An unusual source for antibody–based therapeutics

[Guest guest]

An unusual source for antibody–based therapeutics

http://www.onemedplace.com/blog/archives/1183

The future of medicine may lie in an unexpected place: within the immune

system of a llama. The Wall Street Journal reports that scientists in

Brussels are using llamas to develop antibody–based medications for

conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

Antibodies are known as the “soldiers of the immune system†and can be

programmed to target disease–causing proteins. Llamas, camels, and their

relatives create extremely small antibodies, which scientists hope can be

used to burrow into the crevices of a cancerous tumor or a pre–arthritic

joint—places that conventional antibodies are too large to enter.

At the forefront of this research is Ablynx. The Belgian biopharmaceutical

company is developing 24 medications using llama antibodies, which they

refer to as “nanobodies.†In December, Ablynx reported positive results in

Phase 1b trials of ALX–0081, an anti–thrombotic nanobody for patients with

acute coronary syndrome.

The company is partnered with pharmaceutical giant Wyeth to create a

nanobody drug for rheumatoid arthritis that could potentially replace

Enbrel, Wyeth’s popular TNF–blocker arthritis medication. Ablynx also

recently announced an extension of its research alliance with Novartis, a

partnership that began in late 2005.

Antibody research is currently taking place at a variety of international

companies. Symphogen of Denmark recently raised approximately $44 million in

financing to mature their pipeline of antibody therapies, particularly in

the oncological field. MAT Biopharma and Natimmune A/S are also working on

antibody treatment for cancer patients. Haptogen (acquired by Wyeth in 2007)

is exploring the properties of shark antibodies, while InterVexion

Therapeutics is developing medications for substance abuse and addiction.

While researchers are enthusiastic about the potential of nanobodies, the

first drugs are still years away from the consumer market. Further research

is needed to ultimately determine whether nanobody–based therapeutics will

be an effective treatment for humans.