A zinc-dependent enzyme isolated from a strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas. Because glucarpidase rapidly hydrolyzes methotrexate into inactive metabolites, it may be useful as a rescue agent for methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity. In antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT), this agent is conjugated with an antibody that binds to a specific tumor cell type, allowing for glucarpidase-catalyzed activation of a co-administered prodrug at the site of the tumor.

(carboxypeptidase-g2) A bacterial enzyme that breaks down proteins and other substances, including methotrexate. It is being studied in the treatment of toxic effects caused by methotrexate. It may also help activate certain drugs to kill cancer cells. It is a type of chemoprotective agent and a type of prodrug activator.