Biologics 2024 was held in London, UK, from March 13-15, and featured key opinion leaders, experts, and researchers in pharmaceuticals and biotech as well as academia. The event showcased the latest innovations and technological advancements in biologics discovery and development.
The latest innovations in biologics discovery and development, including:
Protein & Antibody Therapeutics
Peptides
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
Cell therapy
Gene therapy
Sustainability in biologics manufacturing
Biointron Summary Report:
1. Antibody Discovery & Engineering
Integration of computational tools & AI/ML into biologics discovery workflows with high-throughput sequencing and screening are revolutionizing therapeutic discovery.
Tools like mammalian display have gained traction in antibody engineering due to the ability of mammalian cells to act as a “filter” for good antibodies.
Native mass spectrometry was discussed as a powerful tool for characterization in contrast to denatured MS.
Discovering novel targets from resilient individuals to develop monoclonal antibodies for hard-to-treat diseases, particularly neurodegeneration, e.g. Alchemab.
2. ADCs’ Therapeutic Potential
~90% percent of cancer patients are still ineligible for approved ADC therapies, highlighting a large unmet clinical need for novel treatments, like OGAP (unique membrane protein expression database) by Oxford BioTherapeutics.
Fc engineering and effector functions of antibodies for enhanced therapeutic function and safety.
3. Emerging Bioanalysis Techniques
Metrics for standardized glycoprofiling of biopharmaceuticals that may affect efficacy, clearance, and immunogenicity.
Mass photometry is a new bioanalytical technology which characterizes antibodies by directly measuring the mass and relative abundance of individual species as well as the complexes they form in solution.
4. AI & Computational Approaches
Platforms like a peptide scaffold-based library for the discovery of protease inhibitors by Genentech.
High-throughput protein expression to support reagent generation and AI/ML by GSK.
5. Oligonucleotide Therapeutics
New directions for RNA-based drugs such as short oligonucleotides to inhibit the functions of RNA Binding Proteins and optimizing the RNA-protein binding affinities by ETH Zurich.
Drug-like properties of oligo-based medicines like cargo (e.g., properties of siRNA) versus carriers (e.g., properties of LNPs).
6. Next-Generation Modalities
Multi-specific formats and binders beyond bispecifics like MFG-E8, a first-in-class proprietary bispecific HSA fusion protein to remove dying cells and microparticles to protect microvasculature and organs by Novartis.
Next-generation DARPin therapeutics: from small size single-domain radio-DARPin therapeutics to multispecific T-cell engagers were discussed by Molecular Partners.
7. Peptide Therapeutics
Long-acting injectables for delivery of peptides by encapsulation of drugs into lipid liquid crystalline (LLC) phases formed by molecular self-assembly by Camurus.
Recent efforts to improve oral administration of novel GLP-1 analogues for the treatment of diabetes by Novo Nordisk.
Thank you to all who visited our booth at Biologics 2024 to learn about our services! We had a fantastic time chatting with you and how it can help you achieve antibody development. Our expert team would be happy to answer any follow-up questions. Feel free to email us at info@biointron.com or visit our website at www.biointron.com.
The therapeutic efficacy of antibodies is closely related to their ability to recognize and bind specific epitopes on target antigens. Epitopes, or antigenic determinants, are a group of amino acids or other chemical groups that are part of a molecule to which an antibody attaches itself. Epitope characterization can help reveal the mechanism of antibody binding and apply intellectual property (patent) protection for novel antibodies, in addition to designing antibodies with high specificity and minimal cross-reactivity.
Understanding the differences between antibody specificity and selectivity is essential for designing and interpreting antibody-based assays in research for experimental accuracy and data interpretation. Antibody specificity refers to an antibody's ability to recognize and bind to a particular epitope—a unique part of an antigen that elicits an immune response.
Antibody-based assays are essential tools in biomedical research, providing the means to detect, quantify, and visualize specific proteins or antigens within complex biological samples. These assays' efficacy hinges on the antibodies' precise properties. While affinity, avidity, specificity, and selectivity are fundamental to antibody performance, the ultimate impact of these properties is heavily influenced by the experimental context in which the antibody is employed.
Biologics, particularly antibodies, have become indispensable in biomedical research and therapeutic development. Research-use-only (RUO) biologics play a pivotal role in preclinical studies, providing researchers with the necessary tools to explore antibody functions and therapeutic potential in vivo.
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