Description:
- Targeted cancer immunotherapy
- Biomedical research
- Pharmacological innovation
Abstract
USC researchers have developed a novel approach using PAR polymers for the synthesis of bispecific antibodies, targeting both HER2 and T-cell CD3 antigens. By conjugating anti-HER2 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies to azido-functionalized PAR polymers, researchers achieved specific binding to HER2- and CD3-expressing cells. This innovative strategy enables the generation of bispecific antibodies and opens up new possibilities for biomedical applications, providing unique pharmacological activities and targeted therapies for malignancies.
Benefit
• Synthesis of efficient and targeted drugs• New strategy for development of bispecific antibodies
• Specific binding to HER2- and CD3-expressing cells for targeted therapy, with potent cytotoxicity against HER2-positive breast cancer cells
Market Application
High solubility and biocompatibility of poly-ADP-ribose (PAR) polymers makes them ideal carriers for therapeutic agents. PARylation results in the attachment of PAR polymers to protein substrates. These negatively charged polymers, with up to 300 units of ADP-ribose, have significant implications in genome stability, transcriptional activities, and protein homeostasis. Leveraging the valuable pharmacological properties of PAR towards the development of PAR-based conjugation systems for therapeutics would offer greatly enhanced efficacy and targeted delivery.
Publications
Cheng et al., 2023: Synthesis of Bispecific Antibody Conjugates Using Functionalized Poly-ADP-ribose Polymers
Other
Stage of Development
• Success demonstrated in a PAR polymer-based bispecific antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and T-cell CD3 antigens
• Available for licensing
Intellectual Property Status
Pending US Provisional