CARRIER PARTICLE-DRUG CONJUGATES, SELF-IMMOLATIVE LINKERS, AND USES THEREOF

The disclosure relates to carrier particle-drug conjugates, including nanoparticle drug conjugates (NDC), that can be used in the delivery of a drug to a biological target (e.g., for targeted delivery of a cytotoxic drug to a cancer cell or tumor). Also disclosed are self-immolative linkers and linker-payload conjugates suitable for use in a carrier particle drug conjugate, and methods of making the same, and methods for treating cancer.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2021/056621, filed on Oct. 26, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/105,995, filed on Oct. 27, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/116,393, filed on Nov. 20, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/117,110, filed on Nov. 23, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/155,043, filed on Mar. 1, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/222,181, filed on Jul. 15, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/242,201, filed on Sep. 9, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/254,837, filed on Oct. 12, 2021, the contents of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in XML format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said XML file, created on Sep. 13, 2022, is named 761825_290010_SL.xml and is 9,091 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Targeted delivery of therapeutics (e.g., cytotoxic drugs) to cancer cells is an emerging approach for cancer treatment. The toxicity of the delivered therapeutics to healthy tissue or organs in a subject can be greatly reduced by the selective delivery of drugs to a targeted disease area, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes. Antibody-drug-conjugates (ADCs) are a popular platform for targeted drug delivery, which typically feature a highly toxic drug substance covalently attached to a monoclonal antibody that can target cancer, wherein the toxic drug substance is released upon targeting of the cancer. However, many challenges remain with conventional targeted drug delivery platforms, such as ADCs, including difficulties in production, limitations in drug loading capacity, poor tumor penetration, and lack of ability to overcome tumor heterogeneity.

Cornell University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center developed ultrasmall sub-10 nm silica-organic hybrid nanoparticles, referred to as Cornell prime dots (C′Dots), which have significant potential in diagnostics and therapeutic applications. For example, C′Dots can be conjugated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, e.g., gefitinib, which is a cancer-targeted agent that inhibits cancer growth (WO 2015/183882 A1). However, the mechanism of action (MOA) of EGFR inhibitors requires active binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor, so a continuous high concentration of the payload in the targeted cancer cell is required to effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation. This type of MOA is generally not compatible with the relatively short blood circulation half-life of C′Dots.

Folate receptor alpha (FRα), also known as FOLR1, has received significant attention from the scientific community as a potential target for cancer therapy, and other isoforms of FR have also been identified as potential biological targets. See, e.g., Targeting Folate Receptor Alpha For Cancer Treatment, Cheung, A., et al. Oncotarget (2016) 7 (32):52553; Targeting the folate receptor: diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to personalize cancer treatments, Ledermann, J. A. et al., Annals of Oncology (2015), 26:2034-2043; each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Folate receptor is recognized as a target for certain cancers, as folate receptor can be overexpressed in tumors, such as those of the ovary, endometrium, breast, colon, and lung, but its distribution in normal tissues is low and restricted. Emerging insights have suggested that FR may also exhibit cell-growth regulation and signaling functions, in addition to serving as a folate receptor and transporter. These features together render FR an attractive therapeutic target.

Folic Acid is transported into the cells by various mechanisms, and the most prevalent mechanism is mediation through Folate Receptors, of which there are four glycopeptide members (FR alpha [FOLR1], FR beta [FOLR2], FR gamma [FOLR3], and FR delta [FOLR4]). Among these four members, the alpha isoform (FR alpha or FRα) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein with high affinity for binding and transporting the active form of folate, 5-methyltetrahydro folate (5MTF). The alpha isoform has been reported to be over-expressed in certain solid tumors, for example, in ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, primary peritoneum cancer, uterus cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and breast carcinomas. The alpha isoform is also over-expressed in certain hematological malignancies, which can be exploited for treatment of these malignancies, e.g., for treatment of acute myeloid lymphoma (AML), including pediatric AML. This low and restricted distribution in normal tissues or cells, alongside emerging insights into tumor-promoting functions and association of expression with patient prognosis, together render FRα an attractive therapeutic target. Additionally, the beta isoform (FRO) is overexpressed in certain cancers, e.g., hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), providing the opportunity to develop targeted therapies for these cancers.

Although many FR-targeted drug delivery platforms have been developed and tested for cancer treatment in the past, e.g., using both ADCs and small-molecule drug conjugates, none of them are successfully approved for clinical use due to their limited therapeutic outcome (EP 0624377 A2, U.S. Pat. No. 9,192,682 B2, Leamon, et al., “Comparative preclinical activity of the folate-targeted Vinca alkaloid conjugates EC140 and EC145, Int. J. Cancer: 121, 1585-1592 (2007), Leamon et al., “Folate-Vinca Alkaloid Conjugates for Cancer Therapy: A Structure-Activity Relationships, Bioconjugate Chemistry, 2014, 25, 560-568; Scaranti, M., et al. Exploiting the folate receptor a in oncology. Nat Rev C/in Oncol. (2020) 17: 349-359).

Therefore, successful development of additional drug-linker technologies, including additional FR-targeted drug delivery platforms, remain highly desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides carrier particle drug conjugates useful in, for example, the delivery of a drug to a biological target (e.g., targeted delivery to a cancer cell or tumor), as well as self-immolative linkers and linker-payload conjugates suitable for use in a carrier particle drug conjugate, and methods of making the same, and their methods of use (e.g., in treating cancer).

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a nanoparticle drug conjugate (NDC) comprising: (a) a nanoparticle that comprises a silica-based core and a silica shell surrounding at least a portion of the core; polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle, and a fluorescent compound covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle; (b) a targeting ligand that binds to folate receptor (FR), wherein the targeting ligand may be selected from the group consisting of folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, and folate receptor binding derivatives of any of the foregoing, and wherein the targeting ligand is attached to the nanoparticle directly or indirectly through a spacer group; (c) a linker-payload conjugate, wherein the payload is a cytotoxic agent; wherein the linker-payload conjugate is attached to the nanoparticle directly or indirectly thorough a spacer group; wherein the cytotoxic agent is released upon cleavage of the linker; wherein the linker in the linker-payload conjugate is selected from a group consisting of protease-cleavable linkers, redox-sensitive linkers and pH-sensitive linkers, wherein the NDC has an average diameter between about 1 nm and about 10 nm, e.g., between about 3 nm and about 8 nm, or between about 3 nm and about 6 nm.

In the NDCs of the present disclosure, the average nanoparticle to payload ratio may range from 1 to 80, such as from 1 to 21 (e.g., 1 to 13, or 1 to 12) and the average nanoparticle to targeting ligand ratio may range from 1 to 50, such as from 1 to 25 (e.g., 1 to 11).

The NDCs of the present disclosure may have an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 10 nm, e.g., between about 5 nm and about 8 nm, between about 3 nm and about 8 nm, or between about 3 nm and about 6 nm.

The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable dye or detectable compound. The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise any suitable fluorescent compound and/or payload, such as a fluorescent compound and/or payload disclosed herein. For example, in an NDC of the present disclosure, the fluorescent compound may be selected from a group consisting of Cy5 and Cy5.5, the payload may be selected from a group consisting of dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, thymidylate synthase inhibitors and topoisomerase inhibitors, and the topoisomerase inhibitor may be selected from a group consisting of SN38, analogs of SN38, exatecan, and analogs of exatecan. The fluorescent compound may be encapsulated within the nanoparticle (e.g., covalently linked to the silica core).

The NDCs of the present disclosure can comprise a targeting ligand that binds to a folate receptor (FR). The targeting ligand may comprise folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, or any folate receptor binding derivative of any of the foregoing. It should be understood that “folic acid,” “dihydrofolic acid,” and “tetrahydrofolic acid” may encompass an amide or an ester of folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, or tetrahydrofolic acid, respectively. For example, “folic acid” may refer to the folic acid amide present in the exemplary NDC illustrated in FIG. 1.

The structure of the NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise structure (S-1′):

wherein Payload is a cytotoxic agent; Linker is selected from a group consisting of protease-cleavable linkers, redox-sensitive linkers and pH-sensitive linkers; the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle; and X1A and X2A are each independently absent, or a divalent linker.

The divalent linker X1A may be any suitable divalent linker, for example, a divalent linker that comprises a chain length of between about 5 and about 200 atoms (e.g., carbon atoms, heteroatoms, or a combination thereof), such as between about 5 and about 100 atoms, about 5 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 70 atoms, between about 10 and about 30 atoms, between about 20 and about 30 atoms, between about 30 and about 80 atoms, or between about 30 and about 60 atoms.

The divalent linker X1A may be alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, heteroalkynylene, and can be substituted or unsubstituted. The divalent linker X1A may comprise a cyclic group (e.g., a cyloalkylene, heterocyclylene, arylene, or heteroarylene). For example, the divalent linker X1A may be an alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, or heteroalkynylene group that comprises a cyclic group, such as a piperazine. The divalent linker X1A may comprise a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety, for example, a PEG moiety comprising between about 2 and about 20 PEG monomers. The divalent linker X1A may be substituted with oxo.

The divalent linker X1A may be

The divalent linker X2A may be any suitable divalent linker, for example, a divalent linker that comprises a chain length of between about 5 and about 200 atoms (e.g., carbon atoms, heteroatoms, or a combination thereof), such as between about 5 and about 100 atoms, 5 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 70 atoms, between about 10 and about 30 atoms, between about 20 and about 30 atoms, or between about 30 and about 60 atoms.

The divalent linker X2A may be alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, heteroalkynylene, and may be substituted or unsubstituted. The divalent linker X2A may comprise a cyclic group (e.g., a cycloalkylene, heterocyclylene, arylene, or heteroarylene). For example, the divalent linker X2A may be an alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, or heteroalkynylene group that comprises a cyclic group, such as a piperazine. The divalent linker X2A may comprise a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety, for example, a PEG moiety comprising between about 2 and about 20 PEG monomers. The divalent linker X2A may be substituted with oxo.

The divalent linker X2A may be

The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise structure (S-1″):

wherein P denotes a payload that is a cytotoxic agent; L denotes a linker that is selected from a group consisting of protease-cleavable linkers, redox-sensitive linkers and pH-sensitive linkers; the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle; A1A is —SO2— or —C(O)—; X1B is —(CH2)a—NH—C(O)—, —(CH2)a—NH—SO2—, —NH—, —(CH2)a, —CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)a—NH—C(O)—, —CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)a—NH—SO2—, —(CH2)a—NH—C(O)—(CH2)a—(O—CH2—CH2)a—NH—C(O)—(CH2)a—, or absent; a is an integer of 0-20; y and n are each an integer of 1-20; and ZIA is —O— or —CH2—.

The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise structure (S-1

wherein Payload is a cytotoxic agent; Linker is selected from a group consisting of protease-cleavable linkers, redox-sensitive linkers and pH-sensitive linkers, and the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle.

The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise structure (S-2′):

wherein Targeting Ligand is selected from the group consisting of folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, and folate receptor binding derivatives of any of the foregoing; the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle, and X3A and X4A are each independently absent, or a divalent linker.

The divalent linker X3A may be any suitable divalent linker, for example, a divalent linker that comprises a chain length of between about 5 and about 200 atoms (e.g., carbon atoms, heteroatoms, or a combination thereof), such as between about 5 and about 100 atoms, about 5 and about 80 atoms, 10 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 70 atoms, between about 10 and about 30 atoms, between about 20 and about 30 atoms, between about 30 and about 80 atoms, or between about 30 and about 60 atoms.

The divalent linker X3A may be alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, heteroalkynylene, and may be substituted or unsubstituted. The divalent linker X3A may comprise a cyclic group (e.g., a cycloalkylene, heterocyclylene, arylene, or heteroarylene). For example, the divalent linker X3A may be an alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, or heteroalkynylene group that comprises a cyclic group, such as a piperazine. The divalent linker X3A may comprise a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety, for example, a PEG moiety comprising between about 2 and about 20 PEG monomers. The divalent linker X3A may be substituted with oxo.

The divalent linker X3A may be

The divalent linker X4A may be any suitable divalent linker, for example, a divalent linker that comprises a chain length of between about 5 and about 200 atoms (e.g., carbon atoms, heteroatoms, or a combination thereof), such as between about 5 and about 100 atoms, about 5 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 70 atoms, between about 10 and about 30 atoms, between about 20 and about 30 atoms, between about 30 and about 80 atoms, or between about 30 and about 60 atoms.

The divalent linker X4A may be alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, heteroalkynylene, and may be substituted or unsubstituted. The divalent linker X4A may comprise a cyclic group (e.g., a cycloalkylene, heterocyclylene, arylene, or heteroarylene group). For example, the divalent linker X4A may be an alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene, heteroalkenylene, or heteroalkynylene group that comprises a cyclic group, such as a piperazine. The divalent linker X4A may comprise a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety, for example, a PEG moiety comprising between about 2 and about 20 PEG monomers. The divalent linker X4A may be substituted with oxo.

The divalent linker X4A may be

The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise structure S-2”):

wherein T denotes a targeting ligand selected from the group consisting of folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, and folate receptor binding derivatives of any of the foregoing; the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle; A2A is —SO2— or —C(O)—; X3B is —(CH2)a—NH—C(O)—, —(CH2)a—NH—SO2—, —NH—, —(CH2)a, —CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)a—NH—C(O)—, —CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)a—NH—SO2—, —(CH2)a—NH—C(O)—(CH2)a—(O—CH2—CH2)a—NH—C(O)—(CH2)a—, or absent; a is an integer of 0-20; m and z are each an integer of 2-20; Z2A is —O— or —CH2—; K is absent, —C(O)—NH—(CH2)j—NH—CO—CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)q—CH2—CH2—, —SO2—NH—(CH2)j—NH—C(O)—CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)q-CH2—CH2—, —C(O)—NH—CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)q-CH2—CH2—, —SO2—NH—CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)q—CH2—CH2—, —C(O)-piperazine-C(O)—CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)q—CH2—CH2—, —SO2-piperazine-C(O)—CH2—CH2—(O—CH2—CH2)q—CH2—CH2—, j is an integer of 0-10; and q is an integer of 0-10.

The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise Structure (S-2):

wherein Targeting Ligand is selected from the group consisting of folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, and folate receptor binding derivatives of any of the foregoing; and the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle.

In preferred aspects of structure (S-2), the targeting ligand is Folic Acid.

Structures S-1, S-1′, S-1″, S-2, S-2′, or S-2″ may be present in the NDC at any desired ratio, e.g., a ratio disclosed herein.

The present disclosure also relates to self-immolative linkers and linker-drug conjugates, and payloads (e.g., drugs), suitable for conjugation to a carrier particle. For example, described herein are linker-drug conjugates of Formulae (I)—(XII) and (I-B)-(XII-B), including salts thereof, and self-immolative linkers of Formulae (I-A)-(X-A), including salts thereof The carrier particle can be, but is not limited to, a nanoparticle, a liposome, a nanogel, a nanoring, a nanocage, a microsphere, an antibody, an antigen-binding portion of an antibody including single chain antibodies and fragments (e.g., scFv) and/or antibody fragment (e.g., Fab, F(ab′)2), minibody, or nanobody. The linkers disclosed herein may be useful in the preparation of carrier particle conjugates, e.g., for drug delivery. Payloads disclosed herein include, for example, cytotoxic drugs, including certain analogs of SN38 and exatecan. The linkers, linker-drug conjugates, and/or payloads disclosed herein may be present in an NDC (e.g., an NDC of the present disclosure), or may be present in another suitable carrier particle-conjugate. The structures of Formulae (I)-(XII), (I-B)-(XII-B), and (IA)-(X-A) are each provided herein. For example, the NDCs of this disclosure may comprise linker-payload conjugates of Formulae (I)-(IV), or a salt thereof:

wherein the variables are as described herein.

The disclosure also relates to NDCs comprising a nanoparticle that comprises a silica-based core and a silica shell surrounding at least a portion of the core; polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle; a fluorescent compound covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle; a targeting ligand, wherein the targeting ligand is folic acid; a linker-payload conjugate, wherein the linker-payload conjugate is a protease cleavable linker that is capable of undergoing hydrolysis at the C-terminal end upon protease binding thereby releasing the payload from the nanoparticle, wherein the protease comprises a serine protease or a cysteine protease, wherein the payload in the linker-payload conjugate is selected from a group consisting of SN-38, analog of SN-38, exatecan, and an analog of exatecan; and wherein the fluorescent compound is Cy5.

The disclosure also relates to NDCs comprising a nanoparticle that comprises a silica-based core and a silica shell surrounding at least a portion of the core; polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle; a Cy5 dye covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle; a targeting ligand that binds to folate receptor, wherein the targeting ligand is folic acid, and wherein the targeting ligand is attached to the nanoparticle indirectly through a spacer group; a linker-payload conjugate, wherein the linker-payload conjugate is attached to the nanoparticle indirectly through a spacer group, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a compound comprising the structure

and wherein the NDC has an average diameter between about 1 nm and about 10 nm (e.g., between about 1 and about 6 nm).

The NDCs of this disclosure may comprise a linker-payload conjugate of Formulae (V)-(X), or a salt thereof:

wherein the variables are as described herein.

The disclosure also relates to NDCs comprising a nanoparticle that comprises a silica-based core and a silica shell surrounding at least a portion of the core; polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle; a fluorescent compound covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle; a targeting ligand, wherein the targeting ligand is folic acid; a linker-payload conjugate, wherein the linker-payload conjugate is redox-sensitive, wherein the payload in the linker-payload conjugate is selected from a group consisting of SN-38, analog of SN-38, exatecan or an analog of exatecan; and wherein the fluorescent compound is Cy5.

The NDCs of this disclosure may comprise a linker-payload conjugate of Formulae (XI)-(XII), or a salt thereof.

wherein the variables are as described herein

The disclosure also relates to NDCs comprising a nanoparticle that comprises a silica-based core and a silica shell surrounding at least a portion of the core; polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle; a fluorescent compound covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle; a targeting ligand, wherein the targeting ligand is folic acid; a linker-payload conjugate, wherein the linker-payload conjugate is pH-sensitive, wherein the payload in the linker-payload conjugate is selected from a group consisting of SN-38, an analog of SN-38, exatecan, and an analog of exatecan; and wherein the fluorescent compound is Cy5.

This disclosure also provides a method of treating a folate receptor (FR)-expressing cancer (e.g., a folate receptor expressing tumor), comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an NDC described herein. The method may include administration of NDCs to the subject in need thereof intravenously. In the methods of the present disclosure, the subject may have a cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer (including, e.g., HER2+ breast cancer, HR+ breast cancer, HR− breast cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer), lung cancer (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer), pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The NDCs of the present disclosure may also be used for targeting tumor associated macrophages, which may be used as a means to modify the immune status of a tumor in a subject. The NDCs of the present disclosure may be used in a method of treating an advanced, recurrent, or refractory solid tumor.

This disclosure provides use of an NDC for treating a folate receptor (FR)-expressing cancer (e.g., a folate receptor expressing tumor). The use may include administration of NDCs intravenously to the subject in need thereof. In the use of the NDC, the subject may have a cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer (including, e.g., HER2+ breast cancer, HR+ breast cancer, HR− breast cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer), lung cancer (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer), pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In the use of the NDC, the cancer may be an advanced, recurrent, or refractory solid tumor.

This disclosure provides NDCs for use in the manufacture of a medicament for treating folate receptor (FR)-expressing cancer (e.g., a folate receptor expressing tumor). The use in the manufacture of a medicament may include administration of NDCs intravenously to the subject in need thereof The use in the manufacture of a medicament may include administration of NDCs to a subject, wherein the subject has a cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer (including, e.g., HER2+ breast cancer, HR+ breast cancer, HR− breast cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer), lung cancer (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer), pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The NDCs of the present disclosure may be used in the manufacture of a medicament for treating an advanced, recurrent, or refractory solid tumors.

This disclosure also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an NDC and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein may be used for treating a folate receptor (FR)-expressing cancer (e.g., a folate receptor expressing tumor).

In some embodiments, an NDC of the present disclosure does not comprise a structure of Formula (NP-2):

wherein x and y are each independently an integer of 0 to 20 (e.g., 4 and 3, respectively).

In some embodiments, an NDC of the present disclosure does not comprise a structure of Formula (NP-3):

wherein x and y are each independently an integer of 0 to 20 (e.g., 4 and 9, respectively).

In some embodiments, an NDC comprising a structure of Formula (NP-2) does not comprise a structure of Formula (NP-3). In some embodiments, an NDC comprising a structure of Formula (NP-3) does not comprise a structure of Formula (NP-2).

In some embodiments, an NDC of the present disclosure does not comprise a structure of Formula (S-1a):

wherein the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle. In some embodiments, an NDC of the present disclosure does not comprise a structure of Formula (S-2a):

wherein the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle.

In some embodiments, an NDC comprising a structure of Formula (S-1a) does not comprise a structure of Formula (S-2a). In some embodiments, an NDC comprising a structure of Formula (S-2a) does not comprise a structure of Formula (S-1a).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the chemical structure of a representative nanoparticle-drug conjugate (NDC).

FIG. 2 depicts a flow chart for the synthesis of an exemplary functionalized nanoparticle (dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-functionalized C′Dot).

FIG. 3 depicts a flow chart for the synthesis of an exemplary NDC (FA-CDC) comprising a C′Dot functionalized with folic acid (FA) and exatecan.

FIG. 4 illustrates a representative UV-Vis absorbance spectrum of an exemplary functionalized nanoparticle (DBCO-functionalized C′Dot). The absorption peak at 648 nm correspond to the Cy5 dye that is covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle. The absorption peaks around 270 to 320 nm correspond to DBCO groups on the nanoparticle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a representative UV-Vis absorbance spectrum of an exemplary NDC (folic acid (FA)-functionalized C′Dot (FA-CDC)). The absorption peak at 648 nm correspond to the Cy5 dye that is covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle. The absorption peaks around 330 to 400 nm correspond to exatecan on the nanoparticle.

FIG. 6 depicts a fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) correlation curve of an exemplary NDC (folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDC)) that is fitted by a single-modal FCS correlation function. Average hydrodynamic diameter was obtained via fitting the FCS correlation curve.

FIG. 7 depicts a chromatogram showing the elution of an exemplary NDC (folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDC)) by a gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The elution of FA-CDC (striped line under the curve) is compared to the elution time of protein standards with varying molecular weight (dashed line).

FIG. 8 depicts a reversed phase HPLC chromatogram (RP-HPLC) of a purified exemplary NDC (folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDC)) at 330 nm. This wavelength can be used to monitor both the NDC and impurities that may be present after the synthesis or due to any degradation of the NDC.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate the UV-Vis absorbance spectra of exemplary linker-payload conjugates. FIG. 9A depicts the absorbance spectrum of a representative linker-payload conjugate with SN38 as payload. FIG. 9B depicts the absorbance spectrum of a representative linker-payload conjugate with exatecan as payload. Both SN38 and exatecan payloads have absorption maxima around 360 nm.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a representative HPLC chromatographs of an exemplary NDC loaded with folic acid as targeting ligand and linker-payload conjugates prepared using linker-payload conjugate precursor Compound 202, from Example 33). FIG. 10A depicts a representative HPLC chromatograph at 360 nm of a non-cleaved NDC showing a single peak at elution time around 6.3 min which corresponds to the non-released payload retained on the NDC. FIG. 10B depicts a representative HPLC chromatograph at 360 nm of a cleaved NDC, showing an additional peak at elution time around 3 to 4 min which corresponds to the released payload. The area under curve (AUC) of the released payload and the retained payload were used to calculate the percentage of released payload.

FIGS. 11A-11C are plots illustrating a representative drug releasing analysis of exemplary NDCs loaded with folic acid as targeting ligand and protease (cathepsin-B) cleavable linker-payload conjugates, at different time points after incubation with cathepsin-B enzyme. FIG. 11A depicts the RP-HPLC chromatograph of an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 89 from Example 10, at different time points after incubation with cathepsin-B enzyme. FIG. 11B depicts the RP-HPLC chromatograph of an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 158 from Example 25, at different time points after incubation with cathepsin-B enzyme. FIG. 11C depicts the RP-HPLC chromatograph of an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 202 from Example 33, at different time points after incubation with cathepsin-B enzyme.

FIGS. 12A-12C are plots illustrating a drug releasing kinetics analysis of exemplary NDCs loaded with protease (cathepsin-B) cleavable linker-payload conjugates at different time points after incubation with cathepsin-B, and depicts the time for half of the payloads to be released, i.e. T1/2. FIG. 12A depicts the T1/2 as 2.9 hours for an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 89 from Example 10. FIG. 12B depicts the T1/2 as 2.6 hours for an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 158 from Example 25. FIG. 12C depicts the T1/2 as 1.4 hours for an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 202 from Example 33.

FIG. 13A depicts the competitive binding of an exemplary NDC (folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDC)) in a FR alpha positive (KB) cell line, when compared with free folic acid.

FIG. 13B depicts the flow cytometry median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of an exemplary NDC (folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDC)) in different cell lines, including a FR alpha positive cell line (KB), a FR alpha negative cell line (TOV), and a FR receptor blocked cell line (KB) (100 nM, 4° C., 60 min). The active targeting of FA-CDC can be fully blocked by incubating with the presence of 1 mM free folic acid. The NDC used in the study was prepared with compound 170 that is described in Example 27; each NDC contained 15 folic acid moieties, and 40 linker-drug conjugate moieties.

FIG. 14 depicts the flow cytometry of representative NDCs (two folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDCs)) in KB cell line with varied folic acid ligand density (either an average of 0, 12, or 25 folic acid molecules per nanoparticle). The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the representative NDCs is Compound 202 described in Example 33. Blocking in the blocking group was achieved using 1 mM of free folic acid. A CDC with no folic acid, but same amount of drug linker conjugates, was used as the negative control group.

FIG. 15 depicts the flow cytometry of representative NDCs (three folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dots (FA-CDCs) in KB cell line with varied drug per particle ratio (DPR). The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the representative NDCs used in the study is described in Example 33 (Compound 202). Blocking in the blocking group was achieved with 1 mM of free Folic Acid. All representative NDCs comprised between 12 and 22 folic acid moieties. The NDCs with high drug-particle ratios (DPRs) comprise between 35 and 50 linker-drug conjugate groups. FA-CDCs with medium DPRs comprise between 17 and 25 linker-drug conjugate groups. FA-CDCs with low DPRs have between 5 and 10 linker-drug conjugate groups. A CDC with no folic acid, and 17 to 25 drug linkers, was used as the negative control group.

FIG. 16 depicts the flow cytometry of a representative NDC (folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDC)) at 1 nM that was pre-incubated with varied amounts of human plasma for 24 hours. Blocking in the blocking group was achieved with 1 mM of free folic acid. The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the NDC used in the study is described in Example 33 (Compound 202), the number of folic acid ligands on the NDC is 15; the number of linker-drug conjugates on the NDC is 25). An NDC with no folic acid, but same amount of drug linkers was used as the negative control group.

FIG. 17 shows the confocal microscopy images of an exemplary NDC (folic acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDC)) in KB(++++) and TOV−112D(−) cell lines at 1 hour and 24 hours. Blocking in the blocking group was achieved with 0.1 mM of free folic acid. The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the NDC used in the study is Compound 87 described in Example 10, the number of folic acid ligands on the NDC is 12; and the number of linker-drug conjugates on the NDC is 40). The lysosome was stained by using LysoTracker® Green, which is a green-fluorescent dye for labeling and tracking acidic organelles in live cells. With color images (not shown), the CDC appears red, the lysosome appears green, and the nucleus appears blue, due to fluorescence.

FIG. 18 is an image comparing the Z-stack confocal microscopic imaging of KB tumor spheroids treated with an exemplary folate-receptor (FR)-targeting NDC, a payload-free FR-targeting nanoparticle (FA-C′Dot), a FR-targeting ADC, or the corresponding payload-free FR-targeting antibody, at 37° C. for 4 hours. The FR-targeting NDC was prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 220 (Example 33). Scale bar: 200 m.

FIG. 19A depicts a representative maximum intensity projection (MIP) PET/CT imaging of healthy nude mice injected with 89Zr-DFO-FA-CDC at 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-injection.

FIG. 19B illustrates the biodistribution pattern of 89Zr-DFO-FA-CDC in healthy nude mice at 2 and 24 hour post-injection (n=3). The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the NDC used in the study is described in Example 33 (Compound 202), the number of folic acid ligands on each NDC is 12; and the number of linker-drug conjugates on each NDC is 25).

FIGS. 20A-20F depicts the in vivo tumor growth inhibition studies of six exemplary folate receptor targeting NDCs (NDCs A-F) in KB tumor-bearing mice (n=7). NDC A comprises about 19 drug-linker conjugate groups, prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 342 (Example 57), and about 18 folic acid ligands per nanoparticle. NDC B comprises about 25 drug-linker groups, prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 87 (Example 10), and about 15 folic acid ligands per nanoparticle. NDC C comprises about 19 drug-linker conjugate groups, prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 158 (Example 25), and about 13 folic acid ligands per nanoparticle. NDC D comprises about 25 drug-linker conjugate groups, prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 202 (Example 33), and about 12 folic acid ligands per nanoparticle. NDC E comprises about 17 drug-linker conjugate groups, prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 418 (Example 70), and about 17 folic acid ligands per nanoparticle. NDC F comprises about 23 drug-linker conjugate groups, prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 430 (Example 74), and about 20 folic acid ligands per nanoparticle.

FIGS. 21A-21B depict the IC50 curves of an exemplary NDC in irinotecan-resistant and naïve KB cells, compared to non-conjugated irinotecan. FIG. 21A shows the IC50 curves of irinotecan in regular KB cells (naïve cells), and in KB cells treated four times with irinotecan (irinotecan-resistant cells). FIG. 21B shows the IC50 curves of the exemplary NDC in the naïve cells, and in the irinotecan-resistant cells. The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the exemplary NDC of this study is described in Example 33 (Compound 202).

FIGS. 22A-22B depict the IC50 curves of an exemplary NDC in exatecan-resistant and naïve KB cells, compared to non-conjugated exatecan. FIG. 21A shows the IC50 curves of exatecan in regular KB cells (naïve cells), and in KB cells treated four times or seven times with exatecan (exatecan-resistant cells). FIG. 22A shows the IC50 curves of the exemplary NDC in the naïve cells and in the exatecan-resistant cells (4-cycle and 7-cycle pretreatment). The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the exemplary NDC of this study is described in Example 33 (Compound 202).

FIG. 23 provides a table demonstrating the cytotoxicity of exemplary folate receptor targeting NDCs (“FA-CDC”) with varying drug-to-particle ratios (DPRs), in different FR-alpha overexpressing cancer cell lines, compared to non-conjugated exatecan. The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the exemplary NDCs of this study is described in Example 33 (Compound 202).

FIG. 24 provides a table showing the cytotoxicity of an exemplary NDC in various 3D patient-derived platinum-resistant tumor spheroids. The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the exemplary NDC of this study is described in Example 33 (Compound 202).

FIGS. 25A-25D provide flow cytometry histograms demonstrating the specific folate receptor (FR) alpha targeting capability of an exemplary FR-targeting NDC (prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 202 from Example 33) to both the IGROV-1 (FR alpha positive human ovarian cancer) and the engineered AML MV4;11 cell lines that overexpress FR alpha. FIG. 25A is the flow cytometry histogram of the FR targeting NDC (10 nM) and non-targeting NDC (negative control; 10 nM) in IGROV-1 cell line. FIG. 25B is the flow cytometry histogram of anti-FR alpha antibody-PE and isotype antibody-PE (negative control) in IGROV-1 cell line. FIG. 25C is the flow cytometry histogram of the FR targeting NDC (10 nM) and non-targeting NDC (negative control; 10 nM) in engineered AML MV4;11 cell lines that overexpress FR alpha. FIG. 25D is the flow cytometry histogram of anti-FR alpha antibody-PE and isotype antibody-PE (negative control) in engineered AML MV4;11 cell lines that overexpress FR alpha.

FIGS. 26A-26B are graphs illustrating the in vitro cytotoxic activity of an exemplary NDC (prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 202 described in Example 33) in IGROV-1 (FR alpha positive human ovarian cancer) cell line (FIG. 26A) and engineered AML MV4;11 cell lines that overexpress FR alpha (FIG. 26B) using non-targeted NDC as negative control.

FIG. 27 is a graph providing the bodyweight change of FR alpha overexpressing AML mice over time after treatment with normal saline or an exemplary NDC (prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 202 from Example 33) at three different dose regimens (0.33 mg/kg, Q3D×6 (denoted with squares); 0.50 mg/kg, Q3D×3 (denoted with diamonds); or 0.65 mg/kg, Q3D×3 (denoted with triangles)).

FIG. 28 provides images from in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) of FR alpha overexpressing AML mice treated with normal saline or an exemplary NDC (prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 202 from Example 33) at three different dose regimens (0.33 mg/kg, Q3D×6); 0.50 mg/kg, Q3D×3; or 0.65 mg/kg, Q3D×3).

FIG. 29 is a graph providing the quantitative in vivo bioluminescence imaging analysis of FR alpha overexpressing AML mice treated with normal saline or an exemplary NDC (prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 202 from Example 33) at three different dose regimens (0.33 mg/kg, Q3D×6); 0.50 mg/kg, Q3D×3; or 0.65 mg/kg, Q3D×3).

FIG. 30 is a graph indicating the leukemia detected in bone marrow aspiration at Day 42 post-leukemia cell injection, obtained from mice treated with normal saline or an exemplary NDC (prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 202 from Example 33) at three different dose regimens (0.33 mg/kg, Q3D×6); 0.50 mg/kg, Q3D×3; or 0.65 mg/kg, Q3D×3).

FIG. 31 is an illustration of the timeline used for preparing FR alpha overexpressing AML mice, and dosing the mice with an exemplary NDC (prepared using the drug-linker conjugate precursor Compound 202 from Example 33) at three different dose regimens (0.33 mg/kg, Q3D×6); 0.50 mg/kg, Q3D×3; or 0.65 mg/kg, Q3D×3), and imaging the mice with bioluminescent imaging (BLI). Each day of dosing is denoted by a triangle (i.e., on days 46, 49, and 52 for all dose groups, and also on days 55, 58, and 62 for the 0.33 mg/kg Q3D×6 dose group).

FIGS. 32A-32B are graphs demonstrating the stability of exemplary NDCs disclosed herein. FIG. 32A compares the stability of an NDC produced using a diene-based functionalized nanoparticle (i.e., based on the protocol outlined in the Examples herein), and a comparative NDC produced using an amine-based functionalized nanoparticle, in human serum at 37° C., over 7 days. FIG. 32B compares the stability of the NDC produced using a diene-based bifunctional precursor, and the comparative NDC produced using an amine-based bifunctional precursor, in mouse serum at 37° C., over 7 days.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are carrier particle drug conjugates, which comprise a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) that is conjugated to a drug (sometimes referred to herein as a payload) and optionally a targeting ligand, and/or other compound. The carrier particle-drug conjugates disclosed herein can be used for delivering a drug to a biological target (e.g., for targeted delivery to a cancer cell or tumor). The drug may be linked to the carrier particle via a self-immolative linker, which can be selectively cleaved, e.g., within a cancer cell or tumor.

Carrier particle drug conjugates disclosed herein include nanoparticle-drug conjugates (NDC), which comprise a nanoparticle (e.g., a silica nanoparticle, such as a multi-modal silica-based nanoparticle) that allows conjugation to targeting ligands and to cytotoxic payloads, for the detection, prevention, monitoring and/or treatment of a disease, such as cancer.

This disclosure provides compositions and methods of using a nanoparticle-drug conjugate (NDC) comprising: a nanoparticle; a targeting ligand that binds to a folate receptor, and a linker-payload conjugate.

The conjugation of both targeting ligands and linker-drug conjugates to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) can be achieved via a highly efficient “click chemistry” reaction, which is fast, simple to perform, versatile, and results in high product yields. The payload may be a cytotoxic agent that is attached to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) via a cleavable linker group, such as a payload described herein. The cleavable linker group can be cleaved when the carrier particle drug conjugate (e.g., NDC) is internalized in a cancer cell (e.g., in a tumor cell), and can be cleaved in the endosome or lysosomal compartment of a cancer cell (e.g., a tumor cell), causing release of the active cytotoxic agent from the carrier particle-drug conjugate (e.g., NDC).

The NDCs disclosed herein provide an optimal platform for drug delivery due to their physical properties. For example, the NDCs comprise nanoparticles that are ultrasmall in diameter (e.g. with average diameter between about 1 nm and about 10 nm, such as between about 5 nm and about 8 nm) and benefit from enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects in tumor microenvironments, while retaining desired clearance and pharmacokinetic properties.

The carrier particle-drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) described herein have certain advantages over other drug delivery platforms (e.g., ADCs such as FR-targeted ADCs, and FR-targeted small molecule drugs (e.g., chemotherapeutics)). For example, a single NDC of the present disclosure may include up to about 80 drug molecules on each nanoparticle. In contrast, in conventional ADCs, only about 4 to 8 therapeutic/drug molecules can be attached to the antibody, and conventional FR-targeted small molecule drug conjugates are limited to only a single therapeutic/drug molecule. Thus, the NDCs described herein can carry at least 10 times more drug molecules (either a single type of drug, or multiple types of drugs, such as drugs having different mechanisms of action) on a single nanoparticle, relative to conventional drug delivery platforms, and deliver a relatively higher drug load to cells.

While conventional FR-targeted drug-delivery platforms, such as ADCs and FR-targeted small molecular chemotherapeutics, usually exhibit high potency in cancer cells with high receptor expression level, their efficacy in cancer cells with medium or low FR expression level is limited. In contrast, the carrier particle drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) of the present disclosure can effectively target cancer cells with both high and low FR expression levels, and provide potent therapy for cancers that have low FR expression (see, e.g., FIG. 23 and associated assay described in the Examples).

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory of mechanism, it is believed that, because the NDCs disclosed herein can include multiple FR-targeting ligands on a single nanoparticle, there is a multivalent or avidity effect on binding to several FRs on the cell surface. In contrast, a single ADC generally can only bind to up to two FRs on the cell surface, and a single FR-targeted chemotherapy drug can only bind to one FR on the cell surface. Thus, the multivalent effect of the FR-targeted NDCs of the present disclosure can significantly enhance the binding of NDC to cells that express FR, leading to improved targeting efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. This multivalent effect can also render the NDCs of the present disclosure suitable for treating cancers that have low FR-expression, that cannot be effectively treated using conventional FR-targeted drug delivery platforms, such as ADCs or FR-targeted chemotherapy drugs.

The efficacy of ADCs in solid tumor treatment is usually greatly limited by their poor tumor penetration. In contrast, the FR-targeted NDCs disclosed herein exhibit highly effective tumor penetration, permitting the delivery of therapeutics throughout a tumor following administration, which improves therapeutic outcomes in treating solid tumors, relative to the use of ADCs.

The NDCs of the present disclosure have a smaller size than conventional drug delivery platforms, such as ADCs. Notably, the NDCs of the present disclosure are smaller than the particle size cut off for renal clearance, permitting the NDC to be renally clearable. As a result, NDCs that are administered to a subject but do not enter a cancer cell (i.e., non-targeted NDCs) can be rapidly cleared from the body via renal elimination. This target-and/or-clear approach reduces the toxicity of NDCs as compared to conventional drug delivery platforms, such as ADCs, and prevents undesirable accumulation of the NDCs (or their payloads) in healthy tissues or organs.

The NDCs of the present disclosure exhibit improved biodistribution than conventional drug delivery platforms, such as ADCs, resulting in reduced side effect and toxicity.

Carrier Particles

Disclosed herein are carrier particles suitable for conjugation to a drug and/or targeting ligand, to provide carrier particle drug-conjugates. The carrier particle can be, but is not limited to, a nanoparticle, a liposome, a nanogel, a nanoring, a nanocage, a microsphere, an antibody, an antigen-binding portion of an antibody.

In some aspects, this disclosure relates to NDCs comprising a nanoparticle. The nanoparticle may be a silica nanoparticle. The nanoparticle may comprise a silica-based core and a silica shell surrounding at least a portion of the core.

Alternatively, the nanoparticle may have only the core and no shell. The core of the nanoparticle may contain the reaction product of a reactive fluorescent compound and a co-reactive organo-silane compound. For example, the core of the nanoparticle may contain the reaction product of a reactive fluorescent compound and a co-reactive organo-silane compound, and silica. In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the nanoparticle is a core-shell particle.

The diameter of the nanoparticle core may be from about 0.5 nm to about 100 nm, from about 0.1 nm to about 50 nm, from about 0.5 nm to about 25 nm, from about 0.8 nm to about 15 nm, or from about 1 nm to about 8 nm. For example, the diameter of the core may be from about 3 nm to about 8 nm, or 3 nm to about 6 nm, e.g., the diameter of the core may be from about 3 nm to about 4 nm, about 4 nm to about 5 nm, about 5 nm to about 6 nm, about 6 nm to about 7 nm, or about 7 nm to about 8 nm.

The shell of the nanoparticle can be the reaction product of a silica forming compound, such as a tetraalkyl orthosilicate, for example tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The shell of the nanoparticle may have a range of layers. For example, the silica shell may be from about 1 to about 20 layers, from about 1 to about 15 layers, from about 1 to about 10 layers, or from about 1 to about 5 layers. For example, the silica shell may comprise from about ito about 3 layers. The thickness of the shell may range from about 0.5 nm to about 90 nm, from about 0.5 nm to about 40 nm, from about 0.5 nm to about 20 nm, from about 0.5 nm to about 10 nm, or from about 0.5 nm to about 5 nm, e.g., about 1 nm, about 2 nm, about 3 nm, about 4 nm, or about 5 nm. For example, the thickness of the silica shell may be from about 0.5 nm to about 2 nm. The silica shell of the nanoparticle may cover only a portion of nanoparticle or the entire particle. For example, the silica shell may cover about 1 to about 100 percent, from about 10 to about 80 percent, from about 20 to about 60 percent, or from about 30 to about 50 percent of the nanoparticle. For example, the silica shell may cover about 50 to about 100 percent.

The silica shell can be either solid, i.e., substantially non-porous, meso-porous, semi-porous, or the silica shell may be porous. The silica nanoparticle can be either solid, i.e., substantially non-porous, meso-porous, semi-porous, or the silica nanoparticle may be porous. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the silica shell is porous. In some aspects, the nanoparticle is a non-mesoporous nanoparticle, e.g., a non-mesoporous silica nanoparticle, such as a non-mesoporous silica core-shell nanoparticle.

The surface of the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, may be modified to incorporate at least one functional group. An organic polymer may be attached to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, and can be modified to incorporate at least one functional group by any known techniques in the art. The functional groups can include, but are not limited to, dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO), maleimide, N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester, a diene (e.g., cyclopentadiene), an amine, or a thiol. For example, a bifunctional group comprising a silane at one terminus, and a DBCO, maleimide, NHS ester, diene (e.g., cyclopentadiene), amine, or thiol at the other terminus, may be condensed onto the surface of a silica nanoparticle via the silane group. The incorporation of the functional group can also be accomplished through known techniques in the art, such as using “click chemistry,” amide coupling reactions, 1,2-additions such as a Michael addition, or Diels-Alder (2+4) cycloaddition reactions. This incorporation allows attachment of various targeting ligands, contrast agents and/or therapeutic agents to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle.

The organic polymers that may be attached to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle include, but are not limited to, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polylactate, polylactic acids, sugars, lipids, polyglutamic acid (PGA), polyglycolic acid, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and combinations thereof. In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the organic polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG).

In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the surface of the nanoparticle is functionalized. For example, the surface of the nanoparticle can have functional groups other than those resulting from the synthesis of the nanoparticles (e.g., —OH groups (resulting from terminal Si—OH groups on a nanoparticle surface) and PEG groups (resulting from Si-PEG groups on the nanoparticle surface). Such functionalization and functionalization methods are known in the art.

The nanoparticle may comprise a non-pore surface and a pore surface. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the individual nanoparticle non-pore surface and at least a portion of the individual nanoparticle pore surface are functionalized. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the nanoparticle non-pore surface and the at least a portion of the pore surface have different functionalization. The pore surface is also referred to herein as the interior surface. The nanoparticles may also have a non-pore surface (or non-porous surface). The non-pore surface is also referred to herein as the exterior nanoparticle surface.

The pore surface (e.g., at least a portion of the pore surface) and/or the non-pore surface (e.g., at least a portion of the non-pore surface) of the nanoparticle can be functionalized. For example, the nanoparticles can be reacted with compounds such that a functional group of the compound is presented on (e.g., covalently bonded to) the surface of the nanoparticle. The surface can be functionalized with hydrophilic groups (e.g., polar groups such as ketone groups, carboxylic acid, carboxylate groups, and ester groups), which provide a surface having hydrophilic character, or hydrophobic groups (e.g., nonpolar groups such as alkyl, aryl, and alkylaryl groups), which provide a surface having hydrophobic character. Such functionalization is known in the art. For example, diethoxydimethylsilane (DEDMS) can be condensed on at least a portion of the pore surface such that the pore surface has hydrophobic character, allowing increased loading performance of a hydrophobic cytotoxic payload relative to nanoparticles that are not functionalized so.

In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the surface of the nanoparticle is at least partially functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups. The attachment of PEG to the nanoparticle may be accomplished by a covalent bond or a non-covalent bond, such as by ionic bond, hydrogen bond, hydrophobic bond, coordination, adhesive, and physical absorption.

In certain aspects, the PEG groups are attached (e.g., covalently attached) to the surface of the nanoparticle. In a core-shell nanoparticle, the PEG groups are covalently bonded to the silica at the surface of the shell via a Si—O—C bond and or to the silica in the core. In a core nanoparticle, the PEG groups are covalently bonded to the silica in the core.

In preferred aspects, the nanoparticle is a core-shell nanoparticle, wherein the PEG groups are covalently bonded to the silica at the surface of the shell via a Si—O—C bond. The PEG groups on the nanoparticle surface can prevent adsorption of serum proteins to the nanoparticle in a physiological environment (e.g., in a subject), and may facilitate efficient urinary excretion and decrease aggregation of the nanoparticle (see, e.g., Bums et al. “Fluorescent silica nanoparticles with efficient urinary excretion for nanomedicine”, Nano Letters, 2009, 9 (1), 442-448).

The PEG groups may be derived from PEG polymer having a molecular weight (Mw) of 400 g/mol to 2000 g/mol, including all integer g/mol values and ranges therebetween. In an embodiment, the PEG groups are derived from PEG polymer having a Mw of 460 g/mol to 590 g/mol, which contain 6 to 9 ethylene glycol units. In various embodiments, the nanoparticles are at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 90%, or at least 95% functionalized with PEG groups. In an embodiment, the nanoparticles are functionalized with PEG groups with the maximum number of PEG groups such that, the pores remain accessible (e.g., the pores can be functionalized). In an embodiment, the pore surface is a silica surface having terminal silanol (Si—OH) groups.

A polyethylene glycol unit disclosed herein may be functionalized with a functional group, for example, a “click chemistry” group such as dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) or azide, a diene (e.g., cyclopentadiene), a maleimide, an NHS ester, an amine, a thiol, or an activated acetylene moiety such as

While DBCO can be used, the functional group may also be another alkyne, such as another strained alkyne (e.g., DIBO or a derivative thereof, or a derivative of DBCO). Also, the functional group may be a nitrone or a nitrile oxide.

Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing, a functional group can be introduced to a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, without necessarily requiring a PEG group. For example, a nanoparticle may be functionalized with a functional group such as a “click chemistry” group, e.g., dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) or azide, a diene (e.g., cyclopentadiene), a maleimide, an NHS ester, an amine, a thiol, or an activated acetylene moiety such as

that may comprise any suitable linker, or may have no linker.

For example, a DBCO-functionalized linker may be introduced to a nanoparticle (e.g., a PEGylated C′Dot) by reacting the silane group on a DBCO-linker-silane compound with a silanol group on the surface of the nanoparticle (e.g., under the PEG layer on the C′Dot surface). Similarly, a diene-functionalized precursor (e.g., cyclopentadiene-functionalized precursor) may be introduced to a nanoparticle (e.g., a PEGylated C′Dot) by reacting the silane group on a diene-silane precursor compound with a silanol group on the surface of the nanoparticle (e.g., under the PEG layer on the C′Dot surface), providing a nanoparticle functionalized with a diene; followed by functionalizing the diene on the nanoparticle with a second precursor that comprises a group reactive with the diene (e.g., a dienophile), and another reactive group (e.g., DBCO), thereby providing a nanoparticle functionalized with the another reactive group (e.g., DBCO) via a dienophile. The linker group in the DBCO-linker-silane or diene-silane can comprise any structure (or sub-structure), including but not limited to PEG, a carbon chain, (e.g., alkylene), a heteroalkylene group, or the like. A diene-functionalized linker covalently attached to a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, may be further modified, e.g., by reaction with a DBCO-functionalized group. For example, the diene-functionalized linker covalently attached to a nanoparticle may be contacted with a DBCO-linker-maleimide compound (or other suitable DBCO-linker-dienophile), to form a cycloadduct between the diene and maleimide, resulting in a functionalized nanoparticle comprising DBCO groups attached to its surface, e.g., using cycloaddition chemistry, such as a Diels-Alder cycloaddition.

Functionalization (e.g., with one of the aforementioned functional groups, such as DBCO or cyclopentadiene) facilitates the conjugation of suitably functionalized FR-targeting ligands (such as azide-functionalized FR-targeting ligands) and/or functionalized drug payloads (such as azide-functionalized drug payloads) to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, by a coupling reaction, e.g., via click chemistry, (3+2) cycloaddition reactions, amide coupling, or Diels-Alder reaction. This functionalization approach also improves the versatility of the formulation chemistry and the stability of the FR-targeted NDC constructs.

An advantage of the carrier particle-drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) disclosed herein is that they can be prepared using relatively stable linker or spacer groups, or precursors thereof The linker or spacer groups, or their precursors, can avoid premature or undesired cleavage, which can occur using other linkers or precursors. For example, certain methods of functionalizing carrier particles (e.g., nanoparticles) employ amine-silane precursors (to provide amine-functionalized carrier particles), that are subsequently modified at the amine groups to conjugate other moieties to the carrier particle. However, the amine-silane precursors can be unstable and can self-condense during reaction, causing undesired aggregation. The aggregates can be very difficult to separate from the functionalized carrier particles. Additionally, the amine groups on the surface of the carrier particle can promote undesired reactivity, that may lead to premature release of the payload, or undesired release of the targeting ligand, and lead to instability of the functionalized carrier particles (e.g., nanoparticles).

The carrier particle drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) disclosed herein can be produced using relatively stable precursors, and the resulting functionalized carrier particles (e.g., nanoparticles, e.g., NDCs) are stable and highly pure. For example, the functionalized nanoparticles or NDCs disclosed herein can be prepared with a silane-diene precursor (such as a silane-cyclopentadiene precursor), to afford a nanoparticle functionalized with one or more diene groups. The diene groups may then be reacted with a second precursor, such as a dienophile-containing precursor (e.g., a PEG-maleimide derivative, e.g., a DBCO-PEG-maleimide), causing a stable cycloadduct to form. The resulting functionalized nanoparticle, comprising the cycloadduct, may optionally be reacted with one or more subsequent precursors (such as targeting ligand precursors and/or payload-linker conjugate precursors described herein), to further functionalize the nanoparticle. The diene-silane precursors, and the cycloadducts that are produced, do not exhibit the undesired qualities of other functionalized nanoparticles, e.g., they have relatively high serum stability, can be produced in high yield and purity (e.g., free of aggregated precursor). See, e.g., FIGS. 32A-32B. Additionally, as this nanoparticle functionalization approach is highly modular, any desired ratio of payload, targeting ligand, or otherwise, can be introduced to the nanoparticle. Examples of preparing nanoparticles using these methods, and their benefits, are provided in the Examples.

The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise a structure of Formula (NP):

wherein x is an integer of 0 to 20, e.g., 4; wherein the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle; and wherein the adjacent to the triazole moiety denotes a point of attachment to a targeting ligand or payload-linker conjugate, either directly or indirectly, e.g., via a linker or spacer group, e.g., a PEG moiety. For example, the attachment may be to a linker or spacer group, e.g., the linker of a linker-payload conjugate, or a linker or spacer group of a folate receptor targeting ligand, e.g., a PEG moiety. The NDCs of the present disclosure may be prepared from diene (e.g., cyclopentadiene) functionalized nanoparticles, e.g., by conjugating a linker moiety (e.g., a linker comprising a dienophile, such as maleimide) to the diene with a cycloaddition reaction.

The surface, e.g., silica shell surface, of a nanoparticle can be modified by using known cross-linking agents to introduce surface functional groups. Crosslinking agents include, but are not limited to, divinyl benzene, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, trimethylol propane trimethacrylate, N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide, alkyl ethers, sugars, peptides, DNA fragments, or other known functionally equivalent agents.

A carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, may also be conjugated to a contrast agent, such as a radionuclide, in order to permit the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, to be detectable by not only optical imaging (such as fluorescence imaging), but also other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI.

Carrier particles, e.g., nanoparticles, may incorporate any suitable fluorescent compound, such as a fluorescent organic compound, a dye, a pigment, or a combination thereof Such fluorescent compounds can be incorporated into the silica matrix of the core of the nanoparticle. A wide variety of suitable chemically reactive fluorescent dyes/fluorophores are known, see for example, MOLECULAR PROBES HANDBOOK OF FLUORESCENT PROBES AND RESEARCH CHEMICALS, 6th ed., R. P. Haugland, ed. (1996).

In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the fluorescent compound is covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle.

In some aspects, fluorescent compound can be, but is not limited to, a near infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye. NIRFs may be positioned within the silica core of a nanoparticle, that can provide greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield relative to the free fluorescent dye. It is well-known that the near infrared-emitting probes exhibit decreased tissue attenuation and autofluorescence (Bums et al. “Fluorescent silica nanoparticles with efficient urinary excretion for nanomedicine”, Nano Letters (2009) 9(1):442-448).

Fluorescent compounds that may be used (e.g., encapsulated by an NDC) in the present disclosure, include, but are not limited to, Cy5, Cy5.5 (also known as Cy5++), Cy2, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC), phycoerythrin, Cy7, fluorescein (FAM), Cy3, Cy3.5 (also known as Cy3++), Texas Red (sulforhodamine 101 acid chloride), LIGHTCYCLER®-Red 640, LIGHTCYCLER®-Red 705, tetramethylrhodamine (TMR), rhodamine, rhodamine derivative (ROX), hexachlorofluorescein (HEX), rhodamine 6G (R6G), the rhodamine derivative JA133, Alexa Fluorescent Dyes (such as ALEXA FLUOR® 488, ALEXA FLUOR® 546, ALEXA FLUOR® 633, ALEXA FLUOR® 555, and ALEXA FLUOR® 647), 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), propidium iodide, aminomethylcoumarin (AMCA), Spectrum Green, Spectrum Orange, Spectrum Aqua, LISSAMINE™, and fluorescent transition metal complexes, such as europium.

Fluorescent compounds that can be used also include fluorescent proteins, such as GFP (green fluorescent protein), enhanced GFP (EGFP), blue fluorescent protein and derivatives (BFP, EBFP, EBFP2, Azurite, mKalamal), cyan fluorescent protein and derivatives (CFP, ECFP, Cerulean, CyPet) and yellow fluorescent protein and derivatives (YFP, Citrine, Venus, YPet) (WO 2008/142571, WO 2009/056282, WO 1999/22026). In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the fluorescent compound is selected from the group consisting of Cy5 and Cy5.5. In preferred aspects, the fluorescent compound is Cy5. In other aspects, the fluorescent compound is Cy5.5.

A fluorescent nanoparticle may be synthesized by the steps of: (1) covalently conjugating a fluorescent compound, such as a reactive fluorescent dye, with a reactive moiety including, but not limited to, maleimide, iodoacetamide, thiosulfate, amine, N-hydroxysuccimide ester, 4-sulfo-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl (STP) ester, sulfosuccinimidyl ester, sulfodichlorophenol esters, sulfonyl chloride, hydroxyl, isothiocyanate, carboxyl, to an organo-silane compound, such as a co-reactive organo-silane compound, to form a fluorescent silica precursor, and reacting the fluorescent silica precursor to form a fluorescent core; or (2) reacting the fluorescent silica precursor with a silica forming compound, such as tetraalkoxysilane, to form a fluorescent core. The fluorescent core may then be reacted with a silica forming compound, such as a tetraalkoxysilane, to form a silica shell on the core, to provide the fluorescent nanoparticle.

Fluorescent silica-based nanoparticles are known in the art and are described by U.S. Pat. No. 8,298,677 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 9,625,456 B2, U.S. Ser. No. 10/548,997 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 9,999,694 B2, U.S. Ser. No. 10/039,847 B2 and U.S. Ser. No. 10/548,998 B2, the contents of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the NDCs comprise a nanoparticle that comprises a silica-based core and a silica shell surrounding at least a portion of the core and polyethylene glycol (PEG) is covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle, and a fluorescent compound is covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle.

Targeting Ligands

The carrier particle drug conjugates, e.g., NDCs, of the present disclosure may comprise a targeting ligand that is attached to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, directly or indirectly through a spacer group. Carrier particle drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) with targeting ligands can enhance internalization of the payload/drugs in tumor cells and/or deliver drugs into tumor cells due to increased permeability, as well as the targeting ability of the carrier particle drug conjugate.

The targeting ligand can allow the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, to target a specific cell type through the specific binding between the ligand and the cellular component. The targeting ligand may also facilitate entry of the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, into the cell or barrier transport, for example, for assaying the intracellular environment.

The targeting ligands of the present disclosure are capable of binding to receptors on tumor cells. Specifically, the targeting ligands can bind to the folate receptor (FR), including all four human isoforms of FR, including FR alpha (FRα, also known as FOLRT), FR beta (FRO, also known as FOLR2), FR gamma (FRy, also known as FOLR3), and FR delta (FR6, also known as FOLR4). Conjugation of FR targeting ligand to the surface of the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, of the present disclosure allows for targeted therapy of FR-overexpressing cancerous cells, tissues, and tumors.

For example, carrier particle drug conjugates, e.g., NDCs, of the present disclosure comprising targeting ligands that can bind to folate receptor alpha (FRα), such as folic acid, may be used for targeting ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, peritoneal cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer), pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML). Carrier particle drug conjugates, e.g., NDCs, of the present disclosure comprising targeting ligands that can bind to folate receptor beta (FRO) may be used for targeting acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and tumor associated macrophages. Tumor associated macrophages can be targeted as a means to modify the immune status of the tumor. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the binding affinity of FR-targeted, carrier particle drug conjugates, e.g., NDCs, to folate receptors can be enhanced due to multivalence effect.

Folate receptor can be highly expressed in solid tumor cells, including ovarian, kidney, lung, brain, endometrial, colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, prostate, breast and non-small-cell lung cancers. FR is over-expressed in other cancers including fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, mesothelioma, uterine cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, and testicular cancer, and other cancers disclosed herein. FR is also over-expressed in hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the targeting ligands bind to folate receptor alpha (FRu), folate receptor beta (FRO), or both.

The present disclosure provides FR-targeting ligands that are capable of binding to specific cell types having elevated levels of FRα, such as, but not limited to, cancer (e.g., adenocarcinomas) of uterus, ovary, breast, cervix, kidney, colon, testicles (e.g., testicular choriocarcinoma), brain (e.g., ependymal brain tumors), malignant pleural mesothelioma, and nonfunctioning pituitary adenocarcinoma. The present disclosure also provides FR-targeting ligands that are capable of targeting acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and tumor associated macrophages. The targeting ligand can be any suitable molecule that can bind a FR, such as FRα, such as a small organic molecule (e.g., folate or a folate analog), an antigen-binding portion of an antibody (e.g. a Fab fragment, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)2 fragment, a scFv fragment, a Fv fragment, a dsFv diabody, a dAb fragment, a Fd′ fragment, a Fd fragment, or an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR) region), an antibody mimetic (e.g., aptamer, an affibody, affilin, affimer, anticalin, avimer, Darpin, and the like), a nucleic acid, lipid, and the like.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the targeting ligand is selected from the group consisting of folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, and folate receptor binding derivatives of any of the foregoing. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the targeting ligand is folic acid. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the targeting ligand is dihydrofolic acid. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the targeting ligand is tetrahydrofolic acid. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the targeting ligand is a folate receptor binding derivative of any of the foregoing. It will be understood that “folic acid,” “dihydrofolic acid,” “tetrahydrofolic acid” encompass any amide or ester derivative of folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, and tetrahydrofolic acid, respectively. For example, free folic acid, free dihydrofolic acid, free tetrahydrofolic acid, or any folate receptor binding derivatives thereof, may be modified to be conjugated to the nanoparticle via a spacer group, such as PEG or a PEG derivative (e.g., by forming an amide bond between the terminal carboxylic acid of the folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, or folate receptor binding derivatives thereof, and a nitrogen atom of the spacer group).

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the folate-receptor targeting ligand is a macromolecule, such as a protein, a peptide, an aptamer, an antibody, or an antibody fragment that can target a folate receptor. For example, the folate-receptor targeting ligand may include a portion of an intact antibody, such as, for example, the antigen-binding or variable region of an antibody. Examples of folate-receptor targeting antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, a Fab fragment, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)2 fragment, a scFv fragment, a Fv fragment, a dsFv diabody, a dAb fragment, a Fd′ fragment, a Fd fragment, or an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR) region. An antigen binding fragment of an antibody may be produced by any means. For example, an antigen binding fragment of an antibody may be enzymatically or chemically produced by fragmentation of an intact antibody and/or it may be recombinantly produced from a gene encoding the partial antibody sequence. Alternatively or additionally, antigen binding fragment of an antibody may be wholly or partially synthetically produced.

Folate receptor (FR)-targeted NDCs, may not only accumulate in a cancer cell or tumor, but may also penetrate the tumor tissue and deliver payloads to the entire tumor tissue for optimal treatment efficacy. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory or mechanism, it is believed that the targeting ligands bind to the specific receptor groups on the surface of the cancer cell, resulting in receptor-mediated cell uptake of NDCs. This receptor-mediated cell uptake of NDCs happens via the endocytosis process, and eventually traffics NDCs to endosomes and lysosomes in cancer cells.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the carrier particle drug conjugate, eg., NDC, comprises a targeting ligand that is attached to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, directly or indirectly through a spacer group. For example, the targeting ligand can be attached to a nanoparticle directly via the silica surface of the nanoparticle (i.e., covalently bonded). In preferred aspects, the targeting ligand is attached to the nanoparticle indirectly through a suitable spacer group.

The spacer group can be any group that can act as a spacer, e.g., as a spacer between a targeting ligand and the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, and attach the targeting ligand to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle. The spacer group may be a divalent linker, such as a divalent linker that comprises a chain length of between about 5 and about 200 atoms (e.g., carbon atoms, heteroatoms, or a combination thereof), such as between about 5 and about 100 atoms, about 5 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 70 atoms, between about 10 and about 30 atoms, between about 20 and about 30 atoms, between about 30 and about 80 atoms, or between about 30 and about 60 atoms. Suitable spacer groups may comprise an alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene (e.g., PEG), carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or a combination thereof For example, the spacer group may comprise a PEG group, an alkylene group, or a combination thereof. The spacer group may be substituted or unsubstituted, e.g., the spacer group may comprise a substituted alkylene, substituted heteroalkylene, or a combination thereof For example, the spacer group may comprise a PEG group (or PEG spacer), an alkylene group (or alkylene spacer), one or more heteroatoms, and/or one or more cyclic groups (e.g., heterocyclylene groups, such as a piperazine). For example, the targeting ligand-spacer group intermediate (TL-I) possesses a spacer group comprising a PEG group and a heterocyclylene (piperazine) moiety:

The targeting ligand, such as folic acid, may be attached to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, indirectly through a PEG spacer group. For example, folic acid may be present in an NDC as an amide, e.g., to facilitate conjugation to a PEG spacer group or other divalent linker, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 and in the structure of (TL-I) above. The number of PEG monomers in a PEG spacer may range from 2 to 20, from 2 to 10, from 2 to 8, or from 2 to 5. In preferred aspects, the number of PEG groups as spacers in a functionalized FR-targeting ligand is 3.

The average nanoparticle to targeting ligand ratio may range from about 1 to about 50, from about 1 to about 40, from about 1 to about 30, or from about 1 to about 20. For example, the average nanoparticle to targeting ligand ratio may be about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:40, or 1:50. For example, the average nanoparticle to targeting ligand ratio may range from about 1 to about 20, e.g., the average number of targeting ligands on each nanoparticle may be between about 5 and about 10, between about 10 and about 15, or between about 15 and about 20, e.g., about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, or about 15 targeting ligands per nanoparticle. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 10 targeting ligands. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 11 targeting ligands. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 12 targeting ligands. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 13 targeting ligands. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 14 targeting ligands. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 15 targeting ligands.

A smaller the number of targeting ligands attached to the nanoparticle may help maintain the hydrodynamic diameter of the nanoparticle, e.g., to meet the renal clearance cutoff size range (Hilderbrand et al., Near-infrared fluorescence: Application to in vivo molecular imaging, Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. (2010) 14:71-9). The number of targeting ligands measured may be an average number of targeting ligands attached to more than one nanoparticle. Alternatively, one nanoparticle may be measured to determine the number of targeting ligands attached.

The number of targeting ligands attached to the nanoparticle can be measured by any suitable methods, such as, but not limited to, optical imaging, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), UV-Vis, chromatography, mass spectroscopy, or indirect enzymatic analysis.

The targeting ligand can be attached to a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, via covalent bonding to the carrier particle surface, e.g., the silica surface of a nanoparticle. Attachment can be directly, or indirectly through a spacer group. The ligand may be conjugated to a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, via a functional group on the carrier particle surface, for example, using coupling reactions, such as Click Chemistry (e.g., a 3+2 Click Chemistry reaction), cycloaddition (e.g., a 3+2 or 2+4 cycloaddition reaction, using the appropriate functional groups), or conjugation via a carboxylate, ester, alcohol, carbamide, aldehyde, amine, sulfur oxide, nitrile oxide, nitrone, nitrogen oxide, halide, or any other suitable compound known in the art.

In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the conjugation of FR-targeting ligands can be accomplished by “click chemistry” reaction using a diarylcyclooctyne (DBCO) group. Any suitable reaction mechanism may be adapted in the present disclosure for “click chemistry”, so long as facile and controlled attachment of the targeting ligand to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, can be achieved.

In some aspects, a free triple bond (e.g., terminal alkyne) is introduced onto the surface of a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, e.g., via a PEG covalently conjugated with the shell of the nanoparticle, or through another suitable linker or spacer group. Separately, an azide group, or other group that is reactive with a triple bond, may be introduced onto the desired targeting ligand. For example, a targeting ligand (e.g., folic acid) may be modified by conjugating a group on the targeting ligand (e.g., a terminal carboxylic acid) with a spacer group (e.g., a PEG moiety) that comprises an azide at one terminus. The carrier particle (e.g., PEGylated nanoparticle) comprising the free triple bond, and the targeting ligand (comprising a group reactive with the triple bond), can be mixed (with or without a copper or other metal catalyst) to effect cycloaddition of the group reactive with the triple bond (e.g, azide) to the triple bond, resulting in the conjugation of the targeting ligand with the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, such as using “Click Chemistry”). Many variations of this approach can also be used, as will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In other aspects, a maleimide functional group and a thiol group may be introduced onto the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, and the desired targeting ligand, with the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, having the maleimide functional group, the targeting ligand having the thiol group, or vice versa. The double bond of maleimide readily reacts with the thiol group to form a stable carbon-sulfur bond.

In yet another aspect, an activated ester functional group, such as a succinimidyl ester group, and an amine group may be introduced onto the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, and the targeting ligand. The activated ester group readily reacts with the amine group to form a stable carbon-nitrogen amide bond.

In some aspects, the FR-targeting ligand may be functionalized with a suitable terminal group to facilitate a 3+2 cycloaddition reaction, such as nitrile oxide or nitrone group.

An azide functionalized FR-ligand (where the FR-ligand may comprise a spacer group, and the spacer group may possess the azide group) can be attached to a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, either directly or indirectly via an alkyne (e.g., DBCO group). Spacer groups, such as, but not limited to PEG groups, can be present in a FR-targeting ligand precursor, and may possess a terminal group (e.g., azide) to facilitate conjugation to a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, and after conjugation, the spacer group may be disposed between the targeting ligand and the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle. For example, the FR-targeting ligand precursor may comprise a structure of Formula (D-1):

wherein y is an integer of 0 to 20 (e.g., 3). For example, y may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20, e.g., 2, 3, or 4.

In some aspects, the FR-targeting ligand may be functionalized with a suitable terminal group, such as, but not limited to an azide group. The azide functionalized FR-ligand can be attached to a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, either directly or indirectly via an alkyne, such as a DBCO group on the carrier particle. Spacer groups, such as, but not limited to PEG groups can be present between the azide functionalized FR-ligand and the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle.

In preferred aspects, the FR-targeting ligand is functionalized to include spacer groups, such as, but not limited to PEG groups that terminate with an azide group that can react with a DBCO group on the surface of a carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle.

The functionalization of FR-targeting ligand may include hydrophilic PEG groups as spacers in order to enhance solubility in water and reduces or eliminates aggregation and precipitation problems.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the number of PEG groups as spacers that can be present in a functionalized FR-targeting ligand may be in the range of from 2 to 20, from 2 to 10, from 2 to 8, or from 2 to 5. In preferred aspects, the number of PEG groups as spacers in a functionalized FR-targeting ligand is 3.

The NDCs of the present disclosure comprising a targeting ligand may comprise a structure of Formula (NP-2′):

wherein T is a targeting ligand disclosed herein; x is an integer of 0 to 10 (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, e.g., 4), and y is an integer of 0 to 20 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20, e.g., 3), and the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle (e.g., bonded with the silica shell of a core-shell silica nanoparticle). For example, x may be 4, and y may be 3.

The NDCs of the present disclosure comprising a targeting ligand may comprise a structure of Formula (NP-2):

wherein x is an integer of 0 to 10 (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, e.g., 4), and y is an integer of 0 to 20 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20, e.g., 3), and the silicon atom is a part of the nanoparticle (e.g., bonded with the silica shell of a core-shell silica nanoparticle). For example, x may be 4, and y may be 3.

Each nanoparticle of the NDCs disclosed herein may comprise more than one molecule of Formula (NP-2′), for example, the nanoparticle may comprise between about 1 and about 20 molecules of Formula (NP-2′), e.g., between about 5 and about 20 molecules of Formula (NP-2′), between about 8 and about 15 molecules of Formula (NP-2′), between about 10 and about 15 molecules of Formula (NP-2′), e.g., about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, or about 20 molecules of Formula (NP-2′). An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 12 molecules of Formula (NP-2′). An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 13 molecules of Formula (NP-2′).

Each nanoparticle of the NDCs disclosed herein may comprise more than one molecule of Formula (NP-2), for example, the nanoparticle may comprise between about 1 and about 20 molecules of Formula (NP-2), e.g., between about 5 and about 20 molecules of Formula (NP-2), between about 8 and about 15 molecules of Formula (NP-2), between about 10 and about 15 molecules of Formula (NP-2), e.g., about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, or about 20 molecules of Formula (NP-2). An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 12 molecules of Formula (NP-2). An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 13 molecules of Formula (NP-2).

Linker-Payload Conjugates

Disclosed herein are payloads that are suitable for conjugation to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle). The payloads may be conjugated to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) by a linker (i.e., as a linker-payload conjugate). Any suitable payload can be conjugated to a linker disclosed herein. Exemplary payloads that can be conjugated to the linkers in the present invention are cytotoxic drugs, particularly those which are used for cancer therapy. Such drugs include, in general, DNA damaging agents, anti-metabolites, natural products, and their analogs. The carrier particle drug conjugates, e.g., NDCs, of the present disclosure can also comprise a linker-payload conjugate that is attached to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, directly or indirectly through a spacer group. In preferred aspects, the linker-payload conjugate is attached to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, through a spacer group.

The spacer group can be any group that can act as a spacer, e.g., as a spacer between a payload/linker conjugate and the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, and attach the linker-payload conjugate to the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle. The spacer group may be a divalent linker, such as a divalent linker that comprises a chain length of between about 5 and about 200 atoms (e.g., carbon atoms, heteroatoms, or a combination thereof), such as between about 5 and about 100 atoms, about 5 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 80 atoms, between about 10 and about 70 atoms, between about 10 and about 30 atoms, between about 20 and about 30 atoms, between about 30 and about 80 atoms, or between about 30 and about 60 atoms. Suitable spacer groups may comprise an alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, heteroalkylene (e.g., PEG), carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or a combination thereof For example, the spacer group may comprise a PEG group, an alkylene group, or a combination thereof. The spacer group may be substituted or unsubstituted, e.g., the spacer group may comprise a substituted alkylene, substituted heteroalkylene, or a combination thereof For example, the spacer group may comprise a PEG group (or PEG spacer), an alkylene group (or alkylene spacer), one or more heteroatoms, and/or one or more or cyclic groups.

Any desirable payload can be conjugated to a carrier particle disclosed herein (e.g., a nanoparticle), which may be via a linker, such as via a linker disclosed herein). Exemplary drugs that can be conjugated to a carrier particle include cytotoxic drugs, particularly those which are used for cancer therapy. Such drugs include, in general, DNA damaging agents, anti-metabolites, natural products, and their analogs.

Exemplary classes of cytotoxic agents include enzyme inhibitors (see for e.g., “A Review of Evaluation of Enzyme Inhibitors in Drug Discovery,” Robert A. Copeland, John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, N.J.), such as topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g., exatecan, SN-38, topotecan, irinotecan, camptothecin, belotecan, indenoisoquinoline, phenanthridines, indolocarbazoles, and analogs thereof), dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, thymidylate synthase inhibitors, DNA intercalators, DNA minor groove binders, tubulin disruptors, DNA cleavers, anthracyclines, vinca drugs, mitomycins (e.g., mitomycin-C, mitomycin-A), bleomycins, cytotoxic nucleosides, pteridines, diynenes, enediyne, podophyllotoxins, dolastatins, auristatins (e.g., monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF)), maytansinoids, differentiation inducers, duocarmycin, and taxanes (e.g., taxol). For example, the payload of an NDC disclosed herein may be exatecan, SN-38, topotecan, irinotecan, belotecan, 9-amino camptothecin, etoposide, camptothecin, taxol, esperamicin, 1,8-dihydroxy-bicyclo[7.3.1]trideca-4-9-diene-2,6-diyne-13-one, podophyllotoxin, anguidine, vincristine, vinblastine, duocarmycin, a pyrrolobenzodiazepine, morpholine-doxorubicin, N-(5,5-diacetoxy-pentyl) doxorubicin, a compound described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,560, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, aminopterin, actinomycin, bleomycin, N8-acetyl spermidine, a pyrrolobenzodiazepine, 1-(2 chloroethyl)-1,2-dimethanesulfonyl hydrazide, tallysomycin, cytarabine, a dolastatin, an auristatins, a calicheamicin hydrazide, esperamicin and 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, butyric acid, retinoic acid or a derivative thereof, or a combination of any of the foregoing.

It will be understood that chemical modifications may be made to the desired payload in order to make reactions of the payload with linker more convenient for purposes of preparing conjugates of the present disclosure. For example a functional group, e.g., amine, hydroxyl, or sulfhydryl, may be appended to the payload (e.g., drug) at a position which has minimal or an acceptable effect on the activity or other properties of the payload. Alternatively, an existing functional group on the payload (e.g., pendant amine group) may be the point of attachment to the linker.

For example, drugs containing an amine functional group suitable for coupling to the linker moiety include, for example, exatecan, analogs of exatecan, mitomycin-C, mitomycin-A, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, aminopterin, actinomycin, bleomycin, 9-amino camptothecin, N8-acetyl spermidine, pyrrolobenzodiazepines, 1-(2 chloroethyl)-1,2-dimethanesulfonyl hydrazide, tallysomycin, cytarabine, dolastatins (including auristatins), calicheamicin hydrazides, and derivatives thereof.

Drugs containing a hydroxyl functional group suitable for coupling to the linker moiety include, for example, SN38, analogs of SN38, etoposide, camptothecin, taxol, esperamicin, 1,8-dihydroxy-bicyclo[7.3.1]trideca-4-9-diene-2,6-diyne-13-one, podophyllotoxin, anguidine, vincristine, vinblastine, duocarmycin, pyrrolobenzodiazepines, morpholine-doxorubicin, N-(5,5-diacetoxy-pentyl) doxorubicin, compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,560, and derivatives thereof.

Drugs containing a sulfhydryl functional group suitable for coupling to the linker moiety include, for example, esperamicin and 6-mercaptopurine, and derivatives thereof.

Drugs containing one or more carboxyl functional groups suitable for coupling to the linker moiety include, for example, methotrexate, camptothecin (ring-opened form of the lactone), butyric acid, retinoic acid, and derivatives thereof.

In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the payload is selected from a group consisting of dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, thymidylate synthase inhibitors and topoisomerase (Topo-1) inhibitors.

The payload of a carrier particle drug conjugate disclosed herein, e.g., an NDC, such as a Topo-1 inhibitor payload, can be cleaved from the carrier particle, e.g., nanoparticle, upon exposure to a chemical environment inside a cell or cell organelle, e.g., upon contact with an enzymes, a low pH, or a redox-sensitive condition, thereby releasing the payload (e.g., the Topo-1 inhibitor) inside the targeted cell (e.g., cancer cell). Topo-1 inhibitors can stabilize the complexes of DNA and Topo-1 enzyme, preventing DNA relegation and inducing lethal DNA strand breaks. The generation of these DNA lesions is effective for killing cancer cells, allowing carrier particle drug conjugates, e.g., NDCs, of the present disclosure to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

In an NDC of the present disclosure, the payload may be any suitable cytotoxic drug, such as a cytotoxic drug disclosed herein. For example, the payload can be a topoisomerase inhibitor, such as a topoisomerase inhibitor is selected from a group consisting of SN38, analogs of SN38, exatecan and analogs of exatecan, or salts thereof. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the payload is SN38, or a salt thereof. In another aspects of the present disclosure, the payload is an analog of SN38, or a salt thereof. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the payload is exatecan, or a salt thereof. In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the payload is an analog of exatecan, or a salt thereof.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the average nanoparticle to payload ratio ranges from 1 to 80, from 1 to 70, from 1 to 60, from 1 to 50, from 1 to 40, from 1 to 30, from 1 to 20, from 1 to 15, from 1 to 12 and preferably from 1 to 10. For example, the average nanoparticle to payload ratio may be about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:32, 1:34, 1:36, 1:38, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 1:60, 1:65, 1:70, 1:75, or 1:80. For example, the average number of payloads on each nanoparticle may be between about 5 and about 10, between about 10 and about 15, between about 15 and about 20, between about 20 and about 25, or between about 25 and about 30, e.g., about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21, about 22, about 23, about 24, about 25, about 26, about 27, about 28, about 29, or about 30 payload molecules per nanoparticle. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 18 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 19 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 20 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 21 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 22 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 23 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 24 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 25 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 26 payload molecules. An NDC disclosed herein may comprise about 27 payload molecules.

Vintafolide, developed by Endocyte and Merck & Co. is a small molecule drug conjugate consisting of a small molecule targeting the Folate Receptor, which is over expressed on certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer, and a chemotherapy drug, Vinblastine (U.S. Pat. No. 7,601,332 B2 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,002,942 B2). However, vintafolide is capable of carrying single molecule of payload only, attached to the targeting moiety by a pH-cleavable linker. In contrast to that, in the present disclosure several cytotoxic payload can be incorporated onto the surface of single nanoparticle.

The linkers in the linker-payload conjugates may be self-immolative linkers that are capable of releasing the active payload in vitro as well as in vivo under various conditions such as, but not limited to, conditions sufficient for enzymatic release of the active payload (e.g., a condition presenting an enzyme capable of catalyzing the release); conditions sufficient for reduction or oxidation (redox) to effect the release of the payload (e.g., a condition presenting a substance capable of a reduction or oxidation reaction (redox) to effect the release of the active payload), or an acidic or basic condition sufficient to effect the release of the payload (e.g., a condition presenting a substance sufficient to lower or raise pH and effect release of the active payload).

The linkers described herein can be used, for example, to attach a cytotoxic drug payload to a carrier and/or a targeting moiety that binds to a cancer cell (e.g., binds to a receptor on the surface of a cancer cell) and gets internalized into the cell (e.g., through the endosome and lysosomal compartment). Once internalized the linkers can be cleaved or degraded to release active cytotoxic drug. The pH sensitive linkers can release payloads under acidic conditions, the redox sensitive linkers may release payloads under the action of glutathione, which is present in the lysosome or endosome; and the protease-cleavable linkers can release their payload under the action of proteases such as cathepsin, trypsin or other proteases in the lysosomal compartment of the cell.

The cleavable linkers described herein may comprise a structure of Formula (F):

wherein each instance of [AA] is a natural or non-natural amino acid residue; z is an integer of 1 to 5; w is an integer of 1 to 4 (e.g., 2 or 3); and each denotes a point of attachment, e.g., to a spacer group (e.g., PEG) or another portion of the linker, or to a payload molecule. For example, -[AA]w- may comprise Val-Lys, Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Arg, or Val-Ala, and z may be 2, wherein one denotes an attachment to the oxygen atom of a PEG group, and the other denotes an attachment to a payload. For example, -[AA]w- may comprise Val-Lys.

The cleavable linkers described herein may comprise a structure of Formula (F-1):

wherein one denotes a point of attachment to the oxygen atom of a PEG group, and the other denotes a point of attachment to a payload.

Also disclosed herein are linker molecules (sometimes referred to herein as linker precursors) that are useful for conjugating compounds (e.g., payload moieties, or targeting ligand moieties) to a carrier particle (such as a nanoparticle). The linkers of this disclosure can contain reactive groups at one or both ends of the molecule. The reactive groups can be selected to allow conjugation to any desired compound, such as a payload (e.g., cytotoxic payload) at one end, and also facilitate conjugation to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) at the other end. The desired payload (e.g., cytotoxic payload) may or may not be modified. It is desirable for the payload to contain an amine, a hydroxyl, hydrazone, hydrazide or a sulfhydryl group in order to facilitate conjugation to the linker.

The linker-payload conjugates (or precursors) can be attached to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) using any suitable techniques and methods, and many such techniques are well-known in the art. See, e.g., WO 2017/189961, WO 2015/183882, WO 2013/192609, WO 2016/179260 and WO 2018/213851, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, which describe silica based core-shell or silica based core nanoparticles that can be used to prepare targeted nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Additionally, linker-payload conjugates (or precursors), or targeting ligands (or precursors or conjugates thereof), can be attached to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) using a reaction or method described in Kolb et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2001) 40:2004-2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The linker-payload conjugate may be attached to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) directly or indirectly through a spacer group, such as a spacer group described herein. Suitable spacer groups include, but are not limited to, a divalent linker (e.g., a divalent linker described herein), such as PEG spacer, or an alkylene spacer (e.g., a methylene spacer), which may further comprise a heteroatom or cyclic group (e.g., heterocyclylene groups). The linker-payload conjugate can be absorbed into the interstices or pores of a silica shell, or coated onto the silica shell of a nanoparticle, such as a fluorescent nanoparticle (e.g., covalently attached to the surface of the nanoparticle). In other aspects, where the silica shell is not covering all of the surface of the nanoparticle, the linker-payload conjugate can be associated with the fluorescent core, such as by physical absorption or by bonding interaction.

In some aspects, the linker-payload conjugate may also be associated with PEG groups that are covalently bonded to the surface of a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle). For example, the linker-payload conjugate may be attached to a nanoparticle through the PEG. The PEGs can have multiple functional groups for attachment to the nanoparticle and to the linker-payload conjugate.

In specific aspects of the present disclosure, the linker-payload conjugates (or linker-payload conjugate precursor) may be functionalized with a hydrophilic PEG spacer. The linker-payload conjugate precursor may be functionalized with a hydrophilic PEG spacer and/or suitable terminal group such as, but not limited to, an azide group, to facilitate covalently attaching the linker-payload conjugate (e.g., via the spacer group) to the surface of a carrier particle, such as a nanoparticle, e.g., via reaction with a DBCO group on the carrier particle surface. Other terminal groups can include a nitrile oxide or nitrone, e.g., for conjugation via a 3+2 cycloaddition reaction, to a suitable group on the nanoparticle (e.g., a diene moiety).

The number of PEG groups as spacers that can be present in a functionalized linker-payload conjugate (or precursor thereof) may range from 0 to 20, e.g., from 2 to 20, from 2 to 10, or from 5 to 8, e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12. In preferred aspects, the number of PEG groups as spacers in a functionalized linker-payload conjugate is 9.

For example, exatecan can be conjugated to a protease-cleavable linker to form the linker-payload conjugate. This linker-conjugate can be prepared from a precursor functionalized with a PEG spacer that has a terminal reactive group, such as an azide group, for further conjugation to the surface of the nanoparticle, e.g., via a DBCO group.

The protease-cleavable linker can be designed to be labile to cathepsin-B (Cat-B), that is over-expressed in malignant tumors, thereby effecting release of the cytotoxic agent, such as exatecan by a self-immolative process.

The linker payload conjugate precursor can comprise a structure of Formula (E-1′):

wherein P is a payload moiety, e.g., a cytotoxic drug described herein, and y is an integer of 0 to 20, e.g., 5 to 15, e.g., 9.

The linker and linker-payload conjugates described in the present disclosure have several advantages, ranging from superior serum stability to faster release kinetics mechanism, relative to conventional drug delivery platforms, linkers, or linker-payload conjugates. Also, the ability to pair these linkers with a variety of chemical groups provides the opportunity for the selective release of free payload/drugs, with minimal derivatization, that is a significant advantage.

In aspects of the present disclosure, the linker in the linker-payload conjugate is selected from a group consisting of protease-cleavable linker, redox-sensitive linker and pH-sensitive linker. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the linker in the linker-payload conjugate is a protease-cleavable linker. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the linker in the linker-payload conjugate is a redox-sensitive linker. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the linker in the linker-payload conjugate is a pH-sensitive linker.

A carrier particle-drug conjugate (e.g., an NDC) disclosed herein may comprise more than one linker-payload conjugate moiety (e.g., a linker-payload conjugate moiety disclosed herein). For example, the carrier particle-drug conjugate may comprise between about 1 and about 80 linker-payload conjugate moieties, e.g., between about 1 and about 60, between about 1 and about 40, between about 1 and about, between about 10 and about 30, between about 15 and about 25 linker-payload conjugate moieties, e.g., about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21, about 22, about 23, about 24, about 25, about 26, about 27, about 28, about 29, or about 30 linker-payload conjugate moieties.

A carrier particle-drug conjugate (e.g., an NDC) disclosed herein may comprise both a targeting ligand moiety, and a linker-payload conjugate moiety, e.g., each carrier particle-drug conjugate may comprise about 1 and about 20 targeting ligand moieties, and about 1 and about 30 linker-payload conjugate moieties. For example, each carrier particle-drug conjugate may comprise about 10 and about 15 targeting ligand moieties, and about 15 and about 25 linker-payload conjugate moieties. A carrier particle-drug conjugate disclosed herein may comprise an average of 13 targeting ligand moieties, and an average of 21 linker-payload conjugate moieties; an average of 12 targeting ligand moieties, and an average of 25 linker-payload conjugate moieties; an average of 12 targeting ligand moieties, and an average of 20 linker-payload conjugate moieties.

This disclosure provides compositions and methods directed to a nanoparticle-drug conjugate (NDC) comprising: a nanoparticle; a targeting ligand that binds to folate receptor; and a linker-payload conjugate, wherein the NDC has an average diameter between about 1 nm and about 10 nm.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative nanoparticle-drug conjugate (NDC) that has an average diameter of about 6 nm, comprising a nanoparticle that comprises a silica-based core and a silica shell surrounding at least a portion of the core, polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticle, and a fluorescent compound (Cy5) covalently encapsulated within the core of the nanoparticle, folic acid (FA) as the targeting ligand that can bind to folate receptor, and a linker-payload conjugate that comprises a protease-cleavable linker-exatecan conjugate. It will be understood that “folic acid” is intended to encompass any amide or ester derivative of folic acid, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 where folic acid is covalently attached to the spacer group (PEG) via an amide group.

In an aspect, the NDC has an average diameter between about 5 nm to about 8 nm. In more preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the NDC has an average diameter between about 6 nm to about 7 nm. The average diameter of NDCs can be measured by any suitable methods, such as, but not limited to, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) (see, e.g., FIG. 6) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) (see, e.g., FIG. 7). The NDCs of the present disclosure can comprise nanoparticles that can be functionalized with contrast agents for positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optical imaging (such as fluorescence imaging including near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, bio luminescence imaging, or combinations thereof).

A contrast agent, such as a radionuclide (radiolabel) including, but not limited to 89Zr, 64Cu, 68Ga, 86Y, 124I and 177Lu, may be attached to the nanoparticle. Alternatively, the nanoparticle can be attached to a chelator moiety, for example, DFO, DOTA, TETA and DTPA, that is adapted to bind a radionuclide. Such nanoparticle may be detected by PET, SPECT, CT, MRI, or optical imaging (such as fluorescence imaging including near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, bio luminescence imaging, or combinations thereof).

The radionuclide can additionally serve as a therapeutic agent for creating a multitherapeutic platform. This coupling allows the therapeutic agent to be delivered to the specific cell type through the specific binding between the targeting ligand and the cellular component.

Linkers

This disclosure provides linkers, e.g., self-immolative linkers, and linker-drug conjugates. The self-immolative linkers are capable of releasing payloads (e.g., a payload described herein) in vitro as well as in vivo under various conditions, that may involve enzymatic cleavage, redox-promoted cleavage, or pH-promoted cleavage. The linkers described herein can be used, for example, to attach a payload (e.g., cytotoxic drug) to a carrier particle and/or a targeting moiety that binds to a cancer cell (e.g., binds to a receptor on the surface of a cancer cell) and can be internalized into the cell (e.g., through the endosome and lysosomal compartment). The payload can be any suitable payload, e.g., a payload disclosed herein. Once internalized, the linkers can be cleaved or degraded to release active cytotoxic drug. The pH sensitive linkers can release payloads under acidic conditions; the redox sensitive linkers release payloads under the action of another compound, for example, glutathione, which may be present in the lysosome or endosome; and protease-cleavable linkers can release a payload under the action of an enzyme such as a protease, e.g., cathepsin, trypsin, or other proteases in the lysosomal compartment of a cell.

The linkers of this disclosure can contain reactive groups at both ends of the molecule. The reactive groups can be selected to allow conjugation to any desired cytotoxic payload at one end, and also facilitate conjugation to any drug-delivery system (i.e., carrier particle) at the other end. The desired cytotoxic payload may or may not be modified. It is desirable for the payload to contain an amine, a hydroxyl, or a sulfydryl group in order to facilitate conjugation to the linker or linker-drug-delivery system.

The drug-delivery systems that are envisaged by this disclosure include, but are not limited to, a nanoparticle, a liposome, a nanogel, a nanoring, a nanocage, a microsphere, an antibody, or antigen-binding portion of an antibody including single chain antibodies and fragments (e.g., scFv), and the like. The drug-delivery system may be an antibody fragment, e.g., Fab, F(ab′)2, scFv, minibody, or nanobody. The conjugation of reactive groups is carried out using any suitable techniques and methods, such as a technique described herein.

This disclosure relates to linker-drug conjugates of Formulae (I)-(XII) and (I-B)-(XII-B). In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to NDCs that comprise linker-payload conjugates of Formulae (I)-(XII) and (I-B)-(XII-B). The self-immolative linkers of the present disclosure can be conjugated to a cytotoxic agent (e.g., drug moiety or payload) such as SN38, analogs of SN38, exatecan or analogs of exatecan, or another payload disclosed herein. The linker-payload conjugates can include a sub-structure of Formulae (I)-(XII) that can be conjugated either directly or indirectly to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle). In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, the linker-payload conjugates are conjugated indirectly to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through suitable spacer units, such as, but not limited to PEG spacers.

The NDCs of the present disclosure may comprise multiple different payloads, e.g., multiple different drugs, that may be linked to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) via a self-immolative linker), e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more different drug molecules per nanoparticle.

Protease-Cleavable Linker-Payload Conjugates: In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the linker-payload conjugates of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B) relate to protease-cleavable linkers that are conjugated to a cytotoxic agent (drug moiety or payload) such as SN38, analogs of SN38, exatecan and analogs of exatecan.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (I)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala; or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1 and R2 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy, or hydroxyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl; with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; Ra, Rb, and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X is absent, —O—, —CO— or —NRa—; Y is absent

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z; with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 1; when Y is

X is absent and n is 0; when Y is

X is absent and n is 0; and/or when X is —CO—, Y is absent and n is 0; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRC— or —O—; n is 0 or 1; and q is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (I-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp- Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala; or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at; R1 and R2 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy, or hydroxyl; R3 and r4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl; with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Ra, Rb and RC in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X is absent, —O—, —CO— or —NRa—; Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z; with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 1; when Y is

X is absent and n is 0; when Y is

X is absent and n is 0; and/or when X is —CO—, Y is absent and n is 0; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRc— or —O—; n is 0 or 1; and q is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (II)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl; with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Y1 is

and Z is —NRc— or —O—.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (II-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp- Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl; with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Y1 is

and; Z is —NRc— or —O—.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (III)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl, with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; and Z is —NRc— or —O—.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (III-B):

Or a salt thereof, wherein: A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp- Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl, with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH— and; Z is —NRc— or —O—.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (IV)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a through a spacer group; A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; and Z is —NRc— or —O—.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (IV-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp- Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

and Z is —NRc— or —O—.

In aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV), line represents an indirect bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a suitable spacer, such as, but not limited to PEG spacers.

In aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a prodrug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z.

In aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), Payload is a residue of a cytotoxic moiety.

In aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), including those preferred aspects described above, A is a dipeptide or a tetrapeptide. In certain aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Val-Cit. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Val-Lys. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Phe-Lys.

In certain aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), including those preferred aspects described above, A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is a tetrapeptide selected from a group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), and Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Val-Cit-Gly-Pro. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), A is Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15).

In aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R1 and R2 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy, or hydroxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), R1 and R2 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), R1 and R2 is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), R1 is hydrogen and R2 is hydroxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), R1 is hydrogen and R2 is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), R1 is hydroxy and R2 is methyl. In aspects of Formula (II) or (II-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R1 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (II) or (II-B), R1 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formula (II) or (II-B), R1 is methyl.

In aspects of Formulae (I), (II), (III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II),(III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, chloro, fluoro, methyl or methoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II),(III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), R3 and R4 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II), (III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), R3 and R4 is fluoro.

In aspects of Formulae (I), (II). (III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl, with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H. In certain aspects of Formulae (I), (II). (III) (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, cyclopropyl, phenyl, and a substituted phenyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II), (III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), R5 is hydrogen.

In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II), (III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H. In certain aspects of Formulae (I), (II), (I-B), or (II-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I) (II), (I-B), or (II-B), Ra, Rb and Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II), (I-B), or (II-B), Ra, Rb and Rc is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (II) or (II-B), Rb is hydrogen and Rb is methyl.

In aspects of Formulae (III), (IV), (III-B), or (IV-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen and substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (III), (IV), (III-B), or (IV-B), Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (III), (IV), (III-B), or (IV-B), Rb is methyl.

In aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), including those preferred aspects described above, X is absent, —O—, —CO— or —NRa—. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), X is absent. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), X is —O— and n is 0. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), X is —CO— and n is 0. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), X is —NRa—, wherein Ra is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably, Ra is methyl.

In aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z; with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 1; with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 0; wthe proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 0 or 1 and with the proviso that, when X is —CO—, Y is absent and n is 0. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), Y is absent. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), Y is

preferably Y is —CONH2. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in is

bonded to Z. In preferred aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z.

In aspects of Formula (II) or (II-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Y1 is

In certain aspects of Formula (II) or (II-B), Y1 is

preferably, Y1 is —COOCH3. In certain aspects of Formula (II) or (II-B), Y1 is

preferably, Y1 is —CONH2.

In aspects of Formulae (I), (II),(III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), including those preferred aspects described above, X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II),(III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), X1, X2, X3 and X4 are each —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II),(III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), X1 is —CH—; X2 is —N—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I), (II),(III), (I-B), (II-B), or (III-B), X1 is —N—; X2 is —CH—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—.

In aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Z is —NRc— or —O—, preferably, Z is —NRc—, wherein Rc is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably, Rc is methyl or preferably, Z is —O—.

In aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 0 or 1 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 0 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formula (I) or (I-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 1 and q is 1 to 3.

Redox-Sensitive Linker-Payload Conjugates: In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the linker-payload conjugates of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B) relate to redox-sensitive linkers that are conjugated to a cytotoxic agent (drug moiety or payload) such as SN38, analogs of SN38, exatecan and analogs of exatecan.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (V)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X is absent, —O—, —CO— or —NRa—; Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRc— or —O—; n is 0 or 1; p is 1 to 3; and q is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (V-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X is absent, —O—, —CO— or —NRa—; Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRc— or —O—; n is 0 or 1; p is 1 to 3; and q is 1 to 3

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (VI)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a suitable spacer, such as, but not limited to PEG spacers; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Y1 is

Z is —NR— or —O— and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (VI-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a prodrug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Y1 is —; Y1 is

Z is —NRc— or —O—; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (VII)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Y is

wherein the carbonyl in or

is bonded to Z; Z is —NRc— or —O— and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (VII-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a prodrug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

wherein the carbonyl in

or is bonded to Z; Z is —NRc— or —O—; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (VIII)

or a salt thereof, wherein line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R3, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R4 is halo; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Z is —NRc— or —O—; m is 1 to 3; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (VIII-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R3, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R4 is halo; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; R1 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

Z is —NRc— or —O—; m is 1 to 3; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (IX)

or a salt thereof, wherein line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Z is —NRc— or —O—; m is 1 to 3 and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (IX-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein; Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

Z is —NRc— or —O—; m is 1 to 3; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (X)

or a salt thereof, wherein line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRc— or —O— and p is 1 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (X-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRc— or —O—; and p is 1 to 3.

In aspects of Formulae (V)-(X), line represents an indirect bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a suitable spacer, such as, but not limited to PEG spacers. In aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety.

In aspects of Formulae (V)-(IX) or (V-B)-(IX-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R1 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably methyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V)-(IX) or (V-B)-(IX-B), R1 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V)-(IX), R1 is methyl.

In aspects of Formulae (V), (VII)-(IX), (V-B), (VII-B), or (IX-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R2 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VII)-(IX) (V-B), (VII-B), or (IX-B), R2 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VII)-(IX). (V-B), or (VII-B)-(IX-B), R2 is methyl.

In aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (VIII), (X), (V-B), (VI-B), (VIII-B) or (X-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R3 and R4 in in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (VIII), (X), (V-B), (VI-B), (VIII-B) or (X-B), R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (VIII), (X), (V-B), (VI-B), (VIII-B) or (X-B), R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, chloro, fluoro, methyl or methoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (VIII), (X), (V-B), (VI-B), (VIII-B) or (X-B), R3 and R4 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (VIII), (X), (V-B), (VI-B), (VIII-B) or (X-B), R3 and R4 is fluoro.

In aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R5 and R6 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), R5 and R6 in each occurrence is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), R5 and R6 in each occurrence is methyl. In certain aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R7 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), R7 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), R7 is methyl.

In certain aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (V-B), or (VI-B) including those preferred aspects described above, Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (V-B), or (VI-B), Ra, Rb and Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (V-B), or (VI-B), Ra, Rb and Rc is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (V-B), or (VI-B), Ra and Rb is hydrogen and Rc is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (V-B), or (VI-B), Ra and Rb is methyl and Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (V-B), or (VI-B), Ra is methyl or hydrogen, Rb is hydrogen or methyl and Rc is hydrogen or methyl.

In aspects of Formulae (VII)-(X) or (VII-B)-(X-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (VII)-(X) or (VII-B)-(X-B), Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (VII)-(X) or (VII-B)-(X-B), Rc is methyl.

In aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), including those preferred aspects described above, X is absent, —O— or —NRa—. In preferred aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), X is absent. In preferred aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), X is —O—. In preferred aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), X is —NRa—, wherein Ra is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably, Ra is methyl.

In aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (X), (V), (VI) or (X), including those preferred aspects described above, X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (X), (V), (VI) or (X), X1, X2, X3 and X4 are each —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (X), (V), (VI) or (X), X1 is —CH—; X2 is —N—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V), (VI), (X), (V), (VI) or (X), X1 is —N—; X2 is —CH—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—.

In aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z. In preferred aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), Y is absent. In preferred aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), Y is

preferably Y is —CONH2. In preferred aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (VI) or (VI-B), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z. In preferred aspects of Formula (VI) or (VI-B), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z. In preferred aspects of Formula (VI) or (VI-B), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z.

In aspects of Formula (VI) or (VI-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Y1 is

In certain aspects of Formula (VI) or (VI-B), Y1 is

preferably, Y1 is —COOCH3. In certain aspects of Formula (VI) or (VI-B), Y1 is

preferably, Y1 is —CONH2.

In certain aspects of Formula (VII) or (VII-B), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in or

is bonded to Z.

In certain aspects of Formula (VIII) or (VIII-B), Y is

In certain aspects of Formula (VIII) or (VIII-B), Y is

In aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Z is —NRc— or —O—, preferably, Z is —NRc—, wherein Rc is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably, R is methyl or preferably, Z is —O—.

In aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 0 or 1 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 0 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formula (V) or (V-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 1 and q is 1 to 3.

In aspects of Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), including those preferred aspects described above, p is 1 to 3.

In aspects of Formulae (VIII), (IX), (VIII-B), OR (IX-B) including those preferred aspects described above, m is 1 to 3.

pH-sensitive Linker-payload Conjugates: In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the linker-payload conjugates of Formulae (XI)-(XII) and (XI-B)-(XII-B) relate to pH-sensitive linkers that are conjugated to a cytotoxic agent (drug moiety or payload) such as SN38, analogs of SN38, exatecan and analogs of exatecan.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (XI)

or a salt thereof, wherein line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z, or Payload is a moiety that is liberated by cleavage of N═C bond, such as

R1, R2 and R3 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; R4 is substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; and Z is —NRc— or —O—.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (XI-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z or Payload is a moiety that is liberated by cleavage of N═C bond, such as

R1, R2 and R3 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; R4 is substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

and Z is —NR— or —O—.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (XII)

or a salt thereof, wherein line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z, or Payload is a moiety that is liberated by cleavage of N═C bond, such as

R1, R2 and R3 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; R4 is substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Z is —NRc— or —O—; and n1 is 0 to 3.

A linker-payload conjugate may comprise a compound of Formula (XII-B)

or a salt thereof, wherein: Payload is a residue of a drug moiety or a pro-drug moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z or Payload is a moiety that is liberated by cleavage of N═C bond, such as

R1, R2 and R3 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; R4 is substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

Z is —NRc— or —O—; and n1 is 0 to 3.

In aspects of Formulae (XI)-(XII), line represents an indirect bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a suitable spacer, such as, but not limited to PEG spacers. In aspects of Formulae (XI), (XII), (XI-B), or (XII-B), Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z. In preferred aspects of Formulae (XI), (XII), (XI-B), or (XII-B), Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety.

In other preferred aspects of Formula (XI) or (XI-B), Payload is a moiety that is liberated by cleavage of N═C bond, such as

In other preferred aspects of Formula (XII) or (XII-B), Payload is a moiety that is liberated by cleavage of N═C bond, such as

In aspects of Formulae (XI), (XII), (XI-B), or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R1, R2 and R3 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl and R4 is substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (XI), (XII), (XI-B), or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R1 and R2 in each occurrence is hydrogen, R3 is hydrogen, R4 is methyl and Rc is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably Rc is hydrogen or methyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (XI), (XII), (XI-B), or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, R1 and R2 in each occurrence is methyl, R3 is hydrogen, R4 is methyl and Rc is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably Rc is hydrogen or methyl. In aspects of Formulae (XI), (XII), (XI-B), or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, Z is —NRc— or —O—, preferably, Z is —NR—, wherein Rc is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably, Rc is methyl or preferably, Z is —O—.

In aspects of Formula (XII) or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n1 is 0 to 3. In certain aspects of Formula (XII) or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n1 is 0. In certain aspects of Formula (XII) or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n1 is 1. In certain aspects of Formula (XII) or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n1 is 2. In certain aspects of Formula (XII) or (XII-B), including those preferred aspects described above, n1 is 3.

Payload: Payloads suitable for conjugation to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) may comprise a functional group that can facilitate conjugation to the carrier particle, e.g., via a linker and/or spacer group. For example, the linker-payload conjugates of Formulae (I)-(XII) or (I-B)-(XII-B), the payload may have a chemically reactive functional group that is bonded to the linker, wherein the functional group is selected from the group consisting of an amine (e.g., primary amine, secondary amine), hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, and carboxyl.

In Formulae (I)-(XII) or (I-B)-(XII-B), the payload has either an amine or a hydroxyl functional group for conjugation to the linker moiety. In preferred aspects, Payload is a residue of a cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z. In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, Payload is a cytotoxic agent selected from a group consisting of dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, thymidylate synthase inhibitors, and topoisomerase inhibitors. In some aspects, the payload is a topoisomerase inhibitor. For example, in Formulae (I)-(XII) or (I-B)-(XII-B), Payload can be a topoisomerase inhibitor selected from a group consisting of SN38, analogs of SN38, exatecan and analogs of exatecan. In Formulae (I)-(XII) or (I-B)-(XII-B), the payload can be SN38. In Formulae (I)-(XII) or (I-B)-(XII-B), the payload can be an analog of SN38, such as those described in the present disclosure. In Formulae (I)-(XII) or (I-B)-(XII-B), the payload can be exatecan. In Formulae (I)-(XII) or (I-B)-(XII-B), the payload can be an analog of exatecan, such as those described in the present disclosure.

In certain aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), when A is a dipeptide, Payload is selected from a group consisting of SN38, analogs of SN38, exatecan and analogs of exatecan. For example, in Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), when A is a dipeptide, Payload may be SN38. In some aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), when A is a dipeptide, Payload is an analog of SN38, such as those described in the present disclosure. In other aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), when A is a dipeptide, Payload is Exatecan. In other aspects of Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), when A is a dipeptide, Payload is an analog of Exatecan, such as those described in the present disclosure.

In Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), Payload may comprise an analog of SN38 of formula (105)

It will be understood that a functional group (e.g., an —OH or —NH2 group) may be used to conjugate the payload to the linker, e.g., the oxygen or nitrogen may be Z in Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), and one or more hydrogen atoms may be absent, valency permitting).

In Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), Payload may comprise an analog of SN38 selected from a group consisting of

It will be understood that a functional group (e.g., an —OH or —NH2 group) may be used to conjugate the payload to the linker, e.g., the oxygen or nitrogen may be Z in Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), and one or more hydrogen atoms may be absent, valency permitting).

In Formulae (XI)-(XII) or (XI-B)-(XII-B), the Payload can be an analog of SN38 selected from a group consisting of

It will be understood that a functional group (e.g., an —OH or —NH2 group) may be used to conjugate the payload to the linker, e.g., the oxygen or nitrogen may be Z in Formulae (XI)-(XII) or (XI-B)-(XII-B), and one or more hydrogen atoms may be absent, valency permitting).

In Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), the Payload can be an analog of Exatecan of formula:

It will be understood that a functional group (e.g., an —OH or —NH2 group) may be used to conjugate the payload to the linker, e.g., the oxygen or nitrogen may be Z in Formulae (I)-(IV) or (I-B)-(IV-B), and one or more hydrogen atoms may be absent, valency permitting).

In Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), the Payload can be an analog of SN38 selected from a group consisting of

It will be understood that a functional group (e.g., an —OH or —NH2 group) may be used to conjugate the payload to the linker, e.g., the oxygen or nitrogen may be Z in Formulae (V)-(X) or (V-B)-(X-B), and one or more hydrogen atoms may be absent, valency permitting).

In Formulae (XI)-(XII) or (XI-B)-(XII-B), the Payload can be an analog of exatecan of formula

It will be understood that a functional group (e.g., an —OH or —NH2 group) may be used to conjugate the payload to the linker, e.g., the oxygen or nitrogen may be Z in Formulae (XI)-(XII) or (XI-B)-(XII-B), and one or more hydrogen atoms may be absent, valency permitting).

Exemplary Linker-Payload Conjugates: Representative linker-payload conjugates of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to the following sub-structures, wherein line represents a direct bond to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) or an indirect bond to the carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) through a spacer group. Suitable spacer groups include, but are not limited to a PEG spacer, or an alkylene spacer (e.g., methylene spacer), which may further comprise heteroatoms, or cyclic groups (e.g., heterocyclylene groups). In preferred aspects, the spacer group is a PEG spacer.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (I) or (I-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (IV) or (IV-1B) of the present disclosure may include the following sub-structure.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (V) or (V-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (VII) or (VII-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (XI) or (XI-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

An exemplary linker-payload conjugate of Formula (XII) or (XII-B) of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

The protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugates of the present disclosure can also include, but are not limited to including, one of the following sub-structures, that can be prepared using the schemes and methods disclosed herein.

Other linker-payload conjugates of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

Yet another linker-payload conjugates of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

Other linker-payload conjugates of the present disclosure may include one of the following sub-structures.

Linkers: The linkers of this disclosure (or precursors thereof) can contain reactive groups at both ends of the molecule. The reactive groups can be selected to allow conjugation to any payload (e.g., cytotoxic payload) at one end and also facilitate conjugation to any drug-delivery system (e.g., nanoparticle) at the other end, e.g., via a spacer group. This disclosure relates to linkers of Formulae (I-A)-(X-A).

In Formulae (I-A)-(X-A), there are functional groups at each end of the molecule. The functional groups are Z1 and Z2. Z1 can be any functional group on one end of the linker moiety that connects to any desirable payload. Z2 can be any functional group on other end of the linker moiety that allows conjugation to a spacer group, such as a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain. For example, the linker can connect to any desirable payload via a chemically reactive functional group that is a part of the payload such as a primary or secondary amine, hydroxyl, sulfhydryl, or carboxyl group. For example, the linker can be conjugated to a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain via a chemically reactive functional group that is a part of the linker such as a primary or secondary amine or carboxyl group.

Protease-cleavable Linkers: Proteases are involved in all stages of cancer disease from tumor cells growth and survival, to angiogenesis and invasions. Therefore, they can be utilized to treat cancer as selective triggers towards activation of linker/payload system. This disclosure relates to linkers that are cleavable by the action of proteases thereby releasing the free payload. Lysosomal proteases such as cathepsin B and serine proteases such as cathepsin A or tripeptidyl-peptidase I have been extensively studied in the context of prodrug development. Proteolytic enzymes such as caspases are also well-known to be utilized as biological triggers for the selective activation of payload or for specific cargo delivery to a target cell such as a cancer cell.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the linkers of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A) relate to protease-cleavable linkers.

A linker can comprise a compound of Formula (I-A)

wherein, A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala; or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; R1 and R2 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy, or hydroxy; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl, with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X is absent, —O—, —CO— or —NRa—; Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z1, with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 1, with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 0, with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 0 or 1, with the proviso that, when X is —CO—, Y is absent and n is 0; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, —OSO2—CH3, —OSO2CF3, 4-nitrophenoxy, —COCl, and —COOH; Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH; or Z2 is —C(O)-T1; n is 0 or 1; and q is 1 to 3.

A linker may comprise a compound of Formula (II-A)

wherein, A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; R1 is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl, with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; R1′, R2′, R2′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Y1 is

Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, mesylate, and tosylate; and Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH; or Z2 is —C(O)-T1.

A linker may comprise a compound of Formula (III-A)

wherein, A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala; or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl, with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —N═C═O, —O—COCl, —O—COO—4-nitrophenyl, —NH—COO—4-nitrophenyl, and —CHO; Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH or Z2 is —C(O)-T1.

A linker may comprise a compound of Formula (IV-A)


Z2-A-Z1  (IV-A)

wherein, A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val-Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala; or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; R1′, R2′ R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

Z1 is —COOH; and Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH or Z2 is —C(O)-T1.

In certain aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is a dipeptide or a tetrapeptide. In certain aspects of (I-A)-(IV-A), A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp- Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Val-Cit. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Val-Lys. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Phe-Lys.

In certain aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), including those preferred aspects described above, A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is a tetrapeptide selected from a group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), and Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Val-Cit-Gly-Pro. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), A is Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15).

In aspects of Formula (I-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R1 and R2 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy, or hydroxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), R1 and R2 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), R1 and R2 is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), R1 is hydrogen and R2 is hydroxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), R1 is hydrogen and R2 is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), R1 is hydroxy and R2 is methyl.

In aspects of Formula (II-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R1 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (II-A), R1 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formula (II-A), R1 is methyl.

In aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, chloro, fluoro, methyl or methoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), R3 and R4 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), R3 and R4 is fluoro.

In aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl, with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H. In certain aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, cyclopropyl, phenyl or a substituted phenyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), R5 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H.

In certain aspects of Formulae (I-A) and (II-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A) and (II-A), Ra, Rb and Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A) and (II-A), Ra, Rb and Rc is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (II-A), Rb is hydrogen and Rc is methyl. In aspects of Formulae (III-A)-(IV-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In aspects of Formulae (III-A)-(IV-A), Rc is hydrogen. In aspects of Formulae (III-A)-(IV-A), Rc is methyl.

In aspects of Formula (I-A), including those preferred aspects described above, X is absent, —O—, —CO— or —NRa—. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), X is absent. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), X is —O— and n is 0. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), X is —CO— and n is 0. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), X is —NRa—, wherein Ra is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably, Ra is methyl.

In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z; with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 1; with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 0; with the proviso that, when Y is

X is absent and n is 0 or 1 and with the proviso that, when X is —CO—, Y is absent and n is 0. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is absent. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is

preferably Y is —CONH2. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z. In aspects of Formula (II-A), including those preferred aspects described above Y1 is

In certain aspects of Formula (II-A), Y1 is

preferably, Y1 is —COOCH3. In certain aspects of Formula (II-A), Y1 is

preferably, Y1 is —CONH2.

In aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), including those preferred aspects described above, X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), X1, X2, X3 and X4 are each —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), X1 is —CH—; X2 is —N—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A), (II-A) and (III-A), X1 is —N—; X2 is —CH—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—.

In aspects of Formula (I-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, —OSO2—CH3, —OSO2CF3, 4-nitrophenoxy, —COCl, and —COOH. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Z1 is halo, preferably chloro or fluoro. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Z1 is hydroxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Z1 is 4-nitrophenoxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Z1 is —COCl. In preferred aspects of Formula (I-A), Z1 is —COOH. In aspects of Formula (II-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, mesylate, and tosylate. In preferred aspects of Formula (II-A), Z1 is halo, preferably chloro or bromo. In preferred aspects of Formula (II-A), Z1 is mesylate. In preferred aspects of Formula (II-A), Z1 is tosylate. In aspects of Formula (III-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —N═C═O, —O—COCl, —O—COO—4-nitrophenyl, —NH—COO—4-nitrophenyl, and —CHO. In preferred aspects of Formula (III-A), Z1 is —N═C═O. In preferred aspects of Formula (III-A), Z1 is —O—CO—C1. In preferred aspects of Formula (III-A), Z1 is —O—COO—4-nitrophenyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (III-A), Z1 is —NH—COO—4-nitrophenyl. In preferred aspects of Formula (III-A), Z1 is —CHO. In aspects of Formula (IV-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is —COOH.

In aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH or Z2 is —C(O)-T1, wherein T1 is as defined in Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A). In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), Z2 is —NH2, —NHR1, and —COOH. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), Z2 is —NHRc, wherein Rc is preferably methyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), Z2 is —COOH. In aspects of Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z2 is —C(O)-T1, wherein T1 is as defined in Formulae (I-A)-(IV-A).

In aspects of Formula (I-A), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 0 or 1 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formula (I-A), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 0 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formula (I-A), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 1 and q is 1 to 3.

Redox-sensitive Linkers: This disclosure relates to redox-sensitive linkers that may also be referred to as redox-responsive linkers. The redox-sensitive linkers may include a disulfide bond that can be reduced (e.g., by reducing glutathione (GSH)) into sulfhydryl groups. This in turn causes the degradation of the linker and facilitates the release of payload or an active analog of a payload. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the linkers of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A) relate to redox-sensitive linkers.

A linker may comprise a compound of Formula (V-A)

wherein, R1, R2, R5 and R6 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R7 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X is absent, —O— or —NRa—; Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z1; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, 4-nitrophenoxy, —O—SO2—CH3 and —O—SO2—CF3; Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH, or Z2 is —NR7—C(O)-T1; n is 0 or 1; p is 1 to 3; and q is 1 to 3.

A linker can comprise a compound of Formula (VI-A)

wherein, R1, R5 and R6 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R7 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Y1 is

Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, mesylate, triflate, and tosylate; Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH, or Z2 is —NR7—C(O)-T1; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker may comprise a compound of Formula (VII-A)

wherein, R1, R2, R5 and R6 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R7 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

Y is

wherein the carbonyl in or

is bonded to Z1; Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, 4-nitrophenoxy, —O—SO2—CH3, and —O—SO2—CF3; Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHR7, and —COOH, or Z2 is —NR7—C(O)-T1; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker may comprise a compound of Formula (VIII-A)

wherein, R1, R2, R3, R5 and R6 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R4 is halo; R7 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

Z1 is halo; Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH, or Z2 is —NR7—C(O)-T1; m is 1 to 3; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker may comprise a compound of Formula (IX-A)

wherein, R1, R2, R5 and R6 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R7 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —COOH, —O—COCl and —O—COO—4-nitrophenoxy; Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH, or Z2 is —NR7—C(O)-T1; m is 1 to 3; and p is 1 to 3.

A linker may comprise a compound of Formula (X-A)

wherein, R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 and R6 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R7 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl; Rc is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —N═C═O, —CHO, —COOH, and —COCl; Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH, or Z2 is —NR7—C(O)-T1; and p is 1 to 3.

In aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(IX-A), R1 is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(IX-A), R1 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(IX-A), R1 is methyl. In aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VII-A)-(IX-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R2 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VII-A)-(IX-A), R2 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VII-A)-(IX-A), R2 is methyl. In aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A), (VIII-A) and (X-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R3 and R4 in in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A), (VIII-A) and (X-A), R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A), (VIII-A) and (X-A), R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, chloro, fluoro, methyl or methoxy. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A), (VIII-A) and (X-A), R3 and R4 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A), (VIII-A) and (X-A), R3 and R4 is fluoro. In aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R5 and R6 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), R5 and R6 in each occurrence is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), R5 and R6 in each occurrence is methyl. In certain aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), including those preferred aspects described above, R7 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), R7 is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), R7 is methyl.

In certain aspects of Formulae (V-A) and (VI-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A) and (VI-A), Ra, Rb and Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A) and (VI-A), Ra, Rb and Rc is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A) and (VI-A), Ra and Rb is hydrogen and Rc is methyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A) and (VI-A), Ra and Rb is methyl and Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A) and (VI-A), Ra is methyl or hydrogen, Rb is hydrogen or methyl and Rc is hydrogen or methyl. In aspects of Formulae (VII-A)-(X-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (VII-A)-(X-A), Rc is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of Formulae (VII-A)-(X-A), Rc is methyl.

In aspects of Formula (V-A), including those preferred aspects described above, X is absent, —O— or —NRa—. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), X is absent. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), X is —O—. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), X is —NRa—, wherein Ra is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, preferably, Ra is methyl.

In aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A) and (X-A), including those preferred aspects described above, X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A) and (X-A), X1, X2, X3 and X4 are each —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A) and (X-A), X1 is —CH—; X2 is —N—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A), (VI-A) and (X-A), X1 is —N—; X2 is —CH—; X3 is —CH— and X4 is —CH—.

In aspects of Formula (V-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Y is absent,

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z1. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Y is absent. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Y is

preferably Y is —CONH2. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Y is

In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z1. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z1. In preferred aspects of Formula (VI-A), Y is

wherein the carbonyl in

is bonded to Z1. In preferred of Formula (VI-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Y1 is

In preferred aspects of Formula (VI-A), Y1 is

preferably, Y1 is —COOCH3. In certain aspects of Formula (VI-A), Y1 is

preferably, Y1 is —CONH2. In certain aspects of Formula (VII-A), Y is

In certain aspects of Formula (VII-A), Y is

In certain aspects of Formula (VII-A), Y is

In aspects of Formulae (V-A) and (VII-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, 4-nitrophenoxy, —O—SO2—CH3 and —O—SO2—CF3. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Z1 is halo, preferably chloro or fluoro. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Z1 is hydroxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Z1 is 4-nitrophenoxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Z1 is —O—SO2—CH3. In preferred aspects of Formula (V-A), Z1 is —O—SO2—CF3.

In preferred aspects of Formula (VII-A), Z1 is halo, preferably chloro or fluoro. In preferred aspects of Formula (VII-A), Z1 is hydroxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (VII-A), Z1 is 4-nitrophenoxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (VII-A), Z1 is —O—SO2—CH3. In preferred aspects of Formula (VII-A), Z1 is —O—SO2—CF3. In aspects of Formula (VI-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of halo, mesylate, triflate, and tosylate. In preferred aspects of Formula (VI-A), Z1 is halo, preferably chloro or fluoro. In preferred aspects of Formula (VI-A), Z1 is mesylate. In preferred aspects of Formula (VI-A), Z1 is triflate. In preferred aspects of Formula (VI-A), Z1 is tosylate. In aspects of Formula (VIII-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is halo, preferably chloro or fluoro. In aspects of Formula (IX-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —COOH, —O—COCl and —O—COO—4-nitrophenoxy. In preferred aspects of Formula (IX-A), Z1 is —COOH. In preferred aspects of Formula (IX-A), Z1 is —O—CO—C1. In preferred aspects of Formula (IX-A), Z1 is —O—COO—4-nitrophenyl. In aspects of Formula (X-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z1 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —N═C═O, —CHO, —COOH, and —COCl. In preferred aspects of Formula (X-A), Z1 is —N═C═O. In preferred aspects of Formula (X-A), Z1 is —CHO. In aspects of Formula (X-A), Z1 is —COOH. In preferred aspects of Formula (X-A), Z1 is —COCl.

In aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), including those preferred aspects described above, Z2 is a functional group selected from the group consisting of —NH2, —NHR1, and —COOH, or Z2 is —NR7—C(O)-T1, wherein R7 and T1 are as defined in Formulae (V-A)-(X-A). In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), Z2 is —NH2, —NHRc, and —COOH. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), Z2 is —NHRc, wherein Rc is preferably methyl. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), Z2 is —COOH. In preferred aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), Z2 is —NR7—C(O)-T1, wherein R7 and T1 are as defined in Formulae (V-A)-(X-A).

In aspects of Formula (V-A), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 0 or 1 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formula (V-A), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 0 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formula (V-A), including those preferred aspects described above, n is 1 and q is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formulae (V-A)-(X-A), including those preferred aspects described above, p is 1 to 3. In aspects of Formulae (VIII-A) and (IX-A), including those preferred aspects described above, m is 1 to 3.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The present disclosure further provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating a disease (e.g., cancer, such as a cancer associated with folate receptor expressing tumor), wherein the composition comprises an effective amount of a carrier particle-drug conjugate described herein, e.g., an NDC described herein.

In specific aspects of the present disclosure, the pharmaceutical composition comprising the carrier particle drug conjugate (e.g., an NDC described herein) can be used to treat cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer), pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The pharmaceutical composition comprising the NDCs may also be used for targeting tumor associated macrophages, e.g., to modify the immune status of a tumor in a subject.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as a non-toxic carrier, adjuvant, diluent, or vehicle that does not negatively impact the pharmacological activity of the carrier particle drug-conjugate (e.g., NDC) with which it is formulated. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients useful in the manufacture of the pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure are any of those that are well known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation, and can include inert diluents, dispersing and/or granulating agents, surface active agents and/or emulsifiers, disintegrating agents, binding agents, preservatives, buffering agents, lubricating agents, and/or oils. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients useful in the manufacture of the pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins (e.g., human serum albumin), buffer substances (e.g., phosphates), glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, glyceride mixtures (e.g., mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids), water, salts or electrolytes (e.g., protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts), colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol, and wool fat.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be administered orally in the form of a suitable pharmaceutical unit dosage form. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be prepared in many forms that include tablets, hard or soft gelatin capsules, aqueous solutions, suspensions, liposomes, and other slow-release formulations, such as shaped polymeric gels.

Suitable modes of administration for the carrier particle-drug conjugate (e.g., NDC) or composition thereof include, but are not limited to, oral, intravenous, rectal, sublingual, mucosal, nasal, ophthalmic, subcutaneous, intramuscular, transdermal, spinal, intrathecal, intra-articular, intra-arterial, sub-arachnoid, bronchial, lymphatic administration, intra-tumoral, and other routes suitable for systemic delivery of active ingredients.

The present pharmaceutical composition may be administered by any method known in the art, including, without limitation, transdermal (passive via patch, gel, cream, ointment or iontophoretic); intravenous (bolus, infusion); subcutaneous (infusion, depot); transmucosal (buccal and sublingual, e.g., orodispersible tablets, wafers, film, and effervescent formulations); conjunctival (eyedrops); rectal (suppository, enema)); or intradermal (bolus, infusion, depot). The composition may be delivered topically.

Oral liquid pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspensions, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be presented as a dry product for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid pharmaceutical compositions may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), or preservatives.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may also be formulated for parenteral administration (e.g., by injection, for example, bolus injection or continuous infusion) and may be presented in unit dosage form in ampules, pre-filled syringes, infusion containers (e.g., small volume infusion containers), or multi-dose containers, that may contain an added preservative.

The pharmaceutical compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulating agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be in powder form, obtained by aseptic isolation of sterile solid or by lyophilization from solution, for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile, pyrogen-free water, before use.

For topical administration (e.g., to the epidermis), the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated as ointments, creams or lotions, or as the active ingredient of a transdermal patch. Suitable transdermal delivery systems are disclosed, for example, in A. Fisher et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,603), and R. Bawa et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,931,279; 4,668,506; and 4,713,224), each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Ointments and creams may, for example, be formulated with an aqueous or oily base with the addition of suitable thickening and/or gelling agents. Lotions may be formulated with an aqueous or oily base and will in general also contain one or more emulsifying agents, stabilizing agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, or coloring agents. The pharmaceutical compositions can also be delivered via ionophoresis, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,140,122; 4,383,529; or 4,051,842, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for topical administration in the mouth include unit dosage forms such as lozenges comprising a pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure in a flavored base, such as sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the pharmaceutical composition in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin or sucrose and acacia; mucoadherent gels, and mouthwashes comprising the pharmaceutical composition in a suitable liquid carrier.

For topical administration to the eye, the pharmaceutical compositions can be administered as drops, gels (S. Chrai et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,415), gums (S. L. Lin et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,177) or via a prolonged-release ocular insert (A. S. Michaels, U.S. Pat. No. 3,867,519 and H. M. Haddad et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,791), each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

When desired, the above-described pharmaceutical compositions can be adapted to give sustained release of a therapeutic compound employed, e.g., by combination with certain hydrophilic polymer matrices, e.g., comprising natural gels, synthetic polymer gels or mixtures thereof.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for rectal administration wherein the carrier is a solid are most preferably presented as unit dose suppositories. Suitable carriers include cocoa butter and other materials commonly used in the art, and the suppositories may be conveniently formed by admixture of the pharmaceutical composition with the softened or melted carrier(s) followed by chilling and shaping in molds.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for vaginal administration may be presented as pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or sprays containing, in addition to the nanoparticles and the therapeutic agent, such carriers are well known in the art.

For administration by inhalation, the pharmaceutical compositions according to the present disclosure are conveniently delivered from an insufflator, nebulizer or a pressurized pack or other convenient means of delivering an aerosol spray. Pressurized packs may comprise a suitable propellant such as dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol, the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount.

Alternatively, for administration by inhalation or insufflation, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may take the form of a dry powder composition, for example, a powder mix of the pharmaceutical composition and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch. The powder composition may be presented in unit dosage form in, for example, capsules or cartridges or, e.g., gelatin or blister packs from which the powder may be administered with the aid of an inhalator or insufflator.

For intra-nasal administration, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be administered via a liquid spray, such as via a plastic bottle atomizer. Typical of these are the Mistometer® (isoproterenol inhaler- Wintrop) and the Medihaler® (isoproterenol inhaler-Riker).

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may also contain other adjuvants such as flavorings, colorings, anti-microbial agents, or preservatives.

It will be further appreciated that the amount of the pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in treatment will vary not only with the therapeutic agent selected but also with the route of administration, the nature of the condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient and will be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician or clinician. For evaluations of these factors, see J. F. Brien et al., Europ. J. Clin. Pharmacol, 14, 133 (1978); and Physicians' Desk Reference, Charles E. Baker, Jr., Pub., Medical Economics Co., Oradell, N.J. (41′ ed., 1987), each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Administration and Methods of Treatment

Carrier particle-drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) of the present disclosure can be administered to a subject. The subject can be a mammal, preferably a human. Mammals include, but are not limited to, murines, rats, rabbits, simians, bovines, ovine, swine, canines, feline, farm animals, sport animals, pets, equine, and primates.

Carrier particle-drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) may be administered to a subject by, but not restricted to, the following routes: oral, intravenous, nasal, subcutaneous, local, intramuscular or transdermal. For example, the NDCs of the present disclosure may be administered to a subject intravenously.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure can be used to help a physician or surgeon to identify and characterize areas of disease, such as cancers, including, but not restricted to, cancers that overexpress folate receptor (e.g., folate receptor alpha, or folate receptor beta), to distinguish diseased and normal tissue, such as detecting tumor margins that are difficult to detect using an ordinary operating microscope, e.g., in brain surgery, to help dictate a therapeutic or surgical intervention, e.g., by determining whether a lesion is cancerous and should be removed or non-cancerous and left alone, or in surgically staging a disease.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure may be used, but are not limited to, metastatic disease detection, treatment response monitoring, and targeted delivery of payload, including by passing the blood-brain barrier.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure can also be used in the detection, characterization and/or determination of the localization of a disease, including early disease, the severity of a disease or a disease-associated condition, the staging of a disease, and/or monitoring a disease. The presence, absence, or level of an emitted signal can be indicative of a disease state.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure can also be used to monitor and/or guide various therapeutic interventions, such as surgical and catheter-based procedures, and monitoring drug therapy, including cell based therapies. The methods of the present disclosure can also be used in prognosis of a disease or disease condition. Cellular subpopulations residing within or marginating the disease site, such as stem-like cells (“cancer stem cells”) and/or inflammatory/phagocytic cells may be identified and characterized using the methods and compositions of the present disclosure.

With respect to each of the foregoing, examples of such disease or disease conditions that can be detected or monitored (before, during or after therapy) include cancer (for example, melanoma, thyroid, colorectal, ovarian, lung, breast, prostate, cervical, skin, brain, gastrointestinal, mouth, kidney, esophageal, bone cancer), that can be used to identify subjects that have an increased susceptibility for developing cancer and/or malignancies, i.e., they are predisposed to develop cancer and/or malignancies, inflammation (for example, inflammatory conditions induced by the presence of cancerous lesions), cardiovascular disease (for example, atherosclerosis and inflammatory conditions of blood vessels, ischemia, stroke, thrombosis), dermatologic disease (for example, Kaposi's Sarcoma, psoriasis), ophthalmic disease (for example, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy), infectious disease (for example, bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, including Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)), immunologic disease (for example, an autoimmune disorder, lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus), central nervous system disease (for example, a neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease), inherited diseases, metabolic diseases, environmental diseases (for example, lead, mercury and radioactive poisoning, skin cancer), bone-related disease (for example, osteoporosis, primary and metastatic bone tumors, osteoarthritis) and a neurodegenerative disease.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure, therefore, can be used, for example, to determine the presence and/or localization of tumor and/or co-resident stem-like cells (“cancer stem cells”), the presence and/or localization of inflammatory cells, including the presence of activated macrophages, for instance in peritumoral regions, the presence and in localization of vascular disease including areas at risk for acute occlusion (i.e., vulnerable plaques) in coronary and peripheral arteries, regions of expanding aneurysms, unstable plaque in carotid arteries, and ischemic areas. The methods and compositions of the present disclosure can also be used in identification and evaluation of cell death, injury, apoptosis, necrosis, hypoxia and angiogenesis (PCT/US2006/049222).

The methods of the present disclosure comprise administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an NDC described herein. An “effective amount” is an amount of the carrier particle drug conjugate, e.g., NDC, that elicits a desired biological or medicinal response under the conditions of administration, such as an amount that reduces the signs and/or symptoms of a disease or disorder being treated, e.g., reduces tumor size or tumor burden. The actual amount administered can be determined by an ordinarily skilled clinician based upon, for example, the subject's age, weight, sex, general heath and tolerance to drugs, severity of disease, dosage form selected, route of administration, and other factors

For example, the NDC can be administered to the subject in need thereof intravenously.

In specific aspects of the method, the subject has a cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer), pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

The present disclosure also includes use of carrier particle-drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) for treating a folate receptor expressing tumor. For example, the use of the NDC may comprise administration to the subject in need thereof intravenously.

The present disclosure also relates to the use of carrier particle-drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) in a subject with cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer), pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

The carrier particle-drug conjugates (e.g., NDCs) of the present disclosure may also be used in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a folate receptor expressing tumor, wherein the carrier particle-drug conjugate (e.g., NDC) is administered to the subject in need thereof intravenously and wherein the subject has a cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer (e.g., esophageal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer), pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML, e.g., pediatric AML), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

The compositions and methods disclosed herein can include compositions and methods that include administering a carrier particle drug conjugate (e.g., NDC) as disclosed herein in combination with one or more additional anti-cancer agents. In such circumstances the carrier particle drug conjugate (e.g., NDC) can be administered before, substantially concurrently with, or after the additional agent or agents. Suitable additional agents, include, for example chemotherapeutic agents such as mechlorethamine, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, chlorambucil, ifosfamide, busulfan, N-nitroso-N-methylurea, carmustine, lomustine, semustine, fotemustine, streptozotocin, dacarbazine, mitozolomide, temozolomide, thiotepa, mitomycin, diaziquone, cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, procarbazine, hexamethylmelamine, methotrexate, pemetrexed, fluorouracil (e.g. 5-fluorouracil), capecitabine, cytarabine, gemcitabine, decitabine, azacitidine, fludarabine, nelarabine, cladribine, clofarabine, pentostatin, thioguanine, mercaptopurine, vincristine, vinblastine, vinorelbine, vindesine, vinflunine, paclitaxel, docetaxel, irinotecan, topotecan, camptothecin, etoposide, mitoxantrone, teniposide, novobiocin, merbarone, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, pirarubicin, aclarubicin, mitomycin C, actinomycin, bleomycin, bisantrene, gemcitabine, cytarabine, and the like. Other anti-cancer agents that can be used with a carrier particle drug conjugate (e.g., NDC) in the compositions and methods disclosed herein include, immune check point inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD1, anti-PDL1, anti-CTLA4 antibodies), hormone receptor antagonists, other chemotherapeutic conjugates (e.g., in the form of antibody-drug conjugates, nanoparticle drug conjugates, and the like), and the like.

The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the embodiments of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms of “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used herein, “and/or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term “about,” when referring to a value means±20%, or ±10. Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.

Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this presently described subject matter belongs.

It will be understood that in the detailed description and appended claims, the abbreviations and nomenclature employed are those which are standard in amino acid and peptide chemistry.

ABBREVIATIONS

The abbreviations used in this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated are as follows:

  • Fmoc: Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl
  • MeOH: Methanol
  • Cit-OH: L-Citrulline
  • DCM: Dichloromethane
  • EEDQ: 2-Ethoxy-1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-1,2-dihydroquinoline
  • THF: Tetrahydrofuran
  • NMR: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
  • DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide
  • LCMS: Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • TEA: Triethylamine
  • HATU: (1-[Bis(dimethylamino)methylene]-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-b]pyridinium 3-oxide hexafluorophosphate
  • DMF: Dimethylformamide
  • DIPEA: N,N-Diisopropylethylamine
  • TMSCN: Trimethylsilyl cyanide
  • RP HPLC: Reverse Phase High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography
  • SFC: Supercritical fluid chromatography
  • CAN: Acetonitrile
  • NMP: N-Methyl pyrrolidone
  • r.t: Room Temperature
  • TEA: Triethyl amine
  • TFA: Trifluoroacetic acid
  • MTBE: Methyl tert-butyl ether
  • EtOAC: Ethyl acetate
  • PyBOP: (Benzotrizole-1-yl-oxytripyrrolidinenophosphoniumhexafluorophosphate)

Definitions

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group that may comprise 1 to 18 carbon atoms, such as 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, or 1 to about 6 carbon atoms (“C1-18 alkyl”). An alkyl group can be straight chain, branched chain, monocyclic moiety or polycyclic moiety or combinations thereof. Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbomyl, and the like. Each instance of an alkyl group may be independently optionally substituted, i.e., unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted alkyl”) or substituted (a “substituted alkyl”) with one or more substituents e.g., for instance from 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents, or 1 substituent.

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” refers to a monovalent straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, and no triple bonds (“C2-18 is alkenyl”). An alkenyl group may have 2 to 8 carbon atoms, 2 to 6 carbon atoms, 2 to 5 carbon atoms, 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or 2 to 3 carbon atoms. The one or more carbon-carbon double bonds can be internal (such as in 2-butenyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butenyl). Examples of alkenyl groups include ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl butadienyl, pentenyl, pentadienyl, hexenyl, heptenyl, octenyl, octatrienyl, and the like, Each instance of an alkenyl group may be independently optionally substituted i.e., unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted alkenyl”) or substituted (a “substituted alkenyl”) with one or more substituents e.g., for instance from 1 to 5 substituents. 1 to 3 substituents, or 1 substituent.

As used herein, the term “alkynyl” refers to a monovalent straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds “C2-18 alkynyl”). The alkynyl group nay have 2 to 8 carbon atoms, 2 to 6 carbon atoms, 2 to 5 carbon atoms, 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or 2 to 3 carbon atoms. The one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds can be internal (such as in 2-butynyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butynyl). Examples of alkynyl groups include ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl. 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, and the like. Each instance of an alkynyl group may be independently optionally substituted, i.e., unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted alkynyl”) or substituted (a “substituted alkynyl”) with one or more substituents, e.g., for instance from 1 to 5 substituents, 1 to 3 substituents, or 1 substituent.

As used herein, the term “heteroalkyl” refers to a non-cyclic stable straight or branched chain, or combinations thereof, including at least one carbon atom and at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, N, P, Si, and S, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may optionally be quatemized. The heteroatom(s) O, N, P, S, and Si may be placed at any position of the heteroalkyl group.

The terms “alkylene,” “alkenylene,” “alkynylene,” or “heteroalkylene,” alone or as part of another substituent, mean, unless otherwise stated, a divalent radical derived from an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or heteroalkyl, respectively. The term “alkenylene,” by itself or as part of another substituent, means, unless otherwise stated, a divalent radical derived from an alkene. An alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, or heteroalkylene group may be described as, e.g., a C1-6-membered alkylene, C1-6-membered alkenylene, C1-6-membered alkynylene, or C1-6-membered heteroalkylene, wherein the term “membered” refers to the non-hydrogen atoms within the moiety. In the case of heteroalkylene groups, heteroatoms can also occupy either or both of the chain termini (e.g., alkyleneoxy, alkylenedioxy, alkyleneamino, alkylenediamino, and the like). Still further, for alkylene and heteroalkylene linking groups, no orientation of the linking group is implied by the direction in which the formula of the linking group is written. For example, the formula —C(O)2R′— may represent both —C(O)2R′— and —R′C(O)2—. Each instance of an alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, or heteroalkylene group may be independently optionally substituted, i.e., unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted alkylene”) or substituted (a “substituted heteroalkylene”) with one or more substituents.

As used herein, the terms “substituted alkyl,” “substituted alkenyl,” “substituted alkynyl,” “substituted heteroalkyl,” “substituted heteroalkenyl,” “substituted heteroalkynyl,” “substituted cycloalkyl,” “substituted heterocyclyl,” “substituted aryl,” and “substituted heteroaryl” refer to alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalkyl, heteroalkenyl, heteroalkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl moieties, respectively, having substituents replacing one or more hydrogen atoms on one or more carbons or heteroatoms of the moiety. Such substituents can include, for example, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclyl, alkylaryl, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety. Cycloalkyls can be further substituted, e.g., with the substituents described above.

As used herein, the term “alkoxy” refers to a group of formula —O-alkyl. The term “alkoxy” or “alkoxyl” includes substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups covalently linked to an oxygen atom. Examples of alkoxy groups or alkoxyl radicals include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropyloxy, propoxy, butoxy and pentoxy groups. Examples of substituted alkoxy groups include halogenated alkoxy groups. The alkoxy groups can be substituted with groups such as alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclyl, alkylaryl, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic moieties. Examples of halogen substituted alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, chloromethoxy, dichloromethoxy and trichloromethoxy.

As used herein, the term “aryl,” refers to stable aromatic ring system, that may be monocyclic or polycyclic, of which all the ring atoms are carbon, and which may be substituted or unsubstituted. The aromatic ring system may have, for example, 3-7 ring atoms. Examples include phenyl, benzyl, naphthyl, anthracyl, and the like. Each instance of an aryl group may be independently optionally substituted, i.e., unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted aryl”) or substituted (a “substituted aryl”) with one or more substituents.

As used herein, the term “heteroaryl” refers to an aryl group that includes one or more ring heteroatoms. For example, a heteroaryl can include a stable 5-, 6-, or 7-membered monocyclic or 7-, 8-, or 9-membered bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic ring which consists of carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms, independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. The nitrogen atom may be substituted or unsubstituted (e.g., N or NR4 wherein R4 is H or other substituents, as defined). Examples of heteroaryl groups include pyrrole, furan, indole, thiophene, thiazole, isothiazole, imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, pyrazole, oxazole, isoxazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, and the like.

As used herein, the terms “cycloalkylene,” “heterocyclylene,” “arylene,” and “heteroarylene,” alone or as part of another substituent, mean a divalent radical derived from a cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, respectively. Each instance of a cycloalkylene, heterocyclylene, arylene, or heteroarylene may be independently optionally substituted, i.e., unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted arylene”) or substituted (a “substituted heteroarylene”) with one or more substituents.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl”, is intended to include non-aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon rings, such as hydrocarbon rings having from three to eight carbon atoms in their ring structure. Cycloalkyl can include cyclobutyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like. The cycloalkyl group can be either monocyclic (“monocyclic cycloalkyl”) or contain a fused, bridged or spiro ring system such as a bicyclic system (“bicyclic cycloalkyl”) and can be saturated or can be partially unsaturated. “Cycloalkyl” also includes ring systems wherein the cycloalkyl ring, as defined above, is fused with one or more aryl groups wherein the point of attachment is on the cycloalkyl ring, and in such instances, the number of carbons continue to designate the number of carbons in the cycloalkyl ring system. Each instance of a cycloalkyl group may be independently optionally substituted, i.e., unsubstituted (an “unsubstituted cycloalkyl”) or substituted (a “substituted cycloalkyl”) with one or more substituents.

As used herein, the term “heterocyclyl” refers to a monovalent cyclic molecular structure comprising atoms of at least two different elements in the ring or rings (i.e., a radical of a heterocyclic ring). Additional reference is made to: Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1997 as evidence that heterocyclic ring is a term well-established in field of organic chemistry.

As used herein, the term “dipeptide” refers to a peptide that is composed of two amino-acid residues, that may be denoted herein as -A1-A2-. For example, dipeptides employed in the synthesis of protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugates of the present disclosure may be selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, and Val-Ala.

As used herein, the term “functionalized polyethylene glycol” refers to the polyethylene glycol comprising a functional group. For example, a functionalized polyethylene glycol may be polyethylene glycol functionalized with a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

wherein R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl. In preferred aspects, R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is hydrogen. In preferred aspects, R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is methyl.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the term “functionalized polyethylene glycol” refers to, but is not limited to the following structures.

As used herein, T1 may refer to a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

wherein R1′, R2′ R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl. In preferred aspects of T1, R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is hydrogen. In preferred aspects of T1, R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is methyl. In preferred aspects, T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol that has an azide terminal group. In preferred aspects, T1 is a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has an azide terminal group.

The repeat unit (—O—CH2—CH2—) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) can range from 5-20 units, preferably 5-15 units and more preferably 6-12.

As used herein, T1 may refer to a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

wherein R1, R3′, R4‘ and R’ in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl. In preferred aspects, R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is hydrogen. In preferred aspects, R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ in each occurrence is methyl.

Monofunctionalized azide-terminated PEG and monofunctionalized azide-terminated C5-C6 alkyl chain can be made from PEG using known procedures and suitable reagents, such as those disclosed in the Schemes provided herein.

As used herein, the term “halo” or “halogen” refers to F, Cl, Br, or I.

An aryl or heteroaryl group described herein can be substituted at one or more ring positions with such substituents as described above, for example, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, aralkylaminocarbonyl, alkenylaminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, aralkylcarbonyl, alkenylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and alkylarylamino), acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyl and ureido), amidino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonato, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclyl, alkylaryl, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety.

As used herein, the term “hydroxy” refers to a group of formula —OH.

As used herein, the term “hydroxyl” refers to a hydroxyl radical (·OH).

As used herein, the phrase “optionally substituted” means unsubstituted or substituted. In general, the term “substituted” means that at least one hydrogen present on a group (e.g., a carbon or nitrogen atom) is replaced with a permissible substituent, e.g., a substituent which upon substitution results in a stable compound. The term “substituted” can include substitution with all permissible substituents of organic compounds, such as any of the substituents described herein that result in the formation of a stable compound. For purposes of the present disclosure, heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituents and/or any suitable substituent as described herein which satisfy the valencies of the heteroatoms and results in the formation of a stable moiety.

As used herein, a “targeting ligand” is a molecule that can be bonded to a carrier particle (e.g., nanoparticle) and target the carrier particle to a tumor or cancer cell, typically by binding to the tumor or cancer cell (such as by binding to a protein expressed on the surface of the tumor or cancer cell). The targeting ligand can be any suitable molecule such as a small organic molecule (e.g., folate or a folate analog), an antigen-binding portion of an antibody (e.g. a Fab fragment, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)2 fragment, a scFv fragment, a Fv fragment, a dsFv diabody, a dAb fragment, a Fd′ fragment, a Fd fragment, or an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR) region), an antibody mimetic (e.g., an aptamer, affibody, affilin, affimer, anticalin, avimer, Darpin, and the like), the binding domain of a receptor, a nucleic acid, lipid and the like.

As used herein, the term “tetrapeptide” refers to a peptide that is composed of four amino-acid residues, that may be denoted herein as -A1-A2-A3-A4-. Tetrapeptides employed in the synthesis of protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugates of the present disclosure is selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the synthetic methods, as described herein, utilize a variety of protecting groups. As used herein, the term “protecting group” refers to a particular functional moiety, e.g., O, S, or N, that is temporarily blocked so that a reaction can be carried out selectively at another reactive site in a multifunctional compound. Protecting groups may be introduced and removed at appropriate stages during the synthesis of a compound using methods that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The protecting groups are applied according to standard methods of organic synthesis as described in the literature (Theodora W. Greene and Peter G. M. Wuts (2007) Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 4th edition, John Wiley and Sons, incorporated by reference with respect to protecting groups).

Exemplary protecting groups include, but are not limited to, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and carbon protecting groups. For example, oxygen protecting groups include, but are not limited to, methyl ethers, substituted methyl ethers (e.g., MOM (methoxymethyl ether), MTM (methylthiomethyl ether), BOM (benzyloxymethyl ether), PMBM (pimethoxybenzyloxymethyl ether), optionally substituted ethyl ethers, optionally substituted benzyl ethers, silyl ethers (e.g., TMS (trimethylsilyl ether), TES (triethylsilylether), TIPS (triisopropylsilyl ether), TBDMS (t-butyldimethylsilyl ether), tribenzyl silyl ether, TBDPS (t-butyldiphenyl silyl ether), esters (e.g., formate, acetate, benzoate (Bz), trifluoroacetate, dichloroacetate) carbonates, cyclic acetals and ketals. In addition, nitrogen protecting groups include, but are not limited to, carbamates (including methyl, ethyl and substituted ethyl carbamates (e.g., Troc), amides, cyclic imide derivatives, N-Alkyl and N-Aryl amines, imine derivatives, and enamine derivatives, etc. Amino protecting groups include, but are not limited to fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc), tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc), carboxybenzyl (Cbz), acetamide, trifluoroacetamide, etc. Certain other exemplary protecting groups are detailed herein, however, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these protecting groups; rather, a variety of additional equivalent protecting groups may be utilized according to methods known to one skilled in the art.

Throughout this disclosure, a nanoparticle-drug-conjugate (NDC) may sometimes be referred to as a CDC (C′Dot-drug-conjugate), e.g., a FA-CDC.

The following examples are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. While they are typical of those that might be used, other procedures, methodologies, or techniques known to those skilled in the art may alternatively be used.

Examples

In order that the invention described herein may be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. These examples are offered to illustrate the nanoparticle drug conjugates, methods of use, and methods of making, and are not to be construed in any way as limiting their scope.

The compounds provided herein can be prepared from readily available starting materials using modifications to the specific synthesis protocols set forth below that would be well known to those of skill in the art. It will be appreciated that where typical or preferred process conditions (i.e., reaction temperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures, etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvents used, but such conditions can be determined by those skilled in the art by routine optimization procedures.

Additionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, conventional protecting groups may be necessary to prevent certain functional groups from undergoing undesired reactions. The choice of suitable protecting group for a particular functional group as well as suitable conditions for protection and deprotection are well known in the art. For example, numerous protecting groups, and their introduction and removal, are described in Greene et al. Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, Second Edition, Wiley, New York, 1991, and references cited therein.

General Methods

Methods useful for making the compounds discussed herein are set forth in the following examples, and are generalized here. One of skill in the art will recognize that these examples can be adapted to prepare the linker-payload conjugates, linkers and payloads and their pharmaceutically accepted salts thereof according to the present disclosure. In the reactions described, reactive functional groups, such as hydroxy, amino, imino, thio or carboxy groups, may be protected wherever desired, e.g., to avoid unwanted reactions. Conventional protecting groups may also be used in accordance with standard practice and techniques of synthesis. The materials needed to synthesize the novel linkers bearing payloads such as exatecan mesylate (16), or SN-38 (34) were obtained commercially, and their corresponding analogs are prepared as disclosed in the following Examples, e.g., Examples 76-87.

Example 1: Synthesis of Functionalized Polyethylene Glycol with Reactive Terminal Groups

In Formulae (I-A)-(X-A), T1 is a functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain that has a terminal group selected from the group consisting of azide,

that facilitates the conjugation of the linker-payload conjugates to a targeting group such an antibody or a carrier such as silica nanoparticles, C-DOTS, etc.

Functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain with an azide moiety can be reacted with the targeting group or the carrier having acetylenic or olefinic functional groups via “click” chemistry. Similarly, if the functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain having a nitrone, nitrile oxide or diene as terminal groups can be attached to the targeting group or the carrier having an olefinic bond or acetylenic bond through a (4+2) or (3+2) cycloaddition reaction. On the other hand, if the functionalized polyethylene glycol or a C5-C6 alkyl chain having a —CO—O-succinimide group can be attached to the nanoparticle or the targeting moiety such as an antibody through the —NH2 group or —SH group present on their surface.

The functionalized polyethylene glycol containing reactive terminal groups such as azide, nitrone, nitrile oxide or diene can be prepared as outlined in Schemes 1a-c respectively.

The functionalized polyethylene glycol can be prepared from PEG acid-t-butyl ester (1) as the starting material. Scheme 1a depicts the synthesis of functionalized polyethylene glycol with terminal nitrile oxide group (2). Compound (1) can be oxidized to the aldehyde derivative (1a) using Swern Oxidation or using Dess-Martin reagent (DMP). The pivotal aldehyde compound (1a) can be reacted with hydroxyl amine hydrochloride to form an oxime, which can be converted to the nitrile oxide using a two-step procedure as indicated in Scheme 1a.

The aldehyde (1a) can also be converted to a functionalized polyethylene glycol with terminal nitrone group (3) (Scheme 1b) and a functionalized polyethylene glycol with terminal diene (4) (Scheme 1c) by the sequence of the reaction given in Schemes 1b and 1c respectively. The t-butyl group can be removed under acidic condition using hydrochloric acid or trifluoro acetic acid and can be reacted with an amino group on the linker or linker-payload conjugates under standard peptide coupling conditions.

Example 2: Synthesis of Protease-Cleavable Linker-Payload Conjugates Containing Dipeptides

Scheme 2 provides the general method of preparation of several protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugates such as, but not limited to Examples 18, 24 and 29 respectively. -A1-A2- in Scheme 2 refers to dipeptides that can be selected from a group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp- Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, and Val-Ala.

An appropriately substituted 1-(4-nitrophenyl) ethan-1-one (5), in a mixture of water and aprotic polar solvent such as 1, 4-dioxane/H2O was oxidized with SeO2 and Yb(OTf)3 under inert atmosphere at r.t for 1 to 2 hrs followed by heating the reaction mixture to 110° C. for 16 h. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, quenched with ice cold water and extracted with EtOAc or dichloroethane. The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get appropriately substituted 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl) acetic acid (6) derivative. The subsequent transformations were carried out without purification.

The conversion of (5) to (6) was performed in solvent such as isopropyl alcohol-THF mixture. In another embodiment, the reaction was performed at about 100 to about 150° C. In another embodiment, the reaction was performed in a sealed tube. The carboxylic acid (6) obtained was esterified with either methanol or ethanol under standard Fischer esterification condition. The resultant, product (7) was then reacted with an excess of palladium hydroxide to provide compound (8). In one embodiment, the reaction was performed in a parr shaker or an autoclave. In another embodiment, the reaction was performed at about 60 psi of hydrogen pressure. The amino group of the compound (8) reacted with the natural or unnatural, Fmoc protected aminoacids (A1-Fmoc) under standard peptide coupling conditions either using EEDQ at room temperature in polar aprotic solvent solvents (DMF or THF) or HOAT/EDC. HCl in DMF. The resultant product (9) was deprotected with Piperidine or any Sec. organic base in DMF or THF, to deprotect the —NH2 group and to provide product (10). Following the same peptide coupling protocol, another amino acid can be reacted with (10) and subsequent deprotection of the Fmoc group can yield (12). Following the above mentioned sequence of peptide coupling and deprotection strategy several amino acid chains can be incorporated.

Scheme 2 provides a general scheme to incorporate two amino acids towards preparation of compound (12). Compound (12) can be reacted with a PEG carboxylic acid bearing the appropriate functional group (such as an azide group, as shown for example) using coupling agents such as HOBT/EDC. Subsequently, compound (14) was hydrolyzed with aqueous LiOH in THF for 1 hr. The resulting carboxylic acid intermediate (15) can be coupled with a payload with an amino functional group such as Exatecan (16) to give the linker-payload conjugate (16-A).

Example 3: Synthesis of Protease-Cleavable Linker-Payload Conjugates Containing Tetrapeptides

Scheme 3 provides the general method of preparation of several protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugates such as, but not limited to Examples 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 39, 43, 45, 52 and 53 respectively. -A1-A2-A3-A4-in Scheme 3 refer to tetrapeptides that can be selected from a group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino.

To an appropriately substituted (4-aminophenyl)methanol (17) in DMF was reacted with imidazole and tert-butyl(chloro)diphenylsilane at 0° C. to yield (18). The appropriately substituted 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)aniline (18) was reacted with the amino acid sequences using the regular peptide coupling protocol. The amino acids that are used are appropriately protected. Example, the amino group is protected as the Fmoc group. Compound (18) can be reacted with a Fmoc protected amino acids in the presence of coupling agents such as HATU and base such as DIEA in a polar aprotic solvent such as DMF. In order to incorporate another amino acid, the Fmoc group in intermediate (19) can be deprotected using a sec. organic base. Similar sequence of reaction was repeated with Fmoc protected amino acids. Subsequently the Fmoc group was removed and the N-terminus was reacted with the appropriately functionalized PEG carboxylic acid (13) to yield (24). The t-butyl-dimethyl-silyl group was removed by reacting compound (24) with NH4F in methanol at room temperature. In order to connect the linker with the Exatecan (16), a carbonate ester (26) was prepared using 4-nitro-phenyl chloroformate (25) by reacting (25a) in DCM/pyridine at 0° C. In some examples, these intermediates can be isolated by column chromatography. The carbonate finally reacted with payload containing an amino functional group such as Exatecan or SN-38 or their corresponding analog to yield (16-B). The same sequence of reaction can be carried out, where in X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—.

Example 4: Synthesis of Protease-Cleavable Linker-Payload Conjugates Containing Tetrapeptides

Scheme 4 provides the general method of preparation of several protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugates such as, but not limited to Examples 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 respectively. In these Examples, Y1 is —COO—C1-C6 alkyl or —CONR1R2 and the rest of the variables are as defined. -A1-A2-A3-A4- in Scheme 4 refer to tetrapeptides that can be selected from a group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 8), Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 10), Val-Ala-Gly-Sar (SEQ ID NO: 11), Val-Phe-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 12), Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 14), Val-Ala-Gly-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 15), Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino.

The appropriately substituted 4-nitro-benzaldehyde (27) can be reacted with ZnI/TMS-CN in an organic solvent such as dichloromethane or dichloroethane at room temperature. The resultant cyanohydrine (28) was hydrolyzed to the carboxylic acid using mineral acids such as sulfuric acid and subsequently esterified under Fisher esterification condition. The nitro group in compound (30) was converted to the amino by hydrogenating the compound (30) with 10% Pd/C in either MeOH or ethanol. The amino group in compound (31) can be reacted with the appropriate amino acids, using standard coupling agents such as EEDQ in a chlorinated solvent as described in the Schemes 2 and 3. The intermediate (32) was reacted with thionyl chloride at room temperature in THF as solvent. The chloro derivative (33) can be reacted with a pay load containing hydroxyl functionality or an amino functionality (Examples 52 and 53) using anhydrous Cs2CO3 or K2CO3 in DMF at room temperature. After the incorporation of the payload (in this case, SN-38 (34)), the intermediate (35) can be converted to the final compound (37) by the same sequence of reactions, as described in Schemes 2 and 3. A similar sequence of reaction depicted in Scheme 4 can be adopted to synthesize compounds of Formula II. It is understood that the final linker-payload conjugates can exist as a mixture of diastereomers and they can be separated using reverse phase HPLC. The conditions for the purification are described herein.

In a linker-payload conjugate containing a tetrapeptide such as Val-Lys-Gly-Sar, the Payload can be released by a two-step mechanism as outlined in Scheme 4a.

Example 5: Synthesis of Protease-Cleavable Linker-Payload Conjugates Containing Pyrrole or Imidazole Groups

Scheme 5 provides the general method of preparation of several protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugates containing substituted pyrrole or imidazoles groups at Y, such as, but not limited to Examples 38 and 44.

Appropriately substituted 4-amino-benzylalcohol derivative (17) was reacted with appropriate F-moc protected amino acids by the conventional peptide coupling reaction to yield (50). The hydroxy group in the benzyl alcohol group can be converted to an iodo group by reacting compound (50) with NaI/TMSCl in acetonitrile at room temperature to yield (51). The iodo compound (51) was reacted with the appropriately substituted pyrrole or imidazole carboxylic acid ester derivative or the corresponding alcohol derivative (52). Subsequently, compound (52) was deprotected using a sec. organic base such as piperidine. The amino group in compound (52) was reacted with an another required amino acid and this process (coupling of the amino acid containing Fmoc and deprotection of the Fmoc group) in a repetitive manner as outlined before to yield a dipeptide or tetrapeptide bearing linker (55). The appropriately reactive group substituted PEG-carboxylic acid (13) was coupled with the amino terminal of the amino acid and can used to conjugate with a nanoparticle, antibody drug conjugates or to an acetylene or olefin containing moiety. If the pyrrole or imidazole moiety bears a carboxylic acid, the ester group was hydrolyzed and coupled with the amino containing payloads. Here in, Exatecan (16) is given as an example to yield compound (59). However, if derivative (56) is an alcohol (—CH2OH) moiety, it was converted to an active ester by reacting with 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate to yield the active ester (57), which can be reacted with an amino containing payload such as Exatecan (16) to yield compounds of general formula (58).

Example 6: Synthesis of Redox-sensitive Linker-payload Conjugates

Scheme 6 provides the general method of preparation of redox-sensitive linker-payload conjugates such as, but not limited to Examples 57, 58, 59, 61, 54, 55 and 56.

An appropriately substituted, 4-mercapto-benzoic acid (38) was acetylated and converted to corresponding appropriately substituted (S-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl) ethanethioate intermediate (39). The carboxylic acid was reduced using BH3:THF complex at −10° C. to 0° C. to yield (40). The disulfide derivative with an amino substituted derivative (45) was prepared by reacting compound (40) with the commercially available reagent (41). The intermediate compound (42) was converted to the intermediate (45) by a two-step process as shown in Scheme 6. An activated ester (46) was prepared by reacting compound (45) with 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate in the presence of organic base such as triethyl amine or DIEA. In some examples, the carbonate ester (46) can be isolated and purified. The carbonate ester can be used to react with a payload having an amino group, which is depicted in Scheme 5.

Example 7: Synthesis of pH-Sensitive Linker-Payload Conjugates

Scheme 7 provides the general method of preparation of pH-sensitive linker-payload conjugates such as, but not limited to Examples 64-75.

For the pH mediated linkers, the payload is initially converted into closely related derivatives such as (63) or (70). If the payload contains hydroxyl functionality such as (60), it was converted to derivative (62) by reacting derivative (60) with tert-butyl chloroacetate (61) in the presence of base such as K2CO3 or Cs2CO3 in acetone or DMF. tert-butyl group was removed using acid such as TFA and coupled with t-Boc protected hydrazine using standard coupling reagent such as EDC to give the hydrazide (63). Finally, compound (63) was condensed with the ketone derivative (64) to yield the payload attached to pH sensitive linker (65). Similarly if the payload contains an —NH2 group (66), a beta-keto ester (67) can be used to prepare a payload conjugated pH sensitive linker (71) as depicted in Scheme 7. Accordingly, the —NH2 group of the payload (66) was reacted with an appropriately substituted beta-keto ester derivative such as (67) to yield the intermediate (68). Intermediate (68) can be converted to the hydrazide derivative (70) by a two-step process as indicated in Example 7, which can be condensed with the ketone derivative (64). R1 and R2 in Scheme 7 can be selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 cycloalkyl.

Example 8: Synthesis of Semicarbazide pH-Sensitive Linker-Payload Conjugates

Scheme 8 provides the general method of preparation of semicarbazide pH-sensitive linker-payload conjugates such as, but not limited to Example 74.

Scheme 8 provides the general method of preparation of a semicarbazide pH-sensitive linker, wherein the payload containing the amino group is converted to a semicarbazide derivative (73), by a two-step process. The semicarbazide (73) can be condensed with the appropriately substituted ketone derivative (64) to yield the pH-sensitive semicarbazone of general formula (74).

General Experimental Procedures:

Reagents were purchased from commercial suppliers (Combi-Blocks/SIGMA-ALDRICH) and used without further purification. All non-aqueous reactions were run in flame-dried glassware under a positive pressure of argon. Anhydrous solvents were purchased from commercial suppliers (RANKEM). All the amino acids such as Cit, Val, Phe, Lys, Trp, Asp are naturally occurring amino acids with S-configuration. In several examples, tetrapeptide and unnatural amino acids can also be used. Flash chromatography was performed on 230-400 mesh silica gel with the indicated solvent systems. Proton Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were recorded on Bruker Spectrometer at 400 MHZ using DMSO as solvent. Peak positions are given in parts per million downfield from tetramethylsilane as the internal standard. J values are expressed in hertz. Mass analyses were performed on (Agilent/Shimadzu) spectrometer using electrospray (ES) technique. HPLC analyses were performed on (Agilent/Waters), PDA-UV detector equipped with a Gemini C-18 (1000×4.6 mm; 5u) and all compounds tested were determined to be >95% pure using this method. As can be seen in many protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugates, two peaks were isolated at the end of the reaction. The Peak-A (or Peak-1) is the desired compound with the stereochemistry as shown. Compounds prepared according to the procedures described herein may be isolated by preparative HPLC methods. Representative HPLC conditions and methods are provided below:

Agilent UPLC-MS; Column: Column-YMC Triart C18 (2.1×33 mm, 3u)

Gradient Conditions: Flow rate: 1.0 ml/min; column temperature: 50° C.; Solvent A: 0.01% HCOOH in water and Solvent B: 0.01% HCOOH in CH3CN; Mobile phase: 95% [0.01% HCOOH in water] and 5% [0.01% HCOOH in CH3CN] held for 0.50 min, then to 1% [0.01% HCOOH in water] and 99% [0.01% HCOOH in CH3CN] in 3.00 min, held this conditions up to 4.00 min and finally back to initial condition in 4.10 min and held for 4.50 min (Table 1).

TABLE 1 HPLC Gradient Conditions. TIME MODULE % A % B 0.00 Pumps 95 5 0.50 Pumps 95 5 3.00 Pumps 1 99 4.00 Pumps 1 99 4.10 Pumps 95 5 4.50 Pumps 95 5

Example 9: Synthesis of 4-((20S,23S)-1-azido-20-isopropyl-18,21-dioxo-23-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxa-19,22-diazatetracosan-24-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (85)

(9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl-(S)-(1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-reidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (77): (4-aminophenyl) methanol (75) (6 g, 4.87 mmol), Fmoc-Cit-OH (76) (23.24 g, 58.54 mmol), EEDQ (36.15 g, 146.34 mmol) were mixed in DCM-THF (1:1) (600 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 11 g (45%) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamatedesired product (77) as a white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.97 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.73-7.76 (q, 2H), 7.65-7.67 (d, 1H), 7.54-7.56 (d, 2H), 7.39-7.43 (t, 2H), 7.30-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.24 (d, 2H), 5.97-5.99 (t, 1H), 5.41 (s, 1H), 5.07-5.10 (t, 1H), 4.42-4.43 (d, 2H), 4.14-4.13 (m, 4H), 4.07-4.11 (q, 1H), 3.16-3.17 (d, 3H), 2.94-3.04 (m, 2H), 1.59-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.38-1.47 (m, 2H). LCMS: MH+ 503, retention time 2.91 min.

(S)-2-amino-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (78): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)-methyl-(S)-(1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl) (77) (10 g, 19.91 mmol) in DMF (30 ml) was treated with piperidine (5.9 ml, 59.74 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (10-15%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to get 3.5 g (63%) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (78) as a white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.79 (s, 1H), 7.56-7.58 (d, 2H), 7.21-7.23 (d, 2H), 5.92-5.97 (t, 1H), 5.35 (s, 1H), 5.06-5.09 (t, 1H), 4.41-4.43 (d, 2H), 3.27-3.38 (m, 2H), 2.95-2.97 (d, 2H), 2.94-3.04 (m, 2H), 1.39-1.60 (m, 4H). LCMS: MH+ 281, retention time 1.04 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl) amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (80): (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (78) (3.5 g, 12.49 mmol), Fmoc-Val-OH (79) (5.08 g, 14.99 mmol), EEDQ (9.27 g, 37.48 mmol) were mixed in DCM:THF (1:1) (300 ml) and was stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to get 5.8 g (77%) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (80) as a white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.82 (s, 1H), 8.34-8.36 (d, 1H), 7.86-7.89 (q, 2H), 7.69-7.75 (d, 2H), 7.55-7.57 (d, 2H), 7.50-7.52 (d, 1H), 7.37-7.42 (q, 3H), 7.29-7.32 (q, 2H), 7.22-7.24 (d, 2H), 5.95-5.97 (t, 1H), 5.39 (s, 2H), 5.09 (s, 1H), 4.41 (s, 3H), 4.20-4.27 (m, 3H), 3.90-3.97 (t, 1H), 2.94-3.00 (m, 2H), 1.73-1.96 (m, 3H), 1.14-1.58 (m, 3H), 0.83-0.89 (m, 6H). LCMS: MH+ 602, retention time 2.87 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl-((S)-3-methyl-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((4-Nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy) methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (81): (9H-fluoren-9-yl)-methyl-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl)-amino)-1-oxo-5-ureido pentan-2-yl)-amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (80) (1 g, 1.66 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (1 g, 4.98 mmol) were treated with pyridine (0.52 g, 6.65 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to get 400 mg (31%) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-3-methyl-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (81) as a white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.05 (s, 1H), 8.90-8.91 (d, 5H), 8.52-8.56 (t, 3H), 8.38-8.39 (d, 1H), 8.29-8.31 (d, 2H), 8.01-8.04 (t, 5H), 7.86 (s, 2H), 7.67-7.74 (m, 3H), 7.49-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.37-7.39 (d, 4H), 7.32 (s, 2H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 4.41 (s, 1H), 4.21-4.25 (d, 4H), 3.94 (s, 2H), 2.96-2.98 (d, 2H), 1.97 (s, 1H), 1.75 (s, 1H), 1.60 (s, 1H), 1.37-1.45 (d, 2H). LCMS: MH+767, retention time 3.40 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo-[de]-pyrano-[3′,4′:6,7]-indolizino-[1,2-b]-quinolin-1-yl)-carbamoyl)-oxy)-methyl)-phenyl)-amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)-amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-carbamate (82): Exatecan mesylate (16) (400 mg, 0.75 mmol), (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-3-methyl-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (81) (692.41 mg, 0.90 mmol) and TEA (0.20 ml, 1.51 mmol) were mixed in DMSO (15 ml) and stirred the reaction mixture at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 4 h. Ice cold water was added to the reaction mixture and solid precipitation was observed. The reaction mixture was filtered and the residue was purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with MeOH/DCM gradient (2-5%) to get 360 mg (45%) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (82) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.05 (s, 1H), 8.06-8.11 (m, 1H), 7.87-7.88 (d, 1H), 7.71-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.59-7.61 (d, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.31-7.40 (m, 5H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 5.36-5.39 (d, 2H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 5.08 (s, 1H), 4.22-4.27 (m, 3H), 4.08-4.09 (d, 1H), 3.92 (s, 1H), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.93-3.00 (m, 2H), 2.37 (s, 2H), 1.86-2.18 (m, 3H), 1.23-1.86 (m, 4H), 0.84-0.88 (t, 6H). LCMS: MH+1064, retention time 1.27 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (83): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo-[de]-pyrano-[3′,4′:6,7]-indolizino-[1,2-b]-quinolin-1-yl)-carbamoyl)-oxy)-methyl)-phenyl)-amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)-amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-carbamate (82) (360 mg, 0.34 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.10 ml, 1.02 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (10-15%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to get 245 mg (86%) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (83) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+841, retention time 2.68 min.

4-((20S,23S)-1-azido-20-isopropyl-18,21-dioxo-23-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxa-19,22-diazatetracosan-24-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (85): 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo-[de]-pyrano-[3′,4′:6,7]-indolizino-[1,2-b]-quinolin-1-yl)-carbamate (83) (80 mg, 0.095 mmol), HATU (72.34 mg, 0.19 mmol), azido-peg5-acid (84) (38.28 mg, 0.114 mmol) and diisopropylamine (0.04 ml, 0.23 mmol) were mixed in DMF (5 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks that were separated for Example (85) (Peak-1: 10 mg, 9%) and (Peak-2: 6 mg, 6%) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.05 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.14 (d, 1H), 8.04-8.06 (d, 1H), 7.87-7.89 (d, 1H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.60-7.62 (d, 2H), 7.34-7.37 (d, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 5.28 (s, 3H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.22-4.24 (m, 2H), 3.47-3.60 (m, 19H), 2.94-3.01 (m, 6H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.18 (m, 2H), 1.23-1.89 (m, 12H), 0.81-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1158, retention time 2.51 min and 2.55 min.

Example 10: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo-[de]-pyrano-[3′,4′:6,7]-indolizino-[1,2-b]-quinolin-1-yl)-carbamate (87)

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo-[de]-pyrano-[3′,4′:6,7]-indolizino-[1,2-b]-quinolin-1-yl)-carbamate (83) (245 mg, 0.29 mmol), HATU (221.55 mg, 0.58 mmol), azido-(PEG)9-acid (86) (178.85 mg, 0.35 mmol) and diisopropylamine (0.12 ml, 0.73 mmol) were mixed in DMF (10 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks that were separated to obtain Compound (87) (Peak-1: 108 mg, 28%) and (Peak-2: 126 mg, 32%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.05 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.12 (d, 1H), 8.04-8.06 (d, 1H), 7.85-7.87 (d, 1H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.60-7.62 (d, 2H), 7.35-7.37 (d, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 5.97 (s, 1H), 5.40-5.44 (d, 4H), 5.07 (s, 3H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.22-4.24 (t, 1H), 3.47-3.60 (m, 36H), 2.94-3.01 (m, 4H), 2.44 (s, 1H), 2.35 (s, 4H), 2.18 (m, 2H), 1.95-1.97 (m, 3H), 1.85-1.89 (m, 4H), 0.82-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1334, retention time 2.53 min.

Example 11: Synthesis of 4-((38S,41S)-1-azido-38-isopropyl-36,39-dioxo-41-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxa-37,40-diazadotetracontan-42-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (89)

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo-[de]-pyrano-[3′,4′:6,7]-indolizino-[1,2-b]-quinolin-1-yl)-carbamate (83) (80 mg, 0.09 mmol), HATU (72.34 mg, 0.19 mmol), azido-(PEG)ii-acid (88) (68.69 mg, 0.11 mmol) and diisopropylamine (0.04 ml, 0.23 mmol) were mixed in DMF (5 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks for that were separated for Example (89) (Peak-1: 8 mg, 6%) and (Peak-2: 6 mg, 5%), as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.05 (s, 1H), 8.10-8.12 (d, 1H), 8.04-8.06 (d, 1H), 7.85-7.87 (d, 1H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.59-7.62 (d, 2H), 7.35-7.37 (d, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 5.29 (s, 3H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.22-4.24 (m, 1H), 3.37-3.59 (m, 40H), 2.94-3.01 (m, 8H), 2.32-2.66 (m, 8H), 1.79-1.97 (m, 10H), 0.81-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1422, retention time 2.53 min. Mass: (M+H) 1422

Example 12: Synthesis of methyl 2-(4-((20S,23S)-1-azido-20-isopropyl-18,21-dioxo-23-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxa-19,22-diazatetracosan-24-amido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (101)

2-Hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetonitrile (91): To a stirred solution of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (90) (5.0 g, 33.11 mmol) in DCM (60 mL) was added TMSCN (4.26 g, 43.04 mmol) ZnI2 (1.05 g, 3.31 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 20% EtOAc in hexane to get 2.9 g (60% yield) of 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetonitrile (91) as a sticky liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.30-8.32 (d, 2H), 7.76-7.78 (d, 2H), 7.40-7.42 (d, 1H), 5.99-6.00 (d, 1H).

2-Hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetic acid (92): To a stirred solution of 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetonitrile (91) (13.0 g, 73.03 mmol) in AcOH (65 mL) was added 10(N) aqueous HCl (65 mL) at 10° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound 13 g (90% yield) of 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl) acetic acid (92) as a sticky solid. This crude compound was used for the next step without further purification.

Methyl 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetate (93): To a stirred solution of 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetic acid (92) (7 g, 35.53 mmol) in MeOH (70 ml), H2SO4 (5 ml) was added dropwise at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 85° C. for 5 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml) and water. The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 4.5 g (60% yield) of methyl 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl) acetate (93) as a pale brown gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.21-8.24 (d, 2H), 7.68-7.70 (d, 2H), 6.45-6.46 (d, 1H), 5.36-5.37 (d, 1H), 3.62 (s, 3H). LCMS: MH+210, retention time 2.66 min.

Methyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (94): methyl 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetate (93) (4.5 g, 25.85 mmol) was taken in par shaker vessel in presence of MeOH (80 ml). Then Pd-C (500 mg) was added to it and keep the reaction mixture at 40 psi under hydrogen atmosphere for 3h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was filtered through sintered funnel. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2% MeOH in DCM to get 2.5 g (59% yield) of methyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (94) as a pale brown gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 6.99-7.01 (d, 2H), 6.48-6.50 (d, 2H), 5.67-5.68 (d, 1H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.89-4.90 (d, 1H), 3.57 (s, 3H).

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (95): methyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (94) (2.5 g, 13.81 mmol), Fmoc-Cit-OH (76) (8.22 g, 20.71 mmol), EEDQ (10.23 g, 41.43 mmol) were mixed in DCM-THF (1:1) (100 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 2.5 g (33% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl) methoxy) carbonyl) amino)-5-ureidopentanamido) phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate desired product (95) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+ 561, retention time 2.91 min.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-chloroacetate (96): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl) methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (95) (700 mg, 1.24 mmol) in THF (10 mL), SOCl2 (0.10 ml, 1.49 mmol) was added at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.4 g (55% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-chloroacetate (96) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+ 579, retention time 3.15 min.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (97): To a stirred solution of (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (300 mg, 0.76 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added CS2CO3 (498.17 mg, 1.52 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred the reaction mixture for 15 min. Then methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl) methoxy) carbonyl) amino)-5-ureidopentanamido) phenyl)-2-chloroacetate (96) (531.22 mg, 0.91 mmol) and KI (380.71 mg, 0.91 mmol) were added. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.11 g (38% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (97) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+934, retention time 2.93 min.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (98): A solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (97) (150 mg, 0.16 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.04 ml, 0.48 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.11 g (96.2% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (98) crude as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+713, retention time 2.55 min.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (99): To a stirred solution of Fmoc-L-Valine (79) (62.85 mg, 0.18 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.06 mL, 0.38 mmol), HATU (0.11 mg, 0.30 mmol) and methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (98) (110 mg, 0.15 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.13 g (81% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (99) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+1034, retention time 3.07 min.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (100): A solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano [3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (99) (130 mg, 0.12 mmol) in DMF (2 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.03 ml, 0.37 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.09 g (88% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (100) crude as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+812, retention time 2.59 min.

Methyl 2-(4-((20S,23S)-1-azido-20-isopropyl-18,21-dioxo-23-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxa-19,22-diazatetracosan-24-amido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (101): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG5-acid (84) (49.56 mg, 0.14 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.30 mmol), HATU (93.66 mg, 0.24 mmol) and methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (100) (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks for desired products (101-a) (6 mg, 5% yield) and (101-b) (2.5 mg, 2% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) Compound (101-a): δ 10.11 (s, 1H), 8.14-8.16 (d, 1H), 8.08-8.10 (d, 1H), 7.867-7.88 (d, 1H), 7.66-7.68 (d, 2H), 7.56-7.61 (m, 3H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 5.99 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 4H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 4.20-4.36 (m, 2H), 2.94-3.69 (m, 30H), 2.32-2.50 (m, 2H), 1.01-1.94 (m, 11H), 1.21-1.25 (t, 5H), 0.81-0.88 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1129, retention time 2.42 and 2.43 min.

Example 13: Synthesis of Methyl 2-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (102)

To a stirred solution of Azido-(PEG)9-acid (75.61 mg, 0.14 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.30 mmol), HATU (93.66 mg, 0.24 mmol) and methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (12) (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to separate the desired products (102-a) (7 mg, 5% yield) and (102-b) (14 mg, 9% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) of S-Isomer: δ 10.11 (s, 1H), 8.08-8.13 (m, 2H), 7.84-7.86 (d, 1H), 7.66-7.68 (d, 2H), 7.53-7.61 (m, 4H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 5.40-5.42 (d, 3H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.36-4.38 (m, 1H), 4.20-4.24 (m, 1H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.29-3.60 (m, 32H), 3.13-3.15 (d, 2H), 2.92-3.02 (m, 3H), 2.49-2.50 (d, 2H), 2.32-2.45 (m, 1H), 1.84-1.87 (m, 1H), 1.36-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.21-1.25 (t, 3H), 0.81-0.88 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1305, retention time 2.44 and 2.45 min.

Example 14: Synthesis of Methyl 2-(4-((38S,41S)-1-azido-38-isopropyl-36,39-dioxo-41-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxa-37,40-diazadotetracontan-42-amido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (103)

To a stirred solution of Azido-(PEG)ii-acid (88) (88.93 mg, 0.14 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.30 mmol), HATU (93.66 mg, 0.24 mmol) and methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (100) (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to separate the desired products (103-a) (14 mg, 8% yield) and (103-b) (14 mg, 9% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) R isomer: δ 10.09 (s, 1H), 8.08-8.14 (m, 2H), 7.84-7.87 (d, 1H), 7.66-7.68 (d, 2H), 7.53-7.60 (m, 4H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.40-5.42 (d, 3H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.20-5.42 (m, 2H), 3.29-3.69 (m, 40H), 2.93-3.16 (m, 6H), 2.32-2.38 (m, 3H), 1.84-1.87 (m, 5H), 1.26-1.80 (m, 7H), 1.21-1.25 (t, 3H), 0.81-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1393, retention time of R isomer 2.44 min and S isomer 2.46 min.

Example 15: Synthesis of 4-((20S,23S)-1-azido-20-isopropyl-18,21-dioxo-23-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxa-19,22-diazatetracosan-24-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (108)

Tert-butyl(S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (104): To a stirred solution of (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (2 g, 5.102 mmol) in DMSO (6 mL) were added K2CO3 (7.052 g, 51.02 mmol) and tert-butyl (3-bromopropyl) carbamate (14.579 g, 61.225 mmol) at r.t. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature. After 6 h the reaction mixture was quenched with water and extracted by ethyl acetate (2×15 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5-10% MeOH in DCM to get 1 g (33.1% yield) of tert-butyl(S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (104) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+550, retention time 3.22 min. [00471] (S)-9-(3-Aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105): A solution of tert-butyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (104) (1 g, 1.821 mmol) in Dioxane (30 mL) was treated with Dioxane-HCl (4M, 30 ml) at 0 c and the reaction mixture stirred at r.t under nitrogen atmosphere for 16h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol in DCM gradient (10-15%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 0.6 g (61% yield) of (S)-9-(3-aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105) as a yellow solid. LCMS: MH+450, retention time 1.46 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (106): To a stirred solution of (S)-9-(3-aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105) (0.6 g, 0.668 mmol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-3-methyl-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (81) (1.3 g, 0.802 mmol) and TEA (516 mg, 2.004 mmol) The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 3h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain desired product 0.5 g (45% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate Fmoc product (106) was deprotected to the desired product (107) as a brown sticky solid, by reacting (106) with piperidine. LCMS: MH+855, retention time 2.71 min.

4-((20S,23S)-1-Azido-20-isopropyl-18,21-dioxo-23-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxa-19,22-diazatetracosan-24-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (108): 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (107) (0.120 g, 0.141 mmol) in DMF (1 ml) were added Azido-(PEG)5-acid (84) (56 mg, 0.169 mmol), diisopropyl ethylamine (54 mg, 0.422 mmol) and HATU (80 mg, 0.211 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (108) (15 mg) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.9 (s, 1H), 8.1 (d, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.86 (d, 1H), 7.59 (d, 2H), 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.28 (m, 1H), 7.27 (m, 3H), 6.4 (s, 1H), 5.9 (m, 1H), 5.42 (m, 3H), 5.3 (s, 2H) 4.9 (s, 2H), 4.3 (m, 1H), 4.2 (m, 3H), 3.5-2.9 (m, 26H), 1.97 (m, 3H), 1.88 (m, 2H), 1.78 (m, 2H), 1.68 (d, 1H), 1.45 (m, 1H), 1.28 (t, 3H), 0.95 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1172, retention time 2.48 min.

Example 16: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (109)

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (107) (0.150 g, 0.176 mmol) in DMF were added Azido-(PEG)9-acid (86) (98 mg, 0.193 mmol) and diisopropyl ethylamine (67.94 mg, 0.527 mmol) and HATU (100.178 mg, 0.263 mmol).The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (107) (16 mg) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.9 (s, 1H), 8.1 (d, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.86 (d, 1H), 7.59 (d, 2H), 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.28 (m, 1H), 7.27 (m, 3H), 6.4 (s, 1H), 5.9 (m, 1H), 5.42 (m, 3H), 5.3 (s, 2H) 4.9 (s, 2H), 4.3 (m, 1H), 4.2 (m, 3H), 3.5-2.9 (m, 35H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 1.97 (m, 3H), 1.88 (m, 2H), 1.78 (m, 2H), 1.58 (d, 1H), 1.45 (m, 1H), 1.23 (t, 6H), 0.95 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1348, retention time 2.5 min.

Example 17: Synthesis of 4-((38S,41S)-1-azido-38-isopropyl-36,39-dioxo-41-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxa-37,40-diazadotetracontan-42-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (110)

Scheme 17: Synthesis of protease-cleavable linker-payload conjugate (110).

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (107) (0.2 g, 0.234 mmol) in DMF (1 ml) were added Azido-peg11-acid (88) (168 mg, 0.281 mmol), diisopropyl ethylamine (90 mg, 0.703 mmol) and HATU (133.48 mg, 0.351 mmol).The reaction was stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (110) (12 mg) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.9 (s, 1H), 8.1 (d, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.86 (d, 1H), 7.59 (d, 2H), 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.28 (m, 1H), 7.27 (m, 3H), 6.4 (s, 1H), 5.9 (m, 1H), 5.42 (m, 3H), 5.3 (s, 2H) 4.9 (s, 2H), 4.3 (m, 1H), 4.2 (m, 4H), 3.5-2.9 (m, 51H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 1.97 (m, 3H), 1.88-1.06 (m, 13H), 0.95 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1437, retention time 1.62 min.

Example 18: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (122)

2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl) acetic acid (112): To a stirred solution of 1-(4-nitrophenyl) ethan-1-one (111) (5 g, 30.28 mmol), in 1,4-dioxane/H2O (40 mL, 3:1 by volume) was added SeO2 (4 g, 36.34 mmol) followed by Yb(oTf)3 (1.88 g, 3.03 mmol) under nitrogen atm at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 110° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., quenched with ice cold water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 1.7 g (crude) of 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl) acetic acid (112) as a pale yellow semi solid. The crude compound was taken to next step without any further purification. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 8.27-8.17 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.68 (m, 2H), 5.37 (s, 1H).

Methyl-2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetate (113): To a stirred solution of 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl) acetic acid (112) (1.7 g, 8.62 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was added sulphuric acid (2 mL) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS and TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 30% EtOAc in pet ether to get 850 mg (47% yield) of Methyl-2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetate (113) as an pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 8.23 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 2H), 5.29 (s, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.60 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H).

Methyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (114): To a stirred solution of (Methyl 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetate (113) (2.0 g, 9.47 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was added Pd—C (200 mg) at r.t. The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t under H2 atm (balloon pressure) for 12 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was filtered through celite bed and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting 50% EtOAc in pet ether to get 1.3 g (76% yield) of methyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (114) as a pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 7.0 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.50 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.67 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.90 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 3.57 (s, 3H).

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (115): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (114) (1.0 g, 5.52 mmol) in THF/DCM (60 mL, 1:1 by volume) was added (S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanoic acid (76) (2.63 g, 6.62 mmol) and EEDQ (4.10 g, 16.56 mmol) at r.t under nitrogen atmosphere The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL) to furnish crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL), filtered, dried under vacuum to get 3.0 g (97% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (115) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m/z 561.49 [(M+H)+)]; Rt: 1.74 min; 78.38% purity.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (116): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (115) (1.5 g, 2.68 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added piperidine (1.0 mL) under nitrogen atm at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) and ethyl acetate (30 mL), filtered, dried under vacuum to get 750 mg (83% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (116) as an off-white solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 337.44 [(M−H)-]; Rt: 1.68 min; 57.36% purity.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-ethylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (117): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (116) (1.6 g, 4.73 mmol), in DMF (28 mL) was added HOAt (960 mg, 7.10 mmol), EDC.HCl (1.36 g, 7.10 mmol) and (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-valine (79) (1.28 g, 3.78 mmol) at 0° C. to r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and quenched with ice water (50 mL). The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL), filtered, dried under vacuum to get 2.0 g (64% Yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (117) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 660.56 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.79 min; 69.96% purity.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (118): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (117) (700 mg, 1.06 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added 30% piperidine in DMF (1.4 mL) under N2 at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) and ethyl acetate (20 mL), filtered, dried under vacuum to get 350 mg (75% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (118) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 438.33 [(M+H)+)]; Rt: 0.88 min; 79.25% purity.

Methyl 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (120): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (118) (200 mg, 0.46 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.12 mL, 0.69 mmol), HATU (262 mg, 0.69 mmol) and 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oic acid (119) (174 mg, 0.46 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water and extracted with 10% MeOH/DCM (2×40 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude mass. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL), filtered, dried under vacuum to get 180 mg (crude) of methyl 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (120) as an off-white solid. The crude compound was taken to next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 799.57 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.41 min; 34.97% purity

2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetic acid (121): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (120) (180 mg, 0.23 mmol) in THF/H2O (5.5 mL) was added LiOH·H2O (19 mg, 0.46 mmol) at 0° C., then the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and water was added followed by acidification with 1N HCl solution. The reaction mixture was extracted with 10% MeOH/DCM (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude mass. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) to get 130 mg (73% yield) of 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetic acid (121) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m/z 785.63 [(M+H)+)]; Rt: 1.31 min; 82.71% purity.

Ethyl 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oate (125): To a stirred solution of 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecan-1-ol (123) (1.5 g, 4.88 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added sodium hydride (351 mg, 14.64 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 30 min. To the reaction mixture was added ethyl 3-bromopropanoate (124) (1.33 g, 7.32 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 1.2 g of (61% yield) of Ethyl 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oate (125) as a pale yellow semi solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 4.22-4.13 (m, 2H), 3.75-3.51 (m, 15H), 3.49-3.39 (m, 1H), 2.91 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.58-2.57 (m, 1H), 1.31-1.17 (m, 9H), 0.88-0.81 (m, 3H).

1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oic acid (119): To a stirred solution of ethyl 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oate (125) (1.2 g, 2.95 mmol) in THF/H2O (12:1 by volume, 13 mL) was added LiOH·H2O (371 mg, 8.85 mmol) at 0° C., then the reaction mass was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and acidified with citric acid. The crude compound was extracted with 10% MeOH/DCM (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 540 mg (48% yield) of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oic acid (119) as colourless gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 3.58-3.49 (m, 20H), 3.47-3.33 (m, 4H), 2.43-2.39 (m, 2H), 2.07 (m, 2H).

1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (122): To a stirred solution of 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetic acid (121) (130 mg, 0.17 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added DIPEA (0.04 mL 0.26 mmol), HOBt (34 mg, 0.26 mmol), EDC.HCl (38 mg, 0.26 mmol) and (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione (16) (74 mg, 0.17 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water and extracted with 10% MeOH/DCM (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-Prep HPLC to afford 10.4 mg (5% yield) of 1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (122) (HCl salt) as a pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.95 (s, 1H), 8.68-8.60 (m, 1H), 8.10 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.45-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 6.26 (s, 2H), 5.48-5.26 (m, 7H), 5.00 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 4.40 (q, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 3.62-3.48 (m, 26H), 3.16-2.96 (m, 5H), 2.39-2.32 (m, 5H), 2.10-1.85 (m, 5H), 1.70-1.23 (m, 4H), 0.89-0.82 (m, 9H). LC-MS (method 1): m/z 1202.45 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.68, 1.69 min; 37.07+55.18% purity, HP-LC (method 1): Rt: 3.79 min, 3.83 min; 43.71+49.32% purity.

Example 19: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (119)

2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetamide (123): To a stirred solution of 2-hydroxy-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetic acid (92) (3.0 g, 15.22 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was added DIPEA (2.65 mL, 15.22 mmol), HOBT (2.05 g, 15.22 mmol), DCC (3.29 g, 15.99 mmol) and dimethylamine (1.23 g, 15.22 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 2 g (59% yield) of 2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetamide (123) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.20-8.23 (d, 2H), 7.62-7.64 (d, 2H), 5.97-5.99 (d, 1H), 5.57-5.58 (d, 1H), 2.94 (s, 3H), 2.84 (s, 3H).

2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylacetamide (124): 2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acetamide (123) (2.5 g, 14.04 mmol) was taken in par shaker vessel in presence of MeOH (80 ml). Then Pd—C (500 mg) was added to it and keep the reaction mixture at 40 psi under hydrogen atmosphere for 3h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was filtered through sintered funnel. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2% MeOH in DCM to get 1.8 g (66% yield) of 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylacetamide (124) as a sticky liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 6.93-6.95 (d, 2H), 6.48-6.50 (d, 2H), 5.10-5.12 (d, 1H), 4.93-4.95 (d, 1H), 2.77 (s, 6H), 1.69-1.73 (m, 2H).

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(2-(dimethylamino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (125): 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylacetamide (124) (1.3 g, 6.70 mmol), Fmoc-Cit-OH (76) (3.99 g, 10.05 mmol), EEDQ (4.96 g, 20.10 mmol) were mixed in DCM-THF (1:1) (100 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 1.5 g (39% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(2-(dimethylamino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (125) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+574, retention time 2.94 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(1-chloro-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (126): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(2-(dimethylamino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl) phenyl) amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl) carbamate (125) (1 g, 1.74 mmol) in THF (15 mL), SOCl2 (0.24 ml, 2.09 mmol) was added at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.35 g (33% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(1-chloro-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (126) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+ 592, retention time 3.02 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (127): To a stirred solution of (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (120 mg, 0.30 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added CS2CO3 (149.45 mg, 0.45 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred the reaction mixture for 15 min. Then (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(1-chloro-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (126) (217.27 mg, 0.36 mmol) and KI (152.28 mg, 2.29 mmol) were added. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.11 g (38% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (127) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+948, retention time 2.93 min.

(2S)-2-Amino-N-(4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (128): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (127) (80 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DMF (3 ml) was treated with piperidine (21.51 mg, 0.25 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.05 g (95.3% yield) of (2S)-2-amino-N-(4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (128) crude as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+726, retention time 2.37 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (129): To a stirred solution of Fmoc-L-Valine (79) (34.22 mg, 0.10 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.03 mL, 0.21 mmol), HATU (63.91 mg, 0.16 mmol) and (2S)-2-amino-N-(4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (128) (61 mg, 0.08 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.05 g (57% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-I-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (129) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+1047, retention time 2.89 min.

(2S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (130): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-I-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (129) (115 mg, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (3 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.03 ml, 0.32 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.09 g of (2S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (130) crude as a sticky liquid and this material was used for the next step without further purification.

1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (131): To a stirred solution of Azido-(PEG)9-acid (86) (74.41 mg, 0.14 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.30 mmol), HATU (92.18 mg, 0.24 mmol) and (2S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (130) (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired products (131-S) and (131-R) (55 mg, 35% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): (10.09 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.14 (d, 1H), 8.07-8.09 (d, 1H), 7.85-7.87 (d, 1H), 7.67-7.69 (d, 2H), 7.52-7.56 (m, 3H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49-6.52 (d, 2H), 5.97 (t, 1H), 5.41-5.42 (d, 4H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.32-4.45 (m, 1H), 4.18-4.30 (t, 1H), 3.53-3.60 (m, 6H), 3.48-3.50 (d, 24H), 3.37-3.44 (m, 2H), 3.26-3.32 (d, 4H), 3.14 (s, 4H), 2.95-3.02 (m, 3H), 2.85 (s, 3H), 2.49-2.50 (d, 2H), 2.37-2.39 (m, 1H), 1.95-1.97 (m, 1H), 1.84-1.88 (m, 3H), 1.32-1.78 (m, 4H), 1.25-1.28 (t, 3H), 0.85-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1318, retention time 2.32 min.

Example 20: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(1-(((s)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amide (132)

To a stirred solution of Azido-(PEG)9-acid (88) (87.52 mg, 0.14 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.30 mmol), HATU (92.18 mg, 0.24 mmol) and (2S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(1-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (130) (100 mg, 0.12 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired products (132-S) and (132-R) (12 mg, 7% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.09 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.14 (d, 1H), 8.07-8.09 (d, 1H), 7.85-7.87 (d, 1H), 7.67-7.69 (d, 2H), 7.52-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49-6.52 (d, 2H), 5.96-5.99 (t, 1H), 5.41-5.42 (d, 4H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.32-4.45 (m, 1H), 4.18-4.30 (t, 1H), 3.53-3.61 (m, 6H), 3.48-3.51 (d, 33H), 3.38-3.44 (m, 2H), 3.32-3.37 (d, 1H), 3.26 (s, 1H), 3.14 (s, 5H), 2.95-3.02 (m, 3H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.501-2.504 (d, 2H), 2.39-2.46 (m, 1H), 1.95 (m, 1H), 1.84-1.88 (m, 2H), 1.32-1.78 (m, 4H), 1.23-1.28 (m, 3H), 0.82-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1406, retention time 2.32 min.

Example 21: Synthesis of 1-Azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (141)

(4-Amino-2,6-difluorophenyl)methanol (134): To a stirred solution of (2,6-difluoro-4-nitrophenyl)methanol (133) (500 mg, 2.64 mmol) in MeOH (15 mL) was added Raney Ni (15.52 mg, 0.26 mmol) in presence of hydrogen balloon. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 35 min. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was filtered through sintered funnel and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound 0.35 g (83% yield) of (4-amino-2,6-difluorophenyl)methanol (134) as a sticky solid. This crude compound was used for the next step without further purification. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 6.12-6.15 (d, 2H), 5.66 (s, 2H), 4.80-4.82 (t, 1H), 4.28-4.30 (d, 2H).

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((3,5-difluoro-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (135): (4-amino-2,6-difluorophenyl)methanol (134) (400 mg, 2.51 mmol), Fmoc-Cit-OH (76) (1198.49 mg, 3.01 mmol), EEDQ (1864.15 mg, 7.54 mmol) were mixed in DCM-THF (1:1) (50 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain desired product 0.8 g (59% yield) (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl (S)-(1-((3,5-difluoro-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (135) as a white solid. LCMS: MH+539, retention time 2.93 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl (S)-(1-((3,5-difluoro-4-(iodomethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (136): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl (S)-(1-((3,5-difluoro-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (135) (25 mg, 0.04 mmol) in ACN (10 mL), TMSCl (0.01 ml, 0.13 mmol) and sodium iodide (20.87 mg, 0.13 mmol) were added at OoC. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 1% MeOH in DCM to get 0.01 g (33% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((3,5-difluoro-4-(iodomethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (136) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+649, retention time 3.47 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (137): To a stirred solution of (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (225 mg, 0.57 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added K2CO3 (118.90 mg, 0.86 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred the reaction mixture for 15 min. Then (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl (S)-(1-((3,5-difluoro-4-(iodomethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (136) (557.69 mg, 0.86 mmol) was added. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.22 g (42% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (137) as an off-white solid.

(S)-2-Amino-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (138): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (137) (250 mg, 0.27 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was treated with piperidine (69.90 ml, 0.82 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.17 g (89% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (138) crude as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+691, retention time 2.65 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (139): To a stirred solution of Fmoc-L-Valine (79) (112.03 mg, 0.33 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.12 mL, 0.68 mmol), HATU (209.18 mg, 0.55 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (138) (190 mg, 0.27 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for1 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with (3-6)% MeOH in DCM to get 0.21 g (75% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (139) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+1012, retention time 3.22 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (140): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (139) (270 mg, 0.26 mmol) in DMF (2 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.07 ml, 0.80 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.201 g (95% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (140) crude as a sticky liquid and this material was used for the next step without further purification. LCMS: MH+790, retention time 2.71 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (141): To a stirred solution of Azido-(PEG)9-acid (86) (156.22 mg, 0.30 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.11 mL, 0.63 mmol), HATU (193.52 mg, 0.50 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (140) (201 mg, 0.25 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (141) (35 mg, 11% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.44 (s, 1H), 8.22-8.24 (d, 1H), 8.08-8.10 (d, 1H), 7.86-7.88 (d, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.51-7.53 (d, 1H), 7.43-7.46 (d, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.98 (s, 1H), 5.32-5.43 (m, 8H), 4.20-4.33 (m, 2H), 2.95-3.59 (m, 37H), 2.32-2.56 (m, 5H), 1.42-1.97 (m, 7H), 1.30-1.34 (t, 3H), 0.87-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1283, retention time 2.53 min.

Example 22: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amide (142)

To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG1I-acid (88) (95.17 mg, 0.16 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.33 mmol), HATU (101.13 mg, 0.26 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (140) (105 mg, 0.13 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (142) (8 mg, 5% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.44 (s, 1H), 8.22-8.23 (d, 1H), 8.07-8.10 (d, 1H), 7.86-7.88 (d, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.51-7.54 (d, 1H), 7.43-7.45 (d, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.98 (s, 1H), 5.43 (s, 4H), 5.32 (s, 4H), 4.20-4.34 (m, 2H), 2.66-3.60 (m, 37H), 2.32-2.50 (m, 6H), 1.33-1.97 (m, 7H), 1.30-1.33 (t, 3H), 0.85-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1369, retention time 2.53 min.

Example 23: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amide (147)

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (143): To a stirred solution Exatecan-Mesylate (16) (90 mg, 0.169 mmol) in DMF at 0° C. was added K2CO3 (110 mg, 0.339 mmol) and followed by (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((3,5-difluoro-4-(iodomethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (136) (130 mg, 0.203 mmol). The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water and solid precipitate was filtered through sintered funnel and it was dried under reduced pressure and purify under flash chromatography and dried under vacuum to get 149 mg (91% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano [3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (143). LCMS: MH+956, retention time 3.47 min.

(S)-2-amino-N-(4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (144): To a stirred solution (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (143) (149 mg, 0.156 mmol) in DMF (5 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10% MeOH in DCM to get 110 mg (96% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (144). LCMS: MH 734, retention time 2.68 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (145): To a stirred solution of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-valine (79) (35 mg, 0.103 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.045 mL, 0.258 mmol), HATU (78 mg, 0.206 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (144) (112 mg, 0.155 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum under low temperature. Then it was purify under flash chromatography and dried under vacuum to get 80 mg (73% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano [3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (145). LCMS: MH+1055 retention time 3.60 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (146): To a stirred solution (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (145) (80 mg, 0.076 mmol) in DMF (3 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10% MeOH in DCM to get 60 mg (95% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (146). LCMS: MH 833, retention time 2.83 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amid (147): To a stirred solution of Azido-(PEG)ii-acid (88) (30 mg, 0.05 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.02 mL, 0.125 mmol), HATU (38 mg, 0.1 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)-3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (146) (62 mg, 0.075 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-prep-HPLC to get the desired compound (147), 5 mg (7% yield) isolated as a brown solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): 10.30 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, 2H), 7.86 (d, 2H), 7.28-7.36 (t, 2H), 6.49 (d, 2H), 5.9 (d, 2H), 5.41-5.32 (m, 5H), 5.19 (d, 1H), 4.33 (t, 1H), 4.23 (t, 2H), 4.21 (t, 1H), 3.98-3.91 (m, 1H), 3.60-3.31 (m, 38H) 3.05-2.94 (m, 5H) 2.38-2.26 (m, 5H), 2.14 (t, 2H), 1.98-1.89 (m, 5H), 1.87-1.81 (m, 2H), 1.68 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 0.86 (s, 9H). LCMS: MH+1414, retention time 3.02 min.

Example 24: 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9s)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2-oxoacetyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (148)

To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (122) (150 mg, 0.12 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added Dess- martin periodinane (81 mg, 0.19 mmol) at 0° C. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., quenched with ice cold water (10 mL) and extracted with 10% MeOH in DCM (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO3 solution (20 mL). The separated organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-preparative HPLC and the purified fractions was lyophilized to get 2.8 mg (2% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2-oxoacetyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (148) (HCl salt) as yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.46 (s, 1H), 9.57 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.87-7.80 (m, 4H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 6.00 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 5.74 (q, J=6.3 Hz, 1H), 5.43-5.28 (m, 6H), 4.40 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 3.61-3.48 (m, 26H), 3.20-2.90 (m, 4H), 2.39-2.30 (m, 7H), 1.91-1.84 (m, 3H), 1.80-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.30 (m, 2H), 0.89-0.83 (m, 9H). LC-MS (method 15): m/z 1200.77 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.71 min; 95.95% purity, HP-LC (method 15): Rt: 4.87 min; 95.14% purity.

Example 25: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-benzyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (158)

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (150): Diisopropylethylamine (3.54 mL, 20.29 mmol), HATU (6.17 g, 16.23 mmol) and (4-aminophenyl) methanol (75) (1 g, 8.12 mmol) were added to a solution of N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (149) (6.0 g, 9.74 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by combi-flash column chromatography, to afford (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (150; 4 g) as a solid. LCMS: MH+730, retention time 2.49 min.

(S)-2-Amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (151): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (150), (2 g, 2.74 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.81 ml, 8.22 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to provide (S)-2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (151; 1 g) as a gum. LCMS: MH+508, retention time 3.52 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (153): Diisopropylethylamine (2.57 mL, 14.77 mmol), HATU (4.49 g, 11.81 mmol) and (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (152) (2.74 g, 7.09 mmol) were added to a solution of N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (151) (3 g, 5.90 mmol) in DMF (25 mL) at 0° C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice water, and the precipitated solid was filtered and dried under vacuum, and then purified by flash chromatography to provide (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (153; 3 g) as a solid. LCMS: MH+877 retention time, 4.35 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (154): Pyridine (1.08 mL, 13.68 mmol) and 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (2.06 g, 10.26 mmol) were added to a solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (153) (3 g, 3.42 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) at 0° C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and purified by flash chromatography eluting with 50% ethyl acetate in hexanes to afford (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (154; 3.4 g) as a gum. LCMS: MH+1042 retention time 2.78 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (155): Triethylamine (0.06 mL, 0.48 mmol) and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (130 mg, 0.24 mmol) were added to a solution (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (154) (306 mg, 0.29 mmol) in DMSO (3.5 mL) at 0° C., and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and the precipitated out was filtered and passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to provide (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (155; 0.220 g) as a solid. LCMS: MH+1339, retention time 2.68 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (156): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (155), (150 mg, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (4 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.01 ml, 0.16 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to afford 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (156; 130 mg) as a gum. LCMS: MH+1116, retention time 4.05 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-Azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (157): Diisopropylethylamine (0.03 mL, 0.17 mmol), HATU (54.49 mg, 0.14 mmol) and 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (156) (80 mg, 0.07 mmol) were added to a solution of azido-PEG9-acid (86, 47.43 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) at room temperature, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by combi-flash column chromatography to afford 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (157; 75 mg) as a solid. LCMS: MH+1609, retention time 2.20 min.

4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-Aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-benzyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (158): A solution of trifluoroacetic acid (3 mL, 1% in DCM) was added to a solution of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (157) (90 mg, 0.05 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and triturated with diethyl ether, then further purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain Compound (158) (Peak-1) (19 mg) as a solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.04 (s, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.06 (s, 2H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.60-7.7.62 (d, 2H), 67.36-7.38 (d, 2H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.13-7.22 (m, 5H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.36 (s, 2H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 4.56 (s, 2H), 4.37 (s, 2H), 3.32-3.65 (m, 30H), 2.64-3.03 (m, 9H), 2.19-2.37 (m, 8H), 1.14-1.88 (m, 11H), 0.85-0.88 (t, 3H), LCMS: MH+1353 retention time 2.40 and 2.44 min.

Example 26: Synthesis of 4-((35S,38S)-38-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-35-benzyl-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (169)

4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)aniline (159): To a stirred solution of (4-aminophenyl)methanol (75) (5.0 g, 40.61 mmol) in DMF (25 mL) was added imidazole (5.54 g, 81.22 mmol) followed by tert-butyl(chloro)diphenylsilane (13.39 g, 48.73 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 10% EtOAc in pet ether to get 6.6 g (44% yield) of 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)aniline (159) as a gum. LCMS: m/z 362.31 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.58 min; 93.68% purity.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl(S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (160): To a stirred solution of N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (149) (5.0 g, 8.00 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was added DIPEA (4.18 mL, 24.00 mmol), HATU (6.08 g, 16.00 mmol) and 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)aniline (159) (2.89 g, 8.00 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 5.5 g (71% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (160) as a solid. LCMS: m/z 990.37 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.84 min; 96.79% purity.

(S)-2-amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (161): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (160) (5.5 g, 5.68 mmol) in DMF (38.5 mL) was added piperidine (16.5 mL) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 3.5 g (83% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (160) as a gum. LCMS: m/z 744.24 [(M−H)-]; Rt: 2.20 min; 90.16% purity.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (162): To a stirred solution of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (152) (1.82 g, 4.69 mmol), in DMF (35 mL) was added DIPEA (2.45 mL, 14.07 mmol), HATU (3.57 g, 9.38 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (161) (3.5 g, 4.69 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 3.9 g (75% yield) of ((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (162) as a solid. LCMS: m/z 1137.66 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.96 min; 88.50% purity.

(S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (163): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (162) (1.0 g, 0.90 mmol) in DMF (7 mL) was added piperidine (3 mL) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 0.62 g (77% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (163) as a solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.08 (s, 1H), 8.08 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.07-7.63 (m, 4H), 7.57-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.49-7.37 (m, 11H), 7.28-7.23 (m, 9H), 7.19-7.18 (m, 4H), 7.15-7.04 (m, 6H), 4.72 (s, 1H), 4.45 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 3.46 (q, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 2.96-2.92 (m, 1H), 2.67-2.61 (m, 1H), 2.49-2.41 (m, 1H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.99-1.91 (m, 3H), 1.71-1.41 (m, 6H), 1.03 (s, 9H).

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxatritriacontan-33-amide (165): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxatritriacontan-33-oic acid (164) (311 mg, 0.56 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.3 mL, 1.68 mmol), HATU (319 mg, 0.84 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (163) (500 mg, 0.56 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.51 g (64% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxatritriacontan-33-amide (165) as a gum. LCMS: m z 1431.51 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.58 min; 85.28% purity.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxatritriacontan-33-amide (166): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxatritriacontan-33-amide (165) (500 mg, 0.35 mmol) in methanol (5 mL) was added NH4F (129 mg, 3.49 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The residue obtained was diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.39 g (94% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxatritriacontan-33-amide (166) as a gum. LCMS: m/z 1193.09 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.87 min; 65.88% purity.

4-((35S,38S)-1-azido-35-benzyl-38-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (167): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxatritriacontan-33-amide (166) (390 mg, 0.33 mmol) in DCM (4 mL) was added pyridine (0.13 mL, 1.64 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (14) (132 mg, 0.65 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.145 g (33% yield) of 4-((35S,38S)-1-azido-35-benzyl-38-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (167) as a gum. LCMS: m/z 1357.77 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.21 min; 81.14% purity.

4-((35S,38S)-1-azido-35-benzyl-38-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (168): To a stirred solution 4-((35S,38S)-1-azido-35-benzyl-38-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (167) (140 mg, 0.10 mmol) in DMF (1.12 mL) was added pyridine (0.28 mL), HOBt (14 mg, 0.10 mmol) and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (11) (55 mg, 0.10 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by trituration with diethyl ether, filtered and dried under vacuum to get 0.13 g (76% yield) of 4-((35S,38S)-1-azido-35-benzyl-38-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (168) as a solid. LCMS: m/z 1653.85 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.16 min; 60.47% purity.

4-((35S,38S)-38-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-35-benzyl-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (169): To a stirred solution of 1% TFA, 10% triisopropylsilane in DCM (4 mL) was added 4-((35S,38S)-1-azido-35-benzyl-38-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (168) (130 mg, 0.08 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-prep HPLC to furnish 17 mg (16% yield) of 4-((35S,38S)-38-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-35-benzyl-33,36-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-decaoxa-34,37-diazanonatriacontan-39-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (169) (TFA salt) as a solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.02 (s, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.79 (d, J=10.9 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 5H), 7.38 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.22 (m, 4H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.29 (s, 3H), 5.09 (s, 2H), 4.56 (m, J=4.3 Hz, 1H), 4.40 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 3.49 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 42H), 3.12 (d, J=16.9 Hz, 2H), 3.02 (q, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.77 (q, J=7.7 Hz, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.31 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.15-2.12 (m, 2H), 1.88-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.65-1.62 (m, 4H), 1.33 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 0.87 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 2): m/z 1397.30 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.77 min; 98.23% purity, HP-LC (method 2): Rt: 4.21 min; 95.13% purity.

Example 27: Synthesis of 4-((32s,35s)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-2,6-difluorobenzyl ((1s,9s)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (170).

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)-2,6-difluorobenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (146) (90 mg, 0.10 mmol), HATU (78.04 mg, 0.20 mmol), azido-peg9-acid (88) (67.93 mg, 0.12 mmol) and DIPEA (0.04 ml, 0.25 mmol) were mixed in DMF (5 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks for products (170) (Peak-1) (17 mg, 12%) and as the undesired isomer (Peak-2) (22 mg, 16%) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.40 (s, 1H), 8.21-8.22 (d, 1H), 8.03-8.05 (d, 1H), 7.86-7.88 (d, 1H), 7.75-7.78 (d, 1H), 7.36-7.39 (d, 2H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.99 (s, 1H), 5.43 (s, 4H), 5.26 (s, 3H), 5.08-5.11 (m, 2H), 4.32 (s, 1H), 4.21 (s, 1H), 3.11-3.59 (m, 36H), 2.16-2.50 (m, 6H), 1.84-1.96 (m, 7H), 0.81-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1370, retention time 2.57 min.

Example 28: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-benzyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (174)

(9H1-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (171): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (154) (417.33 mg, 0.40 mmol) in DMSO (5 mL) was added TEA (0.09 mL, 0.66 mmol), and (S)-9-(3-aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b] quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105) (150 mg, 0.33 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.15 g (33% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano [3′,4′: 6,7] indolizino [1,2-b] quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (171) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1353. Retention time, 4.76 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (172): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (171) (150 mg, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (4 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.03 ml, 0.33 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.10 mg (80% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (172) as a pale brown gum, This material was used for the next step.

4-((32S,35S)-1-Azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (173): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG9-Acid (86) (58.55 mg, 0.10 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.03 mL, 0.22 mmol), HATU (67.27 mg, 0.17 mmol) and 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (172) (100 mg, 0.08 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purify by combi-flash column chromatography, to get 65 mg (45% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (173) as an off-white solid.

4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-Aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-benzyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (174): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (173) (65 mg, 0.04 mmol) in DCM 3 ml 1% TFA in DCM was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finaly purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (174) (15 mg, 27% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.05 (s, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 8.06-8.09 (d, 2H), 7.58-7.60 (d, 2H), 7.48-7.51 (d, 2H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.13-7.30 (m, 8H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.96 (s, 2H) 4.56 (s, 1H), 4.36 (s, 1H), 4.22 (s, 2H), 3.00-3.60 (m, 39H), 2.30-2.78 (m, 5H), 1.37-1.96 (m, 12H), 1.28-1.32 (t, 3H), 0.85-0.89 (t, 3H).LCMS: MH+1367 retention time 2.36.

Example 29: Synthesis of N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-amino-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (182-S) & N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-amino-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (182)

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (175): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (114) (600 mg, 3.31 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (149) (2.27 g, 3.64 mmol), HATU (1.89 g, 4.97 mmol) and DIPEA (1.73 mL, 9.93 mmol) at r.t under nitrogen atmosphere The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (50 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with pet ether (30 mL) and filtered off, dried under vacuum to get 2.5 g (96% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (175) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 810.44 [(M+Na)+]; Rt: 2.16 min; 88.79% purity.

methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (176): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (175) (2.5 g, 3.17 mmol) in acetonitrile (30 mL) was added piperidine (2.5 mL) under nitrogen atm at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 3-5% MeOH in DCM to get 1.7 g (95% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (176) as a pale yellow solid. LC-MS: m/z 564.43 [(M−H)−]; Rt: 1.44 min; 89.15% purity.

2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (177): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (176) (1.7 g, 3.01 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (152) (1.28 g, 3.31 mmol), HATU (1.72 g, 4.52 mmol) and DIPEA (1.58 mL, 9.03 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (50 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 35-40% ethyl acetate in pet ether to get 2.25 g (80% Yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (177) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 957.23 [(M+Na)+]; Rt: 2.18 min; 84% purity.

Methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (178): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (177) (2.25 g, 2.41 mmol) in acetonitrile (25 mL) was added piperidine (2.25 mL) under nitrogen atm at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 3-5% MeOH in DCM to get 1.3 g (76% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (178) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 713.25 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.43 min; 84.110% purity.

Methyl 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-benzyl-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (179): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (178) (1.3 g, 1.82 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oic acid (119) (763 mg, 2.01 mmol), PyBOP (1.42 g, 2.73 mmol) and DIPEA (0.95 mL, 5.46 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (50 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 3-5% MeOH in DCM to get 1.4 g (71% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-benzyl-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (179) as a pale brown sticky liquid. LC-MS: m z 1074.28 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.88 min; 88.77% purity.

2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-benzyl-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetic acid (180): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-benzyl-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (179) (1.4 g, 1.30 mmol) in THF-H2O (33 mL, 10:1 by volume) was added LiOH·H2O (218 mg, 5.20 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude mass. To the crude compound water (20 mL) was added followed by acidification with saturated citric acid solution. The precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (20 mL) and filtered off, dried under vacuum to get 1.2 g (87% yield) of 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-benzyl-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetic acid (180) as a pale yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 1060.63 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.90 min; 85.53% purity.

1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (181): To a stirred solution of 2-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-benzyl-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetic acid (180) (50 mg, 0.05 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methane sulfonate (16) (27 mg, 0.05 mmol), HATU (30 mg, 0.08 mmol) and DIPEA (0.03 mL 0.15 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (10 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) and filtered off, dried under vacuum to get 350 mg (84% yield) of 1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (181) as a pale brown solid. LC-MS: m z 1478.90, 1478.15 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.10, 2.13 min; 32.06+42.40% purity (mixture of diastereomers).

N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-amino-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (182-S) & N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-amino-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (182-R): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (12) (350 mg, 0.24 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added a mixture of 1% TFA and 10% TIPS in DCM (15 mL) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-preparative HPLC to afford 17.4 mg (6% yield) of N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-amino-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (182-S) (HCl salt) as yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.02 (s, 1H), 8.70 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 8.25 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.59 (m, 5H), 7.46 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.26-6.99 (m, 5H), 6.53 (s, 1H), 6.15 (s, 1H), 5.52-5.47 (m, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.33-5.28 (m, 1H), 5.21-5.16 (m, 1H), 5.00 (s, 1H), 4.59-4.54 (m, 1H), 4.44-4.39 (m, 1H), 3.60-3.38 (m, 25H), 3.16-3.13 (m, 2H), 3.06-3.01 (m, 1H), 2.78 (q, J=8.8 Hz, 3H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.32 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 2.13-2.11 (m, 2H), 1.91-1.83 (m, 2H), 1.81-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.69-1.52 (m, 3H), 1.41-1.35 (m, 2H), 0.88 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS: m z 1221.77 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.61 min; 98.06% purity, HP-LC: Rt: 12.00 min; 99.39% purity. (182-R) Peak-B was 4.6 mg (2% yield) of N-((2S)-1-(((2S)-6-amino-1-((4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino [1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (182-R) (HCl salt) as yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.06 (s, 1H), 8.65 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 4H), 7.59 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.32-7.05 (m, 6H), 6.54-6.25 (m, 2H), 5.55-5.43 (m, 3H), 5.23 (q, J=15 Hz, 2H), 5.04 (s, 1H), 4.61-4.51 (m, 1H), 4.45-4.35 (m, 1H), 3.59-3.49 (m, 25H), 3.15-3.03 (m, 3H), 2.85-2.72 (m, 3H), 2.38-2.28 (m, 5H), 2.16-2.07 (m, 2H), 1.89-1.73 (m, 3H), 1.66-1.54 (m, 3H), 1.38-1.31 (m, 2H), 0.87 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 28): m/z 1221.77 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.63 min; 95.03% purity, HP-LC (method 28): Rt: 12.17 min; 95.72% purity.

Example 30: Synthesis of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-henzn[de]pyrann[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-h]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (186)

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (183):(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl) amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (80) (720 mg, 0.34 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.20 ml, 1.02 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (10-15%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 490 mg (86% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (183) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+380, retention time 1.22 min.

7-Azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl) amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)heptanamide (184): (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (183) (450 mg, 1.187 mmol), HATU (902 mg, 2.375 mmol), 7 azido heptanoic acid (264 mg, 1.544 mmol) and N-ethyldiisopropylamine (0.419 ml, 2.375 mmol) were mixed in DMF (5 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 400 mg (63.25% yield) of 7-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl) phenyl) amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl) amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)heptanamide (184) as a sticky liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.91 (s, 1H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.21 (d, 1H), 8.07 (d, 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.23 (d, 2H), 5.9 (t, 1H), 5.76 (s, 2H), 5.4 (m, 1H), 4.3 (m, 1H), 4.2 (in, 1H), 3.3 (m, 3H), 2.99 (in, 2H), 2.17 (m, 2H), 2.13 (m, 1H),1.58 (m, 1H), 1.50 (m, 1H), 1.48 (m, 5H), 1.36-1.18 (m, 8H), 0.86-0.825 (m, 6H), LCMS: MH+533.5, retention time 1.59 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-Azidoheptanamido)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido) benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (185): 7-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)heptanamide (184) (250 mg, 0.47 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (283 mg, 1.41 mmol) were treated with pyridine (148 mg, 1.88 mmol) in DMF/THF (4 ml) solvent and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 4 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 180 mg (54% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido) benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (185) as a white solid. LCMS: MH+697, retention time 1.83 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-Azidoheptanamido)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (186): 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-methylbutanamido)-5 ureidopentanamido) benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (185) (80 mg, 0.118 mmol), Exatecan mesylate (16) (51 mg, 0.118 mmol) and TEA (37 mg, 0.353 mmol) were mixed in DMSO (0.5 ml) and stirred the reaction mixture at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 2h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-prep HPLC to obtain the desired product (186) as an off-white solid (21 mg, 17%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.98 (s, 1H), 8.065 (d, 2H), 7.8 (m, 2H), 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H),6.51 (s, 1H), 5.9 (q, 1H), 5.44-5.40 (d, 4H), 5.29 (s, 2.H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.38 (d, 1H), 4.2 (t, 1H), 3.3-3.1 (m, 6H), 2.14 (m, 4H),1.98-1.95 (m, 6H), 1.48 (m, 4H), 1.27 (m, 4H), 0.858 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+994, retention time 2.64 min.

Example 31: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (193)

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (187): To a stirred solution of (((N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-valine (79) (1 g, 2.94 mmol), in DMF (20 mL) was added DIPEA (1.54 mL, 8.83 mmol), HATU (2.24 g, 5.89 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (161) (2.19 g, 2.94 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 2.5 g (79% yield) of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (187) as a solid. LCMS: MH+1067, retention time 2.42 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (188): To a stirred solution of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (187) (1.5 g, 1.40 mmol) in DMF (6 mL), 30% piperidine in DMF (4.5 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 1.1 g (97% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (188) as a solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.07 (s, 1H), 7.64-7.63 (d, 4H), 7.56-7.54 (d, 2H), 7.46-7.35 (m, 9H), 7.27-7.24 (m, 8H), 7.185-7.11 (m, 2H), 7.05-7.03 (d, 2H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 4.44 (d, 1H), 3.25-3.16 (d, 1H), 3.01-3.00 (m, 1H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.98-1.93 (m, 2H), 1.68-1.38 (m, 4H), 1.15 (s, 10H), LCMS: MH+845, retention time 3.63 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (189): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (484 mg, 0.94 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) was added DIPEA (0.49 mL, 2.83 mmol), HATU (719.47 mg, 1.89 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (188) (800 mg, 0.94 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.60 g (51% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (189) as a gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.91 (s, 1H), 8.02-8.00 (d, 2H), 7.95 (s, 2H), 7.87-7.85 (d, 1H), 7.64-7.63 (d, 4H), 7.57-7.55 (d, 2H), 7.46-7.32 (m, 11H), 7.26-7.24 (m, 8H), 7.15-7.11 (t, 2H), 7.05-7.03 (d, 2H), 4.71 (s, 2H), 4.35-4.33 (m, 1H), 4.19 (s, 1H), 3.59-3.36 (m, 38H), 2.68-2.38 (m, 6H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.98-1.92 (m, 2H), 1.47-1.17 (m, 4H), 1.02 (s, 9H), 0.85-0.80 (m, 6H). LCMS: MH+1338, retention time 2.92 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (190): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (189) (600 mg, 0.44 mmol) in methanol (10 mL) was added NH4F (166 mg, 4.48 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The residue obtained was diluted with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.40 g (81% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (190) as a gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.81 (s, 1H), 7.96-7.94 (d, 1H), 7.84-7.81 (d, 1H), 7.53-7.51 (d, 2H), 7.37-7.35 (d, 4H), 7.26-7.12 (m, 9H), 7.096-7.04 (d, 2H), 5.06-5.04 (t, 1H), 4.43-4.41 (d, 2H), 4.35 (m, 1H), 4.18-4.16 (t, 1H), 3.60-3.46 (m, 33H), 3.39-3.36 (t, 2H), 2.50-2.23 (m, 2H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.23-1.93 (m, 2H), 1.48-1.23 (m, 6H), 0.85-0.80 (m, 6H). LCMS: MH+1100, retention time 3.72 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (191): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (190) (400 mg, 0.36 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added pyridine (0.14 mL, 1.80 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (14) (145 mg, 0.72 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.34 g (75% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (191) as a gum. LCMS: MH+1265, retention time 1.33 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (192): To a stirred solution 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (191) (281.73 mg, 0.22 mmol) in NMP (3.5 mL) was added TEA (0.07 Ml, 0.55 mmol), and (S)-9-(3-aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105) (100 mg, 0.22 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 8h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with 10% methanol in chloroform (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the crude material diethylether was added and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 4% MeOH in DCM to get 0.15 g (43% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (192) as a solid. LCMS: MH+1575, retention time 3.76 min.

4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (193): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (192) (150 mg, 0.09 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM 2 ml was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired products (193) (32 mg, 25% yield) as a solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.98 (s, 1H), 8.06-8.11 (d, 2H), 7.88-7.90 (d, 1H), 7.56-7.59 (d, 2H), 7.48-7.7.59 (d, 2H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 7.27-7.29 (d, 3H), 6.56 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 4.92 (s, 2H), 4.20-4.22 (m, 4H), 3.47-3.601 (m, 31H), 3.17-3.38 (m, 8H), 2.39-2.58 (m, 4H), 1.84-1.97 (m, 7H), 1.23-1.32 (m, 7H), 0.81-0.89 (m, 9H), LCMS: MH+1319, retention time 1.53 min.

Example 32: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (200)

(S)-2-Amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (151): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (150) (2 g, 2.74 mmol) in DMF (20 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (4 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 80% EtOAc in hexane to get 1 g (72% yield) of (S)-2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (151) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+508, retention time 3.54 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (195): To a stirred solution of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-tryptophan (194) (301.59 mg, 0.70 mmol), in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.25 mL, 1.47 mmol), HATU (448.49 mg, 1.18 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (151) (300 mg, 0.59 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 0.3 g (55% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (195) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+916, retention time 2.40 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (196): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (195) (1 g, 1.09 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) was added pyridine (0.35 mL, 4.36 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (105) (0.66 g, 3.27 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 1% MeOH in DCM to get 0.9 g (76% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (196) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1081, retention time 2.59 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (197): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (196) and (490.70 mg, 0.45 mmol) in DMSO (5 mL) was added TEA (0.10 Ml, 0.75 mmol), (S)-9-(3-aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105) (170 mg, 0.37 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 8h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under zen vac to get a crude residue. The crude was purified by Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.42 g (79.8% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (197) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1391, retention time 4.27 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (198): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (197) (250 mg, 0.18 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.05 ml, 0.53 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.20 mg (95% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (198) crude as a sticky liquid and this material was used for the next step without purification.

4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (199): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (200 mg, 0.17 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.07 mL, 0.42 mmol), HATU (130.06 mg, 0.34 mmol) and 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (198) (104.99 mg, 0.20 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 4% MeOH in DCM to get 0.13 g (47% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (199) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+1662, retention time 3.77 min.

4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (200): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (11) (130 mg, 0.07 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM 2 mL was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (200) (85 mg, 74.57% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): (10.77 (s, 1H), 9.97 (s, 1H), 8.19-8.21 (d, 1H), 8.07-8.09 (d, 1H), 8.00-8.02 (d, 1H), 7.56-7.60 (m, 4H), 7.48-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.35 (m, 4H), 6.90-6.93 (m, 2H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.96 (s, 2H), 4.41-4.58 (m, 1H), 4.40-4.57 (m, 1H), 4.23 (s, 2H), 2.75-3.59 (m, 44H), 2.33-2.35 (d, 2H), 1.52-1.96 (m, 11H), 1.28-1.32 (t, 6H), 0.85-0.89 (t, 3H), LCMS: MH+1406, retention time 2.06 min.

Example 33: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (202)

4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (201): To a stirred solution 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (191) (311 mg, 0.25 mmol) in NMP (2.5 mL) was added TEA (0.09 mL, 0.62 mmol), and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (131 mg, 0.25 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 8h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with 10% methanol in chloroform (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the crude material diethylether was added and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.300 g (78% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (201) as a solid. LCMS: MH+1561, retention time 2.18 min.

4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (202): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (201) (300 mg, 0.19 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks for desired products (202) (70 mg) and the unwanted isomer (7 mg) as a solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.96 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.10 (q, 2H), 7.89-7.87 (d, 1H), 7.76-7.61 (d, 1H), 7.59-7.31 (m, 7H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.29 (s, 3H), 5.09 (s, 2H), 4.37-4.20 (m, 1H), 4.18-4.16 (t, 1H), 3.49-3.44 (m, 4H), 3.12-2.55 (m, 39H), 2.40-1.34 (m, 15H), 0.89-0.82 (m, 9H), LCMS: MH+ 1305, retention time 5.33 and 5.47 min.

Example 34: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (206)

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo [de] pyrano [3′,4′:6,7] indolizino [1,2-b] quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (203): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (196) (317.31 mg, 0.29 mmol) in DMSO (3 mL) was added TEA (0.06 mL, 0.48 mmol), and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b] quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (130 mg, 0.24 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 8h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under zen vac to get a crude residue. The crude was purified by Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.28 g (83% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (203) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1377, retention time 4.68 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (204): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl)carbamate (203) (280 mg, 0.20 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.06 ml, 0.61 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.23 mg (99% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (204) crude as a sticky liquid and this material was used for the next step without purification.

4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (205): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (53.13 mg, 0.10 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.03 mL, 0.21 mmol), HATU (65.82 mg, 0.17 mmol) and 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (204) (100 mg, 0.08 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.0.08 g (56% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (205) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+ 1648, retention time 3.92 min.

4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (206): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-32-((1H-indol-3-yl)methyl)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (205) (80 mg, 0.04 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM 2 mL was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks and Peak 1 is the desired product (206) (45 mg, 66% yield) and the unwanted isomer as Peak-2 (15 mg, 22% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.77 (s, 1H), 10.00 (s, 1H), 9.96 (s, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 8.20-8.22 (d, 1H), 8.02-8.04 (d, 2H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.56-7.63 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.38 (m, 4H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 7.00-7.04 (t, 1H), 6.90-6.94 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.43 (s, 1H), 5.28 (s, 1H), 5.09 (s, 1H), 4.39-4.57 (m, 2H), 4.01-4.03 (d, H), 3.31-3.59 (m, 38H), 2.94-2.95 (m, 4H), 2.15-2.37 (m, 9H), 1.15-1.90 (m, 12H), 0.85-0.89 (t, 3H), LCMS: MH+1392, retention time 2.40 and 2.42 min.

Example 35: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (211)

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (207): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanoic acid (76) (107.65 mg, 0.271 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.118 mL, 0.677 mmol), HATU (171.671 mg, 0.451 mmol) and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (120 mg, 0.226 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 0.150 g (81% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (207) as an off-white solid. This crude compound was used for the next step.

(R)-2-Amino-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (208): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (207) (150 mg, 184.20 mmol) in DMF (5 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1.5 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 0.100 g (91% yield) of (R)-2-amino-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (208) as a sticky liquid. This material was used for the next step.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (209): To a stirred solution of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-valine (79) (68.72 mg, 0.202 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.074 mL, 0.422 mmol), HATU (128.32 mg, 0.337 mmol) and (R)-2-amino-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (208) (100 mg, 0.169 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 0.120 g (77% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (209) as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+914, retention time 3.14 min.

(R)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (210): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (209) (120 mg, 0.131 mmol) in DMF (5 mL), 30% piperidine in DMF (0.05 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.110 g (98% yield) of (R)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (210) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+692, retention time 2.44 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (211): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (108.76 mg, 0.213 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.077 mL, 0.443 mmol), HATU (134.73 mg, 0.354 mmol) and (R)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (210) (105 mg, 0.177 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×15 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM and then finally purified by RP-prep HPLC to obtain two peaks for desired products (211) (Peak-1) (9 mg, 5% Yield) and an unwanted isomer (8 mg, 4% Yield) as an off-white sticky solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.37-8.39 (d, 1H), 8.01-8.03 (d, 1H), 7.78-7.84 (t, 2H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.91 (s, 1H), 4.22-5.49 (m, 7H), 4.22 (s, 1H), 4.08-4.11 (t, 1H), 3.32-3.59 (m, 39H), 2.92 (s, 2H), 1.33-2.32 (m, 17H), 0.85-0.89 (t, 3H), 0.74-0.77 (t, 6H). LCMS: MH+ 1185, retention time 2.42 and 2.46 min.

Example 36: Synthesis of N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-Amino-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (217)

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (212): To a stirred solution of N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (149) (183.35 mg, 0.293 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.10 mL, 0.611 mmol), HATU (185.97 mg, 0.489 mmol) and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (130 mg, 0.245 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 0.200 g (78% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (212) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1042, retention time 2.67 min.

(S)-2-Amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)hexanamide (213): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (212) (300 mg, 0.288 mmol) in DMF (5 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1.5 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 0.200 g (85% yield) of (S)-2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)hexanamide (213) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+820, retention time 3.88 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (214): To a stirred solution of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (152) (113.4 mg, 0.293 mmol), in DMF (50 mL) was added DIPEA (0.10 mL, 0.61 mmol), HATU (185.48 mg, 0.488 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)hexanamide (213) (200 mg, 0.244 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 0.240 g (82% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (214) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1189, retention time 4.84 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)hexanamide (215): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (214) (200 mg, 0.168 mmol) in DMF (5 mL), 30% piperidine in DMF (0.05 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2% MeOH in DCM to get 0.150 g (92% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)hexanamide (215) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+967, retention time 3.93 min

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (216): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (190.55 mg, 0.372 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.13 mL, 0.776 mmol), HATU (236.05 mg, 0.621 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)hexanamide (215) (300 mg, 0.31 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×15 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to yield crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.300 g (66% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (216) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+1460, retention time 3.86 min.

N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-amino-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (217): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (216) (300 mg, 0.205 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM (2 ML) and 1% TIS in DCM (2 ML) were added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finaly purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks for desired product (217) (Peak-1) (23 mg, 9% Yield) and an unwanted isomer Peak-2 was isolated. (17 mg, 7% Yield) as a brown sticky solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.51-8.53 (d, 1H), 8.18-8.20 (d, 1H), 8.02-8.04 (d, 1H), 7.79-7.82 (d, 1H), 7.53 (s, 2H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.19-7.22 (m, 5H), 6.53 (s, 1H), 5.12-5.50 (m, 5H), 4.47 (s, 1H), 4.27 (s, 1H), 3.31-3.59 (m, 38H), 2.49-2.72 (m, 3H), 1.33-2.30 (m, 18H), 0.85-0.88 (t, 3H). LCMS: MH+ 1204, retention time 1.51 and 1.53 min.

Example 37: Synthesis of 32-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-amino-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamoyl)-1-azido-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azapentatriacontan-35-oic acid (226)

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (218): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (153) (2 g, 2.28 mmol) in DMF (30 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.67 ml, 6.84 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 1.3 g (87% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (218) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH 655, retention time 1.87 min.

Allyl 4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (220): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(allyloxy)-5-oxopentanoic acid (219) (450.16 mg, 1.09 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added DIPEA (0.4 mL, 2.29 mmol), HATU (696.75 mg, 1.83 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (218) (600 mg, 0.91 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purify by combi-flash column chromatography, to get 0.4 g (42% yield) of allyl 4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (220) as a sticky solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.94 (s, 1H), 8.13-8.8.15 (d, 1H), 7.93-7.95 (d, 1H), 7.87-7.89 (d, 2H), 7.68-7.71 (t, 2H), 7.51-7.55 (t, 3H), 7.35-7.41 (m, 6H), 7.28-7.32 (t, 2H), 7.19-7.25 (m, 9H), 7.11-7.15 (t, 4H), 7.02-7.04 (d, 2H), 5.81 (m, 1H), 5.24-5.29 (d, 1H), 5.17-5.19 (d, 1H), 5.09-5.17 (t, 1H), 3.97-4.51 (m, 10H), 3.17 (s, 3H), 3.00-3.01 (d, 1H), 2.21-2.39 (m, 8H), 1.17-1.98 (m, 9H).

Allyl 4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (221): To a stirred solution of allyl 4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (220) (500 mg, 0.47 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added pyridine (0.15 mL, 1.91 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (288.96 mg, 1.43 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 1.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.4 g (69% yield) of allyl 4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (221) as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+1211, retention time 2.76 min.

Allyl 4-amino-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (222): To a stirred solution of allyl 4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (221) (410 mg, 0.33 mmol) in DMSO (5 mL) was added TEA (0.07 mL, 0.56 mmol), and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (150 mg, 0.28 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.3 g (70% yield) of allyl 4-amino-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (222) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1285 retention time 2.22 min.

Allyl 35-azido-4-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamoyl)-6-oxo-9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-octaoxa-5-azapentatriacontanoate (224): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG9-Acid (86) (119.38 mg, 0.23 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.08 mL, 0.48 mmol), HATU (147.89 mg, 0.38 mmol) and allyl 4-amino-5-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-5-oxopentanoate (223) (250 mg, 0.19 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.34 g (98% yield) of allyl 35-azido-4-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamoyl)-6-oxo-9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-octaoxa-5-azapentatriacontanoate (224) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+1779, retention time 2.18 min.

1-azido-32-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamoyl)-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azapentatriacontan-35-oic acid (225): To a stirred solution of allyl 35-azido-4-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamoyl)-6-oxo-9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30-octaoxa-5-azapentatriacontanoate (224) (200 mg, 0.11 mmol) in MTBE (6 mL) and water (3 ml) was added morpholine (0.49 mg, 0.006 mmol), Pd(P Ph3)4 (6.49 mg, 0.006 mmol) at r.t in presence of nitrogen atmosphere. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.16 g (82% yield) of 1-azido-32-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamoyl)-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azapentatriacontan-35-oic acid (225) as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+1739, retention time 1.61 min.

32-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-amino-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamoyl)-1-azido-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azapentatriacontan-35-oic acid (226): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-32-(((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamoyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamoyl)-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azapentatriacontan-35-oic acid (225) (150 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM 2 ml was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain two peaks; the peak 1 was found to be desired product (226) (11 mg, 9% Yield) and an unwanted isomer was isolated as Peak 2 (9 mg, 7% yield) as an off-white sticky solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.06 (s, 1H), 8.44-8.40 (d, 2H), 8.20-822 (d, 1H), 8.04-8.09 (q, 2H), 7.75-7.78 (d, 1H), 7.59-7.61 (d, 2H), 7.34-7.36 (d, 2H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.15-7.17 (m, 5H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.27-4.52 (m, 3H), 3.43-3.60 (m, 38H), 2.18-2.83 (m, 15H), 1.23-1.90 (m, 15H), 0.85-0.89 (t, 3H), LCMS: MH+1482 retention time, 1.68 min.

Example 38: Synthesis of 1-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide (235)

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (77): (4-aminophenyl) methanol (75) (6 g, 4.87 mmol), Fmoc-Cit-OH (76) (23.24 g, 58.54 mmol), EEDQ (36.15 g, 146.34 mmol) were mixed in DCM-THF (1:1) (600 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 11 g (45% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamatedesired product (77) as a white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.97 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.73-7.76 (q, 2H), 7.65-7.67 (d, 1H), 7.54-7.56 (d, 2H), 7.39-7.43 (t, 2H), 7.30-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.24 (d, 2H), 5.97-5.99 (t, 1H), 5.41 (s, 1H), 5.07-5.10 (t, 1H), 4.42-4.43 (d, 2H), 4.14-4.13 (m, 4H), 4.07-4.11 (q, 1H), 3.16-3.17 (d, 3H), 2.94-3.04 (m, 2H), 1.59-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.38-1.47 (m, 2H). LCMS: MH+ 503, retention time 2.91 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(iodomethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (227): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamatedesired product (77) (2 g, 3.97 mmol) in Acetonitrile (20 ml) at 0° C. was added NaI (1.78 g, 11.93 mmol) and TMSCl (1.52 mL, 11.93 mmol). The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc and water and collect the organic layer dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated under vacuum. Then it was purify under flash chromatography and dried under vacuum to get 2 g (82% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(iodomethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (227) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+613, retention time 3.44 min.

Methyl (S)-1-(4-(2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (229): To a stirred solution methyl 1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (228) (50 mg, 0.4 mmol) in THF at 0° C. was added NaH (23.98 mg, 0.99 mmol) and followed by (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(iodomethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (227) (294 mg, 0.48 mmol). The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc and water and collect the organic layer dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated under vacuum. Then it was purify under flash chromatography and dried under vacuum to get 0.040 g (17% yield) of methyl (S)-1-(4-(2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (229) as a sticky brown solid. LCMS: MH+388, retention time 2.55 min.

Methyl 1-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (231): To a stirred solution of) (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-valine (79) (26.27 mg, 0.077 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.03 mL, 0.19 mmol), HATU (58.88 mg, 0.15 mmol) and methyl (S)-1-(4-(2-amino-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (230) (30 mg, 0.07 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum at low temperature to get the crude compound. Then the crude compound was purified by flash chromatography to get 0.030 g (55% yield) of methyl 1-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (231) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+709, retention time 3.24 min.

Methyl 1-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (232): To a stirred solution of (methyl 1-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (231) (600 mg, 0.98 mmol) in DMF (5 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10% MeOH in DCM to get 0.400 g (83% yield) of methyl 1-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (232) as a sticky solid and this material was used for the next step.

Methyl 1-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (233): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG9-Acid (86) (504.65 mg, 0.98 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.35 mL, 2.05 mmol), HATU (625.14 mg, 1.64 mmol) and methyl 1-(4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (232) (400 mg, 0.82 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum at low temperature to get the crude compound. Then the crude compound was purified by flash chromatography to get 0.500 g (62% yield) of methyl 1-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (233) as a brown liquid and this material was used for the next step.

1-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid (234): To a stirred solution of methyl1-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate (233) (0.450 g, 0.459 mmol) in Methanol:Water 10 ml (3:1), was added LiOH·H2O (0.193 g, 4.596 mmol) and stirred the reaction mixture at ambient temperature for 72 h. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum and acidify by (1N) HCL to make the pH 7.0 and extracted by IPA in DCM for (5×10 ml) and solvent was evaporated to get the crude compound. The crude material was purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (10-15%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain desired product 0.297 g (68% yield) of 1-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid (234) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+966, retention time 2.41 min.

1-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide (235): A solution of 1-(4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl)-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylic acid (234) (0.297 g, 0.308 mmol) and Exatecan mesylate (150 mg, 0.28 mmol) in DMF (1 ml) was treated with HATU (213 mg, 0.561 mmol), and DIPEA (72 mg, 0.561 mmol) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain the desired compound as Peak-1 (235) as an off-white solid (50 mg, 13% yield). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.98-9.86 (s, 2H), 8.4-8.1 (m, 4H), 7.8 (d, 1H), 7.7 (d, 1H), 7.6 (d, 1H), 7.2 (s, 1H), 7.1 (d, 2H), 6.8-6.4 (s, 3H), 5.93-5.69 (m, 2H), 5.39 (d, 2H), 5.21 (d, 2H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 3.47-3.22 (m, 23H), 2.96 (m, 4H), 2.6-2.1 (m, 7H),1.89 (m, 3H), 1.85-1.14 (m, 6H), 0.808 (m, 6H).LCMS: MH+1384, retention time 5.87 min.

Example 39: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (2-((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (241)

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(2-((3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (237): To a stirred solution of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)glycine (236) (100 mg, 0.336 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.14 mL, 0.841 mmol), HATU (255 mg, 0.673 mmol) and (S)-9-(3-aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105) (226 mg, 0.505 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure at low temperature. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 170 mg (79% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(2-((3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (237) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+ 729, retention time 3.02 min.

(S)-2-amino-N-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)acetamide (238): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(2-((3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (237) (170 mg, 0.233 mmol) in DMF (5 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 20% MeOH in DCM to get 110 mg (93% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)acetamide (238) as a white solid. LCMS: MH+507, retention time 2.43 min

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (2-((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (239): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-amino-N-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)acetamide (238) (110 mg, 0.237 mmol) in DMSO (2 ml), TEA (0.14 mL, 0.949 mmol), and then (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-3-methyl-1-oxo-1-(((S)-1-oxo-1-((4-((((((Z)-penta-1,3-dien-2-yl)oxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)butan-2-yl)carbamate (81) (544 mg, 0.711 mmol) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under Gen-Vac to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10% MeOH in DCM to get 200 mg (72% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (2-((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (239) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1134, retention time 4.08 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (2-((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (240): To a stirred solution of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (2-((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (239) (200 mg, 0.176 mmol) in DMF (5 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1 ml) was added at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 20% MeOH in DCM to get 100 mg (93% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (2-((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (240) as a white solid. LCMS: MH+912, retention time 2.57 min

4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl (2-((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (241): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG9-Acid (86) (40 mg, 0.078 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.14 mL, 0.196 mmol), HATU (255 mg, 0.157 mmol) and 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-5-ureidopentanamido)benzyl (2-((3-(((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate (240) (106 mg, 0.117 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain desired product (241) (8 mg, 7%) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+1405, retention time 2.38 min. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.96 (s, 1H), 8.35 (d, 2H), 8.01 (t, 2H), 7.71-7.67 (d, 1H), 7.59-7.31 (m, 7H), 6.48 (s, 1H), 5.95 (s, 1H), 5.87 (s, 2H) 5.42-5.31 (6, 3H), 4.93 (s, 2H), 4.60 (t, 1H), 4.34 (m, 1H), 4.22 (s, 2H), 3.86 (d, 2H), 3.62 (d, 2H), 3.69-3.01 (m, 36H), 2.66 (m, 1H), 2.35 (t, 2H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.87 (m, 4H), 1.68-1.53 (t, 4H) 1.18 (t, 3H) 1.31 (t, 3H), 0.81 (d, 6H) LCMS: MH+1405, retention time 2.38 min

Example 40: Synthesis of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl((1S,9s)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (251) (TFA salt)

4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)aniline (243): To a stirred solution of 4-aminophenol (242) (4.0 g, 36.65 mmol), in DCM (40 mL) was added imidazole (3.74 g, 54.98 mmol) followed by TBDMS-C1 (6.08 g, 40.32 mmol) under nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., quenched with ice cold water (80 mL), and extracted with DCM (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 10% EtOAc in pet ether to get 4.0 g (49% yield) of 4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl) oxy) aniline (242) as a pale brown semi solid. LCMS: m/z 224.18 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.47 min; 99.88% purity.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (244): To a stirred solution of 4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)aniline (243) (2.0 g, 8.95 mmol) in DMF was added (S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanoic acid (76) (3.56 g, 8.95 mmol), DIPEA (4.70 mL, 26.85 mmol) and HATU (5.10 g, 13.43 mmol) at r.t under nitrogen atmosphere The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried to afford crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) to get 3.0 g (56% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (244) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m/z 603.41 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.23 min; 82.21% purity.

(S)-2-amino-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (245): To a stirred solution of(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl(S)-(1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (244) (3.0 g, 4.98 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added 30% piperidine in DMF (1.0 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 20% MeOH in DCM to get 1.8 g (95% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (245) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m/z 381.53 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.58 min; 85.59% purity.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (246): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (245) (2.0 g, 5.26 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added EDC.HCl (2.02 g, 10.52 mmol), HOAt (1.07 g, 7.89 mmol) and (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-valine (79) (1.78 g, 5.26 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quench with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) to get 1.5 g (41% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (246) as an Off-white solid. LCMS: m/z 702.65 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.49 min; 78.61% purity.

(S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (247): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (246) (2.0 g, 2.85 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added 30% piperidine in DMF (2.0 mL) under nitrogen atm at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 20% MeOH in DCM to get 800 mg (crude) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (247) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m z 480.40 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.67 min; 31.52% purity.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (248): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (247) (700 mg, 1.46 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.76 mL, 4.38 mmol), PyBOP (1.14 g, 2.19 mmol) and 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oic acid (119) (553 mg, 1.46 mmol) at 0° C. to rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quench with ice water and extracted with EtOAc (2*50 mL) to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) to get 500 mg (41% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (248) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m/z 841.66 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.13 min; 44.34% purity.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (249): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (248) (300 mg, 0.36 mmol) in methanol (10 mL) was added NH4F (133 mg, 3.6 mmol) under nitrogen atm at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, quenched with ice water and extracted with 10% methanol in DCM (2×100 mL) to afford crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether, filtered and dried under vacuum to furnish 200 mg (77% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (249) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m z 727.56 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.55 min; 95.26% purity.

4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (250): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (249) (200 mg, 0.28 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added triethylamine (0.12 mL, 1.64 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl carbonochloridate (25) (132 mg, 0.65 mmol) and catalytic amount of DMAP at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.150 g (61% yield) of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (250) as a pale brown solid. LCMS: m/z 892.62 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.83 min; 92.32% purity.

4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (251) TFA salt: To a stirred solution of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl(4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (250) (100 mg, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added pyridine (26 mg 0.33 mmol), HOBt (30 mg, 0.22 mmol) and (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (48 mg, 0.11 mmol) at 0° C. to rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, after completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water and extracted with 10% MeOH/DCM (2×30 mL) to afford crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-Prep HPLC and the purified fractions were lyophilized to furnish 12.4 mg (9% yield) 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (251) (TFA salt) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.02 (s, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (q, J=12.6 Hz, 2H), 7.64 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 7.22 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.52 (br. s, 1H), 5.98 (s, 1H), 5.45-5.30 (m, 7H), 4.39 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 1H), 4.24 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 3.60-3.42 (m, 24H), 3.18 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 4H), 3.0-2.96 (m, 2H), 2.40-2.33 (m, 7H), 1.99-1.85 (m, 3H), 1.65 (t, J=23.0 Hz, 2H), 1.41 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 0.90-.083 (m, 9H). LC-MS (method 25): m/z 1188.83 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.80 min; 97.80% purity, HP-LC (method 25): Rt: 3.89 min; 98.18% purity.

Example 41: Synthesis of 4-((23S,26S)-26-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (260) (TFA salt)

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl(S)-(1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (252): To a stirred solution of 4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)aniline (243) (1.2 g, 5.37 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was added N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (149) (3.36 g, 5.37 mmol), DIPEA (2.8 mL, 16.11 mmol) and PyBOP (4.2 g, 8.06 mmol) at rt under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water to get precipitated, filtered the solid and dried to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with n-pentane (30 mL) to get 3.3 g (74% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl (S)-(1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (252) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.9 (s, 1H), 7.89-7.86 (m, 2H), 7.71 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 5H), 7.29-7.22 (m, 7H), 7.13 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.78 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.29-4.06 (m, 2H), 3.03-2.98 (m, 4H), 2.88 (s, 1H), 2.73 (s, 1H), 2.49 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 2.22 (s, 1H), 1.95 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.74-1.71 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.46 (m, 5H), 0.93 (s, 9H), 0.15 (s, 6H).

(S)-2-amino-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (253): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (252) (3.3 g, 3.98 mmol) in DMF (33 mL) was added 30% piperidine in DMF (3.3 mL) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 55% EtOAc in pet ether to get 2.4 g (99% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (253) as an pale brown solid. LCMS: m/z 608.50 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.18 min; 81.13% purity.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (254): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (253) (2.4 g, 3.95 mmol) in DMF (24 mL) was added DIPEA (2.1 mL, 11.85 mmol), HATU (2.25 g, 5.93 mmol) and (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-valine (79) (1.34 g, 3.95 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off, dried to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) to afford 2.5 g (68% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (254) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m/z 705.76 [(M−H-Fmoc)-]; Rt: 2.97 min; 87.14% purity.

(S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (255): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (254) (2.5 g, 2.69 mmol) in DMF (25 mL) was added 30% piperidine in DMF (2.5 mL) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 80% EtOAc in pet ether to get 1.5 g (79% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (255) as a pale brown semi solid. LCMS: m z 707.56 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.0 min; 91.46% purity.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (256): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (255) (559 mg, 0.79 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.4 mL, 2.37 mmol), PyBOP (617 mg, 1.19 mmol) and 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oic acid (119) (300 mg, 0.79 mmol) at 0° C. to rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). Combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) to get 300 mg (35% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (256) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m/z 1069.13 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 3.02 min; 93.69% purity.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (257): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)phenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (256) (500 mg, 0.47 mmol) in methanol (10 mL) was added NH4F (174 mg, 4.7 mmol) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and quenched with ice water, extracted with 10% methanol in DCM (2×100 mL). Combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) to get 300 mg (67% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (257) as an off-white solid. LCMS: m/z 954.97 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.84 min; 90.94% purity.

4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (258): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (257) (120 mg, 0.13 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added triethyl amine (0.05 mL, 0.39 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl carbonochloridate (16) (52 mg, 0.26 mmol) and catalytic amount of DMAP (5 mg) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get 90 mg (crude) of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (258) as a pale brown solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LCMS: m z 1120.14 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.23 min; 40.91% purity.

4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (259): To a stirred solution of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (258) (100 mg, 0.09 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added pyridine (26 mg 0.33 mmol), HOBt (18 mg, 0.14 mmol), and (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione (16) (39 mg, 0.09 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water and extracted with 10% MeOH/DCM (2×30 mL). Combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 90 mg (crude) of 3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (259) as an off-white solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 1416.42 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.23 min; 79.07% purity.

4-((23S,26S)-26-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (260) (TFA salt): To a stirred solution of 3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (259) (90 mg, 0.063 mmol) in DCM (4 mL) was added 1% TFA in DCM at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-prep HPLC to furnish 11 mg (15% yield) of 4-((23S,26S)-26-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (260) (TFA salt) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 10.03 (s, 1H), 8.55 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=10.9 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.61 (m, 4H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 6.53 (s, 1H), 5.42-5.30 (m, 5H), 4.38 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.21 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 3.60-3.48 (m, 24H), 3.38 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 2H), 3.17 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (s, 2H), 2.37-2.32 (m, 6H), 2.20 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 1.98-1.86 (m, 3H), 1.69 (m, 2H), 1.54 (q, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 2H), 0.90-0.83 (m, 9H). LC-MS (method 30): m/z 1159.45 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.12 min; 94.33% purity, HP-LC (method 30): Rt: 3.66 min; 93.22% purity.

Example 42: 4-((23S,26S)-26-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)benzamide (269) (TFA salt)

Methyl (S)-4-(2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (262): To a stirred solution of N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (149) (2.0 g, 3.20 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added methyl 4-aminobenzoate (261) (484 mg, 3.20 mmol), HATU (2.43 g, 6.40 mmol) and DIPEA (1.68 mL, 9.60 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (50 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 20-25% EtOAc in Pet ether to get 700 mg (29% Yield) of methyl (S)-4-(2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (262) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 758.70 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.96 min; 71.01% purity.

Methyl (S)-4-(2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (263): To a stirred solution of methyl (S)-4-(2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (262) (700 mg, 0.92 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added piperidine (0.7 mL) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 2-3% MeOH in DCM to get 490 mg (99% Yield) of methyl (S)-4-(2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (263) as a pale yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 536.66 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.61 min; 69.45% purity.

Methyl 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (264): To a stirred solution of methyl (S)-4-(2-amino-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (264) (480 mg, 0.90 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-valine (79) (305 mg, 0.90 mmol), HATU (513 mg, 1.35 mmol) and DIPEA (0.47 mL, 2.70 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (20 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (20 mL) and filtered off, dried under vacuum to get 700 mg (91% yield) of methyl 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (264) as a pale yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 857.79 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.93 min; 49.65% purity.

Methyl4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino) hexanamido)benzoate (265): To a stirred solution of methyl 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-3-methylbutanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (264) (700 mg, 0.82 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added piperidine (0.70 mL) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 2-3% MeOH in DCM to get 350 mg (67% yield) of methyl 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (265) as a yellow gum. LC-MS: m z 633.79 [(M−H)-]; Rt: 2.64 min; 76.44% purity.

Methyl 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)benzoate (266): To a stirred solution of methyl 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzoate (265) (200 mg, 0.32 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oic acid (119) (121 mg, 0.32 mmol), PyBOP (250 mg, 0.48 mmol) and DIPEA (0.17 mL, 0.96 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (30 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (20 mL) and filtered off, dried under vacuum to get 300 mg (96% yield) of methyl 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)benzoate (266) as a pale yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 995.18 [(M−H)-]; Rt: 2.65 min; 75.58% purity.

4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)benzoic acid (267): To a stirred solution of methyl 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)benzoate (266) (250 mg, 0.25 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was added 0.5N NaOH (2.5 mL) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 48 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and water (20 mL) was added followed by acidification with saturated citric acid solution and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (20 mL) and filtered off, dried under vacuum to get 150 mg (610% yield) of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)benzoic acid (267) as a pale yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 981.16 [(M−H)]; Rt: 2.00 min; 62.86% purity.

4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)benzamide (268): To a stirred solution of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)benzoic acid (267) (140 mg, 0.14 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was added (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methane sulfonate (16) (74 mg, 0.14 mmol), HATU (80 mg, 0.21 mmol) and DIPEA (0.07 mL 0.42 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (10 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (20 mL) and filtered off, dried under vacuum to get 120 mg (60% yield) of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)benzamide (268) as a pale brown solid. LC-MS: m z 1399.94 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.16 min; 76.27% purity.

4-((23S,26S)-26-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)benzamide (269) (TFA salt): To a stirred solution of 4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-26-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)benzamide (268) (110 mg, 0.08 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added 1% TFA in DCM (11 mL) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-prep HPLC to afford 15.5 mg (17% yield) of 4-((23S,26S)-26-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)benzamide (269) (TFA salt) as a pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.19 (s, 1H), 8.91 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.92-7.90 (m, 3H), 7.82 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.62 (m, 5H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.81-5.72 (m, 1H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 5.16 (q, J=19.9 Hz, 2H), 4.39-4.32 (m, 1H), 4.19 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 3.60-3.38 (m, 27H), 2.78-2.72 (m, 2H), 2.42-2.26 (m, 7H), 1.96-1.52 (m, 7H), 1.41-1.31 (m, 2H), 0.87-0.82 (m, 9H). LC-MS (method 31): m z 1143.87 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.68 min; 97.58% purity, HP-LC (method-31): Rt: 3.53 min; 97.23% purity.

Example 43: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-Aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-benzyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methylbenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (280)

4-(((Tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylaniline (271): To a stirred solution of (4-amino-3-methylphenyl)methanol (270) (1.5 g, 10.935 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was added imidazole (1.489 g, 21.869 mmol) followed by tert-butyl(chloro)diphenylsilane (3.607 g, 13.121 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 15% EtOAc in hexane to get 2 g (48% yield) of 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylaniline (271) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+ 376, retention time 4.54 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (272): To a stirred solution of N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (149) (1.164 g, 1.864 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.96 mL, 5.592 mmol), HATU (1.41 g, 3.728 mmol) and 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylaniline (271) (700 mg, 1.864 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 1.2 g (65% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (272) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+982, retention time 3.58 min.

(S)-2-Amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (273): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (272) (1.5 g, 1.529 mmol) in DMF (15 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 0.800 g (68% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (273) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+760, retention time 5.07 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (274): To a stirred solution of (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (152) (1.27 g, 3.292 mmol), in DMF (20 mL) was added DIPEA (1.70 mL, 9.875 mmol), HATU (2.50 g, 6.583 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (273) (2.5 g, 3.292 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 3.1 g (83% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (274) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1129, retention time 5.04 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (275): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (274) (3.1 g, 2.747 mmol) in DMF (10 mL), 30% piperidine in DMF (0.39 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 2 g (80% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (275) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+907, retention time 3.80 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (276): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (412.19 mg, 0.806 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.41 mL, 2.417 mmol), HATU (459.55 mg, 1.209 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (275) (730 mg, 0.806 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.370 g (33% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (276) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1400, retention time 3.49 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (277): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (276) (730 mg, 0.522 mmol) in methanol (10 mL) was added NH4F (193.26 mg, 5.218 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The residue obtained was diluted with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.370 g (61% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (277). LCMS: MH+1162, retention time 3.85 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methylbenzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (278): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (279) (350 mg, 0.301 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added pyridine (0.12 mL, 1.507 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (182.28 mg, 0.904 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 4% MeOH in DCM to get 0.220 g (55% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methylbenzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (278) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1327, retention time 2.24 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methylbenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (279): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methylbenzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (278) (200 mg, 0.151 mmol) in NMP (3 mL) was added TEA (0.05 mL, 0.377 mmol), and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (65.60 mg, 0.151 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with 10% methanol in chloroform (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the crude material diethylether was added and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 6.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.140 g (57% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methylbenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (279) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1624, retention time 2.11 min.

4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-benzyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methylbenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (280): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-32-isopropyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (279) (140 mg, 0.086 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (280) (26 mg, 22% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.31 (s, 1H), 8.26-8.28 (q, 1H), 8.01-8.10 (q, 2H), 7.71-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.61 (s, 3H), 7.37-7.39 (d, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 7.15-7.26 (m, 6H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.08 (s, 3H), 4.56 (s, 2H), 4.56 (s, 1H), 4.44-4.56 (d, 1H), 3.01-3.60 (m, 36H), 2.78-2.80 (m, 3H), 2.17-2.49 (m, 9H), 1.23-1.88 (m, 10H), 0.85-0.88 (t, 3H). LCMS: MH+ 1367, retention time 1.96 and 1.98 min.

Example 44: (1-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (293) (TFA salt)

1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carbaldehyde (282): To a stirred solution of 1-fluoro-4-nitrobenzene (281) (5.0 g, 35.44 mmol) and 1H-imidazole-2-carbaldehyde, (3.41 g, 35.44 mmol) in dry DMF (50 mL) was added K2CO3 (6.37 g, 46.07 mmol) at rt under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of reaction, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and water (250 mL) was added with vigorous stirring. The resultant precipitate was filtered, washed with water (3×70 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 6.0 g (78% yield) of 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carbaldehyde (282) as pale brown solid. LC-MS: m z 218.18 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.49 min; 96.10% purity.

(1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methanol (283): To a stirred solution of 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carbaldehyde (282) (6.0 g, 27.63 mmol) in MeOH (120 mL) was added NaBH4 (575 mg, 15.19 mmol) portion wise at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (50 mL). The mixture was concentrated to approximately 20% of the original volume and additional water (150 mL) was added. The precipitated solid was filtered, washed with water dried under vacuum to afford 5.6 g (92% Yield) of (1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methanol (283) as a grey solid. LC-MS: m z 219.99 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 0.75 min; 96.81% purity.

2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazole (284): To a stirred solution of (1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methanol (283) (5.6 g, 25.55 mmol) in DCM (60 mL) was added imidazole (3.48 g, 51.09 mmol) and cooled to 0° C. TBDMS-C1 (5.04 g, 33.21 mmol) was added portion wise to the reaction mixture, stirred at room temperature for 8 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was diluted with DCM, washed with water. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by using column chromatography on silica gel 100-200 mesh eluting with 15-20% ethyl acetate in pet ether to get 6.5 g (76% yield) of 2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazole (284) as pale yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 334.23 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.95 min; 99.38% purity.

4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)aniline (285): To a stirred solution of 2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazole (284) (3.5 g, 10.50 mmol) in MeOH (35 mL) was added 10% Pd/C (350 mg). The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under H2 balloon pressure for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was filtered through celite bed, washed with methanol, dried under vacuum to 3.0 g (94% yield) of 4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)aniline (285) as colorless liquid. LC-MS: m z 304.30 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.53 min; 99.34% purity.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (286): To a stirred solution of 4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)aniline (285) (1.0 g, 3.29 mmol) and (S)-2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanoic acid (76) (1.31 g, 3.29 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added EEDQ (1.22 g, 4.94 mmol)) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (50 mL). The precipitate was gummy in nature. Water was decanted off and the gummy compound was washed with water and diethyl ether to afford 1.0 g (crude) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (286) as a pale yellow gum. LC-MS: m z 683.40 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.92 min; 35.15% purity.

(S)-2-amino-N-(4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (287): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (286) (1.0 g, 1.46 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added piperidine (1.0 mL) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was washed with pet ether and diethyl ether, dried under vacuum to get 720 mg (crude) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (287) as a pale brown gum. LC-MS: m z 461.30 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.20 min; 46.42% purity.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (288): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (287) (700 mg, 1.52 mmol) in DMF (7 mL) were added (((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-L-valine (79) (516 mg, 1.52 mmol), HATU (867 mg, 2.28 mmol) and DIPEA (0.8 mL, 4.56 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (40 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered, washed with diethyl ether, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by using column chromatography on silica gel 230-400 mesh eluting with 3-5% methanol in dichloromethane to get 900 mg (76% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (288) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 782.52 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.97 min; 48.72% purity.

(S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (289): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (288) (900 mg, 1.15 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added piperidine (0.9 mL) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was washed with pet ether and diethyl ether (50 mL, 7:3 by volume), dried under vacuum to get 600 mg (93% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (289) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 560.47 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.25 min; 58.69% purity.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (290): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (289) (400 mg, 0.71 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-oic acid (86) (269 mg, 0.71 mmol), PyBOP (557 mg, 1.07 mmol) and DIPEA (0.4 mL, 2.14 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, concentrated under reduced pressure to get 550 mg (84% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (290) as a pale brown gummy. LC-MS: m z 921.62 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.65 min; 53.50% purity.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (291): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (290) (540 mg, 0.59 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) was added NH4F (326 mg, 8.79 mmol) portion wise at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 8 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was diluted with water and extracted with 10% methanol in dichloromethane. The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure to afford 300 mg (crude) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (291) as an off-white semi solid. LC-MS: m z 807.57 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.23 min; 86.16% purity.

(1-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (292): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(2-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxahenicosan-21-amide (291) (150 mg, 0.19 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was added DIPEA (0.32 mL, 1.86 mmol) and the resultant mixture was cooled to 0° C. A solution of 4-nitrophenyl carbonochloridate (25) (187 mg, 0.93 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added drop wise to the reaction mixture and the reaction mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether to get 250 mg (crude) of (1-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (292) as a pale yellow gum. LC-MS: m z 972.50 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.55 min; 17.10% purity.

(1-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (293) (TFA salt): To a stirred solution of (1-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (292) (250 mg, 0.26 mmol) in NMP (3 mL) was added Et3N (0.36 mL, 2.57 mmol) and the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methane sulfonate (16) (85 mg, 0.16 mmol) was added portion wise and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off, washed with diethyl ether to get the crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-preparative HPLC to afford 8.8 mg (3% yield) of (1-(4-((23S,26S)-1-azido-23-isopropyl-21,24-dioxo-26-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22,25-diazaheptacosan-27-amido)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (293) (TFA Salt) as a pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.26 (s, 1H), 8.19-8.10 (m, 2H), 7.86-7.69 (m, 5H), 7.52-7.31 (m, 4H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.99 (s, 1H), 5.44-5.20 (m, 8H), 4.41-4.39 (m, 1H), 4.23 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 3.60-3.45 (m, 25H), 3.17-2.94 (m, 4H), 2.39 (s, 7H), 2.15-2.08 (m, 2H), 2.00-1.86 (m, 3H), 1.76-1.61 (m, 2H), 1.49-1.33 (m, 2H), 0.89-0.82 (m, 9H). LC-MS (method 41): m/z 1268.21 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.08 min; 95.42% purity, HP-LC (method 41): Rt: 3.64 min; 96.29% purity.

Example 45: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-Aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-benzyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methoxybenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (304)

4-(((Tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyaniline (295): To a stirred solution of (4-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)methanol (294) (2.0 g, 13.057 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was added imidazole (1.778 g, 26.113 mmol) followed by tert-butyl(chloro)diphenylsilane (4.306 g, 15.668 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 8% EtOAc in hexane to get 1.6 g (31% yield) of 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyaniline (295) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+392, retention time 2.61 min.

(9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (296): To a stirred solution of N2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N6-(diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)-L-lysine (149) (3.0 g, 4.802 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) was added DIPEA (2.516 mL, 14.405 mmol), HATU (3.651 g, 9.603 mmol) and 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxy aniline (295) (1.88 g, 4.802 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 2 g (42% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (296) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+998.3, retention time 5.27 min.

(S)-2-Amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (297): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)carbamate (296) (2 g, 2.003 mmol) in DMF (15 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (6 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 1.4 g (90% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (297) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+776, retention time 4.10 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (298): To a stirred solution of (((N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (152) (700 mg, 1.807 mmol), in DMF (20 mL) was added DIPEA (0.947 mL, 5.421 mmol), HATU (1.37 g, 3.614 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (297) (1.402 g, 1.807 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 1.3 g (63% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (298) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1145, retention time 5.22 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (299): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate (298) (1.3 g, 1.135 mmol) in DMF (10 mL), 30% piperidine in DMF (4 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 1 g (95% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (299) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+923, retention time 3.90 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (300): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (550 mg, 1.075 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.563 mL, 3.225 mmol), HATU (817.58 mg, 2.15 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamide (299) (992.64 mg, 1.075 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2% MeOH in DCM to get 0.900 g (59% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (300) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1416, retention time 3.51 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (301): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (300) (1 g, 0.706 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was added NH4F (261 mg, 7.058 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The residue obtained was diluted with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.600 g (72% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (301) as an pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1178, retention time 3.74 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methoxybenzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (302): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxyphenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (301) (300 mg, 0.255 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added pyridine (0.103 mL, 1.274 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (154.04 mg, 0.764 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.150 g (44% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methoxybenzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (302) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1344, retention time 2.57 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methoxybenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (303): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methoxybenzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (302) (220 mg, 0.164 mmol) in NMP (2.5 mL) was added TEA (0.068 mL, 0.492 mmol), and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (71.33 mg, 0.164 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 8h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with 10% methanol in chloroform (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the crude material diethylether was added and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 4% MeOH in DCM to get 0.250 g (93% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methoxybenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (303) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1640, retention time 2.47 min.

4-((32S,35S)-35-(4-aminobutyl)-1-azido-32-benzyl-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methoxybenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (304): To a stirred solution of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-benzyl-35-(4-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)butyl)-30,33-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazahexatriacontan-36-amido)-3-methoxybenzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (303) (250 mg, 0.152 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (304) (19 mg, 9% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.04 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.13 (d, 2H), 8.02-8.05 (t, 2H), 7.76-7.79 (m, 4H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 7.24-7.25 (d, 2H), 7.10-7.21 (m, 5H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 5.41 (s, 2H), 5.28 (s, 3H), 5.09 (s, 2H), 4.51-4.52 (m, 2H), 3.29-3.80 (m, 44H), 3.03 (s, 1H), 2.76-2.79 (t, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.28-2.32 (t, 3H), 1.39-2.19 (m, 10H) 0.89-0.82 (t, 9H), LCMS: MH+ 1383, retention time 2.07.

Example 46: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (313)

(5-Aminopyridin-2-yl)methanol (306): (5-nitropyridin-2-yl)methanol (305) (500 mg, 3.265 mmol) was taken in par shaker vessel in presence of MeOH (10 ml). Then Pd—C (50 mg) was added to it and kept the reaction mixture at 40 psi under hydrogen atmosphere for 2h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was filtered through sintered funnel. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 1.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.350 g (86% yield) of (5-aminopyridin-2-yl) methanol (305) as a pale brown gum and was used for the next step.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((6-(hydroxymethyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (307): (5-aminopyridin-2-yl)methanol (306) (0.76 g, 6.129 mmol), Fmoc-Cit-OH (76) (2.679 g, 6.742 mmol), EEDQ (4.542 g, 13.387 mmol) were mixed in DCM-THF (1:1) (100 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 1.7 g (55% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl (S)-(1-((6-(hydroxymethyl) pyridin-3-yl) amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (307) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+504, retention timel.55 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((6-(chloromethyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (308): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl (S)-(1-((6-(hydroxymethyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (307) (300 mg, 0.596 mmol) in THF (20 mL), SOCl2 (0.052 ml, 0.715 mmol) was added at OoC. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2% MeOH in DCM to get 0.200 g (64% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((6-(chloromethyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (308) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+522, retention time 2.94 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (309): To a stirred solution of (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (50 mg, 0.094 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added K2CO3 (19.5 mg, 0.141 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred the reaction mixture for 15 min. Then (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((6-(chloromethyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (308) (73.65 mg, 0.141 mmol) and KI (46.84 mg, 0.282 mmol) were added. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 0.050 g (58% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (309) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+921, retention time 3.09 min.

(S)-2-Amino-N-(6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (310): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (309) (230 mg, 0.25 mmol) in DMF (5 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.074 ml, 0.749 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.085 g (49% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (310) crude as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+699, retention time 2.51 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (311): To a stirred solution of Fmoc-L-Valine (79) (49.542 mg, 0.146 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.304 mmol), HATU (92.50 mg, 0.243 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-N-(6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (310) (85 mg, 0.122 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.120 g (96% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (311) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+1020, retention time 3.24 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (312): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (311) (120 mg, 0.118 mmol) in DMF (2 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.035 ml, 0.353 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.093 g (99% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (312) crude as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+798, retention time 2.69 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (313): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG9-acid (84.623 mg, 0.165 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added DIPEA (0.06 mL, 0.345 mmol), HATU (104.82 mg, 0.276 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(6-((((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)methyl)pyridin-3-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (312) (110 mg, 0.138 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to isolate the desired product (313) (14 mg, 8% yield) as a brown solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.17 (s, 1H), 8.70-8.71 (d, 1H), 8.15-8.16 (d, 1H), 8.03-8.05 (d, 1H), 7.85-7.87 (d, 1H), 7.73-7.76 (d, 1H), 7.45-7.47 (d, 1H), 7.30 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.98 (s, 1H), 5.27-5.52 (m, 6H), 4.39 (s, 1H), 4.21-4.27 (m, 3H), 3.97 (s, 2H), 3.36-3.59 (m, 26H), 2.76-3.04 (m, 5H), 2.27-2.2.38 (m, 4H), 1.39-1.99 (m, 12H), 0.82-0.89 (m, 9H). LCMS: MH+1291, retention time 2.18 min.

Example 47: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaoctadecan-18-amide (318)

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (314): To a stirred solution of (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (1.25 g, 3.186 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was added NaH (0.115 g, 4.778 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred the reaction mixture for 15 min. Then (9H-fluoren-9-yl) methyl (S)-(1-((4-(iodomethyl) phenyl) amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (227) (3.90 g, 6.371 mmol) was added. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL), neutralized with acetic acid and extracted with DCM (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2.5% MeOH in DCM to get 1.25 g (45% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (314) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+877.9, retention time 1.93 min.

(S)-2-Amino-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (315): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (314) (1.25 g, 1.427 mmol) in DMF (10 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.429 ml, 4.281 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.800 g (86% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (315) crude as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+655.5, retention time 1.54 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (316): To a stirred solution of Fmoc-L-Valine (79) (497.64 mg, 1.466 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.533 mL, 3.055 mmol), HATU (0.929 mg, 2.444 mmol) and (S)-2-amino-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (315) (800 mg, 1.222 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with (3-4)% MeOH in DCM to get 1 g (84% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (316) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+977.4, retention time 2.71 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (317): A solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (316) (500 mg, 0.26 mmol) in DMF (7 ml) was treated with piperidine (0.154 ml, 1.537 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum to get 0.400 g (quantitative yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (317) crude as a sticky liquid and this material was used for the next step without further purification. LCMS: MH+754.3, retention time 2.74 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaoctadecan-18-amide (318): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG5-acid (84) (80.07 mg, 0.239 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.087 mL, 0.497 mmol), HATU (151.31 mg, 0.398 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (317) (150 mg, 0.199 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (318) (12 mg, 6% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.93 (s, 1H), 8.07-8.09 (d, 1H), 7.98-8.00 (s, 1H), 7.71-7.73 (d, 2H), 7.55-7.60 (d, 2H), 7.48-7.50 (d, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.48 (s, 1H), 5.97 (s, 1H), 5.39-5.42 (d, 4H), 5.30 (s, 4H), 4.38 (s, 1H), 4.14-4.18 (t, 1H), 2.94-3.59 (m, 23H), 2.32-2.39 (m, 2H), 1.23-1.94 (m, 13H), 0.85 (s, 9H). LCMS: MH+1071, retention time 2.91 min.

Example 48: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (319)

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (319): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG9-acid (86) (162.86 mg, 0.318 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.116 mL, 0.663 mmol), HATU (0.202 mg, 0.531 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (317) (200 mg, 0.265 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (319) (55 mg, 17% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.91 (s, 1H), 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.07-8.09 (d, 1H), 7.71 (s, 2H), 7.48-7.60 (m, 4H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.48 (s, 1H), 5.95 (s, 1H), 5.38-5.42 (d, 4H), 5.30 (s, 4H), 4.38 (s, 1H), 4.16 (s, 1H), 2.96-3.58 (m, 39H), 1.25-1.86 (m, 15H), 0.87 (s, 9H). LCMS: MH+1247.8, retention time 2.46 min.

Example 49: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amide (320)

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amide (320): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG1I-acid (88) (190.91 mg, 0.318 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.116 mL, 0.663 mmol), HATU (0.202 mg, 0.531 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(4-((((S)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (317) (200 mg, 0.265 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was initially purified by flash chromatography, finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (320) was isolated (45 mg, 13% yield) as a white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.90 (s, 1H), 8.07-8.09 (d, 1H), 7.97-7.99 (s, 1H), 7.71-7.73 (d, 2H), 7.75-7.60 (t, 2H), 7.48-7.50 (d, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 5.38-5.42 (d, 1H), 5.30 (s, 4H), 4.38 (s, 4H), 4.14-4.16 (s, 1H), 2.95-3.59 (m, 51H), 2.32-2.39 (m, 2H), 1.26-1.92 (m, 10H), 0.87 (s, 9H). LCMS: MH+1335.8, retention time 2.46 min.

Example 50: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amide (321)

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((R)-1-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amide (321): To a stirred solution of azido peg-11-acid (88) (83.22 mg, 0.139 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.05 mL, 0.289 mmol), HATU (87.944 mg, 0.231 mmol) and (R)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-5-ureidopentanamide (317) (80 mg, 0.166 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (321) (20 mg, 14%) as a sticky solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.44-8.46 (d, 1H), 8.26-8.28 (d, 1H), 7.91-7.93 (d, 1H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 5.55 (s, 1H), 5.42 (m, 4H), 5.16 (s, 2H), 4.23 (s, 1H), 2.86-3.86 (m, 41H), 1.24-2.33 (m, 23H), 0.86-0.90 (t, 3H), 0.80-0.83 (t, 6H). LCMS: MH+1273.5, retention time 2.41 min.

Example 51: Synthesis of 4-((S)-6-amino-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-phenylpropanamido)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (325)

7-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)heptanamide (322): To a stirred solution of 7-azidoheptanoic acid (701.70 mg, 1.07 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.46 mL, 2.68 mmol), HATU (817.31 mg, 2.15 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-N-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)hexanamide (218) (184 mg, 1.07 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 1.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.33 g (38% yield) of 7-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)heptanamide (322) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+808, retention time 2.23 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (323): To a stirred solution of 7-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)-1-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-1-oxohexan-2-yl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)heptanamide (322) (190 mg, 0.23 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) was added TEA (0.13 mL, 0.94 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (94.90 mg, 0.47 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2% MeOH in DCM to get 0.09 g (39% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (323) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+973, retention time 4.35 min.

4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (324): To a stirred solution of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (323) (210 mg, 0.216 mmol) in NMP (5 mL) was added TEA (0.07 mL, 0.53 mmol), and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (114.71 mg, 0.216 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with 10% methanol in chloroform (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the crude material diethylether was added and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.170 g (62% yield) of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (324) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+1269, retention time 2.52 min.

4-((S)-6-amino-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-phenylpropanamido)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (325): To a stirred solution of 4-((S)-2-((S)-2-(7-azidoheptanamido)-3-phenylpropanamido)-6-((diphenyl(p-tolyl)methyl)amino)hexanamido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (324) (170 mg, 0.134 mmol) in DCM 5 ml 1% TFA in DCM was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (325) (40 mg, 30% yield) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): (10.03 (s, 1H), 8.20-8.22 (d, 1H), 8.00-8.02 (d, 2H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.60-7.62 (m, 4H), 7.36-7.38 (d, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 7.19-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 7.08 (s, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.28 (s, 3H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 4.50-4.55 (m, 2H), 3.24-3.3.36 (m, 5H), 1.86-2.77 (m, 15H), 1.08-1.54 (m, 14H), 0.85-0.89 (t, 3H). LCMS: MH+1014, retention time 1.65 and 1.62 min.

Example 52: Synthesis of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-40-methyl-30,33,36,39-tetraoxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34,37,40-tetraazadotetracontan-42-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (448)

tert-butyl (S)-(2-((((9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanoyl)glycinate (436): tert-butyl glycinate (435) (2.53 g, 15.098 mmol), Fmoc-Cit-OH (76) (5 g, 12.582 mmol), EEDQ (9.334 g, 37.745 mmol) were mixed in DCM-THF (1:1) (400 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen for 16 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (3-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain 3.5 g (54% yield) of tert-butyl (S)-(2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl) methoxy) carbonyl) amino)-5-ureidopentanoyl)glycinate (436) as a white solid. LCMS: MH+511, retention time 3.14 min.

(S)-(2-((((9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanoyl)glycine (437): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (S)-(2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl) methoxy) carbonyl) amino)-5-ureidopentanoyl)glycinate (436) (3.5 g, 6.863 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) was added TFA 5 ml at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated to get the crude compound. The crude material was triturated with diethyl ether to obtained 3 g (96% yield) of (S)-(2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl) methoxy) carbonyl) amino)-5-ureidopentanoyl)glycine (437) as a white solid. LCMS: MH+454, retention time 2.61 min

4-(((Tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)aniline (159): To a stirred solution of (4-aminophenyl)methanol (75) (3.0 g, 24.39 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was added imidazole (3.31 g, 48.78 mmol) followed by tert-butyl(chloro)diphenylsilane (7.35 g, 26.82 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10% EtOAc in hexane to get 3.5 g (40% yield) of 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)aniline (159) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+362, retention time 1.25 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl (2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)carbamate (439): To a stirred solution of N-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)-N-methylglycine (438) (1.5 g, 4.819 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was added DIPEA (2.525 mL, 14.456 mmol), HATU (3.664 g, 9.637 mmol) and 4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)aniline (159) (1.742 g, 4.819 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 2.5 g (79% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)carbamate (439) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+655, retention time 4.90 min.

N-(4-(((Tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)-2-(methylamino)acetamide (440): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)carbamate (439) (3 g, 4.585 mmol) in DMF (15 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (7 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 1.5 g (76% yield) of N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl) oxy)methyl)phenyl)-2-(methylamino)acetamide (440) as a brown liquid. LCMS: MH+433, retention time 2.14 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (441): To a stirred solution of (S)-(2-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-ureidopentanoyl)glycine (437) (3.5 g, 7.701 mmol), in DMF (20 mL) was added DIPEA (4.037 mL, 23.103 mmol), HATU (5.856 g, 15.402 mmol) and N-(4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl) oxy)methyl)phenyl)-2-(methylamino)acetamide (440) (3.332 g, 7.701 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 4 g (60% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (441) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+869, retention time 2.16 min.

(S)-2-Amino-N-(2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (442): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl (S)-(1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)carbamate (441) (4 g, 4.603 mmol) in DMF (15 mL), 30% piperidine in DMF (12 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 100% EtOAc to get 2.1 g (70% yield) of (S)-2-amino-N-(2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (442) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+647, retention time 1.80 min.

(9H-Fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (443): To a stirred solution of Fmoc-L-Valine (1.103 g, 3.249 mmol), in DMF (20 mL) was added DIPEA (1.687 mL, 9.747 mmol), HATU (2.471 g, 6.498 mmol) (S)-2-amino-N-(2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (442) (2.1 g, 3.249 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 2.6 g (82% yield) of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (443) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+968, retention time 2.20 min.

(S)-2-((S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (444): To a stirred solution of (9H-fluoren-9-yl)methyl ((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)carbamate (443) (2.6 g, 2.685 mmol) in DMF (10 mL), 30% piperidine in DMF (9 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2% MeOH in DCM to get 1.9 g (94% yield) of (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (444) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+746, retention time 1.64 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (445): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (1 g, 1.957 mmol) in DMF (8 mL) was added DIPEA (1.023 mL, 5.871 mmol), HATU (1.487 g, 3.914 mmol) and (S)-2-((S)-2-amino-3-methylbutanamido)-N-(2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)-5-ureidopentanamide (444) (1.46 g, 1.957 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to get 2.1 g (86% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (445) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1239, retention time 1.80 min.

1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (446): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(((tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (445) (1.4 g, 1.129 mmol) in methanol (15 mL) was added NH4F (461 mg, 13.552 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The residue obtained was diluted with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.800 g (71% yield) of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (446) as an pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1001, retention time 1.87 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-Azido-32-isopropyl-40-methyl-30,33,36,39-tetraoxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34,37,40-tetraazadotetracontan-42-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (447): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-N-((S)-1-(((S)-1-((2-((2-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)(methyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-1-oxo-5-ureidopentan-2-yl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (446) (600 mg, 0.60 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added TEA (0.418 mL, 2.998 mmol), and 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (362.612 mg, 1.799 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 2.5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.300 g (42% yield) of 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-40-methyl-30,33,36,39-tetraoxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34,37,40-tetraazadotetracontan-42-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (447) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+1166, retention time 0.90 min.

4-((32S,35S)-1-Azido-32-isopropyl-40-methyl-30,33,36,39-tetraoxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34,37,40-tetraazadotetracontan-42-amido)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (448): To a stirred solution 4-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-40-methyl-30,33,36,39-tetraoxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34,37,40-tetraazadotetracontan-42-amido)benzyl (4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (447) (300 mg, 0.257 mmol) in NMP (2 mL) was added TEA (0.105 ML, 0.771 mmol), and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (111.81 mg, 0.257 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 8h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with 10% methanol in chloroform (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the crude material diethylether was added and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography and finally purified by RP-prep HPLC to obtain the desired product (449) (129 mg, 34% yield) as an off-white sticky solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): (10.01 (s, 1H), 10.03 (s, 1H), 8.03-8.06 (d, 1H), 7.95-7.97 (d, 1H), 7.87-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.81-7.83 (d, 1H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.56-7.61 (t, 2H), 7.35-7.39 (t, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 1H), 5.28 (s, 1H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 4.31 (s, 4H), 4.12-4.30 9 m, 5H), 2.50-3.98 (m, 28H), 1.36-2.42 (m, 21H), 0.79-0.89 (m, 13H). LCMS: MH+1462, retention time 2.16 min.

Example 53: Synthesis of 4-((S)-1-((32S,35S)-1-azido-32-isopropyl-30,33,36-trioxo-35-(3-ureidopropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34,37-triazanonatriacontan-39-oyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamido)benzyl ((1R,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (464)

Compound (464) can be prepared by using the methods disclosed herein.

Example 54: Synthesis of (S)-1-azido-N-(2-((3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)disulfanyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaoctadecan-18-amide (332)

(S)-9-(3-Bromopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (326): To a stirred solution of (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (2 gm, 5.102 mmol) in DMSO (4 ml), K2CO3 (7 gm, 51.02 mmol)was added to the reaction mixture at rt, after 5 mins 1,3 Dibromo propane (12.36 g, 61.224 mmol)was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 5h at rt, under Nitrogen atmosphere. The progress of reaction was monitored by TLC, after full conversion of starting material, ether was added to the reaction mixture, and the resulting solid precipitate was filtered and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (5-10%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain desired product 1.3 g (49% yield) of (S)-9-(3-bromopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (326) as a yellow solid. LCMS: MH+514, retention time 1.87 min.

(S)—S-(3-((4,11-Diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl) ethanethioate (327): A solution of (S)-9-(3-bromopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (326) (1.3 g, 0.292 mmol) in acetone (30 ml) was treated with potassium thioacetate (430 mg 0.438 mmol) and the reaction mixture refluxed at 78° C. under nitrogen atmosphere for 30 mins. The progress of reaction was monitored by LCMS, after full conversion of starting material the reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with 2% Methanol in DCM. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain desired product 0.65 g (50% yield) of (S)—S-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl) ethanethioate (327) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+509, retention time 1.86 min.

(S)-4-Ethyl-4-hydroxy-9-(3-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)propoxy)-12,14-dihydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-3(4H)-one (329): To a stirred solution of (S)—S-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl) ethanethioate (327) (0.650 g, 0.098 mmol), in methanol (30 ml) was added Pyridine bi sulphide (328) (0.364 g, 0.128 mmol) and degassed with N2 gas after 15 mins sodium methoxide (0.689 g, 0.98 mmol) was added at rt, and stirred at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with (5-10)% methanol in DCM. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain desired product 0.26 g (36% yield) of (S)-4-ethyl-4-hydroxy-9-(3-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)propoxy)-12,14-dihydro-1H- pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-3(4H)-one (329) as a white solid. LCMS: MH+577, retention time 1.91 min.

(S)-9-(3-((1-Amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)propoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (331): (S)-4-ethyl-4-hydroxy-9-(3-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)propoxy)-12,14-dihydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-3(4H)-one (329) (0.260 g, 0.435 mmol), 1-amino-2-methylpropane-2-thiol hydrochloride (330) (0.093 g, 0.435 mmol) were taken in methanol (25 ml) and was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 3h. The solvent was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with (5-10) % methanol in DCM. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum to obtain desired product 0.08 g (33% yield) of (S)-9-(3-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)propoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (331) as oily liquid. LCMS: MH+570, retention time 2.90 min.

(S)-1-Azido-N-(2-((3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)disulfanyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaoctadecan-18-amide (332): (S)-9-(3-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)propoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (331) (0.08 g, 0.11 mmol) HATU (80 mg, 0.17 mmol), azido-peg5-acid (55.75 mg, 0.139 mmol) and DIPEA (0.03 ml, 0.15 mmol) were mixed in DMF (0.3 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (332) as an off-white solid (8 mg, 15% yield). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.1 (d, 1H), 7.91 (t, 1H), 7.5 (d, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.4-5.3 (s, 4H), 4.3 (t, 2H), 3.5 (m, 3H), 3.52 (m, 11H), 3.37-3.27 (m, 4H), 2.93 (t, 2H), 2.6 (s, 1H), 2.5 (s, 1H), 2.17 (s, 1H), 1.7 (m, 1H),1.33 (t, 3H), 1.29 (m, 6H), 0.86 (t, 3H). LCMS: MH+887, retention time 1.76 min.

Example 55: Synthesis of (S)-1-Azido-N-(2-((3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)disulfanyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (333)

(S)-9-(3-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)propoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (331) (0.120 g, 0.211 mmol) HATU (120.053 mg, 0.316 mmol), azido-peg9-acid (86) (129.328 mg, 0.253 mmol) and diisopropylethylamine (81.509 mg, 0.632 mmol) were mixed in DMF (5 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The reaction mixture was reduced to dryness under vacuum and purified by column chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (1-2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (333) as an off-white solid (36 mg, 16% yield). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.8 (t, 1H), 7.4 (t, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.4-5.3 (s, 4H), 4.3 (s, 2H), 3.57-3.16 (m, 31H), 2.9 (t, 2H), 2.35 (m, 2H), 2.15 (t, 2H), 1.85 (m, 2H), 1.30 (m, 3H), 1.18 (m, 6H), 0.86 (t, 3H), LCMS: MH+1063, retention time 2.76 min.

Example 56: Synthesis of (S)-1-azido-N-(2-((3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)disulfanyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxahexatriacontan-36-amide (334)

(S)-9-(3-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)propoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (331) (0.120 g, 0.211 mmol) HATU (120.053 mg, 0.316 mmol), azido-peg11-acid (88) (151.565 mg, 0.253 mmol) and DIPEA (0.104, 0.632 mmol) were mixed in DMF (5 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. chromatography on a silica cartridge eluting with methanol/DCM gradient (2%). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the material was finally purified by RP prep-HPLC to obtain one peak for desired product (334) as an off-white solid (34 mg, 14% yield). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.8 (t, 1H), 7.5 (d, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.4-5.3 (s, 4H), 4.3 (t, 2H), 3.6-3.19 (m, 43H), 2.9 (t, 2H), 2.35 (m, 2H), 2.17 (m, 2H), 1.85 (m, 2H), 1.30 (m, 3H), 1.14 (m, 6H), 0.86 (t, 3H), LCMS: MH+1151, retention time 2.76 min.

Example 57: Synthesis of 37-azido-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35-nonaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azaheptatriacontyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (342)

2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl) ethan-1-ol (336): To a stirred solution of 2-mercaptoethan-1-ol (335) (0.21 ml, 2.99 mmol) in MeOH (15 mL) was added 1,2-di(pyridin-2-yl)disulfane (2) (2 g, 9.08 mmol) and the reaction mixture was degassed with argon for 15 min. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 50% EtOAc in hexane to get 1.2 g (71% yield) of 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl) ethan-1-ol (336) as a light yellow gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.44-8.45 (d, 1H), 7.79-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.25 (m, 1H), 4.97-65.00 (t, 1H), 3.59-3.64 (m, 2H), 2.90-2.93 (t, 2H). LCMS: MH+188, retention time 1.50 min.

4-nitrophenyl (2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl) ethyl) carbonate (337): To a stirred solution of 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethan-1-ol (336) (1.4 g, 7.47 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) was added pyridine (2.41 mL, 29.90 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (4.52 g, 22.42 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 30% ethylacetate in hex to get 1.8 g (68% yield) of 4-nitrophenyl (2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl) carbonate (337) as a pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+353, retention time 3.45 min.

2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (338): To a stirred solution 4-nitrophenyl (2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl) carbonate (337) (75 mg, 0.21 mmol) in DMSO (1.5 mL) was added TEA (0.07 mL, 0.53 mmol), and (1R,9R)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (113 mg, 0.21 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with 10% methanol in DCM (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the crude material diethylether was added and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.100 g (72% yield) of 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (338) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+649, retention time 3.29 min.

2-((2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (340): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (2-mercaptoethyl)carbamate (339) (245.55 mg, 1.38 mmol) in MeOH (50 ml) was added 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (338) (600 mg, 0.92 mmol) and the reaction mixture was degassed with argon for 15 min. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 50% EtOAc in hexane to get 0.400 g (61% yield) of 2-((2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (340) as a light yellow gum. LCMS: MH+715, retention time 3.42 min.

2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (341): To a stirred solution of 2-((2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (340) (670 mg, 0.93 mmol) in DCM 5 ml TFA (1 ml) was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether to obtain 0.500 g (87% yield) of 2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (341) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+615, retention time 2.83 min.

37-azido-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35-nonaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azaheptatriacontyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (342): To a stirred solution of 2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (341) (500 mg, 0.81 mmol), in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.35 mL, 2.03 mmol), HATU (618 mg, 1.62 mmol) and azido-peg-9acid (86) (499.32 mg, 0.97 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. It was purified by normal column chromatography followed by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (342) (215 mg). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.01-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.76-7.79 (d, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.25 (s, 3H), 4.30-4.31 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.60 (m, 37H), 3.37-3.39 (m, 4H), 3.01-3.40 (m, 4H), 2.77-2.80 (t, 2H), 2.26-2.50 (m, 6H), 1.84-1.88 (t, 2H), 0.85-0.88 (t, 3H). LCMS: MH+1108, retention time 3.13 and 3.18 min.

Example 58: Synthesis of 4-((1-azido-33-methyl-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azatetratriacontan-33-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (352)

4-(acetylthio)benzoic acid (344): To a stirred solution of 4-Mercaptobenzoic acid (343) (3.0 g, 19.48 mmol) in acetic anhydride (8.94 g, 87 mmol) was added pyridine (4.61 g, 58.4 mmol) at r. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 20% EtOAc in hexane to get 2.4 g (70% yield) of 4-(acetylthio)benzoic acid (344) as white solid. LCMS: MH+197, retention time 1.62 min

(S-(4-(Hydroxymethyl)phenyl) ethanethioate (345): To a stirred solution 4-(acetylthio)benzoic acid (344) (2.4 g, mmol) in THF (25 ml) was added BH3-THF (15 ml), at (−0.10° C.). The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with 1N HCl and extracted by ethyl acetate (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 40% EtOAc in hexane to get 2 g (75% yield) of (S-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl) ethanethioate (345). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 7.4-7.1 (d, 4H), 5.3 (t, 1H), 4.4 (d, 2H) 2.4 (s, 3H).

(4-(Pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)phenyl)methanol (346): To a stirred solution of (S-(4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl) ethanethioate (345) (2 g, 10.9 mmol) in methanol (50 ml), sodium methoxide (0.593 g 10.9 mmol) followed by pyridine bi sulphide (328) (2.417 g 10.9 mmol) was added at rt under N2 atmosphere. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 50% EtOAc/hexane to get 1.3 g (42% yield) of (4-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl) phenyl) methanol (346) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.4 (S, 1H). 7.8-7.2 (m, 7H) 5.2 (t, 1H), 4.4 (d, 2H),

Tert-butyl (2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (347): To a stirred solution of 1-amino-2-methylpropane-2-thiol hydrochloride (330) (2 g, 19.23 mmol), in water (20 mL) was added boc anhydride (8.38 g, 38.46 mmol), in ACN (20 ml) and sodium bicarbonate (3.2 g, 38 mmol) in 5 ml water at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 23 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC, a non polar KMO4 active spot was generated. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water and extracted by ethyl acetate (2×20 ml). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10% EtOAc in hexane to get 1.3 g (30% yield) of Tert-butyl (2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (347) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 7.5-7.2 (d, 4H), 6.9 (t, 1H), 5.2 (t, 1H), 4.4 (d, 2H), 3.0 (d, 2H), 1.38 (s 9H), 1.15 (s, 6H),

Tert-butyl (2-((4-(Hydroxymethyl)phenyl)disulfanyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (348): To a stirred solution of Tert-butyl (2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (347) (0 0.5 g, 2 mmol) in methanol (30 mL), (4-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)phenyl)methanol (346) (0.951 g, 3 mmol) in methanol (15 ml) was added at r.t and resultant mixture degassed by nitrogen for 15 mins. Then reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h under N2 atmosphere. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 60% EtOAc/hexane to get 0.40 g (57% yield) of Tert-butyl (2-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)disulfanyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (348) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 7.5 (d, 2H), 7.3 (d, 2H), 6.9 (t, 1H), 5.2 (t, 1H), 4.4 (d, 2H), 3.2 (d, 2H), 1.3 (s 9H), 1.14 (s, 6H), LCMS: MH+343, retention time 3.41 min.

Tert-buty(2-methyl-2-((4-((((4-Nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl) phenyl) disulfanyl) propyl)carbamate (349): To a stir solution of Tert-butyl (2-((4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)disulfanyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (348) (450 mg, 1.31 mmol) in DCM (15 mL) was added tri ethyl amine (401 mg, 3.936 mmol), 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (25) (527.405 mg, 2.624 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 50% EtOAc/hexane to get 0.4 g (60% yield) of tert-buty(2-methyl-2-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)disulfanyl)propyl)carbamate (349) as a sticky liquid. LCMS: MH+509, retention time 3.87 min.

4-((1-((Tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (350): To a stirred solution of tert-buty(2-methyl-2-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)disulfanyl)propyl)carbamate (349) (400 mg, 0.787 mmol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added TEA (239.26 mg, 2.36 mmol) and Exatecan mesylate (16) (0.462 mg, 0.785 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 ml) and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 ml). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.350 g (75% yield) of compound 4-((1-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (350) as an pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+805, retention time 3.7 min.

4-((1-Amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (351): 4-((1-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (350) (0.350 g, 0.435 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) was added TFA (0.2 ml) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get 0.25 g (80% yield) crude compound 4-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (351) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+805, retention time 3.7 min.

4-((1-Azido-33-methyl-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azatetratriacontan-33-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (352): 4-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl ((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)carbamate (351) (0.250 g, 0.492 mmol) HATU (374 mg, 0.984 mmol), azido-peg9-acid (86) (277 mg, 0.541 mmol) and DIPEA (0.181 ml, 0.984 mmol) were mixed in DMF (1 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (352) (10.52 mg). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.12-8.09 (d, 1H) 7.905-7.765 (t, 1H), 7.79-7.77 (d, 1H), 7.559-7.77 (d, 2H), 7.43-7.41 (d, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.521 (s, 1H), 5.454 (s, 2H), 5.27 (s, 3H), 5.12-5.08 (m, 2H), 3.6-3.1 (m, 41H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.34-2.131 (m, 4H), 1.89-1.87 (m, 2H), 1.15 (s, 6H), 0.85 (t, 3H).LCMS: MH+1198, retention time 2.87 min.

Example 59: Synthesis of 4-((1-azido-33-methyl-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azatetratriacontan-33-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (355)

4-((1-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (353): To a stirred solution of tert-buty(2-methyl-2-((4-((((4-nitrophenoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)phenyl)disulfanyl)propyl)carbamate (349) (400 mg, 0.787 mmol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added TEA (239.26 mg, 2.36 mmol) and compound (105) (460 mg 1.0236 mmol) at r.t. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 ml) and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 ml). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.220 g (85% yield) of compound (353) as an pale brown gum. LCMS: MH+819, retention time 3.62 min

4-((1-Amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (354): To a stirred solution of compound 4-((1-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl(S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (353) (220 mg, 0.05 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) was added TFA (0.2 ml) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get 0.15 g (70% yield) of 4-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (354) which was used for next step. LCMS: MH+719, retention time 1.33 min.

4-((1-azido-33-methyl-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azatetratriacontan-33-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (355): 4-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)benzyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (354) (0.150 g, mmol) HATU (158.774 mg, 0.418 mmol), azido-peg9-acid (86) (138.781 mg, 0.272 mmol) and DIPEA (0.074 ml, 0.418 mmol) were mixed in DMF (1 ml) and stirred at ambient temperature under nitrogen atmosphere for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether and finally purified by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (355) as an off-white solid (15 mg, 7% yield). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.09 (d, 1H), 7.91 (t, 1H), 7.53 (m, 4H), 7.4 (m, 1H), 7.32 (d, 2H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.4-5.3 (s, 4H), 4.9 (s, 2H), 4.24 (t, 2H), 3.6-3.1 (m, 39H), 2.3 (t, 2H), 1.96 (t, 2H), 1.86 (t, 2H), 1.32 (t, 3H), 1.30 (s, 6H), 0.85 (t, 3H). LCMS: MH+1213, retention time 2.79 min.

Example 60: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-(2-((2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-amide (366)

35-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (357): To a stirred solution of 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontane-1,35-diol (356) (2.5 g, 4.57 mmol) in DCM (80 mL) was added p-TsCl (0.92 g, 4.80 mmol), silver oxide (1.28 g, 5.48 mmol) and potassium iodide (0.08 g, 0.46 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was filtered through celite bed and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) column chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to afford 1.8 g (56% yield) of 35-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (357) as a yellow liquid. LC-MS: m z 701.55 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.61 min; 68.17% purity.

35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontan-1-ol (358): To a stirred solution of 35-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (357) (0.8 g, 1.14 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (8 mL), sodium azide (0.15 g, 2.28 mmol) was added at rt and the reaction mixture was stirred at 110° C. for 3 h. Reaction was conducted in two batches (0.8 g scale) of 35-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (357) and workup, purification was done together. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to rt and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was dissolved in water (50 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine solution (20 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by silica gel (100-200 mesh) column chromatography eluting with 3% MeOH in DCM to afford 1.3 g (99% yield) of 35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontan-1-ol (358) as a yellow liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): Q 4.56 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 3.61-3.53 (m, 44H), 3.48-3.32 (m, 4H).

tert-butyl 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-oate (359): To a stirred solution of 35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontan-1-ol (358) (1.3 g, 2.27 mmol) in THF (13 mL) potassium tert-butoxide (0.77 g, 6.82 mmol) was added at rt and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. tert-butyl acrylate (0.58 g, 4.54 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was diluted with water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine solution (20 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by silica gel (100-200 mesh) column chromatography eluting with 4-8% MeOH in DCM to afford 0.9 g (56% yield) of tert-butyl 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-oate (359) as a pale yellow liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 3.72-3.61 (m, 48H), 3.38 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 2.49 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (s, 9H).

1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (360): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-oate (359) (0.45 g, 0.64 mmol) in DCM (5 mL), trifluoroacetic acid (3.5 mL) was added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under reduce pressure to get a crude residue. The residue was diluted with water (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 0.3 g (73% yield) of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (360) as a yellow gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 12.14 (s, 1H), 3.61-3.49 (m, 48H), 3.40-3.38 (m, 2H), 2.44 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H).

2-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfaneyl)propan-1-amine (361): Mixture of 1-amino-2-methylpropane-2-thiol hydrochloride (330) (1.0 g, 7.06 mmol) and 1,2-di(pyridin-2-yl)disulfane (328) (3.11 g, 14.12 mmol) in methanol (5.0 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, triethylamine (0.71 g, 7.06 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 5 min. The reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by Davisil grade silica gel column chromatography using 0 to 70% EtOAc in hexane followed by 0 to 10% MeOH in DCM to afford 1.4 g (93% yield) of 2-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfaneyl)propan-1-amine (361) as a pale yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 215.26 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.17 min; 99.22% purity.

Methyl 2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)acetate (363): Mixture of 2-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfaneyl)propan-1-amine (361) (1.4 g, 6.53 mmol) and methyl 2-mercaptoacetate (362) (1.38 g, 13.06 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was stirred at r.t for 16 h and then 90° C. for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by Davisil grade silica gel column chromatography using 0 to 70% EtOAc in hexane and then 0 to 10% MeOH in DCM to afford 0.6 g (crude) of methyl 2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)acetate (363) as a yellow gum. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification.

Methyl 46-azido-5,5-dimethyl-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44-dodecaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azahexatetracontanoate (364): Mixture of methyl 2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)acetate (11) (0.15 g, 0.72 mmol), 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (360) (0.23 g, 0.36 mmol) and HATU (0.33 g, 0.86 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (2 mL), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.28 g, 2.16 mmol) was added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 mL). The combined organic extract was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered, evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by silica gel (100-200 mesh) column chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to afford 0.24 g (crude) of methyl 46-azido-5,5-dimethyl-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44-dodecaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azahexatetracontanoate (364) as a yellow gum. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification.

46-azido-5,5-dimethyl-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44-dodecaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azahexatetracontanoic acid (365): To a stirred solution of methyl 46-azido-5,5-dimethyl-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44-dodecaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azahexatetracontanoate (364) (0.17 g, 0.20 mmol) in THF (5 mL), LiOH·H2O (0.043 g, 1.02 mmol) in water (5 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with diethyl ether (3×30 mL). The separated aqueous layer was acidified with glacial acetic acid at 0° C. and resulting acidified layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 mL). The combined organic extract was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure to get 0.09 g (54% yield) of 46-azido-5,5-dimethyl-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44-dodecaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azahexatetracontanoic acid (365) as a yellow gum. LC-MS (ELSD): m/z 821.3 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 3.092 min; 69.37% purity.

1-azido-N-(2-((2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-amide (366): To a stirred suspension of (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methane sulfonate (16) (0.037 g, 0.07 mmol), 46-azido-5,5-dimethyl-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44-dodecaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azahexatetracontanoic acid (365) (0.09 g, 0.11 mmol) and PyBOP (0.086 g, 0.16 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (5 mL), DIPEA (0.043 g, 0.33 mmol) was added at rt and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 mL). The combined organic extract was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC to afford 0.0049 g (7% yield) of 1-azido-N-(2-((2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-amide (366) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.68 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.57-5.56 (m, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.29 (q, J=20.1 Hz, 2H), 3.61-3.48 (m, 50H), 3.18 (d, J=6.1 Hz, 4H), 2.50 (s, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.33 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 2.24-2.11 (m, 2H), 1.90-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.13 (s, 6H), 0.87 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 25): m z 1238.69 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.92 min; 96.15% purity, HP-LC (method 25): Rt: 5.60 min; 96.84% purity.

Example 61: Synthesis of 37-Azido-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35-nonaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azaheptatriacontyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (370)

2-(Pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (367): To a stirred solution 4-nitrophenyl (2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl) carbonate (337) (282.21 mg, 0.801 mmol) in DMSO (5 mL) was added TEA (0.18 ML, 1.335 mmol), and (S)-9-(3-aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105) (300 mg, 0.667 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (15 mL) and extracted with 10% methanol in DCM (2×10 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. To the crude material diethylether was added and solid precipitated out. It was filtered and the solid material was passed through Combi-flash column chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.330 g (74% yield) of 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (367) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+663, retention time 3.25 min.

2-((2-((Tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (368): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (2-mercaptoethyl)carbamate (339) (132.38 mg, 0.747 mmol) in MeOH (5 ml) was added 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (367) (330 mg, 0.498 mmol) and the reaction mixture was degassed with argon for 15 min. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.270 g (74% yield) of 2-((2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyran[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (368) as a light yellow gum. LCMS: MH+729, retention time 3.27 min.

2-((2-Aminoethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (369): To a stirred solution of 2-((2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (368) (270 mg, 0.37 mmol) in DCM 5 ml TFA (1 ml) was added at 0° C. and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether to obtain 0.230 g (98% yield) of 2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (369) as an off-white solid. LCMS: MH+628, retention time 1.53 min.

37-azido-8-oxo-11,14,17,20,23,26,29,32,35-nonaoxa-3,4-dithia-7-azaheptatriacontyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (370): To a stirred solution of 2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfanyl)ethyl (S)-(3-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl)carbamate (369) (200 mg, 0.318 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.139 mL, 0.795 mmol), HATU (241.88 mg, 0.636 mmol) and azido-(PEG)9-acid (86) (195.26 mg, 0.382 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. It was purified by normal column chromatography followed by RP-prep-HPLC to obtain the desired product (370) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.02-8.08 (m, 2H), 7.48-7.51 (d, 2H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.16-4.24 (m, 4H), 3.46-3.59 (m, 37H), 3.18-3.39 (m, 6H), 2.91-2.94 (t, 2H), 2.74-2.78 (t, 2H), 2.28-2.31 (t, 2H), 1.82-1.97 (m, 4H), 1.17-1.33 (m, 6H), 0.85-0.88 (t, 3H). LCMS: MH+1122, retention time 1.65 min.

Example 62: Synthesis of 1-azido-N-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-amide (378)

2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfaneyl)ethan-1-amine (372): A mixture of 2-aminoethane-1-thiol (371) (0.2 g, 2.59 mmol) and 1,2-di(pyridin-2-yl)disulfane (328) (0.68 g, 3.11 mmol) in MeOH (2.0 mL) was stirred at r.t for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by Davisil grade silica gel column chromatography using 16 to 18% MeOH in DCM to afford 0.2 g (41% yield) of 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfaneyl)ethan-1-amine (372) as a yellow gum. LC-MS: m z 187.16 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 0.89 min; 61.49% purity.

Tert-butyl (2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (373): A mixture of 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfaneyl)ethan-1-amine (372) (0.35 g, 1.88 mmol) and tert-butyl (2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (347) (0.38 g, 1.88 mmol) in MeOH (10.0 mL) was stirred at r.t for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by Davisil grade silica gel column chromatography using 15% MeOH in DCM to afford 0.4 g (76% yield) of tert-butyl (2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (373) as a yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): 8 ppm: 6.98 (s, 1H), 3.09 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.80-2.71 (m, 4H), 1.89 (s, 2H), 1.39 (s, 9H), 1.78 (s, 6H).

Tert-butyl (2-((2-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (375): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (373) (0.41 g, 1.46 mmol) in THF (15.0 mL), DIPEA (2.55 mL, 14.62 mmol) was added followed by the addition of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (374) (0.32 g, 1.75 mmol) at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 15% EtOAc in hexane to afford 0.38 g (61% yield) of tert-butyl (2-((2-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (375) as pale yellow gum. LC-MS: m z 426.03 [(M−H)]; Rt: 2.27 min; 99.74% purity.

Tert-butyl (2-((2-((4-chloro-6-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (376): To a stirred suspension of (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methane sulfonate (16) (0.05 g, 0.094 mmol) in THF/DCM (10.0 mL, 1:1 by volume) tert-butyl (2-((2-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (375) (0.045 g, 0.105 mmol) and DIPEA (0.18 mL, 1.05 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. tert-butyl (2-((2-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (375) (0.023 g, 0.052 mmol) was again added and the reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for 48 h. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to rt, diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by silica gel (100-200 mesh) column chromatography using 4% MeOH in DCM to afford 0.06 g (77% yield) of tert-butyl (2-((2-((4-chloro-6-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (376) as a yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 827.08 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.29 min; 92.25% purity.

(1S,9S)-1-((4-((2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (377): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (2-((2-((4-chloro-6-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (376) (0.06 g, 0.072 mmol) in DCM (5.0 mL), TFA (2.0 mL) was added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The resulting residue was washed with diethyl ether (3×10 mL), n-pentane (10 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 0.06 g (crude) compound. 0.015 g of crude material was purified by RP preparative HPLC to afford 0.0095 g (16% yield) of (1S,9S)-1-((4-((2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (377) as a yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.67-8.47 (m, 1H), 8.16-8.13 (m, 1H), 7.81-7.74 (m, 4H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.51 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 1H), 5.73 (s, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 5.23-5.13 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.45 (m, 2H), 3.17-2.51 (m, 6H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 2H), 1.88-1.83 (m, 2H), 1.36-1.30 (m, 3H), 1.14-1.10 (m, 3H), 0.87 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 31): m/z 727.06 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.17 min; 98.11% purity, HP-LC (method 31): VIIRt: 3.69 min; 98.20% purity.

1-azido-N-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-amide (378): To the stirred solution of (1S,9S)-1-((4-((2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (377) (35 mg, 0.04 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (360) (32 mg, 0.05 mmol), PyBOP (31 mg, 0.06 mmol) and DIPEA (0.03 mL, 0.17 mmol) at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (30 mL×3). The combined organic extract was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by davisil silica gel column chromatography using 5% methanol in dichloromethane and further purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC to afford 6.4 mg (11% yield) of 1-azido-N-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-amide (378) as a pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.64-8.44 (m, 1H), 8.12-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.87-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.50 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 5.75-5.61 (m, 1H), 5.40 (s, 2H), 5.25-5.06 (m, 2H), 3.51-3.12 (m, 52H), 3.20-2.67 (m, 8H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.33-2.25 (m, 2H), 1.88-1.84 (m, 2H), 1.21-1.15 (m, 3H), 0.98 (s, 3H), 0.89 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 36): m/z 1352.70 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.01 min; 95.26% purity, HP-LC (method 36): Rt: 4.74 min; 96.29% purity.

Example 63: Synthesis of (S)-9-((4-((2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)oxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (381) (TFA salt)

tert-butyl(S)-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (379): To the stirred solution of tert-butyl (2-((2-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (375) (150 mg, 0.35 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.12 mL, 0.70 mmol) and (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (137 mg, 0.35 mmol) slowly at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and quenched with ice cold water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×40 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 100 mg (crude) of tert-butyl (S)-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (379) as a pale brown gum. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 784.06 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.16 min; 83.32% purity.

(S)-9-((4-((2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)oxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (380): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (S)-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (379) (35 mg, 0.04 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL) 2,2,2-trifluoroacetic acid (1 mL) was added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-Prep HPLC to afford 10 mg (33% yield) of (S)-9-((4-((2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)oxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (380) (TFA salt) as a pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.91-8.72 (m, 1H), 8.25-8.22 (m, 1H), 8.17-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.84-7.77 (m, 3H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 6.54 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 5.35 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 2H), 3.57-3.39 (m, 2H), 3.20 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.97-2.77 (m, 4H), 1.90-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.33-1.27 (m, 6H), 1.18 (s, 3H), 0.89 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 36): m/z 682.27 [(M−H)]; Rt: 1.53 min; 95.27% purity, HP-LC Rt: 3.20 min; Purity: 96.46%.

(S)-1-azido-N-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-amide (381): To a stirred solution of (S)-9-((4-((2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)oxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (380) (100 mg, 0.15 mmol), 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (360) (115 mg, 0.18 mmol) and T3P (0.19 mL, 0.063 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (2 mL), TEA (0.06 mL, 0.45 mmol) was added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 mL). The combined organic extract was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by preparative HPLC to afford 27.4 mg (14% yield) of (S)-1-azido-N-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36-dodecaoxanonatriacontan-39-amide (381) as a colorless semi-solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.87-8.69 (m, 1H), 8.24-8.21 (m, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.02-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.82-7.78 (m, 1H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 3.60-3.38 (m, 52H), 3.19 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 2.86-2.71 (m, 4H), 2.54 (s, 2H), 2.31-2.22 (m, 2H), 1.89-1.85 (m, 2H), 1.28 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 4H), 0.88 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 28): m/z 1281.76 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.88 min; 96.35% purity: Rt: 4.04 min; 96.37% purity.

Example 64: Synthesis of (S,Z)-N′-(1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (392)

tert-butyl(S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H- pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (382): To a stirred solution of (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (1.5 g, 3.82 mmol), in DMF (10 mL) and acetone (20 mL) was added tert-butyl 2-bromoacetate (745 mg, 3.82 mmol) followed by potassium carbonate (792 mg, 5.73 mmol) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., quenched with ice cold water (30 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 min, filtered, triturated with acetone to get 1.3 g (67% yield) of tert-butyl(S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (382) as a pale yellow solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 507.81 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.91 min; 87.40% purity.

(S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetic acid (383): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl(S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetate (382) (1.3 g, 2.57 mmol), in DCM (13 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (13 mL) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS and TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. This crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether to get 1.1 g (95% yield) of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetic acid (383) as a yellow solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 451.31 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.35 min; 97.92% purity.

tert-butyl(S)-2-(2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (384): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1Hpyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetic acid (383) (1.1 g, 2.44 mmol) in DMF (6 mL) was added triethylamine (1.0 mL, 7.32 mmol) and T3P (6.2 mL, 9.76 mmol) at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. NH2NHBoc (806 mg, 6.10 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. This crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether to get 900 mg (65% yield) of tert-butyl (S)-2-(2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (384) as a pale yellow solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 565.89 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.57 min; 91.36% purity.

(S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-yrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385): A stirred solution of tert-butyl(S)-2-(2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (384) (300 mg, 0.53 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was cooled to 0° C. 4M HCl in 1, 4-dioxane (3 mL) was added to the reaction mixture at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was washed with diethyl ether (20 mL), dissolved in methanol (25 mL), added carbonate on polymer support resin (150 mg) and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 30 min. The reaction mixture was filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure to get 320 mg of crude (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-yrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385). 100 mg crude (5) was taken for purification by RP-prep HPLC to get 7 mg of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-yrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.52 (s, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 3.19 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.90-1.83 (m, 2H), 1.31 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 3H), 0.88 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 10): m/z 465.30 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.63 min; 96.02% purity; HP-LC (method 10): Rt: 4.01 min; 97.13% purity.

17-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (387): To a stirred solution of 3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecane-1,17-diol (386) (2.5 g, 8.85 mmol), in DCM (10 mL) was added silver oxide (3.13 g, 13.5 mmol) followed by potassium iodide (294 mg, 1.77 mmol) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 10 min. p-TsCl (1.79 g, 9.41 mmol) was added and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 30 min. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 3% MeOH-DCM to get 2 g (52% yield) of 17-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (387) as a colorless gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 7.80 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 4.18-3.58 (m, 25H), 3.58 (s, 3H).

17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecan-1-ol (388): To a stirred solution of 17-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (387) (2 g, 4.58 mmol), in DMF (20 ml) was added sodium azide (447 mg, 6.87 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was heated at 100° C. for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was dissolved in water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine solution (20 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether to get 1 g (71% yield) of 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecan-1-ol (388) as a colorless gum. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 3.73-3.06 (m, 24H), 3.05 (s, 1H).

17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecylmethanesulfonate (389): To a stirred solution of 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecan-1-ol (388) (1 g, 3.25 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was added triethylamine (1.36 mL, 9.75 mmol) followed by methanesulphonyl chloride (1.26 mL, 16.27 mmol) at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was dissolved in water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO3 solution (30 mL), brine (30 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get to get 1.14 g (91% yield) of 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecylmethanesulfonate (389) as a colorless gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 4.40-4.37 (m, 2H) 3.78-3.76 (m, 2H), 3.69-3.63 (m, 18H) 3.39 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H) 3.08 (s, 3H).

1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (391): To a stirred solution of 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecylmethanesulfonate (389) (0.50 g, 1.30 mmol) and 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (390) (177 mg, 1.30 mmol) in ACN (6 mL) was added potassium carbonate (0.268 g, 1.95 mmol) to the reaction mixture at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was dissolved in water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (60-120 mesh) eluting with 3% MeOH-DCM to get 220 mg (40% yield) of 1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl) oxy) phenyl)ethan-1-one (391) as a colorless gum. LC-MS: m z 426.32 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.69 min; 94.21% purity.

(S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide & (S,Z)-N′-(1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (392): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385) (200 mg, 0.43 mmol) in ethanol (8 mL) was added 1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (391) (200 mg, 0.47 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 6 h under Nitrogen atmosphere The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification. The purified fractions were concentrated by lyophilisation to get 27 mg (7% yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide & (S,Z)-N′-(1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (392) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.79 (s, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.83-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.64 (s, 0.5H), 7.53-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.28 (s, 0.4H), 6.98 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.50 (s, 0.3H), 6.20 (s, 0.55H), 5.71 (s, 0.57H), 5.44 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.29 (s, 0.8H), 5.18 (s, 1.2H), 5.00 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 0.6H), 4.90 (q, J=6.5 Hz, 0.6H), 4.63 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 0.6H), 4.13 (t, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (t, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 3.57-3.50 (m, 18H), 3.17-3.06 (m, 4H), 2.32-2.27 (m, 3H), 2.13-2.01 (m, 0.7H), 2.01-1.88 (m, 1H), 1.87-1.84 (m, 1H), 1.27-1.23 (m, 4H), 0.89-0.83 (m, 3H). LC-MS (method 13): m/z 872.1 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.33, 2.63 min; 57.72%+37.34% purity, HP-LC (method 13): Rt: 5.64, 6.25 min; Purity: 58.53%+36.75%.

Example 65: Synthesis of (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (398)

35-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate (394): To a stirred solution of 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontane-1,35-diol (393) (2.5 g, 4.57 mmol) in DCM (80 mL) was added silver oxide (1.27 g, 5.48 mmol) followed by potassium iodide (76 mg, 0.46 mmol) at rt under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 10 min. p-TsCl (915 mg, 4.80 mmol) was added and the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 24 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was filtered through celite bed and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 3% methanol in dichloromethane to get 1.6 g (50% yield) of 35-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl 4-methylbenzene sulfonate (394) as a colorless gum. LC-MS: m z 701.12 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.61 min; 76.60% purity.

35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontan-1-ol (395): To a stirred solution of 35-hydroxy-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl4-methylbenzenesulfonate (394) (1.6 g, 2.28 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added sodium azide (0.3 g, 4.56 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was dissolved in water (50 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL) and washed with brine solution (20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 0.85 g (65% yield) of 35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontan-1-ol (395) as a colorless gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 3.72-3.59 (m, 46H), 3.39 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 2.91 (s, 1H).

35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl methanesulfonate (396): To a stirred solution of 35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontan-1-ol (395) (0.30 g, 0.52 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was added triethylamine (0.22 mL, 1.57 mmol) followed by methanesulphonyl chloride (0.10 mL, 1.30 mmol) at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. to rt for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (20 mL). The organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO3 solution (2×20 mL) followed by brine (20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 0.3 g (crude) of 35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl methane sulfonate (396) as a colorless gum. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification.

1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (397): To a stirred solution of 35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl methanesulfonate (396) (0.3 g, 0.46 mmol) in acetonitrile (6 mL) was added potassium carbonate (0.94 g, 0.69 mmol) followed by 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (390) (95 mg, 0.70 mmol) at rt under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was dissolved in water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL), washed with brine solution (50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (60-120 mesh) eluting with 3-5% methanol in dichloromethane to get 0.25 g (79% yield) of 1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (397) as a colorless gum. LC-MS: m z 691.09 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.73 min; 69.80% purity.

(S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (398): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385), (0.2 g, 0.43 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL) was added 1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (397) (235 mg, 0.34 mmol). Then the resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 90° C. for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 14.5 mg (3% yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (398) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.79 (d, J=83.2 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.83-7.74 (m, 2H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.55-7.47 (m, 2H), 6.98 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.21 (s, 1H), 5.72 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 1H), 5.43 (s, 1H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 4.98 (s, 0.5H), 4.90 (t, J=9.8 Hz, 1H), 4.62 (dd, J=11.6, 4.0 Hz, 1H), 4.13 (d, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (s, 2H), 3.60-3.49 (m, 42H), 3.16-3.06 (m, 4H), 2.32-2.27 (m, 3H), 2.14-2.11 (m, 1H), 2.02-1.99 (m, 1H), 1.24 (q, J=7.9 Hz, 3H), 0.85 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 5): m/z 1136.49 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.57, 1.84 min; 94.70+3.67% purity, HP-LC (method 5): Rt: 3.51, 4.03 min; 90.53+4.11% purity.

Example 66: Synthesis of (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-methylpropylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (403)

1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropan-1-one (400): To a stirred solution of phenol (399) (5 g, 53.13 mmol), in DCM (30 mL) was added isobutyryl chloride (5.9 g, 55.79 mmol) followed by aluminium chloride (17.71 g, 132.83 mmol) under nitrogen atm at 10° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., quenched with ice cold water (100 mL) and pH=11 was adjusted by the addition of 30% aqueous NaOH solution. The aqueous layer was washed with diethyl ether and separated. Then aqueous layer pH=1 was adjusted by addition of 20% aqueous H2SO4 solution and extracted with diethylether (3×70 mL). Combined organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 15% EtOAc in Pet ether to get 3.5 g (40% yield) of 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropan-1-one (400) as a colorless oil. LCMS: m/z 165.70 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.50 min; 98.09% purity.

(Z)-4-(1-hydrazineylidene-2-methylpropyl)phenol (401): To a stirred solution of 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropan-1-one (400) (500 mg, 3.05 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) was added hydrazine hydrate (763 mg, 15.25 mmol) followed by acetic acid (2 drops) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS and TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, quenched with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 500 mg (93% Yield) of (Z)-4-(1-hydrazineylidene-2-methylpropyl)phenol (401) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 179.22 [(M+H)+)]; Rt: 1.05 min; 76.70% purity.

(S,E)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7] indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-N′-(1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropylidene) acetohydrazide (402): To a stirred solution of (Z)-4-(1-hydrazineylidene-2-methylpropyl)phenol (401) (100 mg, 0.56 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) was added triethylamine (0.24 mL, 1.68 mmol) and T3P (0.72 mL, 1.12 mmol) under nitrogen atm at 0° C. (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7] indolizino [1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetic acid (383) (252 mg, 0.56 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture under nitrogen atm at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. to rt for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with 5% saturate NaHCO3 solution (20 mL) and stirred for 15 min. The precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum and triturated with diethyl ether to get 180 mg (52% Yield) of (S,E)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-N′-(1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropylidene)acetohydrazide (402) as a light yellow solid. LC-MS: m z 611.33 [(M+H)+)]; Rt: 1.72 min; 82.43% purity.

(S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-methylpropylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (403): To a stirred solution of (S,E)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7] indolizino [1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-N′-(1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropylidene)acetohydrazide (402) (150 mg, 0.25 mmol) in acetonitrile (30 mL) was added potassium carbonate (52 mg, 0.38 mmol) followed by 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl methanesulfonate (389) (96 mg, 0.25 mmol) under nitrogen atm at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 36 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, quenched with ice cold water (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 14 mg (6% yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-methylpropylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (403) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.55 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (t, J=11.6 Hz, 1H), 7.55-7.40 (m, 1.55H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.22-7.14 (m, 2.31H), 7.07 (t, J=11.2 Hz, 1.88H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.31 (s, 2.74H), 4.81 (s, 1H), 4.15 (t, J=4 Hz, 2H), 3.79 (s, 2H), 3.61-3.48 (m, 18H), 3.31 (m, 2H), 3.16-3.14 (m, 2H), 2.85-2.81 (m, 1H), 1.90-1.83 (m, 2H), 1.29-1.25 (m, 3H), 1.11-1.04 (m, 6H), 0.89 (m, 3H). LC-MS (method 7): m/z 900.45 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 4.55, 4.37 min; 82.01+10.80% purity, HP-LC (method 7): Rt: 4.44, 4.27 min; 83.45+10.06% purity. (This is a mixture of E and Z isomers)

Example 67: Synthesis of 3-(2-((E)-1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide & 3-(2-((Z)-1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazineyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (411)

3-ethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoic acid (405): To a stirred solution of diethyl 2,2-dimethylmalonate (404) (3.0 g, 15.94 mmol) in ethanol (30 mL) was added KOH (0.89 g, 15.94 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred for 16 h at rt. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The residue was diluted with water (20 mL) and washed with ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was separated, acidified with 1N HCl and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 1.44 g (56% yield) of (3-ethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoic acid (405) as a colorless liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 12.75 (s, 1H), 4.10 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.27 (s, 9H), 1.16 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

tert-butyl 2-(3-ethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (407): To a stirred solution of 3-ethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoic acid (405) (0.800 g, 4.99 mmol), tert-butyl hydrazinecarboxylate (406) (0.66 g, 4.99 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added TEA (2.1 mL, 14.99 mmol) followed by T3P (4.8 mL, 7.49 mmol, 50% solution in EtOAc) at RT. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at r.t. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., quenched with H2O (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×25 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 0.85 g (62% yield) of tert-butyl 2-(3-ethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (407) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 8.27 (s, 1H), 6.44 (s, 1H), 4.21 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.50 (s, 6H), 1.47 (s, 9H), 1.29 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).

3-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)hydrazineyl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoic acid (408): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl 2-(3-ethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (407) (1.0 g, 3.65 mmol) in MeOH/H2O (15 mL, 9:1 by volume) was added LiOH·H2O (0.15 g, 3.65 mmol) at 0° C. and stirred for 16 h at r.t. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The residue was diluted with water (10 mL) and washed with ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was separated, acidified with 1N HCl and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 380 mg (42% yield) of 3-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)hydrazineyl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoic acid (408) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 245.40 [(M−H)]; Rt: 1.15 min; 57.91% purity.

tert-butyl 2-(3-(((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (409): To a stirred solution of (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methanesulfonate (16) (0.3 g, 0.56 mmol), 3-(2-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)hydrazineyl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoic acid (408) (0.14 g, 0.56 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added triethylamine (0.23 mL, 1.68 mmol) followed by T3P (0.53 mL, 0.84 mmol, 50% solution in EtOAc) at RT. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of reaction, the reaction mixture was quenched with H2O (10 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×25 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 198 mg (52% yield) of tert-butyl 2-(3-(((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (409) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 664.42 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.80 min; 88.01% purity.

N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-3-hydrazineyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (410): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl 2-(3-(((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (409) (0.21 g, 0.32 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) at 0° C., TFA (1 mL) was added under nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was allowed to stir at rt for 8 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of reaction, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The crude compound was purified by RP-Prep-HPLC to afford 33 mg (19% yield) of N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-3-hydrazineyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (410) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.53 (q, J=6.5 Hz, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.19 (q, J=19.6 Hz, 2H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 3.19-3.09 (m, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.16-2.07 (m, 2H), 1.92-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.37 (s, 6H), 0.88 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 6): m/z 564.29 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.74 min; 93.90% purity, HP-LC (method 6): Rt: 3.30 min; 93.05% purity.

3-(2-((E)-1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide & 3-(2-((Z)-1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazineyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (411): To a stirred solution N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-3-hydrazineyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (410) (60 mg, 0.11 mmol) in ethanol was added 1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (391) (45 mg, 0.11 mmol) and catalytic amount of acetic acid and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 6 h under nitrogen atmosphere The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 10 mg (10% Yield) of 3-(2-((E)-1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide & 3-(2-((Z)-1-(4-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15 pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazineyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (411) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.31 (s, 1H), 8.40 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 0.11H), 8.11 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 0.73H), 7.72 (q, J=11.1 Hz, 1.27H), 7.54 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1.6H), 7.30 (s, 0.24H), 7.19 (s, 0.82H), 6.93 (t, J=10.8 Hz, 0.48H), 6.50 (t, J=17.0 Hz, 2.6H), 5.50-5.39 (m, 3.25H), 5.05 (d, J=19.1 Hz, 0.7H), 4.79 (d, J=19.0 Hz, 0.7H), 4.07-4.02 (m, 2H), 3.77 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 3.64-3.50 (m, 18H), 3.37 (t, J=4.9 Hz, 2H), 2.93 (q, J=16.3 Hz, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H), 1.92-1.87 (m, 4H), 1.43 (d, J=22.7 Hz, 6H), 0.94 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 14): m/z 971.38 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 3.92 min; 99.69% purity, HP-LC (method 14): Rt: 6.47 min; 99.84% purity. (411) is a mixture of E and Z isomers.

Example 68: Synthesis of 3-(2-((E)-1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazineyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide & 3-(2-((Z)-1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazineyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (412)

To a stirred solution of N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-3-hydrazineyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (410) (120 mg, 0.21 mmol) in ethanol was added 1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (397) (147 mg, 0.21 mmol) and catalytic amount of acetic acid and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 h under nitrogen atmosphere The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 25 mg (10% Yield) of 3-(2-((E)-1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazineyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide & 3-(2-((Z)-1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazineyl)-N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopropanamide (412) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): (10.30 (s, 0.75H), 10.17 (s, 0.15H), 8.40 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 0.15H), 8.11 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 0.77H), 7.75 (t, J=8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 0.34H), 7.54 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1.58H), 7.31 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 0.22H), 7.19 (s, 0.79H), 6.95 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 0.34H), 6.50 (t, J=17.3 Hz, 2.47H), 5.51-5.40 (m, J=11.0 Hz, 3.4H), 5.05 (d, J=19.0 Hz, 1H), 4.79 (d, J=19.0 Hz, 1H), 4.07-4.02 (m, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.77 (t, J=4.3 Hz, 2H), 3.60-3.49 (m, J=4.6 Hz, 44H), 3.00-2.91 (m, J=15.5 Hz, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3.23H), 1.92-1.88 (m, J=10.4 Hz, 3.79H), 1.43 (d, J=22.6 Hz, 6H), 0.94 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 1): m/z 1235.51 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.87 min; 95.04% purity, HP-LC (method 1): Rt: 4.29 min; 95.11% purity. (412) is a mixture of E and Z isomers.

Example 69: (Z,E)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (415)

1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (414): To a stirred solution of 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecylmethanesulfonate (389) (0.4 g, 1.04 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 mL) was added potassium carbonate (216 mg, 1.56 mmol) followed by 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (413) (140 mg, 1.04 mmol) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 70° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was dissolved in water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine solution (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (60-120 mesh) eluting with 3% MeOH-DCM to get 350 mg (79% yield) of 1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (414) of as a colorless gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.77 (dd, J=8.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.04-7.00 (m, 1H), 7.00-6.96 (m, 1H), 4.25 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H), 3.93 (t, J=2.0 Hz, 2H), 3.80-3.64 (m, 18H), 3.42-3.39 (m, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H).

(S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (415): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385) (140 mg, 0.30 mmol) in ethanol (4 mL) was added triethylamine (0.08 mL, 0.60 mmol) and catalytic amount of AcOH followed by 1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl) oxy) phenyl)ethan-1-one (414) (128 mg, 0.30 mmol) under nitrogen atmosphere at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After the completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 7.7 mg (3% Yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy) acetohydrazide (415) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.89 (s, 0.61H), 10.65 (s, 0.30H), 8.14-8.09 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.37 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.42-5.02 (m, 6H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 4.17 (s, 2H), 3.77-3.49 (m, 18H), 3.37-3.32 (m, 2H), 3.12-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.33-2.25 (m, 3H), 1.90-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.31-1.23 (m, 4H), 0.87 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 18): m/z 872.27 [(M+H)]+; Rt: 2.21 min; 95.05% purity, HP-LC (method 18): Rt: 6.43 min; 95.55% purity.

Example 70: Synthesis of (S,E)-N′-(1-(3-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (418)

1-(3-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (417): To a stirred solution of 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecylmethanesulfonate (389) (0.29 g, 0.75 mmol) and 1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (416) (92 mg, 0.68 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was added potassium carbonate (0.2 g, 1.50 mmol). The resultant reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue obtained was dissolved in water (50 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine solution (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 50% EtOAc in pet ether to get 0.2 g (62% yield) of 1-(3-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (417) as a pale brown gum. LC-MS: m z 448.42 [(M+Na)+]; Rt: 1.75 min; 98.26% purity.

(S,E)-N′-(1-(3-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (418): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385) (150 mg, 0.32 mmol) in ethanol was added 1-(3-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (417) (137 mg, 0.32 mmol) and catalytic amount of AcOH at r.t. The reaction mass heated at 80° C. for 16 h under nitrogen atmosphere The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 14 mg (5% yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(3-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (418) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.99 (s, 0.68H), 10.76 (s, 0.25H), 8.12 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.32 (m, 5H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.02-7.00 (m, 1.3H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.44 (d, J=14.7 Hz, 3.38H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 5.04 (s, 0.55H), 4.12 (d, J=4.3 Hz, 2H), 3.74 (d, J=3.8 Hz, 2H), 3.58-3.32 (m, 20H), 3.11 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2.27H), 2.32 (q, J=4.7 Hz, 3H), 1.87 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.25 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3.59H), 0.88 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 16): m/z 872.66 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.87 min; 95.89% purity, HP-LC (method 16): Rt: 6.35 min; purity: 95.69%.

Example 71: Synthesis of (S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide & (S,Z)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (424)

Methyl(S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoate (419): To a stirred solution of (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (1.0 g, 2.55 mmol) in DMF (14 mL) and acetone (4 mL) was added methyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropanoate (0.69 g, 3.83 mmol) followed by potassium carbonate (0.528 g, 3.83 mmol) under Nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get a crude mass. Then the crude compound was cooled to 0° C., quenched with ice cold water (30 mL) and stirred for 15 min. The precipitated solid was filtered off and triturated with acetone to get 0.48 g (38% Yield) of methyl (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoate (419) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 493.49 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.80 min; 84.34% purity.

(S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid (420): To a stirred solution of methyl (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoate (419) (0.50 g, 1.02 mmol) in THF and H2O (10 mL, 4:1 by volume) was added LiOH·H2O (0.17 g, 4.08 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS and TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (20 mL) and acidified with citric acid. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried under vacuum to get 0.5 g (crude) of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid (420) as an off-white solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 479.46 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.57 min; 69.40% purity.

tert-butyl(S)-2-(2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (421): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoic acid (420) (250 mg, 0.52 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added triethylamine (0.22 mL, 1.56 mmol) and T3P (1.32 mL, 2.08 mmol) at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min. NH2NHBoc (172 mg, 1.30 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture at 0° C. under Nitrogen atmosphere The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was triturated with diethyl ether (30 mL) to get 300 mg (crude) of tert-butyl (S)-2-(2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (421) as colorless semi solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m z 593.53 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.70 min; 62.42% purity.

(S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (422): A stirred solution of tert-butyl (S)-2-(2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanoyl)hydrazine-1-carboxylate (421) (300 mg, 0.51 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was cooled to 0° C. 4M HCl in 1, 4-dioxane (3 mL) was added to the reaction mixture at 0° C. under Nitrogen atmosphere The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was washed with diethyl ether (20 mL) then dissolved in methanol (25 mL) was added carbonate on polymer support resin (150 mg) and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 30 min. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to get 200 mg of crude compound. The crude compound was taken for further purification by RP-prep HPLC to get 11 mg (4% yield) of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (422) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.54 (s, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.33 (s, 2H), 3.10 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.90-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.52 (s, 6H), 1.29 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 0.87 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 3): m/z 493.49 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.34 min; 95.58% purity, HP-LC (method 3): Rt: 3.01 min; Purity: 95.66%.

(S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide & (S,Z)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (423): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (422) (250 mg, 0.51 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL) was added 1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (414) (259 mg, 0.61 mmol) at rt and the reaction mixture was stirred at 90° C. for 3 h under nitrogen atmosphere The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 9 mg (2% yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide & (S,Z)-N′-(1-(2-((17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (423) as pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.33 (s, 0.2H), 9.34 (s, 0.7H), 8.14 (d, J=9.7 Hz, 0.40H), 8.06 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 0.45H), 7.35-7.17 (m, 3H), 7.06 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 0.26H), 6.97 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (q, J=3.0 Hz, 0.7H), 6.72 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 0.7H), 6.51 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 5.43 (d, J=3.6 Hz, 2H), 5.32 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 4.11 (s, 0.55H), 3.91 (s, 1.5H), 3.59-3.40 (m, 22H), 3.06 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 2.19 (s, 2.3H), 2.05 (s, 0.81H), 1.87-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.70 (s, 1.5H), 1.52 (s, 4.5H), 1.26 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H), 0.88 (q, J=4.9 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 7): m/z 900.64 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 4.21, 4.29 min; 77.67+21.64% purity; HP-LC (method 7): Rt: 4.29, 4.36 min; 77.45+21.59% purity. Compound (423) is isolated as the mixture of E and Z isomers.

Example 72: Synthesis of (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl) oxy)phenyl) -2-methylpropylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano [3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (425)

(S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl) oxy)phenyl) -2-methylpropylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano [3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (425): To a stirred solution of (S,E)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b] quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-N′-(1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropylidene)acetohydrazide (424) (310 mg, 0.51 mmol) in acetonitrile was added potassium carbonate (140 mg, 1.02 mmol) followed by 35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl methanesulfonate (396) (331 mg, 0.51 mmol) under Nitrogen atmosphere at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, quenched with ice cold water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 19 mg (3% yield) (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((35-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33-undecaoxapentatriacontyl)oxy)phenyl)-2-methylpropylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (425) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.55 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (t, J=11.6 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.22-7.04 (m, 4H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.31-5.30 (m, 3H), 4.81 (s, 1H), 4.15 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 3.81 (s, 2H), 3.61-3.48 (m, 42H), 3.39-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.36-3.32 (m, 2H), 2.89-2.82 (m, 1H), 1.90-1.87 (m, 2H), 1.29-1.27 (m, 3H), 1.11-1.04 (m, 6H), 0.88 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 3): m/z 1164.79 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.95 min; 93.91% purity, HP-LC (method 3): Rt: 4.42 min; 94.15% purity.

Example 73: (S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (429)

1-(2-((6-bromohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (427): To a stirred solution of 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (413) (0.5 g, 3.67 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added potassium carbonate (0.76 mg, 5.51 mmol) followed by 1,6-dibromohexane (426) (1.79 g, 7.34 mmol) at rt under nitrogen atmosphere. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 20-25% ethyl acetate in Pet ether to get 0.4 g (36% yield) of 1-(2-((6-bromohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (427) as a colorless gum. LC-MS: m z 299.29 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.33 min; 97.08% purity.

1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (428): To a stirred solution of 1-(2-((6-bromohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (427) (0.4 g, 1.34 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was added sodium azide (0.17 g, 2.68 mmol) at rt under nitrogen atmosphere. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was quenched with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×30 mL). The combined organic layer were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 50-60% ethyl acetate in Pet ether to get 0.24 g (68% yield) of 1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (428) as a colorless gum. LC-MS: m z 262.38 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.27 min; 99.01% purity.

(S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (429): To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (422) (150 mg, 0.30 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) was added 1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (428) (97 mg, 0.37 mmol) at r.t. The reaction mixture was stirred at 90° C. for 2 h under nitrogen atmosphere The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 29 mg (13% yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (429) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.26 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.23 (m, 3H), 7.16 (dd, J=9.2, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.95-6.92 (m, 2H), 6.79 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.51 (s, 1H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 5.33 (s, 2H), 3.67 (s, 2H), 3.22 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (q, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 1.90-1.83 (m, 2H), 1.52 (s, 6H), 1.40-1.38 (m, 4H), 1.27-1.17 (m, 7H), 0.88 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 9): m/z 734.26 [(M−H)]; Rt: 2.67, 2.76 min; 94.86+4.43% purity, HP-LC (method 9): Rt: 5.05, 5.21 min, 94.40+3.90% purity. LCMS and HPLC analysis showed appearance of minor Z isomer.

Example 74: (S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (430)

To a stirred solution of (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino [1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385) (300 mg, 0.65 mmol) in ethanol (30 mL) was added triethylamine (0.11 mL, 0.78 mmol) and catalytic amount of AcOH followed by 1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (428) (169 mg, 0.65 mmol) under nitrogen atm at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 20.9 mg (5% yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(2-((6-azidohexyl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (430) as a light yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.43 (s, 1H), 8.09-8.07 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.19-7.12 (m, 3H), 7.06 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.54-6.50 (m, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 5.33-4.82 (m, 4H), 4.03-3.91 (m, 2H), 3.21-3.14 (m, 4H), 2.33-2.21 (m, 3H), 1.90-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.68-1.26 (m, 11H), 0.89 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 2): m/z 708.56 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.06 min; 96.47% purity, HP-LC (method 2): Rt: 4.86 min; 97.82% purity.

Example 75: Synthesis of (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxadocosan-22-yl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (434)

1-(4-(4-bromobutoxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (432): To a stirred solution of 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (390) (5.0 g, 36.72 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was added 1,4-dibromobutane (431) (4.4 mL, 36.72 mmol) followed by potassium carbonate (10.15 g, 73.45 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 6 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (200 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×200 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (230-400 mesh) eluting with 15% EtOAc in pet ether to afford 3.6 g (36% yield) of 1-(4-(4-bromobutoxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (432) as a colorless liquid. LC-MS: m z 271.24 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.02 min; 99.07% purity.

1-(4-((1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxadocosan-22-yl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (433): To a stirred solution of 17-azido-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecan-1-ol (388) (2.0 g, 6.51 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was added NaH (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.52 g, 13.01 mmol) at 0° C. After stirring for 15 min 1-(4-(4-bromobutoxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (432) (1.76 g, 6.51 mmol) was added at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-prep HPLC to get 0.52 g (16% yield) of 1-(4-((1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxadocosan-22-yl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (433) as a pale brown gum. LC-MS: m z 520.24 [(M+Na)+]; Rt: 1.89 min; 98.04% purity.

(S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxadocosan-22-yl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (434): To a stirred solution of 1-(4-((1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxadocosan-22-yl)oxy)phenyl)ethan-1-one (433) (214 mg, 0.43 mmol) in ethanol (2 mL) was added (S)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385) (200 mg, 0.43 mmol) and triethylamine (0.06 mL, 0.43 mmol) followed by catalytic amount of acetic acid. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 16 h under nitrogen atmosphere The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC and LCMS. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by SFC purification to afford 29 mg (7% yield) of (S,E)-N′-(1-(4-((1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxadocosan-22-yl)oxy)phenyl)ethylidene)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (434) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 10.90-10.70 (m, 1H), 8.12 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (q, J=10.6 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (q, J=15.8 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 6.96 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 5.43 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 3H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 5.01 (br. s, 1H), 4.02 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.52 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 26H), 3.12-3.09 (m, 2H), 2.29 (d, J=11.5 Hz, 3H), 1.89-1.85 (m, 2H), 1.78-1.73 (m, 2H), 1.65 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.30-1.22 (m, 3H), 0.88 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 27): m/z 944.22 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.91 min; 96.02% purity, HP-LC (method 27): Rt: 4.49 min; 97.66% purity.

Example 76: Synthesis of (S)—S-(3-((4,11-Diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)propyl) ethanethioate (327)

Compound (327) was prepared by the procedure outlined in Example 54.

Example 77: Synthesis of (s)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1h-yrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)acetohydrazide (385)

Compound (385) was prepared by the procedure outlined in Example 64.

Example 78: N-((1R,9R)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-Dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-Hexahydro-1H,12H-Benzo[De]Pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]Indolizino[1,2-b]Quinolin-1-Yl)-3-Hydrazineyl-2,2-Dimethyl-3-Oxopropanamide (410)

Compound (410) was prepared by the procedure and characterized as outlined in Example 67.

Example 79: (S)-9-(3-((1-Amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfanyl)propoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (331)

Compound (331) was prepared was prepared and characterized as outlined in Example 54.

Example 80: (S)-9-(3-aminopropoxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (105)

Compound (105) was prepared and characterized by the procedure outlined in Example 15.

Example 81: Synthesis of (s)-2-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-2-methylpropanehydrazide (422)

Compound (422) was prepared and characterized by the procedure give in the Example 71.

Example 82: Synthesis of N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-mercaptoacetamide (452)

Methyl 2-(tritylthio)acetate (449): The mixture of methyl 2-mercaptoacetate (362) (1.0 g, 9.42 mmol) and triphenylmethyl chloride (2.62 g, 9.40 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) was stirred at 110° C. for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was cooled to rt and evaporated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The resulting residue was stirred with methanol (200 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, washed with methanol (100 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford methyl 2-(tritylthio)acetate (449) (2.6 g, 79%) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.43-7.40, (m, 6H), 7.31-7.20 (m, 9H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 2.98 (s, 2H).

2-(tritylthio)acetic acid (450): A Suspension of methyl 2-(tritylthio)acetate (449) (2.4 g, 6.89 mmol) and 10% potassium hydroxide in methanol (38.6 mL, 68.87 mmol) was stirred for 4 h at rt and the progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with 50% methanol in water (100 mL) and the resulting mixture was acidified with 3N aqueous HCl (pH-6) at 0° C. The resulting mixture was extracted with chloroform (2×100 mL). The combined organic extract was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure to afford 1.99 g (87% yield) of 2-(tritylthio)acetic acid (450) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 7.34-7.29 (m, 12H), 7.24-7.20 (m, 3H), 2.56 (s, 2H).

N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-(tritylthio)acetamide (451): To the stirred suspension of (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methane sulfonate (16) (0.05 g, 0.094 mmol), 2-(tritylthio)acetic acid (450) (0.031 g, 0.094 mmol) and PyBOP (0.073 g, 0.141 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (1.0 mL), N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.036 g, 0.282 mmol) was added at r.t and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with ice cold water (10 mL) and stirred for 10 min. The precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by Davisil grade silica gel column chromatography using 5% MeOH in DCM to afford 0.05 g (71% yield) of N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-(tritylthio)acetamide (451) as an off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 752.41 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.42 min; 93.08% purity.

N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-mercaptoacetamide (452): At 0° C. mixture of TFA/TIPS/water (95:2.5:2.5) (1 mL) was added to N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-(tritylthio)acetamide (451) (0.045 g, 0.06 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 30 min. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and diluted with ice cold water (10 mL) and stirred for 10 min. The precipitated solid was filtered off, washed with diethyl ether (10 mL), n-pentane (10 mL) and finally dried under vacuum to afford 0.024 g (80% yield) of N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo [de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-mercaptoacetamide (452) as an off-white solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.60 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=10.9 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 5.55 (m, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.26 (q, J=21.0 Hz, 2H), 3.16 (m, 4H), 2.86 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.16 (m, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 1.86 (m, 2H), 0.87 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 27): m/z 510.12 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.61 min; 97.06% purity, HP-LC (method 27): Rt: 3.67 min; 98.03% purity.

Example 83: Synthesis of 2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)acetamide 2,2,2-trifluoroacetic acid salt (454)

2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)acetamide 2,2,2-trifluoroacetic acid salt (454): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (2-((2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-2-oxoethyl)disulfaneyl)-2-methylpropyl)carbamate (453) (0.02 g, 0.028 mmol) in DCM (2 mL), TFA (0.5 mL) was added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to get a crude residue. The resulting residue was washed with diethyl ether (3×10 mL), n-pentane (10 mL) and dried under vacuum to afford 0.019 g (93% yield) of 2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)acetamide 2,2,2-trifluoroacetic acid salt (454) as a yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.78 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.85-7.82 (m, 4H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 6.55 (s, 1H), 5.57-5.56 (m, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 5.33 (d, J=19.1 Hz, 1H), 5.22 (d, J=18.9 Hz, 1H), 3.58-3.51 (m, 2H), 3.20-3.10 (m, 2H), 3.00 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.16 (q, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 1.90-1.83 (m, 2H), 1.29 (d, J=3.3 Hz, 6H), 0.87 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 29): m/z 613.12 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.44 min; 95.87% purity, HP-LC (method 29): Rt: 3.44 min; 95.01% purity.

Example 84: Synthesis of (1S,9S)-1-((4-((2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (377)

Compound (377) was prepared and characterized by the procedure outlined in Example 62.

Example 85: (S)-9-((4-((2-((1-amino-2-methylpropan-2-yl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)oxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (380)

Compound (380) was prepared and characterized by the procedure outlined in Example 63.

Example 86: 2-(4-aminophenyl)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (458)

Methyl 2-(4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (455): methyl 2-(4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (94) (100 mg, 0.55 mmol) and Boc-anhydride (0.13 mL, 0.55 mmol) were mixed and irradiated in microwave at 80° C. for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was taken up in dichloromethane and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by column chromatography using silica gel (100-200 mesh) eluting with 25-30% ethyl acetate in pet ether to get 90 mg (58% yield) of methyl 2-(4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate (455) as a white solid. LC-MS: m z 280.28 [(M−H)]; Rt: 1.62 min; 99.23% purity.

2-(4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)phenyl)-2-hydroxyacetic acid (456): To a stirred solution of methyl 2-(4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)phenyl)-2-hydroxy acetate (455) (90 mg, 0.32 mmol) in THF/H2O (5.5 mL, 10:1 by volume) was added LiOH·H2O (54 mg, 1.28 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and water (15 mL) was added followed by acidification with saturated citric acid solution and extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine solution (20 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get 70 mg (82% yield) of 2-(4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)phenyl)-2-hydroxy acetic acid (456) as a pale yellow gum. LC-MS: m z 266.33 [(M−H)]; Rt: 1.61 min; 97.30% purity.

tert-butyl (4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)carbamate (457): To a stirred solution of (1S,9S)-1-amino-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-1,2,3,9,12,15-hexahydro-10H,13H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-10,13-dione methane sulfonate (16) (60 mg, 0.11 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was added 2-(4-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)phenyl)-2-hydroxy acetic acid (456) (29 mg, 0.11 mmol), PyBOP (88 mg, 0.17 mmol) and DIPEA (0.06 mL 0.33 mmol) at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at r.t for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was quenched with ice water (10 mL) and the precipitated solid was filtered off, dried under vacuum to get 70 mg (91% yield) of tert-butyl (4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)carbamate (457) as a pale brown solid. LC-MS: m z 685.71, 685.66 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.18, 2.26 min; 31.51+34.50% purity.

2-(4-aminophenyl)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (458): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (4-(2-(((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)amino)-1-hydroxy-2-oxoethyl)phenyl)carbamate (457) (60 mg, 0.09 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (4 mL) was added 4M HCl in 1,4-Dioxane (0.2 mL) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-preparative HPLC to afford 9 mg (18% yield) of 2-(4-aminophenyl)-N-((1S,9S)-9-ethyl-5-fluoro-9-hydroxy-4-methyl-10,13-dioxo-2,3,9,10,13,15-hexahydro-1H,12H-benzo[de]pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-1-yl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (458) (HCl salt) as yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 9.77 (br. s, 2H), 8.81-8.70 (m, 1H), 7.80 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H), 7.64-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.32-7.02 (m, 4H), 6.57 (s, 1H), 5.55-5.41 (m, 3H), 5.30-5.10 (m, 3H), 3.17-3.12 (m, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.18-2.09 (m, 2H), 1.92-1.81 (m, 2H), 0.88 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 27): m z 585.38 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.46, 1.48 min; 36.62+60.56% purity, HP-LC (method 27): Rt: 3.90, 3.93 min; Purity: 40.30+57.94%.

Example 87: Synthesis of (S)-9-((4-((2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)oxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (463) (TFA salt)

tert-butyl(2-mercaptoethyl)carbamate (339): To the stirred solution of 2-aminoethane-1-thiol (1.0 g, 12.96 mmol) in acetonitrile(10 mL)/water (5 mL), NaHCO3 (2.18 g, 25.92 mmol) was added. Then di-tert-butyldicarbonate (5.66 g, 25.92 mmol) was added slowly at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by silica gel column chromatography using 5% methanol in DCM to afford 600 mg (26% yield) of tert-butyl (2-mercaptoethyl) carbamate (339) as a colorless gum. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ ppm: 5.02 (s, 1H), 3.44 (q, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.79 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.67-2.62 (m, 1H), 1.49-1.44 (m, 9H).

tert-butyl (2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (460): To the stirred solution of tert-butyl(2-mercaptoethyl)carbamate (339) (500 mg, 2.68 mmol) in methanol(10 mL) in 2-(pyridin-2-yldisulfaneyl)ethan-1-amine (459) (570 mg, 3.22 mmol) was added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude was purified by davisil grade silica gel column chromatography using 4% methanol in dichloromethane to afford 500 mg (70% yield) of tert-butyl (2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (460) as a pale yellow semi solid. LC-MS: m z 253.16 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.18 min; 70.05% purity.

tert-butyl (2-((2-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (461): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (460) (692 mg, 2.74 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (15 mL) was added N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.95 mL, 5.48 mmol) at 0° C. followed by 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (374) (500 mg, 2.74 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with ice cold water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 mL). The combined organic extract was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The obtained crude compound was purified by trituration with diethylether to afford 400 mg (37% yield) of tert-butyl (2-((2-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (461) as off-white solid. LC-MS: m z 398.17 [(M−H)]; Rt: 2.22 min; 71.78% purity.

tert-butyl(S)-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (462): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (2-((2-((4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (461) (408 mg, 1.02 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.35 mL, 2.04 mmol) and (S)-4,11-diethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (34) (400 mg, 1.02 mmol) slowly at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and quenched with ice cold water (30 mL). The precipitated solid was filtered off and washed with diethyl ether to get 400 mg (52% yield) of tert-butyl(S)-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (462) as an off-white solid. The crude compound was used in the next step without any further purification. LC-MS: m/z 756.11 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 2.03 min; 86.47% purity.

(S)-9-((4-((2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)oxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (463) (TFA salt): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl(S)-(2-((2-((4-chloro-6-((4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano [3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl)oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino)ethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)carbamate (462) (100 mg, 0.13 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was added 2,2,2-trifluoroacetic acid (1 mL) at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by RP-Prep HPLC to afford 10.4 mg (11% yield) of (S)-9-((4-((2-((2-aminoethyl)disulfaneyl)ethyl)amino)-6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)oxy)-4,11-diethyl-4-hydroxy-1,12-dihydro-14H-pyrano[3′,4′:6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H)-dione (463) (TFA salt) as a pale yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.92-8.72 (m, 1H), 8.25-8.15 (m, 2H), 7.83-7.77 (m, 4H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 6.53 (s, 1H), 5.44-5.32 (m, 4H), 3.58-3.40 (m, 2H), 3.20-3.08 (m, 4H), 2.92-2.76 (m, 4H), 1.88-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.31-1.26 (m, 3H), 0.90 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H). LC-MS (method 29): m/z 656.23 [(M+H)+]; Rt: 1.44 min; 97.03% purity, HP-LC (method 29): Rt: 3.07 min; 97.45% purity.

Example 88: Synthesis of Folic Acid Precursors

Folic acid conjugate precursors suitable for preparing a folate receptor targeting NDC disclosed herein can be prepared according to one of the following synthetic protocols. As the folic acid conjugate precursors comprise a terminal azide group, they are suitable for attaching to a nanoparticle functionalized with alkyne moieties (e.g., DBCO), using click chemistry.

Synthesis of (S)-16-(4-(((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)amino)benzamido)-1-azido-13-oxo-3,6,9-trioxa-12-azaheptadecan-17-oic acid (606)

Preparation of compound 600: Compound 599 (160 g, 512 mmol) was dissolved in TFAA (800 mL) at 25° C. and stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere in the dark for 5 hrs. The solvent was then removed at 50° C. in vacuo to give the crude product. The crude product was triturated with MTBE (750 mL) for 60 min and then filtered to afford compound 600 (203 g, crude) as a solid, which was used in next step without further purification. LC-MS: 1H NMR: (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 12.74 (br s, 1H), 8.88 (s, 1H), 7.97-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.74 (m, 2H), 5.26 (s, 1H).

Preparation of Compound 602: TBTU (238 g, 740 mmol) and DIPEA (95.7 g, 740 mmol) were added to a solution of compound 601 (225 g, 529 mmol) in DMF (2.25 L). After 30 min stirring at 20° C., 2-(2-(2-(2-azidoethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethan-1-amine (Reagent A; 121 g, 555 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. for 12 hrs. Two reaction mixtures were combined and worked up, and the residue was diluted with H2O (3 L) and extracted with ethyl acetate (1500 mL×3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (800 mL×3), dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure, and purified by column chromatography (SiO2, Petroleum ether/Ethyl acetate=100/1 to 1/1) to afford compound 602 (590 g) as an oil. 1H NMR: (400 MHz, CDCl3) (7.76-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.63-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.41-7.27 (m, 4H), 6.43 (s, 1H), 5.70 (s, 1H), 4.42-4.38 (m, 2H), 4.24-4.23 (m, 2H), 3.63-3.36 (m, 16H), 2.28-2.18 (m, 3H), 1.98-1.96 (m, 1H), 1.48 (s, 9H).

Preparation of Compound 603: N-ethylethanamine (1.27 kg, 17.4 mol) was added to a solution of compound 602 (435 g, 695 mmol) in DCM (4.35 L) and the mixture was stirred at 25° C. 3 hrs. The solvent was then removed at room temperature in vacuo, and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (DCM/MeOH=100/1 to 1/1) to afford compound 603 (245 g) as an oil. 1H NMR: (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 6.55 (s, 1H), 3.67-3.30 (m, 17H), 2.34-2.30 (m, 2H), 2.10-2.06 (m, 1H), 1.87 (s, 2H), 1.77-1.73 (m, 1H), 1.44 (s, 9H).

Preparation of compound 604: TBTU (119 g, 372 mmol) and DIEA (160 g, 1.24 mol) were added to a solution of compound 600 (101 g, 248 mmol) in DMF (900 mL) and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. Then compound 603 (100 g, 248 mmol) in DMF (100 mL) was added. The mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 12 hrs. Two reaction mixtures were combined and concentrated and the residue was diluted with H2O (2.5 L) and extracted with ethyl acetate (1 L x 5). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (600 mL×3), dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford compound 4 (420 g, crude) as a solid, which was used in next step without further purification.

Preparation of compound 605: K2CO3 (585 g, 4.23 mol) was added to a solution of compound 604 (420 g, 529 mmol) in THF (4.2 mL) and H2O (500 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 0.5 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to remove THF and the residue was diluted with H2O (500 mL) and adjusted the pH to 3 with HCl (M=1), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford compound 605 (260 g, crude) as a solid, which was used directly without purification.

Preparation of compound 606: Trifluoroacetic acid (2.12 kg, 18.6 mol) was added in one portion to a mixture of compound 605 (260 g, 373 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (2.6 L) at 20° C. under nitrogen, and the mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 5 hrs. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by HPLC (column: Agela DuraShell C18 250*80 mm*10 um; mobile phase: [water (10 mM NH4HCO3)-MeOH]; B %: 5%-40%,20 min) to give afford compound 606 (52.5 g, 81.82 mmol, 21.96% yield) as a solid. (M+H) 642.80; IR: 2107 (N3 Bond).

Synthesis of (S)-38-(4-(((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)amino)benzamido)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (472)

tert-butyl (1-azido-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azatritriacontan-33-yl)carbamate (465): To a stirred solution of 1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oic acid (86) (450 mg, 0.881 mmol), in DCM (20 mL) at 0° C. was added TEA (0.36 mL, 2.64 mmol), EDC (218 mg, 1.14 mmol), HOBT (154 mg, 1.14 mmol) and tert-butyl (2-aminoethyl)carbamate (464) (124 mg, 0.881 mmol) at 0° C. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After consumption of starting material, the reaction mixture was extracted with DCM and water and the organic layer was dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated under vacuum. Then it was purified by flash chromatography and dried under vacuum to get 0.450 g (69% yield) of tert-butyl (1-azido-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azatritriacontan-33-yl)carbamate (465) as a liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): 7.83 (t, 1H), 6.75 (t, 1H), 3.61-3.31 (m, 38H), 3.02-2.97 (t, 4H), 2.28 (t, 2H), 1.37 (s, 9H).

N-(2-Aminoethyl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide(466): A solution of tert-butyl (1-azido-30-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31-azatritriacontan-33-yl)carbamate (465) (350 mg, 0.462 mmol) in DCM was cooled to 0° C. and TFA was added to it by dropwise, and the reaction mixture was then stirred at RT for 16h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After consumption of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and azeotroped with DCM (3 times) to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.250 g (97% yield) of N-(2-aminoethyl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (466) as a liquid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): 8.02 (t, 1H), 7.73 (t, 2H), 3.71-3.26 (m, 40H), 2.86 (t, 2H), 2.35 (t, 2H).

Tert-butyl (S)-38-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (467): To a stirred solution of (S)-4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoic acid (170 mg, 0.4 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.174 mL, 1.0 mmol), PyBOP (416 mg, 0.8 mmol) and N-(2-aminoethyl)-1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-amide (466) (331 mg, 0.6 mmol) at 0° C. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After consumption of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum at low temperature. Then it was purified under flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.350 g (yield 91%) of tert-butyl (S)-38-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (467) as a liquid. MH+962, retention time 1.81 min.

Tert-butyl (S)-38-amino-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (468): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (S)-38-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (467) (350 mg, 3.65 mmol) in DMF (5 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get 250 mg of Tert-butyl (S)-38-amino-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (468) crude compound. The crude compound was used for the next step without purification. MH+739, retention time 1.50 min.

Tert-butyl (S)-38-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (470): To a stirred solution of 4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzoic acid (469) (100 mg, 0.245 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.107 mL, 0.613 mmol), PyBOP (254 mg, 0.49 mmol) and tert-butyl (S)-38-amino-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (468) (271 mg, 0.368 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum under low temperature. Then it was purify under flash chromatography eluting with 10% MeOH in DCM to get 180 mg (yield 65%) of tert-butyl (S)-38-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (470) as a solid. MH+1129, retention time 2.61 min.

(S)-38-(4-(N-((2-Amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (471): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (S)-38-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oate (470) (180 mg, 0.16 mmol) in DCM was added TFA (0.123 mL, 1.59 mmol) at RT. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 16h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and azeotrope with DCM (3 times) to get 100 mg crude compound (471). That material was used for the next step without purification. MH+1073, retention time 2.34 min.

(S)-38-(4-(((2-Amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)amino)benzamido)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (472): To a stirred solution of (S)-38-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-1-azido-30,35-dioxo-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxa-31,34-diazanonatriacontan-39-oic acid (471) (80 mg, 0.071 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) at 0° C. was added Aq.NH3 (dissolve in DMF) (0.01 mL, 0.71 mmol). The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 6 h. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude material was purified by RP- prep-HPLC to get the desired compound (472) 15 mg (21% yield) as a solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): 8.62 (S, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1 H), 7.98(t,1H),7.64 (d, 2H), 6.64 (d, 2H), 4.47 (d, 2H), 4.21 (t, 1H), 3.68-3.35 (m, 38H), 3.07 (t, 4H), 2.32-2.11 (t, 6H), 1.86 (t, 1H). LCMS: MH+977, retention time 1.96 min.

LCMS Method: Column- YMC TRIART C18 (33×2.1 mm, 3u); (mobile phase: 95% [0.1% HCOOH in water] and 5% [0.1% HCOOH in CH3CN] held for 0.50 min then to 1% [0.1% HCOOH in water] and 99% [0.1% HCOOH in CH3CN] in 3.0 min, held this composition up to 4.00 min and finally back to initial condition in 4.10 min, held for 4.50 min). Flow rate- 1.0 ml/min.

Synthesis of (S)-4-(((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)amino)-N-(5-(4-(1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-hydroxy-1,5-dioxo-115-pentan-2-yl)benzamide (479)

Tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (473): To a stirred solution of (S)-4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoic acid (500 mg, 01.17 mmol), in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.51 mL, 2.94 mmol), PyBOP (1123 mg, 2.35 mmol) and tert-butyl piperazine-1-carboxylate (328 mg, 1.76 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum under low temperature to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 5% MeOH in DCM to get 0.5 g (71% yield) of tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (473) as an off white solid. LCMS: MH+594, retention time 1.97 min.

Tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-amino-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (474): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-((((9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy)carbonyl)amino)-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (473) (500 mg, 0.842 mmol) in DMF (5 ml), 30% piperidine in DMF (1 ml) was added at rt. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 3 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Then it was purify under flash chromatography eluting with 10% MeOH in DCM to get 0.3 g (95% yield) of tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-amino-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (474) as a sticky solid. LCMS: MH+372, retention time 3.03 min.

Tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (475): To a stirred solution of 4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzoic acid (469) (240 mg, 0.588 mmol), in DMF (10 mL) was added DIPEA (0.25 mL, 1.47 mmol), PyBOP (611 mg, 1.17 mmol) and tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-amino-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (474) (320 mg, 0.882 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum at low temperature to get the crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10% MeOH in DCM to get 0.3 g (67% yield) of tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (475) as an off white solid. LCMS: MH+762, retention time 1.76 min.

Tert-butyl (S)-2-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-oxo-5-(piperazin-1-yl)pentanoate (476): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (S)-4-(4-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-(tert-butoxy)-5-oxopentanoyl)piperazine-1-carboxylate (475) (300 mg, 0.394 mmol) in DCM was added TFA (stock solution 1 mL TFA in 9 mL DCM) (0.1 mL, 1.18 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 3h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and azeotrope with DCM to get 0.2 g (76% yield) of tert-butyl (S)-2-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-oxo-5-(piperazin-1-yl)pentanoate (476) crude compound and used for the next step without purification. LCMS: MH+662, retention time 2.61 min.

Tert-butyl (S)-2-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-(4-(1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oyl)piperazin-1-yl)-5-oxopentanoate (477): To a stirred solution of Azido-PEG9-Acid (100 mg, 0.196 mmol), in DMF (5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.08 mL, 0.489 mmol), PyBOP (172 mg, 0.333 mmol) and tert-butyl (S)-2-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-oxo-5-(piperazin-1-yl)pentanoate (476) (194 mg, 0.294 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 16 h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was evaporated under vacuum at low temperature to get crude compound. The crude compound was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10% MeOH in DCM to get 0.015 g (67% yield) of tert-butyl (S)-2-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-(4-(1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oyl)piperazin-1-yl)-5-oxopentanoate (477) as a brown solid. LCMS: MH+1155, retention time 2.73 min.

(S)-4-(N-((2-Amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)-N-(5-(4-(1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-hydroxy-1,5-dioxo-115-pentan-2-yl)benzamide (478): To a stirred solution of tert-butyl (S)-2-(4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)benzamido)-5-(4-(1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oyl)piperazin-1-yl)-5-oxopentanoate (477) (150 mg, 0.13 mmol) in DCM was added TFA (0.1 mL, 1.3 mmol) at RT. The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 16h. The progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and azeotrope with DCM to get 0.013 g of (S)-4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)-N-(5-(4-(1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-hydroxy-1,5-dioxo-115-pentan-2-yl)benzamide (478) crude as an off white solid and used for the next step without purification. LCMS: MH+1099, retention time 2.23 min.

(S)-4-(((2-Amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)amino)-N-(5-(4-(1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-hydroxy-1,5-dioxo-115-pentan-2-yl)benzamide (479): To a stirred solution of (S)-4-(N-((2-amino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)-N-(5-(4-(1-azido-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27-nonaoxatriacontan-30-oyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-hydroxy-1,5-dioxo-115-pentan-2-yl)benzamide (478) (130 mg, 0.121 mmol) in DMF(3 mL) at 0° C. was added Aq.NH3 (0.02 mL, 1.21 mmol). The resultant reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 6 h. After completion of starting material, reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to get crude compound. The crude material was purified by RP-prep HPLC. After RP-Prep HPLC purification 35 mg (yield 21%) of (479)) was obtained as a sticky yellow solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): 12.5 (s, 1H), 11.42 (s. 1H), 8.64 (s. 1H), 8,12(d, H), 7.64 (t, 2H), 6.96 (t, 1H), 6.64 (d, 2H), 4.74 (d, 2H), 4.29 (m, 1H), 3.62-3.31 (m, 38H), 2.62-2.32 (m, 8H), 2.66 (t, 2H), 1.97 U, 2H), 1.94 (t, 211), LCMS: MH+1003, retention time 1.21 min.

LCMS Method: Column- ZORBAX C18 (50×4.6 mm, 5u), (mobile phase: from 90% [10 mM NH40 Ac in water] and 10% [CH3CN] to 70% [10 mM NH40Ac in water] and 30% [CH3CN] in 1.5 min, further to 10% [10 mM NH40Ac in water] and 90% [CH3CN] in 3.0 min, held this mobile phase composition up to 4.0 min and finally back to initial condition in 5.0 min). Flow=1.2 ml/min.

Example 90: Synthesis of Nanoparticles

Aqueous synthesis methodology can be used for the preparation and functionalization of ultrasmall nanoparticles of the present disclosure. For example, methodology based on the procedures outlined in WO 2016/179260 A1 and WO 2018/213851 A1 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties) may be used.

NDCs comprising the nanoparticle (also referred as C′Dot) can be prepared with DBCO functionalization as outlined in the flow chart presented in FIG. 2.

For example, a fluorescent compound such as, but not limited to Cy5, can be functionalized with a maleimide group, to provide a maleimide-functionalized fluorescent compound that has a net positive charge. This can be conjugated with a thiol-silane, such as (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) to produce a silane functionalized fluorescent compound such as Cy5-silane. The conjugation may be performed in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in a glovebox under inert atmosphere overnight (16-24 hours) and at room temperature (18-25° C.).

On the following day, the next step of the synthesis can be performed in a suitable chamber, such as a glass flask, container, or reactor, and can involve stirring deionized water with a pH of around 8.5-10.5 which can be achieved using an aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide of pH 7.5-8.5. A silica precursor, such as a tetraalkyl orthosilicate, e.g., tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) can then be added into the reaction chamber under vigorous stirring at room temperature, followed by immediately adding the silane-functionalized fluorescent compound, e.g., Cy5-silane. The reaction can be left stirring at room temperature overnight (1-48 hours), to provide silica cores encapsulating the fluorescent compound, e.g., Cy5 dye.

The following day, a PEG-silane can be added into the reaction under stirring at room temperature to coat the silica core with PEG molecules, and the reaction can be left stirring for 1-48 hours. This step may be followed by heating between 75-85° C. for 1-48 hours. The reaction can then be cooled down to room temperature and purified (e.g., including sterile filtration to remove aggregates formed as side-product of the reaction, and bacteria if any present). Further functionalization of the nanoparticle may then be performed.

Functionalization of Nanoparticles

A nanoparticle prepared using a method disclosed herein may be further functionalized, e.g., using a method outlined in FIG. 2 or 3, or in Scheme 82 below. For example, (3-cyclopentadienylpropyl)triethoxysilane (“diene-silane”) can be used to functionalize a nanoparticle (e.g., C′Dot) with cyclopentadiene groups, then DBCO-PEG-maleimide can be reacted with the diene-functionalized nanoparticle to provide a DBCO-functionalized nanoparticle.

For example, Cy5-C′Dot (which may be prepared using a method described herein) was diluted with deionized water to a desired concentration, typically between 15 to 30 μM, in a round-bottom flask with a stir bar. (3-Cyclopentadienylpropyl)triethoxysilane (cyclopentadiene) was first diluted 100x in DMSO and then added into the reaction with stirring, to reach a desired particle to cyclopentadiene molar ratio. After overnight reaction, 10× PBS was added into the reaction to achieve a final concentration of 1× PBS. Next, a DBCO-maleimide precursor (e.g., DBCO-PEG4-maleimide) was dissolved in DMSO and added into the reaction to reach a desired particle to DBCO molar ratio. After mixing for about 30 min to 1 hour, the reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. while stirring overnight. The reaction solution was then concentrated and purified using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to obtain diene-based DBCO-C′Dot. For example, a the concentration of freshly prepared nanoparticles may be adjusted, and a cyclopentadiene-functionalized silane can be added, and stirred at room temperature for about 1-48 hours, followed by the addition of a DBCO-maleimide, with further stirring at room temperature for an additional 1-48 hours, followed by purification, and a step of heating the reaction to 75-85° C. for 16-24 hours, followed by a final step of purification, to yield a DBCO functionalized C′Dot (referred as C′Dot or DBCO-C′Dot).

The purification may be performed based on the principle of size separation. Aggregates and free small molecules having molecular weight different than that of the pegylated nanoparticles are separated using gel permeation chromatography columns (GPC) or Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) system. Two different membranes, 300 kDa, and 50 kDa cut-off sizes were employed for the removal of large aggregates and free small molecules respectively. Both GPC and TFF systems can be used to transfer the aqueous medium to water, saline etc. Purified DBCO-C′Dot in deionized water can be sterile filtered again and the quality control (QC) steps can be performed, followed by storage in refrigerator at 2-8° C.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the neutral charge of the cyclopentadiene groups averts hydrolysis of the amide bonds in the linkage, that can be accelerated by other types of precursors (e.g., when using amine-silanes instead of diene-silanes, the primary amine groups can cause hydrolysis). Thus, the NDCs produced using this method are highly stable (see, e.g., comparison in FIGS. 33A-33B). Additionally, using diene-functionalized nanoparticles (e.g., cyclopentadiene-functionalized nanoparticles) in the preparation of NDCS greatly diminishes the self-condensation of silane during the reaction, and improves the stability, size homogeneity, reaction yield, and purity of the functionalized nanoparticles, relative to other methods (e.g., using amine-silanes).

Example 91: Synthesis of NDCs

NDCs of the present disclosure comprising the nanoparticle (also referred as C′Dot), targeting ligand such as Folic Acid and linker-drug conjugates can be prepared as outlined in the flow chart presented in FIG. 3. By adjusting the amount of targeting ligand precursor used in the functionalization step, a desired number of targeting ligands per nanoparticle can be achieved. For example, nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be functionalized to contain about 10 to about 20 targeting ligands, e.g., about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, or about 15 targeting ligands. Similarly, by adjusting the amount of payload-linker conjugate precursor used in the functionalization step, a desired number of payload moieties per nanoparticle can be achieved. For example, nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be functionalized to contain about 10 to about 40 payload moieties, e.g., about 20, about 21, about 22, about 23, about 24, or about 25 payload moieties.

DBCO-C′Dot (referred as C′Dot in FIG. 3) was diluted using deionized water to a concentration of 15-45 μM. After the temperature of DBCO-C′Dot solution was around 18-25° C., folate receptor (FR)-targeting ligand precursor such as, folic acid (FA) functionalized with an azide (e.g., a compound prepared according to Example 88, such as Compound 606) was dissolved in DMSO (0.021 M) and was then added into the reaction with stirring at room temperature, providing a C′Dot functionalized with FA via the DBCO group on the surface. The reaction ratio between DBCO-C′Dot and FA was kept from 1:5 to 1:30, and the solution was stirred for 16-24 hours at temperature of 18-25° C. FR-targeting ligand addition is followed by sterile filtration, purification and QC testing to yield FA-C′Dot (referred as C′Dot intermediate in FIG. 3), and can be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8° C. FA-C′Dot comprises a portion of DBCO groups that are available for further click-reactions, e.g., g with molecules with azide functionality. It will be understood that the folate-targeting ligand (e.g., folic acid) can be conjugated to the nanoparticle after conjugation with, e.g., a payload-linker conjugate.

The volume of the FR-targeting ligand conjugation reaction can range from 5 mL to 30 L, and the concentration of DBCO-C′Dot can range from 15 to 45 μM. The following parameters are given for a typical reaction volume of 600 mL and a DBCO-C′Dot concentration of 25 μM. The ratio of DBCO-C′Dot to FR-targeting ligands was precisely controlled to obtain the desired number of FR-targeting ligands per particle, and typically can range from 1:5 to 1:30. For a typical ratio of 1:12, folate-PEG-azide was dissolved in DMSO to a concentration of 0.021 M, and 8.571 mL of the folate-PEG-azide/DMSO solution was added into the reaction. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the reaction mixture was either purified to obtain FA-C′Dot or continue directly to next conjugation step if the purity of FA-C′Dot is no less than 95%. The conversion rate of FR-targeting ligand is typically higher than 95%.

The number of Folic Acid groups attached onto each FA-C′Dot was characterized by UV-Vis, and a representative UV-Vis absorbance spectrum is shown in FIG. 4. The number of DBCO groups on each C′Dot can be calculated using the extinction coefficient of C′Dot and DBCO groups

FA-C′Dots were diluted using deionized water to a concentration of 15-45 μM. After the FA-C′Dot solution temperature reached around 18-25° C., the linker-payload conjugate precursor, e.g., exatecan-cathepsin B cleavable drug linker with azide functionality (linker-drug conjugates of Formula (I)-(XII)) dissolved in DMSO (0.04 M) was added into the reaction under stirring at room temperature. This step functionalized the FA-C′Dot with the linker-drug conjugate via the available DBCO groups on the surface. The reaction ratio between FA-C′Dot and linker-drug conjugate was kept around 1:10-1:50 and the solution was stirred for 16-24 hours. The addition of linker-drug conjugate was followed by sterile filtration, and purification. FA-CDC (also referred as NDC) in deionized water is QC tested, and stored in refrigerator at 2-8° C.

The volume of the cleavable exatecan conjugation reaction can range from 5 mL to 30 L, and the concentration of FA-C′Dot can range from 15 to 45 μM. The following parameters are given for a typical reaction volume of 600 mL and a FA-C′Dot concentration of 25 μM. The ratio of FA-C′Dot to cleavable exatecan was precisely controlled to obtain the desired number of cleavable exatecan per particle, and typically can range from 1:10 to 1:60. For a typical ratio of 1:40, cleavable exatecan was dissolved in DMSO to a concentration of 0.04 M, and 15 mL of the cleavable exatecan/DMSO solution was added into the reaction. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the reaction mixture was purified to obtain FA-CDC. It will be understood that this method can be used for conjugating any of the drug-linker conjugate precursors disclosed herein to a carrier particle.

The number of Exatecan payloads attached onto each NDC, e.g., Folic Acid (FA)-functionalized drug-linker conjugated C′Dot (FA-CDC), may be characterized by UV-Vis. A representative UV-Vis absorbance spectrum is shown in FIG. 5. The number of Exatecan payloads on each C′Dot can be calculated using the extinction coefficient of C′Dot and Exatecan at 360 nm after the subtraction of the absorption of Folic Acid at the same wavelength.

As stated above, a nanoparticle may be functionalized with a targeting ligand and a payload-linker conjugate in any order (e.g., the protocol outlined above for functionalizing the nanoparticle with exatecan may be carried out prior to the protocol for conjugating the targeting ligand). Additionally, these methods can be used to conjugate a nanoparticle to any desired payload or targeting ligand, e.g., via any suitable linker. For example, any of the payload-linker conjugate precursors or targeting ligand precursors described herein, including in the above Examples, may be conjugated to a nanoparticle using these methods.

Example 92: Particle Size Determination

The average diameter of NDCs can be measured by any suitable methods, such as, but not limited to Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) (FIG. 6) and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) (FIG. 7).

FCS detects the fluorescence fluctuation resulted from particle diffusion through the focal spot on the objective. Particle diffusion information is then extracted from the autocorrelation of signal intensity fluctuations, from which the average hydrodynamic particle size can be obtained by fitting the autocorrelation curve using a single-modal FCS correlation function. The average hydrodynamic diameter of NDC was about 6 nm to about 7 nm (FIG. 6).

GPC is a type of molecular sieving chromatography, where the separation mechanism is based on the size of the analyte (here NDC's). The elution time of NDC is compared to a series of proteins with varying molecular weight. The results suggest that the elution time of NDC's is comparable to that of protein standards with molecular weight between 158 kDa and 44 kDa, consistent with the particle size average hydrodynamic size of about 6.4 nm (FIG. 7).

Example 93: Purity Analysis

The purity of NDCs was analyzed using reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC). RP-HPLC is coupled to a photodiode array detector, using a commercially available Waters Xbridge Peptide BEH C18 column. RP-HPLC separates molecules with different polarities and is suitable as an analytical method for NDCs because of its ultrasmall sub-10 nm particle size.

Using RP-HPLC, the nanoparticles are well separated from aggregates and other chemical moieties such as targeting ligands that are non-covalently associated with the nanoparticles and degraded products. Different chemical moieties are identified based on their elution time and unique UV/Vis spectra. The photodiode array detector collects UV-Vis spectra from 210 to 800 nm, and impurities of interest are measured at 330 nm. A representative chromatogram shown for the NDCs in FIG. 8, suggests that the purity of NDCs of the present disclosure is higher than 99.0%.

Example 94: Cell Viability Assay

The following example describes an in vitro assay that was conducted to determine the cell viability of exemplary payloads.

Method: Human KB cells (ATCC® CCL-17™) were cultured in folic acid free rpmi-1640 medium (ThermoFisher, GIBCO) for at least 7 days before the study. The cells were seeded in opaque 96-well plates and allowed to attach overnight (cell density was carefully controlled to be 3,000 cells per well at the time of assay). After that, cells were treated with drug analogs (suspended in the same RPMI-1640 medium) at a concentration of zero to 1,000 nM. After 7 days, cell viability was assessed using the CellTiter-Glo® 2.0 assay (Promega) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The percent of viable cells at each concentration was calculated by normalizing the luminescence values to the untreated control. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the payloads were plotted and fitted by using the Prism 8 software (GraphPad). Table 2 provides the IC50 of the payloads of the present disclosure (‘+’ indicates 1-9.9 nm; ‘++’ indicates 10-100 nm).

TABLE 2 IC50 of Payloads IC50 values (diluted in RPMI Payload No. (Example No.) medium) (nM) 385 (77) ++ 327 (76) ++ 105 (80) + 454 (83) ++ 422 (81) ++ 452 (82) ++ 377 (84) ++ 380 (85) ++ 458 (86) + 463 (87) ++ 410 (78) ++ 331 (79) ++

Example 95: Drug-Release Assays

NDCs of the present disclosure comprise a linker-payload conjugate, that may comprise a cathepsin-B (Cat-B) cleavable linker, redox-sensitive (otherwise known as redox-responsive) linker, or a pH-sensitive linker. Several types of payloads including, e.g., a cytotoxic drug molecule described herein, such as (but not limited) to SN-38, analogs of SN-38, exatecan and analogs of exatecan can be conjugated to a linker, to provide one of the linker-payload conjugates of the present disclosure. In order to screen the linker-payload conjugates towards development of NDCs, the linker-payload conjugates can be attached to a nanoparticle (e.g., the silica-based nanoparticle platform referred to as C′Dot), and the drug-releasing profile and the stability of linker-drug conjugates on the nanoparticle (e.g., C′Dot) can be tested.

To assess the drug releasing profile of exemplary linker-drug conjugates, the linker-drug conjugates were each conjugated to a DBCO-functionalized ultrasmall silica nanoparticle via a click chemistry reaction between the azide groups on the linker-drug conjugate precursors and the dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) groups of the nanoparticles. The resulting drug-nanoparticle-conjugates were then incubated under the desired releasing conditions for release kinetics tests.

Both SN-38 and exatecan exhibit absorption maxima at wavelength around 360 nm (FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B), and such a signal can be used to trace the payloads in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for releasing and stability studies. The amount of released drugs vs non-released drugs was measured using reverse phase HPLC by analyzing the area under curve (AUC) (FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B).

General Method: A Waters Xbridge Peptide BEH C18 column with 4.6 mm×50 mm dimensions, a particle size of 5 μm, and a pore size of 300 A was used (part number 186003622). Acetonitrile (VWR HiPerSolv Chromanorm, UHPLC Grade) was used as received without further preparation, 0.010% trifluoroacetic acid in deionized water was prepared by adding 1 mL of trifluoroacetic acid (HPLC grade, Millipore-Sigma) into 999 mL 18.2 MΩ·cm deionized water that was generated using an IQ7000 Millipore deionized water system and passed through a 0.2 μm filter before use. The seal wash used for the system was composed of 90% 18.2 MΩ·cm deionized water and 10% methanol (HPLC grade, VWR). The injection needle was washed using a mixture of 25 vol % 18.2 MΩ·cm deionized water, 25 vol % acetonitrile, 25 vol % methanol, and 25 vol % 2-propanol. Samples were prepared in a concentration range of 0.25 to 2 μM and the injection volume ranges from 60 μL to 10 μL, respectively. Higher sample concentration can be used if detector signal is low. Vials used for all injections are fresh Waters Total Recovery vials with screw caps that have pre-slit PTFE septa (part number 186000385C).

Method for Protease-cleavable and Redox-responsive Linkers: Before any sample injections were started, the PDA lamp was turned on and allowed to warm up for at least 30 minutes. The system and column were equilibrated with 95% 0.01% TFA in deionized water, 5% acetonitrile for at least 10 minutes at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min after the PDA lamp had warmed up. Two blank injections, with injection volumes of 10 μL containing only 18.2 MΩ·cm deionized water, were performed before the injection of any samples for analysis. The gradient used to elute protease-cleavable and redox-sensitive linkers conjugated to hybrid silica nanoparticles, and their components began at 95% 0.01% TFA in deionized water and 5% acetonitrile and linearly changed to 15% 0.01% TFA in deionized water, 85% acetonitrile over 8 minutes. Acetonitrile composition was increased to 95% over an additional minute and held at 95% for an additional 2 minutes to ensure that any strongly retained compounds are eluted. The composition of the solvent was then changed back to the starting composition of the gradient over an additional minute and allowed to equilibrate for 3 minutes before another injection began. Between sample injections a blank injection was run to ensure that no carryover occurred.

Method for pH-sensitive Linkers: Before any sample injections were started, the PDA lamp was turned on and allowed to warm up for at least 30 minutes. A gradient of pure deionized water and acetonitrile was used, all other consumables including column and vials were the same as for the method to purify Cat-B sensitive and redox-responsive linkers elaborated on above. Briefly the gradient composition began at 95% deionized water and 5% acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min (not changed throughout the method). The composition was changed from this starting composition to 15% deionized water and 85% acetonitrile over a 12-minute period, during which the retained drug-linkers, released drug, free drug linker, and any other impurities eluted. At the 12-minute mark the composition was rapidly changed to 5% deionized water and 95% acetonitrile over the course of one minute. This composition was held for an addition 2 minutes to ensure any late eluting impurities were fully washed off the column. The composition was then changed back to the starting composition and equilibration for the next injection was started. For the analysis of all cleaving data, Empower 3 ApexTrack integration was used to determine peak areas for all relevant components.

For a typical Cat-B protease cleaving study, 2 μL, 0.33 μg/μL of Cat-B (sigma Aldrich) was first added with 300 μL of activation buffer (25 mM MES, 5 mM DTT, pH 5.0), forming 2.2 μg/mL of Cat-B. The mixture was kept at room temperature for 15 min before use. After activation, 100 μL of 2 μM drug-nanoparticle-conjugate was mixed with 100 μL of activated Cat-B. The mixture was then transferred to 37° C. To monitor the cleaving kinetics, at selected post-incubation time points (e.g., 2, 4,24 h), 10 μL of mixture was sampled and injected in HPLC (TFA/acetonitrile). For the analysis of cleaving data, Empower 3 ApexTrack integration was used to determine peak areas for all relevant components.

For a typical redox-responsive cleaving study, 10 μL of 10 μM drug-nanoparticle-conjugate was diluted into 89 μL of PBS. Then, 1 μL of 1 M microbiology grade dithiothreitol was added to the PBS solution. The mixture was then transferred to 37° C. To monitor the cleaving kinetics, at selected post-incubation time points (e.g., 2, 4, 24 h), 20 μL of mixture was sampled and injected in HPLC (TFA/acetonitrile). For the analysis of cleaving data, Empower 3 ApexTrack integration was used to determine peak areas for all relevant components. Two of widely used buffer solutions in this study were 1×PBS (pH=7.4), and sodium acetate (pH 5.5).

For a typical pH-sensitive cleaving study, 100 μL of 2 μM drug-nanoparticle-conjugate was mixed with 100 μL of buffer with varied pH values (from <5 to >7). The mixture was then transferred to 37° C. To monitor the cleaving kinetics, at selected post-incubation time points (e.g., 2, 4, 24 h), 10 μL of mixture was sampled and injected in HPLC (deionized water/acetonitrile). For the analysis of cleaving data, Empower 3 ApexTrack integration was used to determine peak areas for all relevant components. Two of widely used buffer solutions in this study were 1×PBS (pH=7.4), and sodium acetate (pH 5.5).

The percentage of drug released during 24 hrs time period is presented in Table 3. Additionally, the HPLC chromatograph of three representative Cat-B cleavable drug-linkers is depicted in FIGS. 11A-I IC respectively. FIG. 11A depicts the reverse-phase HPLC chromatograph of an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 89 from Example 10, at different time points after incubation with cathepsin-B enzyme. FIG. 11B depicts the reverse-phase HPLC chromatograph of an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 158 from Example 25, at different time points after incubation with cathepsin-B enzyme. FIG. 11C depicts the reverse-phase HPLC chromatograph of an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 202 from Example 33, at different time points after incubation with cathepsin-B enzyme.

The time for half of the payloads to be released, i.e. T1/2, under the specific experimental condition was analyzed by fitting and is depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C respectively. FIG. 12A depicts the T1/2 as 2.9 hours for an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 89 from Example 10. FIG. 12B depicts the T1/2 as 2.6 hours for an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 158 from Example 25. FIG. 12C depicts the T1/2 as 1.4 hours for an exemplary NDC prepared using Compound 202 from Example 33.

Table 3 demonstrates the results of a drug release assay using certain of the linker-payload conjugates disclosed herein. Each of the linker-payload conjugates tested was stable, as 5% or less of the drug was released from the linker drug conjugate after 24 hours under non-cleavage conditions, i.e., when maintained in PBS, human serum or mouse serum. The release of drug from the linker-payload conjugates after 24 hours under cleavage conditions are shown in Table 3. (‘+’ indicates 5-25% release; ‘++’ indicates 26-50% release; ‘+++’ indicates 51-75% release; ‘++++’ indicates 76-100% release).

TABLE 3 Percentage of Payload Released in 24 hours Linker-Payload % of Payload Release in 24 Hours Prepared According to: Under Cleavage Conditions Example 9 ++++ Example 10 +++ Example 11 +++ Example 12 + Example 13-R isomer + Example 13-S isomer + Example 14-R isomer + Example 14-S isomer + Example 15 ++ Example 16 +++ Example 17 ++ Example 18 +++ Example 19 + Example 20 + Example 21 + Example 22 + Example 23 + Example 24 + Example 25 +++ Example 26 + Example 27 ++++ Example 28 +++ Example 29-Peak 1 +++ Example 29-Peak 2 ++ Example 30 ++ Example 31 + Example 32 + Example 33 ++++ Example 46 + Example 47 + Example 48 + Example 49 + Example 50 + Example 54 + Example 55 + Example 56 + Example 57 +++ Example 58 ++++ Example 59 +++ Example 60 +++ Example 61 + Example 64 +++ @ 3 Hrs Example 67 ++++ Example 68 ++++

Stability Test:

To assess the drug releasing profile and stability of exemplary linker-drug conjugates under non-cleavage conditions, the linker-drug conjugates were first conjugated to the ultrasmall silica nanoparticle via the click chemistry reaction between the azide groups on the linker-drug conjugates and the dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) groups of the nanoparticles (according to the Examples disclosed herein).

The resulting drug-nanoparticle-conjugates were then incubated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffer, human and mouse serum at 37° C. for stability tests.

For a typical stability test in PBS buffer, 600 μL of PBS mixture (drug-nanoparticle-conjugate concentration was kept at 2 μM, while the volume percentage of PBS was kept as 50%) was prepared and kept at 37° C. To monitor the stability of the linker-drug conjugates attached to nanoparticles, at selected post-incubation time points (e.g., 4, 24, 48 and 72 h), 10 μL of mixture was sampled and injected in HPLC (TFA/acetonitrile). For the analysis of cleaving data, Empower 3 ApexTrack integration is used to determine peak areas for all relevant components.

For a typical stability test in plasma from varied species (e.g., mouse, rat, dog, monkey and human), 600 μL plasma mixture (drug-nanoparticle-conjugate concentration was kept at 2 μM, while the volume percentage of plasma was kept as 62.5%) was prepared and kept at 37° C. To monitor the stability of linker-drug conjugates, at selected post-incubation time points (e.g., 4, 24, 48 and 72 h), 80 μL of mixture was first mixed with 80 μL of cold acetonitrile, and then went through 30 min of centrifugation at 10,000 rpm. After removal of the proteins, 60 μL of supernatant was carefully sampled and injected in HPLC. For Cathepsin-B and redox-responsive drug-nanoparticle-conjugate, TFA/acetonitrile was used and for pH-sensitive drug-nanoparticle-conjugate, deionized water/acetonitrile condition was used. For the analysis of stability data, Empower 3 ApexTrack integration was used to determine peak areas for all relevant components.

Example 96: In Vitro Flow Cytometry Cell Binding Study

Cell-binding activity of exemplary NDCs (“FA-CDCs”) disclosed herein was tested according to the following protocols. NDCs used were prepared according to the Examples disclosed herein.

Cells and Cell Culture: Human KB cell line, SKOV-3 cells and TOV-112 cell line were purchased from ATCC. I-GROV1, human ovarian carcinoma cell line was purchased from EMD Millipore. Cells were maintained in Folic Acid free RPMI 1640 media/10% FBS, and 1% of penicillin/streptomycin, unless otherwise specified.

Cancer cells were cultured in Folic Acid-free medium (RPMI1640, ThermoFisher, GIBCO) for at least one week before the study. Cell binding studies were performed by incubating 5×105 cells (total of 500 uL, 1 Million/mL) in cold PBS (with 1% of BSA) with FA-CDC (concentration: 1 nM) for 60 min at 4° C. (n=3). After that, the cell suspension was stained with viability kit (LIVE/DEAD™ Fixable Violet Dead Cell Stain Kit, Thermo Fisher) for 10-15 min. Then, cells were centrifuged (2000 rpm, 5 min), washed (2-3 times) using cold PBS (with 1% of BSA) before resuspending in PBS (with 1% of BSA). Triplicate samples were analyzed on a LSRFortessa flow cytometer (BD Biosciences) (Cy5 channel, 633 nm/647 nm, Live/dead cell stain, 405 nm). Results were processed using FlowJo and Prism 7 software (GraphPad).

The competitive binding study (FIG. 13) was performed using the NDC of Example 3. The active targeting of the NDC (FA-CDC) can be fully blocked by incubating with the presence of 1 mM free Folic Acid.

The competitive binding study shows >40-fold enhancement in binding capability of the NDC (FA-CDC) when compared with free folic acid, demonstrating the presence of a multivalent effect when conjugating multiple folic acid ligands on each ultrasmall C′Dot (FIG. 13A).

The flow cytometry MFI shows >50-fold enhancement in Folate Receptor alpha positive KB cell line when compared to Folate Receptor alpha negative TOV cell line (100 nM, 4° C., 60 min) (FIG. 13B).

These results demonstrates the advantages of conjugating multiple small tumor-directing ligands on the surface of nanoparticle (C′Dots) for enhancing the active targeting capability using the multivalent effect. The folate receptor targeting can be blocked by competitive binding of free folic acid, such as by incubating with the presence of 1 mM free folic acid.

The flow cytometry shows comparable folate receptor targeting efficacy of two exemplary NDC (FA-CDC) formulations with varied folic acid ligand density, in KB cell line. The linker-drug conjugate precursor used to prepare the NDC used in this study is described in Example 33 (Compound 202). Blocking in the the blocking group was achieved using 1 mM of free folic acid. (FIG. 14).

The results demonstrated dramatic increase (>300-fold of MFI) in folate receptor-alpha active targeting when the folic acid ligand density was increased from zero to 12 (i.e., 12 folic acid molecules per nanoparticle), while little difference was observed upon further increasing that density to 25 folic acid molecules per nanoparticle.

The flow cytometry shows comparable folate receptor targeting efficacy of three NDCs in KB cell line with varied drug per particle (DPR) (i.e., number of exatecan molecules per nanoparticle). The blocking group involved blocking receptors with 1 mM of free folic acid. The NDCs with different ratios of exatecan per nanoparticle were prepared using Compound 202 described in Example 1, and the results of the study are provided in FIG. 15. All FA-CDCs comprise between 12 and 22 folic acid moieties. FA-CDCs with high drug-particle ratio (DPR) comprise between 35 and 50 exatecan-linker conjugate groups. FA-CDCs with medium DPR comprise between 17 and 25 exatecan-linker conjugate. FA-CDCs with low DPR have between 5 and 10 exatecan-linker conjugate groups.

These results together with the nearly unchanged FCS sizing changes of the three NDCs demonstrate the robust surface chemistry and maintained folate receptor targeting capability of NDCs disclosed herein, which is surprisingly not perturbed by altering the loading capacity of payload, and demonstrates a significant advantage of the NDCs disclosed herein over other drug delivery platforms.

Pre-incubating NDCs in human plasma did not negatively affect folate receptor targeting ability. This study was designed to test the possible negative impact of human plasma on the NDCs, such as the formation of protein corona. The formation of protein corona and its negative impact on the designed active targeting capability of drug delivery system has been well documented in the literature. The results of this flow cytometry study are depicted in FIG. 16, which show nearly unchanged folate receptor targeting efficacy of NDCs at 1 nM, after preincubation with varied amounts of human plasma for 24 hours. The NDCs were prepared using the exatecan-payload conjugate precursor of Example 33 (Compound 202). The blocking group involved blocking with 1 mM of free folic acid. This study clearly demonstrated that the formation of a protein corona (if any) on the NDC had nearly no negative impact on the in vitro targeting capability of the NDCs.

Example 97: In vitro Cell Viability Assay

The in vitro cytotoxicity of the NDCs disclosed herein were tested in cancer cells. The cancer cells were cultured in folic acid-free medium (RPMI1640, ThermoFisher, GIBCO) for at least one week before the study. Cells were plated in opaque 96-well plates at a density of 3×103 cells per well (total of 90 mL) and allowed to attach overnight. The following day, cells were treated with NDC (FA-CDC) prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor compound 202 (Example 33), at a concentration range of 0-50 nM (0, 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50 nM) by adding 10 mL of 10x stock FA-CDC Solution.

Cells were treated for a pre-defined exposure time (depending on the study design, e.g., 4-6 hours, or 7 days). In the case of short-exposure-time viability study, cancer cells in each wells were washed with 100 mL PBS and refreshed with 100 mL of cell medium. After washing, the plates were returned back to 37° C. incubator for 7 days before the viability assay. In the case of 7-day-exposure-time viability study, no additional washing step was performed. After 7 days, the cell viability was assessed using the CellTiter-Glo2.0 assay (Promega) according to manufacturer's instructions. Data for both viability and proliferation were plotted using Prism7 software (GraphPad). Representative cell viability results of six FA-CDCs with similar surface density of Folic Acid targeting ligands and drug linkers is presented in provided in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Representative cell viability results of FA-CDCs with similar surface density of Folic Acid targeting ligands and linker-drug conjugates. Linker-Payload Conjugate IC50 in KB IC50 Prepared in cell line inSKOV-3 cell Example # Linker Type (++++) nM line (+++) nM 10. Cat-B cleavable 5.2-0.2 10.7 70. pH sensitive   1-0.5 17.9 68. pH sensitive 7.2-0.7 n.t 18. Cat-B cleavable 17.5 n.t. 25. Cat-B cleavable 2.2-0.2 0.4 27. Cat-B cleavable  5.2 n.t 28. Cat-B cleavable 72.2 n.t. 75. pH sensitive 42.7 n.t. 57. RedOx sensitive  0.6 0.9 58. RedOx sensitive 49.4 n.t. 33. Cat-B cleavable  0.3 0.13 Number of FA ligands per particle is between 12 and 22; Number of linker-drug conjugates per particle is between 17 and 25. “n.t” denotes not tested.

Example 98: Two-Dimensional (2D) Confocal Imaging of Exemplary NDC in Cancer Cells

A 2D confocal imaging study was carried out to determine the targeting of cells with varying levels of folate-receptor availability using NDCs of the present disclosure. The cells with high folate-receptor expression (denoted++++) were KB cells. The cells with no FR expression (denoted (—) were TOV-112D cell line. FR-blocked cells were also used.

KB cells were maintained in folic acid free rpMI 1640 media with 10% FBS, 1% penicillin/streptomycin. TOV-112D cells were maintained in 1:1 mixture of MCDB 105 medium containing a final concentration of 1.5 g/L sodium bicarbonate and Medium 199 containing a final concentration of 2.2 g/L sodium bicarbonate, supplemented with 15% FBS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. Cells were trypsinized and seeded in 8-well Lab-Tek chambered coverglass, at 1.0×105 cells per well, and cultured overnight to allow for attachment. Before incubation with FA-CDC, cells were washed once with folic acid free RPMI 1640 media. FA-CDC was added into folic acid free RPMI 1640 media to final concentration of 50 nM. For blocking conditions, folic acid (20 mM stock dissolved in 0.1 M NaOH) was added to final concentration of 0.1 mM and co-incubated with FA-CDC. Cells were incubated with FA-CDC at 37° C. for either 1 hours or 24 hours. After incubation, cells were washed three times. To stain lysosomes, LysoTracker Green DND-26 (Thermo Fisher Cat. L7526, ex/em504/511 nm) was added to final concentration of 100 nM in Folic Acid free RPMI 1640 media with 10% FBS, 1% P/S, and incubated at 37° C. for 45 min. Cells were washed once to remove remaining lysotracker dyes. To stain nuclei, Hoechst 33342 solution (Thermo Fisher Cat.62249, 20 mM) was diluted 1:4000 in Folic Acid free RPMI 1640 media with 10% FBS, 1% P/S, and incubated at 37° C. for 10 min. Cells were washed once, and media was exchanged to phenol red free RPMI 1640 media for confocal imaging using Nikon spinning disk confocal microscope, 60x objective, 405 nm, 488 nm, 640 nm laser lines, exposure time 100 ms for 405 channel, 500 ms for 488 channel, and 600 ms for 640 channel.

Results from confocal microscope imaging of FA-CDC in KB(++++) and TOV-112D(—) cell lines at 1 hr time point showed that FA-CDC were mainly present at the cell membrane of KB cells, which express high level of Folate Receptors, but not in blocking conditions or folate negative cell line TOV-112D, suggesting specific binding of FA-CDC to Folate Receptors. After 24 hrs, membrane bound FA-CDC were internalized and the amount of internalized FA-CDC significantly increased as compared with 1 hr time point. The internalized FA-CDC were localized in acidic organelles stained by LysoTracker, indicating that the trafficking of FA-CDC occurred though the endo-lysosomal pathway. The effect of serum on the binding capability of FA-CDC was also investigated by incubating FA-CDC particles in media supplemented with 10% FBS overnight prior to incubating them with cells, and no significant difference was observed (data not shown), suggesting that the presence of serum had no impact on the binding capability of FA-CDC.

The results of this assay are provided in FIG. 17, and demonstrate the highly specific active targeting and lysosome trafficking of the NDCs of the present disclosure, indicating that once the FA-targeting NDCs bind to cells they become internalized in folate receptor positive cell lines, where the payload may be cleaved (e.g., by cathepsin-B) to release the payload in the cancerous cell.

Example 99: Confocal Imaging of FA-CDC in 3D Tumor Spheroid Model in KB Cells

A 3D tumor spheroid model assay was conducted to determine the tumor penetration of the NDCs disclosed herein. The assay compared an exemplary NDC (prepared according to methods disclosed herein using exatecan-linker conjugate precursor 202 of Example 33), with a payload-free FA-targeting nanoparticle (prepared according to methods disclosed herein with only the FA precursor and without exatecan-payload conjugate precursor); a folate receptor (FR)-targeting ADC; and the corresponding payload-free FR-targeting antibody. The FR-targeting antibody was prepared based upon the published sequence of mirvetuximab (provided in U.S. Pat. No. 9,637,547 as huMov19; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The ADC was prepared with the same antibody and was conjugated to the maytansinoid drug DM4 (created by Syngene International Ltd.) via a 4-(pyridin-2-yldisulfanyl)-2-sulfo-butyric acid (sSPDB) linker (based on the linker used in U.S. Pat. No. 9,637,547). The ADC and antibody were each conjugated with Cy5 organic dye, by reaction with Cy5-NHS ester, and were purified by a PD-10 column.

Corning ultra-low attachment surface 96-well spheroid microplates were utilized in seeding KB cells for having KB spheroids with cell density 10,000/well. Single-cell suspensions were generated from trypsinized monolayers and diluted to 100,000 cells/mL using RPMI medium (Folic Acid free). 100 mL of cell suspension were dispensed into each well of a microplate. The plate was kept in an incubator for 24 hours for cells forming spheroids. KB cell spheroids can be easily observed by microscope with 10× objective.

3D KB spheroids formed after overnight culturing in an ultra-low 96-well microplates. NDC (prepared using exatecan-linker conjugate precursor 202 of Example 33), folate-targeted nanoparticles (“FA-C′Dot”), FR-targeted ADC, or payload-free FR-targeted antibody were added into wells (n=3) with 50 nM final concentration and incubated for 4 hours at 37° C. Each treated KB spheroid and control spheroid were washed with PBS for three times and then carefully transferred to a glass bottom 96-well plate (Cellvis) for observation by Nikon AIR-STED confocal microscope, using laser line 640 nm, 20 X objective. Z-stacks were acquired by taking 2-dimensional images each separated by 1 m in the Z-direction.

Results from the Z-stack confocal microscope imaging of KB tumor spheroid treated with the NDC, FA-C′Dot, FR-targeted ADC, and payload-free FR-targeted antibody is depicted in FIG. 18. The results show that the penetration and well diffusion of NDC and FA-C′Dots throughout the whole >800 mm of tumor spheroids. In contrast, labeled antibody and ADC merely accumulated around, but not inside of, the tumor spheroids. The ability of the NDCs disclosed herein to achieve efficient tumor penetration is highly advantageous, and shows significant improvement compared to conventional drug delivery platforms.

Example 100: 89Zr Radiolabeling of DFO-FA-CDC and In Vivo Static PET/CT and Biodistribution Studies

A radiolabeling assay was conducted to determine the in vivo biodistribution of the folate receptor-targeting NDCs of the present disclosure. The NDCs used for the assay were conjugated with the chelator desferrioxamine (DFO) and then bound with a radionuclide (89Zr).

For a typical 89Zr labeling, about 1 nmol of DFO-conjugated FA-CDC were mixed with 1 mCi of 89Zr-oxalate (produced and provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison Cyclotron group) in HEPES buffer (pH 8) at 37° C. for 60 min; final labeling pH was kept at 7-7.5. The labeling yield could be monitored by using radio instant thin-layer chromatography (iTLC). An ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) challenge procedure was then introduced to remove any nonspecifically bound 89Zr from the particle surface. As-synthesized 89Zr-DFO-FA-CDC were then purified by using a PD-10 column. The final radiochemical purity was quantified by using iTLC.

For PET/CT imaging, healthy nude mice (n=3) were i.v.-injected with 200-300 μCi (7.4-11.1 MBq)89Zr-DFO-FA-CDC. Approximately 5 min prior to the acquisition of PET/CT images, mice were anesthetized by inhalation of 2% isoflurane/oxygen gas mixture and placed on the scanner bed; anesthesia was maintained using 1% isoflurane/gas mixture. PET/CT imaging was performed in a small-animal PET/CT scanner (Inveon microPET/microCT) at 1-2, 24, 48, and 72 h post-injection. An energy window of 350-700 keV and a coincidence timing window of 6 ns were used. Data were sorted into 2D histograms by Fourier rebinning, and transverse images were reconstructed by filtered back-projection into a 128×128×63 (0.72×0.72×1.3 mm3) matrix. The PET/CT imaging data were normalized to correct for nonuniformity of response, dead-time count losses, positron branching ratio, and physical decay to the time of injection; no attenuation, scatter, or partial-volume averaging corrections were applied. The counting rates in the reconstructed images were converted to activity concentrations (percentage injected dose per gram of tissue, % ID/g) by use of a system calibration factor derived from the imaging of a mouse-sized water-equivalent phantom containing 89Zr. Region-of-interest (ROI) analyses of the PET data were performed using IRW software. At 72 h post-injection, organs from each individual mouse were collected, wet-weighted and gamma counted (Automatic Wizard2 γ-Counter, PerkinElmer). The uptake of 89Zr-DFO-FA-CDC was presented as % ID/g (mean±SD).

The NDCs of the present disclosure enable precise tumor targeting, deep tumor penetration and high tumor killing efficacy. The NDCs can be cleared rapidly and efficiently from the body, which reduces the potential for off-target toxicities and results in an improved safety profile. The NDCs disclosed herein can be administered to a subject and circulate through the blood stream, target the cancer (e.g., tumor), diffuse, penetrate, internalize, and be cleaved to release the payload, killing the cancer cells.

In this study, the renal clearance and biodistribution pattern of FA-CDC were tested. As shown in FIG. 19A, after the intravenous injection, the 89Zr-DFO-FA-CDC circulated in the blood stream of healthy nude mouse, as indicated by the high radioactive signal from the heart and artery. Dominant radioactive signal can also be seen from the mouse bladder, demonstrate the renal clearance of the NDC. After 24 h, the majority of the injected 89Zr-DFO-FA-CDC was cleared out of the mouse body. The changes in biodistribution pattern at 2 hour and 24 hour post-injection is also shown in FIG. 19B. As expected, the NDC can circulate in the blood stream with a dominant renal clearance pathway, whilst avoiding clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) (i.e., liver and spleen).

Example 101: Human KB Tumor Model and In Vivo Efficacy Study

The in vivo efficacy of the NDC was carried out using a human KB tumor mouse model. The compared used the following NDCs: NDC A prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor Compound 342, provided in Example 57; NDC B prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor Compound 87, provided in Example 10; NDC C prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor Compound 158, provided in Example 25; NDC D prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor 202, provided in Example 33; NDC E prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor Compound 418, provided in Example 70; and NDC F prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor Compound 430, provided in Example 74. Each NDC was compared to a control and free exatecan, and NDCs E and F were compared to free exatecan and irinotecan (CPT-11).

Human KB cell line was purchased from ATCC and maintained in Folic Acid free RPMI 1640 media/10% FBS, and 1% of penicillin/streptomycin, unless otherwise specified. Once the KB cells were cultured to reach an adequate cell count, the cell viability was confirmed by a hemocytometer and trypan blue staining assay. For subcutaneous implantation, each mouse was injected with KB cells at a density of 2×106 cells/mice at 0.1 mL Matrigel/cell dilution volume per injection on the left lower flank of the thigh. Once a subcutaneous tumor volume has reached a palpable size of 75 to 150 mm3 in a required number of mice for this study, the mice was randomized and assigned to each treatment cohort resulting with comparable tumor volume statistics. Following randomization and study cohort assignment, each dose cohort was treated according to the routes of administration, dosage and schedule.

Two dose levels of each of NDCs B-D were used in the efficacy study (and one dose level for NDCs A, E and F). Tumor volume measurements were performed using a calibrated caliper every second day during the dose treatment period, followed by twice weekly measurements during the recovery period of the in-life phase, and tumor volumes were determined using the formula length (mm) x width (mm) x width (mm)×0.50. Body weight measurements were performed every second day during the dose treatment period, followed by twice weekly measurements during the recovery period of the in-life phase. Mice were euthanized when the end points of the study reached 1000 mm3. Tumors were harvested and tumor size was measured. Tumor were surgically excised and snap-frozen for storage at −80° C. until future analysis.

FIGS. 20A-20F depicts the in vivo tumor growth inhibition studies of the six folate receptor-targeting NDCs (FA-CDCs) in KB tumor-bearing mice (n=7). The tumor growth charts depicted for the in vivo efficacy study shows a clear response of tumor growth inhibition in mice treated with NDCs A-D, while mice treated with NDC E or NDC F showed no significant inhibition in tumor growth. Doses for the NDC comprising cathepsin-B enzyme cleavable linkers (such as groups of mice that receivedNDCs B, C, or D), and NDC comprising pH- and di-thiol drug linkers (i.e., groups of mice that received NDCs A, E, or F) are provided in FIGS. 20A-20F. Control group mice received normal saline follow the same Q3DX3 dose regimen.

Example 102: Activity of NDCs in Drug-Resistant Cell Lines Compared to Free Drug

An assay was carried out using the NDCs disclosed herein to determine their activity in drug-resistant cancer cells (specifically, irinotecan-resistant KB cells and extecan-resistant KB cells). The NDCs used in this assay were prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor 202 (from Example 33).

Development of TOP1 Inhibitor-Resistant Folate Receptor Alpha Positive Cancer Cells.

Naïve human KB cell line were purchased from ATCC and maintained in folic acid free RPMI 1640 media/10% FBS, and 1% of penicillin/streptomycin. To develop the TOP1 inhibitor resistant KB cells, the cells in flask (50-60% confluence) were repeatedly treated with increasing concentration of exatecan, topotecan, SN-38 or irinotecan for over 4 months. The starting TOP1 inhibitor treatment concentration was close to the KB cell's IC90 values. After each treatment, the cells were carefully washed with fresh RPMI 1640 media, and left to proliferate for an additional 2-3 days until reaching 50-60% confluence. The next round of TOP1 inhibitor treatment was started with 2-10× higher TOP1 inhibitor concentration.

Resistant Factor and IC50 Assay.

Both naïve and TOP1 inhibitor resistant KB cell were cultured in folic acid-free medium (RPMI1640, ThermoFisher, GIBCO). Cells were plated in opaque 96-well plates at a density of 3×103 cells per well (total of 90 μL) and allowed to attach overnight. The following day, cells were treated with selected TOP1 inhibitors or FA-CDC at suitable concentration ranges. After exposing the TOP1 inhibitors with both types of cells for the same period of time, the cell viability was assessed using the CellTiter-Glo2.0 assay (Promega) according to manufacturer's instructions. Data for both viability and proliferation were plotted using Prism7 software (GraphPad). The resistant factor can be calculated by using the following equation:

Resistant factor = IC 5 0 of resistant KB cell IC 5 0 of naive KB cell

Irinotecan-Resistant KB Cell Line and Potency Test of NDC

FIG. 21A shows the IC50 curves of irinotecan in both naïve and resistant KB cells, which demonstrates the successful development of 5× Irinotecan-resistant KB cells, where IC50 free irinotecan in irinotecan-resistant KB cells was 3,618 nM, compared to 668 nM in naïve cells. FIG. 21B provides the IC50 curves of the NDC (FA-CDC) (prepared using drug-linker conjugate precursor 202, of Example 33) in the naïve KB cells (IC50=0.27 nM) and resistant KB cells (IC50=0.26 nM), indicating the NDC has a high potency that is uniform across both naïve KB cells and TOP1 inhibitor-resistant KB cells.

Exatecan-Resistant KB Cell Line and Potency Test of FA-CDC

FIG. 22A shows the IC50 curves of exatecan in both naïve and resistant KB cells, which demonstrates the successful development of >8× exatecan-resistant KB cells, were IC50 of exatecan in regular KB cells was 2 nM, compared with 4 nM in KB cells pretreated 4× with exatecan, and 16.9 nM in KB cells pretreated 7× with exatecan. FIG. 22B shows the IC50 curves of the NDC (FA-CDC) (prepared using the payload-linker conjugate precursor 202 of Example 33) in both naïve and resistant KB cells (4× or 7× pretreatment), where the IC50 of the FA-CDC was 0.27 nM, 0.28 nM, and 0.30 nM, respectively. The results indicated the NDC possesses high potency uniformly in both the naïve and resistant KB cells.

Example 103: Activity of NDCs in Cancer Cells with Varied Folate Receptor Expression Levels

An assay was conducted to determine the cytotoxicity of exemplary NDCs (FA-CDCs), with varying levels of drug-to-particle ratio, in different FR-alpha overexpressing cancer cell lines, compared to non-conjugated exatecan. The NDCs were prepared using the payload-linker conjugate 202 provided in Example 33. The NDCs (FA-CDCs) tested had a drug-to-particle ratio (DPR) of 43, 20, 8, and 1 (i.e., 43, 20, 8, and 1 exatecan-linker groups per nanoparticle).

Cancer cells with varied FR alpha expression levels (KB(++++), IGROV-1(++), SK-OV-3(++), HCC827(++), A549(−), and BT549(−)) were cultured in folic acid-free medium (RPMI1640, ThermoFisher, GIBCO) for at least one week before the study. Assays for 7-day exposure and 6-hour exposure were both conducted.

Cells were plated in opaque 96-well plates at a density of 3×103 cells per well (total of 90 μL) and allowed to attach overnight. The following day, cells were treated with NDC with varied drug-to-particle ratio (DPR) at a concentration ranging from 0-50 nM (0, 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 50 nM) by adding 10 μL of 10× stock compounds.

For the 6-hour exposure viability study cells were treated for 6 hours and washed (3×) with 100 μL PBS. 100 μL of fresh cell medium was then added to each well and the plate was incubated for an additional 7 days at 37° C. before performing the CellTiter-Glo® cytotoxic assay (Promega) according to manufacturer's instructions. The results of the 7-day exposure assay are presented in FIG. 23, which demonstrate that the NDC was highly potent across all cell lines, despite differing levels of FR expression in the cells.

For the 7-day exposure viability study, the cells were incubated with compounds for the entire 7-day period, followed by the CellTiter-Glo® cytotoxic assay. Data for half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was plotted using Prism7 software (GraphPad). The results of the 6-hour exposure assay are presented in FIG. 23, which demonstrate that the NDC was highly potent across all cell lines, despite differing levels of FR expression in the cells.

Example 104: Cytotoxicity of NDCs in Human-Derived Pt-Resistant Tumor Cell Lines

An assay was conducted to establish the cytotoxicity of an exemplary NDC (prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor Compound 202, from Example 33) in various patient derived tumor cell lines that are Pt-resistant, with comparison to non-conjugated exatecan. Cell lines were obtained from ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer (both HR+, HER2+; and HR−, HER2+; and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)), endometrial cancer, and head and neck (H&N) cancers. The results of the assay are provided in FIG. 24.

The cytotoxic efficacy was determined by KIYATEC using the KIYA-PREDICT™ assay. The FRα immunohistochemistry (ICH) scoring of tumor tissue from platinum-resistant ovarian, endometrium, non-small cell lung, breast, triple-negative breast, head & neck cancer patients were conducted by XenoSTART by using the Biocare Medical FRa IHC Assay Kit (cat #BRI4006KAA), following the manufacturer's protocol. A total of 28 PDX models from different indications were selected based on the IHC scores and provided to KIYATEC for the KIYA-PREDICT™ assay. Briefly, cryopreserved PDX tumors were thawed and enzymatically dissociated to single cells, and plated into 384-well spheroid microplates (Coming). Flow cytometry was also performed to assess the FRαlevels among different PDX models. Following the 24 hours of spheroid formation, NDC or controls were added at the designed concentration range and incubated for 7 days. After that, the cell viability was measured by CellTiter-Glo® 3D (Promega). The data was analyzed in Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism.

Example 104: In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of an Exemplary NDC in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia Models

Assays were carried out to establish the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of an exemplary NDC (prepared using the linker-payload conjugate precursor Compound 202, from Example 33) in folate-receptor alpha-positive pediatric acute myeloid leukemia models.

In Vitro Flow Cytometry Cell Binding Study

Cancer cells (IGROV-1 and AML MV4;11 cell lines) were cultured in folic acid-free medium (RPMI1640, ThermoFisher, GIBCO) for at least one week before the study. Cell binding studies were performed by incubating 5×105 cells (total of 500 μL, 1 million/mL) in cold phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (with 1% of bovine serum albumin (BSA)) with the exemplary NDC or with anti-FR alpha phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated antibodies (anti-FR alpha antibody-PE) (concentration: 10 nM) for 60 min at 4° C. (n=3). A non-targeted CDC and isotype antibody-PE were used as negative controls for the exemplary NDC and anti-FR alpha antibody-PE, respectively. The cell suspension was then stained with viability kit (LIVE/DEAD™ Fixable Violet Dead Cell Stain Kit, Thermo Fisher) for 10-15 min. The cells were next centrifuged (2000 revolutions per minute, 5 min), washed (2-3 times) using cold PBS (with 1% of BSA) before resuspending in PBS (with 1% of BSA). Triplicate samples were analyzed on a LSRFortessa flow cytometer (BD Biosciences) (Cy5 channel, 633 nm/647 nm, Live/dead cell stain, 405 nm). Results were processed using FlowJo and Prism 7 software (GraphPad).

The flow cytometry histograms of the exemplary NDC and anti-FR alpha antibody-PE compared with the respective negative controls (non-targeted NDC or isotype antibody-PE) are shown in FIGS. 25A-25D. The flow study demonstrates the specific FR alpha targeting capability of the exemplary NDC to both the IGROV-1 (FR alpha positive human ovarian cancer) and the AML MV4;11 cell lines.

In Vitro CellTiter-Glo® Cytotoxic Assay

Cancer cells (IGROV-1 and AML MV4;11 cell lines) were cultured in folic acid-free medium (RPMI1640, ThermoFisher, GIBCO) for at least one week before the study. Cells were plated in opaque 96-well plates at a density of 3×103 cells per well (total of 90 μL) and allowed to attach overnight. The following day, cells were treated with the exemplary NDC at a concentration ranging from 0-100 nM, by adding 10 μL of 10× stock NDC solution. For the shorter exposure viability study, cells were treated for 4 hours and washed (3×) with 100 μL PBS. 100 μL of fresh cell medium without the NDC was then added to each well and the plate was incubated for an additional 5 days at 37° C. before performing the CellTiter-Glo® cytotoxic assay (Promega) according to manufacturer's instructions. Data for half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was plotted using Prism7 software (GraphPad).

The in vitro specific cytotoxic activity of the exemplary NDC in FR alpha positive human ovarian cancer and MV4;11 AML cell lines is displayed in FIGS. 26A-26B. Cells were treated with the exemplary NDC at the indicated concentrations, incubated at 37° C. for 4 hours, washed, and returned to the incubator for an additional 5 days, before performing the CellTiter-Glo® cytotoxic assay.

CBFA2T3-GLIS2 Fusion-Positive AML Cell Line-Derived Xenograft Models

In vivo anti-tumor killing activity of the exemplary NDC was assessed in cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) models. NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice were fed with folate free chow for 1 week prior to injection with AML cell lines. Then 1-5 million fusion-positive cell lines (M07e, WSU-AML) and engineered cells (MV4;11 FOLR+) transduced with Luciferase reporter were transplanted into the NSG mice via tail-vein injections. Leukemia burden and response to treatments was monitored using non-invasive bioluminescent imaging (from both the front and the back of the mouse), and flow cytometry analysis of mouse peripheral blood drawn by submandibular bleeds was carried out bi-weekly, starting from the first week of CDC treatment. Mice were monitored for disease symptoms (including tachypnea, hunchback, persistent weight loss, fatigue, and hind-limb paralysis). Mice from the saline control group (Cohort 1) were euthanized due to the high AML burden on Day 44 post-leukemia injection (tissues including blood, bone marrow, thymus, liver, lungs and spleen were harvested at necropsy and analyzed for the presence of leukemia cells). Mice from the treatment groups (Cohorts 2-4) continued to receive weekly bioluminescent imaging and bodyweight monitoring. An illustration of the timeline for mice preparation, treatment, and imaging is provided in FIG. 31.

All the mice were randomized prior to dosing and weighed to provide the correct designed dose based on Table 5 below. Leukemia burden and response to treatments was monitored weekly using non-invasive bioluminescent imaging. Bodyweight was measured every other day. The mice were terminated if their weight loss was over 20%.

TABLE 5 Dose design (n = 5 per group) Clinical Dose IV Dose Observations Material (mg/kg of volume and Study End Cohort Administered Study Phase Exatecan) Regimen (mL/kg) Points 1 Normal saline Vehicle control n/ap Q3D × 3 10 Every other day 2 NDC escalation 0.33 Q3D × 6 10 body weight (BW) 3 NDC escalation 0.50 Q3D × 3 10 End point: BW loss 4 NDC escalation 0.65 Q3D × 3 10 >20%

FIG. 27 provides the bodyweight change of AML mice treated with normal saline and the exemplary NDC at the three dose levels indicated in Table 5. The normal saline group (Cohort 1) showed a bodyweight loss within 20%, mainly due to the leukemia burden. In the 0.33 mg/kg (Q3D×6) dose group (Cohort 2), 4 of 5 mice tolerated the NDC well (<20% loss), and bodyweight was gained after 6 doses; while the remaining mouse showed >20% bodyweight loss after the 5th dose, and more bodyweight loss after the 6th dose. In the 0.50 mg/kg (Q3D×3) dose group (Cohort 3), all 5 mice tolerated the NDC well (<20% loss), and bodyweight was gained after 3 doses. In the 0.65 mg/kg (Q3D×3) group (Cohort 4), 2 of 5 mice tolerated the NDC well (<20% loss), and bodyweight was gained after 3 doses; while 3 of 5 mice showed >20% bodyweight loss after the 3rd dose.

FIG. 28 provides the in vivo bioluminescence images (BLI) obtained from the AML mice treated with normal saline or the exemplary NDC at each dose regimen (i.e., Cohorts 1-4 from Table 5). Quantitative in vivo bioluminescence imaging analysis of Cohorts 1-4 (i.e., AML mice treated with normal saline or the exemplary NDC at each dose regimen outlined in Table 5) is provided in FIG. 29. In the normal saline group (Cohort 1), the leukemia burden continued to progress, with the average whole-body BLI signal increasing >90 fold in 34 days, while a quick and dose-dependent suppression of the leukemia burden was achieved in all 3 treatment groups (Cohorts 2-4). The 0.5 mg/kg (Q3D×3) dose group (Cohort 3) showed 11-fold less leukemia burden on Day 34 when compared with burden on Day 1 post-leukemia injection. When comparing the 0.33 mg/kg (Q3D×6) dose group (Cohort 2) with the 0.65 mg/kg (Q3D×3) dose group (Cohort 4), 0.33 mg/kg was tolerated better with a slightly better response. Taken together, these data indicate the exemplary NDC successfully suppressed the leukemia burden in the FR alpha positive AML mice, and showed quick and dose-dependent response.

FIG. 30 provides a graph illustrating the results of bone marrow aspiration of Cohorts 1-4 (i.e., the mice treated with normal saline or the exemplary NDC at each dose group indicated in Table 5) on Day 42 post-leukemia injection. Leukemia was detected in the group of mice treated with normal saline (Cohort 1), while no detectable leukemia burden could be observed in any of the mice from the treatment groups (Cohorts 2-4).

Example 105. Stability of Linker Derived from Diene

In order to determine the stability of NDCs disclosed herein prepared using a diene-based functionalization approach, the stability of NDC prepared using a diene based functionalization approach were compared to NDC prepared using an amine-based functionalization approach.

The NDCs were incubated in 0.9% saline, PBS, human plasma (10%), and mouse plasma (10%) at 37° C. in a shaking dry bath for different time periods. Prior to analysis, plasma proteins in the samples were removed by precipitation, through addition of an equivalent volume of cold acetonitrile, followed by centrifugation at 10000 rpm in an Eppendorf 5425 microcentrifuge. Following centrifugation, the clear supernatant was transferred from the centrifuge tube into a clear total recovery HPLC vial. The supernatant free of any visible aggregation was diluted with an equivalent volume of deionized water to adjust the sample matrix to match the starting conditions of the HPLC separation and avoid loss of sensitivity. The purity and impurity of each sample was then quantified by RP-HPLC.

The targeted-NDCs produced using the methods described herein, using a diene-silane precursor, exhibited high stability in mouse and human plasma, and showed significant stability improvement, relative to corresponding NDCs produced using an amine-silane precursor (see FIGS. 32A and 32B). In the NDCs prepared using the diene-silane precursor, more than 95% of exatecan drugs remained on the NDCs for up to 7 days in mouse and human plasma, obtained by the UV-Vis spectra of the NDC peaks in RP-HPLC chromatograms. Meanwhile, an independent RP-HPLC assay monitoring free exatecan suggested that the released exatecan was below detection limit of RP-HPLC, i.e., 0.02%, and the absence of non-desired free drug further demonstrates their high plasma stability. The targeted-NDCs also exhibited high storage stability at 4° C. in 0.9% saline. Their purity, size distribution, and hydrodynamic diameter were characterized by RP-HPLC, SEC and FCS respectively, and remained unchanged over 6 months under storage condition. Such high storage stability is another key parameter important for both clinical translation and commercial manufacture.

Example 106. Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology Study

The pharmacokinetics and toxicology of an exemplary NDC were assessed in a rat model and in a dog model. The NDC used in this study was prepared using the exatecan-linker conjugate precursor compound 202 of Example 33. As demonstrated in the above examples, this exemplary NDC is highly stable in plasma and elicits antitumor efficacy in a variety of cell line and PDX-derived tumor models both in vitro and in vivo.

In 15-day repeat dose toxicology and toxicokinetic (TK) studies performed in Wistar Han rats and Beagle dogs, the NDC was tolerated at up to 0.87 mg/kg/day in rats and 0.174 mg/kg/day in dogs based upon conjugated exatecan concentration when administered on a QWx3 schedule via a 1-hour infusion. Observed dose-related toxicities for both species were limited to the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract. These are the same organs as those observed when free payload (exatecan) was administered, suggesting that the delivery of exatecan conjugated to the NDC did not broaden the tissue toxicity profile. Observed toxicities were recovered or substantially reduced by the end of a two-week recovery period. No drug-related hepatic, renal, pulmonary or ocular toxicities were observed, and there were no drug-related deaths in the repeat dose toxicity study.

TK parameters, estimated in the 15-day GLP study, revealed similar plasma exposure values in males and females for the NDC, total exatecan (conjugated and released) and released exatecan. The NDC exhibited an average circulatory half-life ranging from approximately 15 to 20 hours in rats, and 24 to 29 hours in dogs, with no accumulation of the NDC, total exatecan, or free exatecan observed from day 1 to day 15. Based upon AUC0-last (hr*ng/mL) released payload levels in the circulation were less than approximately 0.3% and 0.10% of the total payload levels in the rat and the dog respectively. No NDC anti-drug antibodies were induced in either species. In summary, the NDC has a favorable nonclinical safety/TK profile.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A nanoparticle-drug conjugate (NDC) comprising:

(a) a silica nanoparticle that comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently bonded to the surface of the silica nanoparticle;
(b) a targeting ligand selected from the group consisting of folic acid, dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic acid, and folate receptor binding derivatives of any of the foregoing, and wherein the targeting ligand is attached to the silica nanoparticle directly or indirectly through a spacer group; and
(c) a linker-payload conjugate, wherein the payload is a cytotoxic agent;
wherein the linker-payload conjugate is attached to the silica nanoparticle directly or indirectly through a spacer group;
wherein the cytotoxic agent is released upon cleavage of the linker; and
wherein the linker in the linker-payload conjugate is selected from a group consisting of protease-cleavable linkers, redox-sensitive linkers, and pH-sensitive linkers.

2. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the NDC has an average diameter between about 1 nm and about 10 nm.

3. (canceled)

4. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the average silica nanoparticle to payload ratio ranges from 1 to 80.

5. (canceled)

6. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the average nanoparticle to targeting ligand ratio ranges from 1 to 50.

7-8. (canceled)

9. The NDC of claim 1, further comprising a fluorescent compound covalently encapsulated within the silica nanoparticle.

10. The NDC of claim 1, comprising a structure of Formula (NP). wherein

x is an integer of 0 to 20;
the silicon atom (Si) is a part of the silica nanoparticle; and
the adjacent to the triazole moiety denotes a point of attachment to a targeting ligand or payload-linker conjugate, either directly or indirectly.

11. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the payload is selected from a group consisting of dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, thymidylate synthase inhibitors, and topoisomerase inhibitors.

12. (canceled)

13. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the payload is a topoisomerase inhibitor selected from a group consisting of SN38, exatecan, and analogs thereof.

14. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the NDC comprises a structure of Formula (S-1) wherein

Payload is a cytotoxic agent;
Linker is selected from a group consisting of protease-cleavable linkers, redox-sensitive linkers, and pH-sensitive linkers, and
the silicon atom (Si) is a part of the silica nanoparticle.

15. (canceled)

16. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the NDC comprises a structure of Formula (S-2):

wherein the silicon atom (si) is a part of the silica nanoparticle.

17. (canceled)

18. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a structure of Formula (I):

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to the nanoparticle or an indirect bond to the nanoparticle through a spacer group; A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar, Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar, Val-Ala-Gly-Sar, Val-Phe-Gly-Pro, Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro, Val-Ala-Gly-Pro, Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of a cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1 and R2 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy, or hydroxy; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl; with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X is absent, —O—, —CO— or —NRa—; Y is absent,
wherein the carbonyl in
 is bonded to Z; with the proviso that, when Y is
 X is absent and n is 1; with the proviso that, when Y is
 X is absent and n is 0; with the proviso that, when Y is
 X is absent and n is 0 or 1; with the proviso that, when X is —CO—, Y is absent and n is 0; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRc— or —O—; n is 0 or 1; and q is 1 to 3.

19. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a structure of Formula (II)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to the nanoparticle or an indirect bond to the nanoparticle through a spacer group; A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp- Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar, Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar, Val-Ala-Gly-Sar, Val-Phe-Gly-Pro, Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro, Val-Ala-Gly-Pro, Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; R5 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-7 cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5-6 heterocycloalkyl; with the proviso that, when A is a dipeptide, R5 is H; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Y1 is
 and Z is —NRc— or —O—.

20. (canceled)

21. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a structure of Formula (IV):

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to the nanoparticle or an indirect bond to the nanoparticle through a spacer group; A is a dipeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Trp-Lys, Asp-Lys, Val- Lys, Val-Arg, and Val-Ala, or A is a tetrapeptide selected from the group consisting of Val-Phe-Gly-Sar, Val-Cit-Gly-Sar, Val-Lys-Gly-Sar, Val-Ala-Gly-Sar, Val-Phe-Gly-Pro, Val-Cit-Gly-Pro, Val-Lys-Gly-Pro, Val-Ala-Gly-Pro, Val-Cit-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Phe-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Val-Ala-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, Phe-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid, and Trp-Lys-Gly-any natural or unnatural N-alkyl substituted alpha amino acid; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; and Z is —NRc— or —O—.

22. (canceled)

23. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a structure of Formula (V)

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to the nanoparticle or an indirect bond to the nanoparticle through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X is absent, —O— or —NRa—; Y is absent,
wherein the carbonyl in
 is bonded to Z; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRc— or —O—; n is 0 or 1; p is 1 to 3 and q is 1 to 3.

24. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a structure of Formula (VI):

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to the nanoparticle or an indirect bond to the nanoparticle through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; Ra, Rb and Rc in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Y1 is
Z is —NRc— or —O— and p is 1 to 3.

25. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a structure of Formula (VII):

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to the nanoparticle or an indirect bond to the nanoparticle through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Y is
 wherein the carbonyl in
 is bonded to Z; Z is —NRc— or —O—′ and p is 1 to 3.

26. (canceled)

27. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a structure of Formula (IX):

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to the nanoparticle or an indirect bond to the nanoparticle through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R1, R2, R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; Z is —NRc— or —O—; m is 1 to 3; and p is 1 to 3.

28. The NDC of claim 1, wherein the linker-payload conjugate comprises a structure of Formula (X):

or a salt thereof, wherein, line represents a direct bond to the nanoparticle or an indirect bond to the nanoparticle through a spacer group; Payload is a residue of cytotoxic moiety, and when Payload is a separate molecular entity it contains an amino or hydroxyl group that provides the nitrogen or oxygen atom at Z; R5, R6 and R7 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; R3 and R4 in each occurrence is independently hydrogen, halo, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkoxy; Rc is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl; X1 and X2 are independently —CH— or —N—; X3 is —CH—; X4 is —CH—; Z is —NRc— or —O—; and p is 1 to 3.

29-32. (canceled)

33. A method of treating cancer, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a nanoparticle drug conjugate (NDC), wherein the NDC comprises:

(a) a silica nanoparticle that comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG) covalently bonded to the surface of the silica nanoparticle;
(b) a targeting ligand that binds to a folate receptor: and
(c) a linker-payload conjugate, wherein the linker-payload conjugate is attached to the silica nanoparticle directly or indirectly through a spacer group: and
wherein the payload is released upon cleavage of the linker.

34-35. (canceled)

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the NDC is administered to the subject intravenously.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the subject has a cancer selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cervical cancer breast cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

38-46. (canceled)

47. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an NDC of claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

48-50. (canceled)

51. A linker-drug conjugate of any one of Formulae (I)-(XII) or I-B-XII-B).

52. The linker-drug conjugate of claim 51, comprising a carrier particle selected from the group consisting of a nanoparticle, a liposome, a nanogel, a nanoring, a nanocage, a microsphere, an antibody, an antigen-binding portion or fragment of an antibody, a minibody, and a nanobody.

53. A method of treating cancer, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a linker-drug conjugate of claim 51.

54-55. (canceled)

56. A linker of any one of Formulae (I-A)-(X-A).

Patent History
Publication number: 20230241243
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 7, 2023
Publication Date: Aug 3, 2023
Inventors: Aranapakam M. VENKATESAN (Rego Park, NY), Kai MA (Montgomery, NJ), Feng CHEN (Princeton, NJ), Fei WU (Plainsboro, NJ), Melik Ziya TÜRKER (Princeton, NJ), Thomas Courtney GARDINIER, II (Raritan, NJ), Geno J. GERMANO, JR. (Philadelphia, PA), Gregory Paul ADAMS (Hatboro, PA), Francis Y.F. LEE (Yardley, PA)
Application Number: 18/297,200
Classifications
International Classification: A61K 47/69 (20060101); A61K 47/10 (20060101); A61K 47/55 (20060101); A61K 31/4192 (20060101); A61P 35/00 (20060101);