Bispecific antibodies are engineered to combine two epitope targeting regions into the same molecule and have long held out promise of expanding the potential of conventional monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Intelligent engineering of these molecules can go even further with the design of molecules with several epitope targeting regions termed multispecifics. In fact, the number of specificities, valency, and structure of these multispecifics can be varied in such a way as to allow an extensive panoply of potential molecular formats, the design of which can be exquisitely bespoke to the intended therapeutic use.
Uses of bi-/multispecifics
The industry pipeline for multispecifics has matured to a point in which many molecules from different multispecific platforms are poised to deliver new therapeutic products. The industry appetite for such molecules is indicative of the predicted therapeutic value of multispecifics, with the promise to propel the field, especially in oncology, to better clinical outcomes. Courtesy of their ability in binding multiple antigens at the same time, this diverse family of molecules can act in a variety of mechanisms by manipulating the spatial and temporal resolution of target molecules and cells.In this way, multispecific antibodies can bridge gaps or act as circuit breaks in signaling cascades, bring receptor molecules together, form multiple blocks on disease-related pathways, coordinate the interface between different cell types, to illaustrate a limited few.More specifically, multispecific antibodies have huge promise as cancer therapeutics. Mechanisms of action include selecting for tumor cells via multiple targets to increase specificity and potentially perturb refractory or resistant forms of cancer, bringing together tumour cells and T-cells and/or other effector cells such as NK cells to coordinate multiple complimentary immune mechanisms, the presence of several specificities also allow the increased acuity of targeting a tumour cell alongside the ability to target the tumour microenvironment and limit off-target toxicity
Overcoming engineering difficulties at Fusion
At Fusion Antibodies, we have extensive expertise and experience in the use of many established multispecific technologies such as Knobs in Holes platforms (KIH) but can also utilise novel, non-propriety design strategies dependent on a client’s requirements. With a quality by design approach, we employ our in silico and protein engineering expertise to design and optimise an engineering program ideal for an antibody candidate, shaped with the endpoint in mind. This quality first approach leads all the way through to protein production in our transient gene expression (TGE) services where we offer optimisation of bespoke expression and purification strategies, of huge value for such challenging molecules. The complete process of antibody engineering is devised with the end in mind with considerations about scalability and manufacturability. The ultimate aim of these approaches is rooted in increasing the chances of therapeutic success.
About Drug Discovery Innovation Programme 2022
Drug Discovery Innovation Programme is an invitation-only and one of the best platforms to learn the latest insights and develop lasting business relationships.
This year’s Drug Discovery Innovation Programme will highlight the challenges discovery pipelines have faced due to COVID-19 and will put a spotlight on thec adoption of technology to finding the solutions.
With over 100+ attendees, learn how modernization in R&D processes is fundamentally changing what the drug discovery research will look like in the next two to five years.
So, join us in 2022 for an in-person experience and 2-days of top-level strategic content and the current scientific insights, networking, and discussions from leading global pharmaceutical R&D executives.
Companies in attendance for 2022 will include Servier Pharmaceuticals, Monte Rosa Therapeutics, University of Oxford, WPD Pharmaceuticals, AISA Therapeutics, Anima Biotech, PDC*line Pharma, Eli Lillly and Company, Symphogen, IRB Barcelona, Axonis Therapeutics, Genentech, Arakis Therapeutics, Johnson & Johnson, Amgen, Revitale Pharma, Progenra Inc, CERo Therapeutics, Merck and much more.