In this technology, genetic code expansion is used to introduce drugs into antibody Fab fragments. As a proof of concept, the researchers introduced, by a degenerate codon, an azide-loaded lysine derivative at particular sites of Trastuzumab Fab fragments and loaded the fragments with emtansine (DM1), an anticancer drug. In-vitro tests with appropriate cell lines showed the expected toxicities of the antibody drug complexes.

RIKEN news release, July 24, 2017