Fc Region Mutations for Longer Antibody Half-Life

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monoclonal antibody therapies face challenges in achieving optimal half-life and maintaining effector functions due to variations in Fc region interactions with FcRn and other receptors, which can compromise therapeutic efficacy.

Innovation Solution

Development of polypeptides with specific mutations in the CH2 and CH3 domains, such as T307Q, Q311V, and A378V, to enhance FcRn binding and increase circulating half-life while preserving effector functions like ADCC and CDC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If monoclonal antibodies are designed to interact with FcRn to extend half-life, then circulating half-life is improved, but effector functions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecirculating half-lifeVSAvoideffector functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific mutations (T307Q, Q311V, A378V) at particular locations within the Fc region to enhance FcRn binding affinity and extend half-life, while carefully selecting mutation sites that do not disrupt effector function interactions. This localized modification approach allows differential optimization of specific functional properties without compromising overall antibody performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying amino acid residues at positions 307, 311, and 378 in the Fc region to optimize FcRn binding characteristics. Through evaluating different amino acid substitutions, the patent identifies specific parameter combinations (T307Q, Q311V, A378V) that achieve enhanced half-life while preserving effector functions, demonstrating controlled parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If Fc region mutations are introduced to enhance FcRn binding, then half-life is increased, but structural stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehalf-lifeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically evaluating different amino acid substitutions at positions 307, 311, and 378 to optimize FcRn binding while monitoring structural stability parameters. The selected mutations (T307Q, Q311V, A378V) represent carefully chosen parameter changes that enhance half-life without compromising the structural integrity of the Fc region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs copying by creating mutant variants that replicate the desired FcRn binding enhancement while maintaining the overall Fc region structure. The mutations serve as copied modifications that can be systematically evaluated and combined to achieve optimal balance between half-life extension and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Duration of action of moving object

If multiple mutations are combined to maximize half-life extension, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing mutations at three specific, well-defined positions (307, 311, 378) in the Fc region rather than distributed modifications throughout the molecule. This localized approach simplifies manufacturing compared to more extensive mutagenesis strategies, as the specific mutation sites can be precisely targeted during antibody engineering and production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by defining a limited set of discrete mutation options at specific positions, which simplifies the manufacturing process compared to continuous optimization approaches. The fixed mutation sites with specific amino acid substitutions (T307Q, Q311V, A378V) create a standardized platform that can be efficiently manufactured through recombinant DNA technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3494134B1Engineered polypeptides and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 VISTERRA INC
  • EP3494134B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3494134B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3494134B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Polypeptides, such as antibody molecules and fusion proteins, comprising an Fc region, are disclosed. The polypeptides can be used to treat, prevent, and/or diagnose disorders. In particular, Fc regions comprising either one or multiple mutations selected from the partcicular mutations disclosed in Table 1 are disclosed. Certain of said mutations result in increased affinity for the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), and certain of said mutations result in ehnaced half-life of engineered antibodies and also have an impact on effector functions. Particular disclosed mutations are M252Y, S254T, T256E, L309N, T250Q, M428L, N434S, N434A, T307A, E380A, N434A, M252Y, S254T, T256E, or a combination thereof as e.g. T256D/Q311V/A378V, H285N/ T307Q/N315D, H285D/T307Q/A378V, T307Q/Q311V/A378V, T256D/ N286D/T307R/Q311V/A378V, or T256D/T307R/Q311.