Blog

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have transformed therapeutic approaches for cancers, immune disorders, and infectious diseases. Their high specificity and success rates in clinical trials have driven increasing investment in their development. The World Health Organization examined clinical trial trends over the 2014–2023 period, emphasizing geographical distribution, disease focus, and gaps in research that could inform future R&D priorities.

Antibodies are essential reagents in biotechnology, with applications in therapeutic development, diagnostic testing, and vaccine production. Traditional monoclonal antibody (mAb) production relies on hybridoma technology, in which antigen-stimulated B-lymphocytes are fused with immortalized myeloma cells to produce stable antibody-secreting cell lines. While this method has been widely used, hybridomas are subject to genetic drift, potentially affecting antibody reproducibility.

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) represent a significant advancement in antibody-based therapeutics, allowing simultaneous binding to two distinct antigens or epitopes. Unlike traditional monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which target a single antigen, bispecific antibodies can engage two different targets on the same cell or bridge two separate cell types. This dual-targeting capability has opened new avenues in cancer treatment, particularly in hematologic malignancies, with emerging potential for solid tumors.

Pembrolizumab (sold as Keytruda) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), a key immune checkpoint receptor that modulates T-cell activity. As an immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab prevents tumor cells from evading immune detection by blocking the PD-1 receptor, thereby enhancing the anti-tumor immune response.

The immune system plays a critical role in identifying and eliminating cancer cells. However, tumors can evade immune detection by exploiting immune checkpoints, which are molecular brakes that prevent excessive immune activation. One of the key checkpoints is cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) represent a major advancement in immunotherapy by enabling the simultaneous targeting of two different antigens. Blinatumomab (Blincyto, Amgen) was the first bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody approved for oncology, marking a significant breakthrough in the treatment of B-cell malignancies. This article reviews the development, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and impact of blinatumomab on the evolving landscape of targeted cancer therapies.

The development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) has transformed cancer treatment by combining the specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxic potency of chemotherapy agents. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) was the first ADC to receive FDA approval, marking a significant milestone in targeted oncology therapies. Initially approved in 2000 for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), GO was withdrawn in 2010 due to safety concerns.

The past 25 years have seen significant advancements in therapeutic antibodies for cancer treatment, driven by academic and industrial collaborations. From the approval of rituximab in 1997 to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and bispecific antibodies, oncology has witnessed a transformation in drug discovery and regulatory approvals.

Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) represent an important advancement in cancer immunotherapy, enabling dual-targeting mechanisms that enhance tumor specificity, immune activation, and therapeutic efficacy. The structural and functional versatility of bsAbs allows for diverse formats tailored to different clinical needs.

Antibody-based therapies continue to play a pivotal role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. Recent regulatory advancements highlight the progress of multiple investigational and approved therapies across various indications.

VHH antibodies, also known as nanobodies, have emerged as a transformative class of biologics with applications spanning oncology, neurology, and targeted drug delivery. Their small size, high stability, and unique binding properties allow them to overcome many limitations of conventional monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01598Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have transformed modern medicine by providing highly specific therapies for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Their development traces back to key immunological discoveries that laid the groundwork for antibody-based thera