Abstract
Limited Efficacy of Conventional Therapies Kindle Interest in Antibody Technology
The limited efficacy of conventional therapies, especially in the case of
several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, is creating a strong demand for
safe and effective alternate treatments. Considering this, monoclonal
antibodies (Mabs) are expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the
treatment of not only autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, but also
cardiovascular and other infectious diseases. Crucially, in furthering
research and overcoming challenges related to the humanization of antibodies
of murine origin, technology developers have successfully developed several
antibody humanization techniques. These techniques remove the immunogenicity
of the murine antibody in humans, thereby solving the problem of human
anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) response.
This Technical Insight study provides insights into developments in antibody
technology. It identifies and analyzes emerging technologies and novel
applications of existing ones in the context of antibody technology
developments. Also, the study endeavors to cover advances in R&D, product
development, and the regulatory aspects related to applications of antibodies.
Being a global study, the research service has been categorized into findings
that fall within the North American, European, and Asia Pacific regions.
Increasing Elderly Population Drives Demand for Immunotherapies
The expected increase in elderly population in industrial nations over the
next two decades is likely to be the most important factor driving the demand
for immunotherapies. While other autoimmune disorders and age-related
illnesses such as arthritis, Alzheimer's, as well as Parkinson's are equally
affecting the quality of life, the mortality from cancer, diabetes, liver, and
kidney diseases still remains high. Considering this, cancer, which has been
poorly served by traditional chemotherapies, represents a major area of
opportunity for biotech firms to develop immunotherapeutic products.
Among the many advances in antibody technologies, scientists at Jefferson
Medical College have used tobacco plants to produce Mabs - tiny guided protein
missiles that can target and hunt down cancer cells. The plants promise to
provide a cheaper, faster method of producing anticancer antibodies, raising
hopes that the technology can one day be used in humans. "Similarly, the Dutch
biotechnology firm Crucell N.V recently announced the discovery of a
monoclonal antibody against the West Nile virus, which causes a fatal form of
encephalitis in humans," says the analyst of this research service. "The
company expects that this antibody may provide a route to prophylaxis,
providing passive immunity in the event of an outbreak and, possibly, therapy
for patients who might otherwise develop encephalitis."
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