Anti-GCC Single Domain Antibodies for Colorectal Cancer Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective targeting of guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) signaling pathways, which are disrupted in gastrointestinal disorders including colorectal cancer, necessitating novel approaches for therapeutic intervention.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel anti-GCC antigen binding molecules, specifically single domain antibodies (sdAbs) with defined complementarity determining region (CDR) sequences that bind to GCC, including heavy chain variable regions with sequences such as HYYWS, RIYPSGSTSYNPSLKS, and DRSTGWSEWNSDL, to target and modulate GCC activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional therapeutic methods are used, then general treatment approaches are available, but effective targeting of GCC signaling pathways is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeting effectivenessVSAvoidspecificity to GCC pathway
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antibody structure into single-domain units (VH or VL) that can independently bind to GCC. This segmentation allows the binding agent to specifically target the GCC signaling pathway without requiring the complete antibody structure, thereby improving targeting effectiveness while maintaining the ability to adapt to different therapeutic contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes affinity maturation and directed evolution to change the binding parameters of the single-domain antibodies. Through iterative selection and optimization processes, the binding affinity and specificity of the sdAbs for GCC are enhanced, resolving the contradiction between reliable targeting and pathway specificity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If single domain antibodies are developed with specific CDR sequences, then GCC binding capability is achieved, but complexity of molecular design increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding capabilityVSAvoidmolecular design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential antigen-binding portion of the antibody (the single variable domain with CDR sequences) and discards the rest of the antibody structure. This extraction achieves GCC binding capability while simplifying the molecular design compared to full-length antibodies, as the sdAb lacks constant regions and requires only a single polypeptide chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent focuses optimization efforts on the local CDR regions within the variable domain, which are the critical elements for GCC binding. By concentrating design complexity only in the CDR sequences rather than the entire antibody molecule, the patent achieves high binding capability with minimized overall molecular design complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If novel anti-GCC binding molecules are created, then therapeutic options for colorectal cancer are expanded, but manufacturing and characterization challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic application rangeVSAvoidproduction feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs single-domain antibodies that can be produced as transient or disposable therapeutic agents. The simplified sdAb structure allows for rapid production and degradation, enabling flexible therapeutic applications in colorectal cancer treatment without requiring long-term stability or complex formulation strategies, thereby improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal platform of single-domain antibodies that can be adapted for multiple therapeutic applications against GCC-expressing cancers. The standardized sdAb format with defined CDR sequences serves as a versatile building block that can be manufactured using consistent protocols across different indications, reducing manufacturing complexity while expanding therapeutic versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The anti-GCC sdAbs effectively bind to GCC, potentially inhibiting ligand binding and modulating cellular reactions, providing a therapeutic approach for treating GCC-expressing cancerous cells, including colorectal cancer.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention provides, among other things, novel anti-GCC antigen binding molecules (e.g., single domain antibodies (sdAb))

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240033359A1Compositions of guanylyl cyclase c (GCC) antigen binding agents and methods of use thereof
Publication Date: 2024.02.01 CRESCENDO BIOLOGICS LTD
  • US20240033359A1 patent drawing
  • US20240033359A1 patent drawing
  • US20240033359A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Antigen binding agents (e.g., single domain antibodies) that bind guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) are disclosed. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, antigen binding fragments, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antigen binding agents and fragments thereof are also disclosed. The invention also provides therapeutic methods for utilizing the antibodies and antigen-binding molecules provided herein.