Abbott scientists create one molecule with two antibody functions

Abbott scientists in the US have discovered a proprietary technology that combines the function and specificity of two or more monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) into one molecular entity that demonstrates drug-like properties and manufacturing feasibility.

These molecules, called dual-variable domain Ig (DVD-Ig), will allow for development of individual drug candidates that target multiple disease-causing molecules in various therapeutic categories.

According to the company, this landmark study demonstrates a completely new platform that may be relevant to cancer, autoimmune diseases and other complicated conditions in which multiple disease-mediators are at play. Simultaneous blockage of multiple targets using DVD-Ig agents may increase efficacy in comparison to inhibition of a single target using a mAb.

"Combining the specificity of two or more antibodies into one drug has been a significant challenge for researchers looking at next generation biologic therapies," said Abbott scientists Dr Chengbin Wu and Dr Tariq Ghayur, who designed the DVD-Ig molecules and led the research team.

"Abbott's approach is remarkably versatile and efficient in creating a single molecular entity with drug-like properties and the ability to target multiple disease mediators."

The process of combining two or more mAbs involves the use of molecular biology techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to link the regions (variable domains) of two different antibodies that target specific disease-causing molecules. The resulting molecule has two different (dual) variable domains, each of which targets a different disease-causing antigen.

Addressing only one disease target with a traditional mAb can result in limited efficacy because the disease can progress on multiple levels. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) distinct disease mediators (mechanisms) contribute towards various aspects of the disease such as inflammation, angiogenesis, pannus formation and bone and cartilage erosion. Therefore, targeting two or more disease mechanisms in RA may show far greater efficacy than targeting a single mechanism.

Using the DVD-Ig technology, research teams at Abbott have already created a single drug candidate that targets multiple disease components, one of which is TNF-alpha, a well-established target in RA. Preclinical evaluation of this drug candidate is underway.

Abbott's DVD-Ig approach is compatible with any antibody, including humanised mAbs, fully-human mAbs and chimeric mAbs, and can potentially be extended beyond antibodies to receptor proteins and other, similar molecules.

DVD-Ig drugs also may have improved efficacy because they target multiple disease-causing molecules, and can address redundant disease processes, in which two different molecules have the same disease-causing effect.

Abbott has completed technology validation on the DVD-Ig program, and is currently confirming process development and manufacturing for the technology platform. Concurrently, preclinical work has been conducted on a variety of combinations at Abbott to date.