Antibody Repurposing via Technein-Mediated Target Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antibody discovery and development processes are not suited for rapid response to new biological or chemical threats, such as bioterrorism agents or global pandemics, and there is a need for platforms that can rapidly repurpose antibodies to new targets for therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
Conjugation of original antibodies with synthetic compounds, known as Techneins, to redirect their binding to a second target without structural changes, utilizing molecules that non-covalently bind to the antibody's variable region and a different target, optimizing absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antibody discovery and development processes are used, then therapeutic antibodies with target binding and selectivity can be obtained, but the development time takes years and is not suitable for rapid response to new threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-developing a library of synthetic compounds (Techneins) with diverse binding specificities before a threat emerges. When a new target is identified, pre-existing Techneins can be rapidly screened and selected for conjugation to approved antibodies, eliminating the need for de novo antibody discovery and dramatically reducing development time while maintaining target binding reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses synthetic compounds (Techneins) as intermediaries to bridge between approved antibodies and new targets. The Techneins serve as mediator molecules that non-covalently bind to the antibody's variable region and simultaneously bind to the new target, enabling rapid redirection of antibody specificity without requiring structural modification of the original antibody
2Adaptability or versatility
If antibodies are repurposed to new targets through structural modification, then new therapeutic applications can be achieved, but the complexity of development and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs Techneins as intermediary molecules that facilitate target redirection without requiring structural modification of the original antibody. The Technein acts as a mediator that non-covalently bridges the antibody and new target, preserving the antibody's original structure and simplifying manufacturing while achieving adaptability to new targets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a platform where a single library of synthetic compounds (Techneins) can be used to redirect multiple different approved antibodies to various new targets. This multi-functional approach allows the same Technein library to serve diverse repurposing needs, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability
3Productivity
If rapid antibody development is pursued for new threats, then response time is reduced, but the safety and efficacy validation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by leveraging the existing safety and efficacy data of approved antibodies. Since the antibodies are already validated for human use, their Fc region effector functions, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles are well-characterized. This self-validation approach eliminates the need for lengthy new safety studies while maintaining reliability, allowing rapid development without compromising validated safety and efficacy attributes
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
Enables rapid repurposing of antibodies to new targets, enhancing their therapeutic potential against infectious diseases and cancers by leveraging the Fc region's effector functions and improving safety and efficacy profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a first molecule being capable of and non-covalently binding the variable region of the original antibody
Implementation Method 2
a second molecule being capable of and non-covalently binding a different, second target
Implementation Method 3
the repurposed antibody works via various effector functions of the Fc region of an antibody (ADCC, ADCP, complement activation, and interactions with other receptors on cells like Fc-receptor and the like)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to compounds and methods for repurposing antibodies.