Maleimidocaproyl (mc), non-cleavable

The non-cleavable maleimidocaproyl (mc) linker is a plain tether with no cleavage site, so its payload is released only when the antibody is fully digested. Such linkers rely on lysosomal proteolysis of the antibody and release a cysteine-linker-payload adduct rather than the free drug. Paired with MMAF in the form known as mafodotin, or mc-MMAF, the released species is charged and stays in the cell, trading the bystander effect for stability and a different toxicity profile. The linker belongs to the Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology and the Linker (ADC) term, is matched with the payload MMAF, and is referenced by the drug record for Belantamab mafodotin.