Abbott reports combination of mAbs

Abbott has announced that scientists at the firm have discovered new technology that can combine the specificity and function of at least two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as a single molecule that can be practically manufactured.

The provision of these dual-variable domain Ig (DVD-Ig) molecules will facilitate the development of pharmaceutical products that can target a number of molecules that cause disease in a range of fields.

Earlier efforts to combine antibodies into a single entity have been limited as a result of reduced manufacturing capability and inadequate pharmokinetics and stability.

Chengbin Wu and Tariq Ghayur, scientists at Abbott responsible for the design of the DVD-Ig molecules, said: “Combining the specificity of two or more antibodies into one drug has been a significant challenge for researchers looking at next generation biologic therapies.”

They added that the method used by Abbott is both efficient and versatile, with the company excited about the potential for drug development in a number of therapeutic areas possible as a result of this advance.

Last month, Abbott was awarded the 2007 Galen Prize for best biotechnology product for Humira (adalimumab), with the compound recognised as the first approved fully human antibody.