found to be similar to unconjugated trastuzumab. Among results described in the present Examples, include successful preclinical results in trastuzumab-resistant tumor xenograft mouse models treated with HER2-mAbXcite-conjugates.

[0142] In certain of the present Examples, mice were selected as a useful model for testing β-Ι,ό-glucan conjugates, as these mammals have only low titers of endogenous anti-β- 1,6-glucan. Levels of anti^-l,6-glucan antibodies could therefore be controlled via

administration of IVIG.

[0143] As used in the following Examples, the glucans are sometimes referred to as "#- mers" wherein "#" is the number of glucose monomer units that were present prior to

conjugation with trastuzumab. For example, a glucan including five glucose monomer units prior to conjugation may be identified as a "5-mer" or "5mer", a glucan including six glucose monomer units prior to conjugation may be identified as a "6-mer" or "6mer", a glucan including seven glucose monomer units prior to conjugation may be identified as a "7-mer" or "7mer", and so forth without limitation. When glucans are conjugated via reductive amination (direct conjugation) one of the glucose monomer units is ring-opened to form a "linker" between the remaining glucose monomer units and trastuzumab. Accordingly, references to conjugates that were prepared by direct conjugation using, e.g., a "3-mer" would include the following structure:

[0144] Although exemplary embodiments are described in detail in these Examples, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Example 1: Purification of oligomers from pustulan

Degradation of pustulan

[0145] Pustulan (Elicityl-Oligotech) was suspended in concentrated hydrochloric acid at

100 mg/ml. The resulting slurry was stirred vigorously at room temperature for 1.25h, during which time the mixture's viscosity was noticeably reduced. The fine black slurry was then transferred to a beaker containing seven volumes of n-propanol, which led to the precipitation of a tan solid. After vigorous stirring for 15 min, the mixture was transferred to several tubes to separate the insoluble solids from the liquid by centrifugation (3600 x g, 5 min). The supernatant was decanted leaving behind a light brown pellet. The pellets were successively washed with ethanol and n-propanol to remove traces of the lower order sugars (mono- and di-saccharides). Water was added to each tube and the subsequent mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Centrifugation (3600 x g, 15 min) of these stirred mixtures yielded dark brown pellets and clear, lightly colored supernatant. The supernatants were pooled, frozen and lypholized yielding a ladder of β-Ι,ό-glucans as a tan powder with a 15% by mass recovery based on starting pustulan. The resulting size of oligosaccharides ranged from 3mer to >14mer with the higher oligosaccharides (>14) present by LC but outside the detection limit of the MS, as determined by LC-MS analysis of the mixture via XBridge BEH HILIC Amide OBD Prep Column (XBridge BEH Amide HILIC OBD Prep Column, 13θΑ, 5 μιη, 19 mm X 250 mm and XBridge BEH Amide HILIC analytical column, 3.5 μπι, 3 mm x 100 mm acquired from Waters, pre-washed as described by the manufacturer prior to use; 95-40% acetonitrile/water w/ 0.1% formic acid, 50C, 0.75mL/min for 15min). In addition, the bulk of material consisted of 3mer to 8mer, as determined by ELSD analysis.

Bulk size fractionation of the oligosaccharide ladder by P2

[0146] XK50 columns (P2 extra fine resin acquired from Biorad, prepared as described by the manufacturer, utilized to pack two XK50 100 cm long columns) were connected in parallel to an Agilent 1100 isocratic pump. An external pressure gauge was installed downstream of the pump to monitor the column pressure. All separations were carried out utilizing 0.1 M acetic acid with a flow rate of 3.5 ml/min. The oligosaccharide ladder was dissolved in water to a total volume of up to 12 mL and was injected onto the column via a manually injector possessing a 13 ml loop. The separation occurred over an approximately 500 minute period with the first 240 minutes diverted to waste. The remaining flow was collected as 6mL fractions totaling 288 fractions. Fractions were analyzed by MALDI/TOF and fractions containing β-Ι,ό-glucan of distinct sizes were pooled together, frozen and lypholized.

Final purification of oligosaccharides via HILIC and C18/C18AQ chromatography

[0147] The dried samples from the P2 purification were dissolved in minimal amount of water and further separated on a XBridge BEH Amide HILIC OBD Prep Column (XBridge BEH Amide HILIC OBD Prep Column, 13θΑ, 5 μιη, 19 mm X 250 mm and XBridge BEH Amide HILIC analytical column, 3.5 μπι, 3 mm x 100 mm acquired from Waters, pre-washed as described by the manufacturer prior to use; 13θΑ, 5 μπι, 19 mm X 250 mm, 95-40%

acetonitrile/water w/ 0.1% formic acid, 25mL/min for 30min). The purified fractions containing oligosaccharides of distinct sizes as determined by LC/MS were frozen and lypholized. After drying to completion, the oligosaccharides were redissolved in minimal water containing 0.1% formic acid and passed through a CI 8 AQ and a CI 8 column (CI 8 and C18AQ cartridges acquired from Teledyne ISCO and pre-washed as recommended by the manufacturer prior to use; 10X wt/wt bed size) linked in sequence and the product was eluted with water with 0.1% formic acid (10 column volumes). The flow through was frozen and lypholized to a white powder.

Example 2: Conjugation of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers to trastuzumab Conjugation of β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers to trastuzumab via reductive amination

[0148] β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers obtained from pustulan as described in Example 1 were conjugated to trastuzumab via reductive amination. The β-Ι,ό-glucan oligomers were of Formula V:

V wherein a is between 3 and 5. Trastuzumab was buffer exchanged from storage solution into 0.2 M Na-Borate, pH 8.0 by TFF (50 kDa membrane) and making the concentration of Trastuzumab (10-20 mg/ml). The P-l,6-oligomers were prepared as a 0.1M solution in endotoxin-free water. To a solution of 0.3 M sodium cyanoborohydride in endotoxin-free water, and 10:90 PEG 2000:endotoxin-free water was added 0.1M sodium borate until the pH was about 8.0.

Trastuzumab was added until the concentration of trastuzumab was 5mg/mL. A 230x molar excess of the P-l,6-oligomer solution was added at 21 °C and the reaction was allowed to stir for 23 hours. The conjugation was stopped by adding a 100-fold molar ratio of lysine to

oligosaccharide. Reaction quench solution was 1 M lysine in 0.1 M Na-Borate, pH 8.0.

[0149] Following conjugation, the reaction mixture was diluted 1 to 10 into 46.7%

Trehalose dehydrate, 0.74% L-Histidine, and 1.15% L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate with a 50 kDa TFF membrane. Final trastuzumab- oligosaccharide conjugate was adjusted to 1 mg/ml. Storage buffer was 46.7% Trehalose dehydrate, 0.74% L-Histidine, 1.15% L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, and 0.01% Polysorbate 20 at 4°C. Unconjugated oligosaccharide was <0.1%) of the concentration of oligosacchande-trastuzumab conjugate. PEG of average MW 2000 was <0.1% of the concentration of oligosaccharide-trastuzumab conjugate.

[0150] Methods of Analysis:

a) SEC separation a. Unmodified Trastuzumab

b. Oligosaccharide-Trastuzumab conjugate

c. SEC separation utilizes a TSKgel SuperSW3000, 4mm, 25θΑ silica, 4.6mm ID x 30cm using as a mobile phase 0.4M NaClO ₄ , 0.05M NaH ₂ PO ₄ , pH 7.2 utilizing UV detection @ λ = 280 nm

b) Load estimation by MALDI (AB Sciex MALDI/Q-TOF 4800 or comparable instrument).

Note: HIC is not able to resolve individual loads due to hydrophilicity of oligosaccharides a. Utilize BSA (MW 66341) as the calibration standard (AB Sciex) in linear high mass positive mode

b. Utilize sinapinic acid (Sigma) as matrix

c. Use native Trastuzumab as control

d. Estimate load by subtracting average m/z of Trastuzumab conjugate from that of

unmodified Trastuzumab and divide by mass of a unit load to determine load of conjugate. Data has an average standard deviation of 0.2-0.3 load units

c) Measure m/z of oligosaccharides by MALDI (AB Sciex 4800 or comparable instrument) using HABA (Sigma) as matrix.

d) Measure m/z of oligosaccharides by LC-MS using XB ridge 3 mm x 10 cm, 3.5 μπι particle size (Waters) using as mobile phase A: Water/0.1% Formic acid, B: 100% Acetonitrile/0.1% Formic acid. We use a ZQ (Waters) for mass spectrometry.

Example 3: Binding Efficacy by ELISA

[0151] This example describes a study of the ability of HER2-mAbXcite conjugates, prepared as described in Example 2, to bind HER2. The wells of an ELISA plate were coated with HER2 antigen. PBS control, trastuzumab, HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer), and HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer) were added to wells and incubated. The wells were washed and labeled anti-human IgG antibodies were added to the wells. After incubation, the wells were washed, a detection reagent applied, and the plate read. As shown in Figure 1, the PBS control was negative for signal, and binding of trastuzumab, HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer), and HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer) was detected. Example 4: Detection of mAbXcite by ELISA

[0152] This example describes a selective ELISA for detection of HER2-mAbXcite conjugates, prepared as described in Example 2. The wells of an ELISA plate were coated with HER2 antigen. PBS control, trastuzumab, HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer), and HER2-mAbXcite (6- mer) were added to wells and incubated. The wells were washed and human anti-P-l,6-glucan polyclonal antibodies were added to the wells. After incubation, the wells were washed and labeled anti-human IgG2 antibodies were added to the wells. After incubation, the wells were washed, a detection reagent applied, and the plate read. As shown in Figure 2, the PBS control and trastuzumab were negative for signal, and HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer), and HER2 -mAbXcite (6-mer) were detected.

Example 5: Efficacy study of HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer) and (6-mer) in nude mice

[0153] In this Example, the efficacy of HER2 -mAbXcite conjugates, prepared as described in Example 2, was studied in a nude mouse model implanted with the trastuzumab- resistant human cell line JIMT-1. The study was of HER2-mAbXcite in which the conjugation utilized reductive amination (direct) chemistry, a 5-mer or 6-mer oligomer, with a load of about 3 oligomers per antibody.

[0154] In this Example, 7 week old female nude mice were implanted with 2.5xl0 ⁶

JIMT-1 cells. Once tumors reached a size of 150-182 mm ³ , mice were randomly assigned into five study treatment groups, such that the mean tumor volume for each group was about 160 mm ³ . Prior to each antibody administration, all mice received about 500 mg/kg (0.1 mL) intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pooled human antibodies (IVIG). Two hours post-IVIG administration, each group was administered one of the following treatments via an IP injection: PBS control; 15 mg/kg trastuzumab; 15 mg/kg HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer); 15 mg/kg HER2- mAbXcite (6-mer); or Kadcyla® (T-DMI).

[0155] Throughout the study, tumors were monitored twice weekly to determine tumor growth rates using external calipers. Tumors were measured prior to and following the first day of treatment. Body weights were also collected twice a week. Mice were euthanized when the maximum tumor volume reached 2000 mm ³ . Mice were also euthanized if the tumor became ulcerated, if the tumor impeded ambulation, or there was a deterioration of body condition. Mice were also euthanized if they lost > 15% of their original body weight.

[0156] Analysis of the data collected from this experiment was performed. Tumor volume was calculated based on the following formula: TV (mm ³ )={length(mm) x width (mm) ² }/2. Figure 3 shows the results expressed as mean tumor size. Figure 4 shows the results expressed as median tumor size.

[0157] F£ER2-mAbXcite (6-mer) was observed to be more effective than HER2- mAbXcite (5-mer) at reducing mean and median tumor size over the course of the study. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, F£ER2-mAbXcite (6-mer) was shown to be more effective than trastuzumab at 37 days and 51 days after treatment, respectively.

Example 6: Efficacy study of HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer), (6-mer), and (7-mer) in nude mice

[0158] In this Example, the efficacy of HER2-m AbXcite conjugates, prepared as described in Example 2, is studied in a nude mouse model implanted with the trastuzumab- resistant human cell line JFMT-1. The study is of HER2-m AbXcite in which the conjugation utilizes reductive amination (direct) chemistry, a 5-mer, 6-mer, or 7-mer oligomer, with a load of about 3 oligomers per antibody.

[0159] In this Example, 7-9 week old female nude mice are implanted with 2.5xl0 ⁶

JIMT-1 cells. Once tumors reach a size of about 150-180 mm ³ , mice are randomly assigned into five study treatment groups. Prior to each antibody administration, all mice receive about 500 mg/kg ( 0.1 mL) intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pooled human antibodies (IVIG). Two hours post-IVIG administration, each group is administered one of the following treatments via an IP injection: PBS control; trastuzumab; HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer); or HER2-mAbXcite (7-mer).

[0160] Throughout the study, tumors are monitored twice weekly to determine tumor growth rates using external calipers. Tumors are measured prior to and following the first day of treatment. Body weights are also collected twice a week. Mice are euthanized when the maximum tumor volume reached 2000 mm ³ . Mice are also euthanized if the tumor becomes ulcerated, if the tumor impedes ambulation, or there is a deterioration of body condition. Mice are also euthanized if they lost > 15% of their original body weight. Analysis of the data collected form this experiment is performed. Tumor volume is calculated based on the following formula: TV (mm ³ )={length(mm) x width (mm) ² }/2.

Example 7: Synthesis of gentiopentose

[0161] In addition to purifying oligomers from pustulan, suitable glucans may be prepared by synthetic methods using various synthetic reagents and intermediates. For example, gentiopentose may be prepared by the following method.

[0162] The synthesis of the exemplary sugars below begin with the preparation of three

"building blocks" (building block 1, building block 2, and building block 3). Two of the building blocks (building block 1 and building block 2) are protected dimers prepared from D- amygdalin. Building block 3 is prepared from glucose.

[0163] Scheme 1 illustrates the synthesis of building block 1.

Scheme 1

[0164] Compound 1 (D-amygdalin; commercially available from Carbosynth and Bosche

Scientific) was reacted with benzoyl chloride in the presence of pyridine and DMAP to give benzoyl ester 2 (81% yield). Benzoyl ester 2 was dissolved in a 3 :2 mixture of toluene and acetone, and reduced by exposure to a catalytic amount of Pd(OH) ₂ on carbon, 50% wetted, in the presence of H ₂ to give oligosaccharide 3 (93%) ("building block 1"). The overall yield for the two steps was 75%.

[0165] Scheme 2 illustrates the synthesis of building block 2. Scheme 2

[0166] Compound 1 was first reacted with dimethylthexyl silyl chloride (ThexDMS-Cl) in the presence of imidazole and DMF to selectively protect the 6-hydroxyl moiety, giving compound 4a (82% yield). Compound 4a was then reacted with benzoyl chloride in the presence of pyridine and DMAP to give benzoyl ester 4 (81%> yield). Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that use of ThexDMS was advantageous because the dimethyl-tert-butylsilyl moiety is easily cleaved during glycolysation. Benzoyl ester 4 was then dissolved in a toluene/acetone mixture (3 :2 ratio), and reduced by exposure to a catalytic amount of Pd(OH) ₂ on carbon, 50% wetted, in the presence of H ₂ to give oligosaccharide 5 (93%>) ("building block 2"). The overall yield for the process was 61%>.

[0167] Scheme 3 illustrates the synthesis of building block 3.

Scheme 3

[0168] Compound 6 (glucose, commercially available from VWR) was first reacted with allylic alcohol in the presence of acetyl chloride to give compound 6a. Compound 6a was protected at the 6-hydroxyl position by reacting compound 6a with tritylchloride in the presence of pyridine and heat to give compound 6b. The remaining hydroxyl moieties of compound 6b were protected by reacting compound 6b with benzoyl chloride in the presence of pyridine and DMAP to give benzoyl ester 6c. Compound 6c was reacted with borontrifluoride etherate in a mixture of methanol and dichloromethane at 0°C to give compound 7 ("building block 3"). The synthesis of building block 3 was performed with 42% overall yield.

[0169] Scheme 4 illustrates the synthesis of gentiotriose.

Scheme 4

[0170] Compound 5 was reacted with CI3CCN in the presence of catalytic DBU in dichloromethane to give trichloroimidate 8. Compound 8 was repassed through a plug of base deactivated silica to remove base-line materials and carried forward without any further manipulation. Compound 8 was reacted with compound 7 (building block 3) under Schmidt glycosylation conditions (reacting the components with catalytic trimethylsilyl

trifluoromethanesulfonate at -40°C) to give compound 9 (gentiotriose). The overall yield for this two-step process was 70%.

[0171] Scheme 5 illustrates the glycosylation to form gentiopentose 12.

Scheme 5

[0172] Gentiotriose 9 was treated with borontrifluoride etherate in methanol at 0°C followed by warming to room temperature to afford the compound 10. Compound 3 (building block 1) was reacted with C1 ₃ CCN in the presence of catalytic DBU in dichloromethane to give trichloroimidate 11. Trichloroimidate 11 and compound 10 were reacted under Schmidt glycosylation conditions to afford the fully protected gentiopentose 12. The overall yield for these steps were 60%.

[0173] Scheme 6 illustrates the deprotection of gentiopentose 12.

Scheme 6

12 13

[0174] Gentiopentose 12 was contacted with a catalytic amount of palladium chloride in a mixture of methanol and dioxane to remove the allyl moiety. The resulting product was globally deprotected by reacting the product with a catalytic amount of sodium methoxide in a mixture of methanol and THF to provide gentiopentose 13. The overall yield for the 10 linear steps (16 total steps) was 14%.

Example 8: Synthesis of 2-azidoethylgentiotetrose

[0175] Scheme 7 illustrates the incorporation of the azido moiety into building block 2, prepared as described in example 7.

Scheme 7

14

[0176] Compound 5 (building block 2) was reacted with CI ₃ CCN in the presence of a catalytic amount of DBU in the presence of dichloromethane to give trichloroimidate 8.

Trichloroimidate 8 was reacted under Schmidt glycosylation conditions to give compound 14. Compound 14 was synthesized in 70% overall yield.

[0177] Scheme 8 illustrates the synthesis of 2-azidoethylgentiotetrose.

Scheme 8

11

[0178] Compound 14 was deprotected by treatment of borontrifluoride etherate complex in methanol to give compound 15. Compound 3 (building block 1) was treated with

trichloroacetonitrile and catalytic DBU to give compound 11. Compound 14 and compound 11 then subjected to the Schmidt glycosylation conditions to afford the gentiotetrose product 16. The overall yield of the sequence was 60%. Example 9: Synthesis of 2-azidoethylgentiohexose

[0179] This Example provides further methods for glucan synthesis. Scheme 9 illustrates the synthesis of gentiotriose 17.

Scheme 9

3 1 1 7 17

[0180] Compound 3 (building block 1) was reacted with CI ₃ CCN in the presence of catalytic DBU in dichl orom ethane to give trichloroimidate 11. Trichloroimidate 11 was reacted with compound 7 (building block 3) under Schmidt glycosylation condition to give gentiotriose 17 (72% overall yield).

[0181] Scheme 10 illustrates incorporate of the 2-azidoethyl moiety into gentiotriose 9.

Scheme 10

19 20

[0182] Gentiotriose 9 was deprotected by exposure to a catalytic amount of palladium (0) tetrakistriphenylphosphine in acetic acid at 80°C to afford the compound 18. Utilization of palladium chloride in methanol resulted in the loss of the silyl moiety in addition to reduction of the allyl moiety. The glycosylation of the 2-azidoethanol under typical lewis acid conditions occurs after functionalization of the free hydroxyl moiety as the trichloroimidate 19 to afford the product 20. This sequence yielded 56% overall yield of 2-azidoethylgentiotriose.

[0183] Schemes 1 la-c illustrates the synthesis of 2-azidoethylgentiohexose 24.

Scheme 11a

[0184] As illustrated in Scheme 11a, compound 20 was reacted with a borontrifluoride etherate complex in methanol to afford compound 21 (75% yield).

Scheme lib

[0185] As illustrated in Scheme 1 lb, compound 17 was reduced with palladium (II) chloride in a mixture of methanol and dioxane to provide compound 22 (92% yield). Compound 22 was reacted with C1 ₃ CCN in the presence of catalytic DBU in dichloromethane to give trichloroimidate 23 (86% yield).

Scheme 11c

[0186] As illustrated in Scheme 11c, compounds 21 and 23 were under Schmidt glycosylation conditions to afford the desired product 24 (83% yield). The total synthetic process provided compounds 24 in 62% yield.

Example 10: Synthesis of Conjugate Precursors

[0187] In some embodiments, the sugar oligomers can further comprise a linker moiety bound to a functional group useful in conjugating the sugar oligomer to the antibody. Therefore, the following synthetic examples illustrate methods of using sugar oligomers (for example, the sugar oligomers isolated from pustulan as in Example 1 or prepared as described above in Examples 7-9), and adding functionality to assist with the conjugation of the oligomer to the antibody. Because the compounds have not yet been conjugated to the antibody, they are referred to herein as "Conjugate Precursors." Below are provided three exemplary precursors suitable for conjugating with Trastuzumab antibodies described above.

Conjugate Precursor B

[0188] The synthesis of Conjugate Precursor B can be prepared according to Scheme 12:

Conjugate Precursor B

B-2

-1

B-2 Conjugate Precursor B

[0189] B-1 was contacted with 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid in the presence of

NaBH ₃ (CN) and sodium acetate. The reaction was stirred at 50 °C until the reaction was completed. The product was then treated with formaldehyde, NaBH ₃ (CN), and sodium acetate at 0 °C. The reaction was allowed to stir and warm to room temperature to afford product B-2.

[0190] B-2 was dissolved in DMF. TSDU was added to the solution, followed by

DIPEA. The solution was allowed to stir until the reaction was complete to yield Conjugate Precursor B. Conjugate Precursor C

] The synthesis of Conjugate Precursor C can be prepared according to Scheme 13 :

Conjugate Precursor C

Scheme 13

P = Protecting group, typically Bz or Ac

C-2

C-1

Conjugate Precursor C

[0192] C-l was dissolved in DMSO and contacted with prop-2-yn-l-ol and Cul at 50 °C.

The reaction was allowed to stir until the reaction was complete, yielding C-2. C-2 was dissolved in DCM in the presence of Dess-Martin reagent to provide C-3. C-3 was dissolved in a solution of methanol and THF and contacted with sodium methoxide to provide Conjugate Precursor C.

Conjugate Precursor D

[0193] The synthesis of Conjugate Precursor D can be prepared according to Scheme 14:

Conjugate Precursor D

Scheme 14

D-2

Conjugate Precursor D

[0194] D-l was contacted with 2-azidoethan-l -amine in the presence of NaBH ₃ (CN) and sodium acetate. The reaction was stirred at 50 °C until the reaction was completed. The product was then treated with formaldehyde, NaBH ₃ (CN), and sodium acetate at 0 °C. The reaction was allowed to stir and warm to room temperature to afford product D-2.

[0195] D-2 was dissolved in DMSO and contacted with pent-4-ynal and Cul at 50 °C.

The solution was allowed to stir until the reaction was complete to yield Conjugate Precursor D

Example 11: Efficacy Study of Conjugation Chemistries

[0196] In this Example, the efficacy of HER2-mAbXcite conjugates are studied in a nude mouse model implanted with the trastuzumab-resistant human cell line JIMT-1. The study is of HER2-mAbXcite conjugates prepared from the conjugate precursors described in Example 10 (e.g., conjugate precursors B, C, and D), compared with reductive amination (direct) chemistry as described in Example 2. For each chemistry, a 5-mer, 6-mer, or 7-mer oligomer, with a load of about 3 oligomers per antibody is made.

[0197] In this Example, 7-9 week old female nude mice are implanted with 2.5xl0 ⁶

JIMT-1 cells. Once tumors reach a size of about 150-180 mm ³ , mice are randomly assigned into 14 study treatment groups. Prior to each antibody administration, all mice receive about 500 mg/kg ( 0.1 mL) intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pooled human antibodies (IVIG). Two hours post-IVIG administration, each group is administered one of the following treatments via an IP injection: PBS control; trastuzumab; HER2-mAbXcite (5-mer); HER2-AbXcite (B-5-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (C-5-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (D-5-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer); HER2- mAbXcite (B-6-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (C-6-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (D-6-mer); HER2- mAbXcite (7-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (B-7-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (C-7-mer); HER2-mAbXcite (D-7-mer).

[0198] Throughout the study, tumors are monitored twice weekly to determine tumor growth rates using external calipers. Tumors are measured prior to and following the first day of treatment. Body weights are also collected twice a week. Mice are euthanized when the maximum tumor volume reached 2000 mm ³ . Mice are also euthanized if the tumor becomes ulcerated, if the tumor impedes ambulation, or there is a deterioration of body condition. Mice are also euthanized if they lost > 15% of their original body weight. Analysis of the data collected form this experiment is performed. Tumor volume is calculated based on the following formula: TV (mm ³ )={length(mm) x width (mm) ² }/2.

Example 13: Efficacy Study of Conjugation Chemistries and Glucan Load

[0199] In this Example, the efficacy of HER2-mAbXcite conjugates are studied in a nude mouse model implanted with the trastuzumab-resistant human cell line JIMT-1. The study is of HER2-mAbXcite conjugates prepared from the conjugate precursors described in Example 10 (e.g., conjugate precursors B, C, and D), compared with reductive amination (direct) chemistry as described in Example 2. For each chemistry, a 6-mer, with a load of 2, 3, or 4 oligomers per antibody is made.

[0200] In this Example, 7-9 week old female nude mice are implanted with 2.5xl0 ⁶

JIMT-1 cells. Once tumors reach a size of about 150-180 mm ³ , mice are randomly assigned into 14 study treatment groups. Prior to each antibody administration, all mice receive about 500 mg/kg ( 0.1 mL) intraperitoneal (IP) injection of pooled human antibodies (IVIG). Two hours post-IVIG administration, each group is administered one of the following treatments via an IP injection: PBS control; trastuzumab; HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer)-load 2; HER2-mAbXcite (6- mer)-load 3; HER2-mAbXcite (6-mer)-load 4; HER2-mAbXcite (B-6-mer)-load 2; HER2- mAbXcite (B-6-mer)-load 3; HER2-mAbXcite (B-6-mer)-load 4; HER2-mAbXcite (C-6-mer)- load 2; HER2-mAbXcite (C-6-mer)-load 3; HER2-mAbXcite (C-6-mer)-load 4; HER2- mAbXcite (D-6-mer)-load 2; HER2-mAbXcite (D-6-mer)-load 3; HER2-mAbXcite (D-6-mer)- load 4.

[0201] Throughout the study, tumors are monitored twice weekly to determine tumor growth rates using external calipers. Tumors are measured prior to and following the first day of treatment. Body weights are also collected twice a week. Mice are euthanized when the maximum tumor volume reached 2000 mm ³ . Mice are also euthanized if the tumor becomes ulcerated, if the tumor impedes ambulation, or there is a deterioration of body condition. Mice are also euthanized if they lost > 15% of their original body weight. Analysis of the data collected form this experiment is performed. Tumor volume is calculated based on the following formula: TV (mm ³ )={length(mm) x width (mm) ² }/2.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0202] While a number of embodiments of this invention are described herein, the present disclosure and examples may be altered to provide other methods and compositions of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of this invention is to be defined by the appended claims in addition to the specific embodiments that have been represented by way of example. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.