Therapeutic Antibody Development Service

Therapeutic antibodies are a kind of protein designed with the intention of binding with particular molecules in the body called antigens. Protheragen utilizes modern tools for rapid preclinical translation and offers comprehensive services in therapeutic antibody development for ophthalmological disorders.

Introduction to Ocular Therapeutic Antibody

In the field of ophthalmology, therapeutic antibodies have provided a new approach to managing different eye diseases. Like many other diseases, these involve complex biological systems which, if untreated, may result in vision impairment. Macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy represent a constellation of disorders caused by the development of abnormal blood vessels that may result in vision loss. Therapeutic antibodies that block the growth of these vessels have shown great promise during human trials and in everyday practice, potentially helping millions of people.

Fig.1 Anti-angiogenic drugs target different VEGF signalling events. (Rapezzi, C., et al., 2022)

Therapeutic Antibody Development for Ophthalmic Diseases

At present, there is an array of antibodies targeting different ocular diseases which are at various stages of human trials. These include more established therapies such as ranibizumab and bevacizumab for AMD and DR, as well as more advanced agents like faricimab and brolucizumab, which are more effective and easier to use. The development process requires intense testing both in the clinic and laboratory to confirm safety and efficacy, while additional research is aimed at improving the delivery system and minimizing adverse effects.

Table 1. Molecular characteristics of VEGF antibodies and anti-VEGF agents. (Shastri D. H., et al., 2023)

Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research service. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.

Our Services

Protheragen specializes in developing therapeutic antibodies for eye diseases. With modern equipment and expertise, we assist our clients throughout the entire process from concept creation to preclinical development.

Target Identification & Validation

• Screening for specific markers of eye diseases at a higher efficiency like VEGF, TNF-α, IL-17 among many others.
• Employing CRISPR for gene editing to validate target significance within retinal and inflammatory models.

Antibody Engineering & Optimization

• Phage Display
• Yeast Display
• Ribosome Display

• DNA Shuffling and Error-Prone PCR
• Computational Design and Modeling
• Humanization of Antibodies

• Affinity Maturation
• Fc Engineering

In Vitro & In Vivo Efficacy Testing

• Cell-based assays (e.g., endothelial tube formation inhibition for anti-angiogenics).
• Disease models (e.g., surgical model, genetically engineered model, humanized animal model)

Pharmacokinetics (PK) & Toxicology

• Intravitreal half-life studies in rabbits/non-human primates.
• Systemic exposure and off-target effect assessments.

Formulation & Delivery Optimization

• Sustained-release formulations (e.g., hydrogel-encapsulated antibodies).
• Novel delivery systems (e.g., microneedles for minimally invasive administration).

Types of Therapeutic Antibody Development

With Protheragen's capabilities in target identification, antibody generation and optimization, as well as preclinical testing, therapeutic antibodies suited for ophthalmic diseases are developed with the highest standards in quality. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

• Cao, Yihai, Robert Langer, and Napoleone Ferrara. "Targeting angiogenesis in oncology, ophthalmology and beyond." Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 22.6 (2023): 476-495.
• Shastri, Divyesh H., Ana Catarina Silva, and Hugo Almeida. "Ocular delivery of therapeutic proteins: a review." Pharmaceutics 15.1 (2023): 205.