Editorial

Which are the antibodies to watch in 2012?

Volume 4, Issue 1   January/February 2012
Pages 1 - 3
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/mabs.4.1.18719
Authors: Janice M. Reichert

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Abstract:

As we enter the new year of 2012, the realm of antibody therapeutics development seems full of possibilities for antibodies to watch. The commercial pipeline of antibody-based therapeutics continues to grow and now totals nearly 350 candidates. The molecular diversity of the candidates, especially those for cancer, is remarkable. Modified antibodies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, Fc or glyco-engineered antibodies and antibody fragments/domains now comprise more than half of the anticancer antibodies at Phase 1, and ~40% of those at Phase 2 and Phase 3. These types of modified antibodies have not been developed as frequently for other disorders–by comparison, ~90% of antibodies developed for non-cancer indications are unmodified IgG–but development of the new formats for inflammatory and autoimmune disorders is expected to grow. In addition, antibody mixtures and antibodies with indirect mechanisms of action (e.g., agonism of immune activation receptors or antagonism of immune inhibitory receptors) are entering clinical study more frequently.

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