Subcutaneous Site-of-Absorption Study with the Monoclonal Antibody Tocilizumab in Minipigs: Administration Behind Ear Translates Best to Humans.

Minipigs have been proposed as animal model to study the subcutaneous (SC) absorption of monoclonal antibodies (mAb), because they are more translatable to humans than other species. However, the minipig SC tissue structure differs markedly depending on its location. This study explored different SC administration sites for mAb SC administration, to explore which site translates best to humans.

Special feature of mixed phosphotriester derivatives of cytarabine.

Despite the unquestionable therapeutic interest of bis(SATE) pronucleotides, a presystemic metabolism preventing the delivery of the prodrugs in target cancer cells or tumours may constitute a limitation to the in vivo development of such derivatives. In order to overcome these drawbacks several strategies have been envisaged and we report herein the application of the S-acyl-2-thioethyl (SATE) phenyl pronucleotide approach to the well-known cytotoxic nucleoside cytosine-1-beta-D-arabinofuranoside (cytarabine, araC). We describe modifications of the SATE moieties with the introduction of polar groups on the acyl residue, in order to study how these changes affect antitumoral activity and metabolic stability.

Preparation of 6,6,1',1',6',6'-hexadeutero sucrose.

The preparation of 6,6,1',1',6',6'-hexadeutero sucrose is reported. The synthesis is based on a triple oxidation of a protected sucrose 6,1',6'-triol to the corresponding 6,1',6'-tricarboxylic acid or ester, followed by reduction with lithium aluminium deuteride. This triple oxidation could be achieved either using cat.

Characterization of a gemcitabine-resistant murine leukemic cell line: reversion of in vitro resistance by a mononucleotide prodrug.

Resistance to cytotoxic nucleoside analogues is a major problem in cancer treatment. The cellular mechanisms involved in this phenomenon have been studied for several years, and some factors have been identified. Various strategies to overcome resistance have been suggested, but none has yet shown efficacy in vivo.