Since the approval of Orthoclone OKT3 in 1986, more than 100 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a variety of diseases ranging from autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer [1-2]. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, its crucial that these biologics are developed rapidly and efficiently. Among various antibody discovery approaches, including hybridoma technology, single B cell screening is a powerful and efficient strategy for generating antigen-specific mAbs based on the direct amplification of the VH and VL regions encoding genes from single B cells [3-4]. Notably, single B cell screening has various advantages that include maintaining the naïve VH/VL pairing, requiring relatively few cells, and the ability to discover antibodies against challenging targets.
Nanobodies: An Important Tool for the Next Generation of Tumor Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Sponsored PublicationsNanobodies are emerging as important tools for tumor diagnosis and treatment due to their small size, simple humanization, low immunogenicity, superior affinity and stability, high penetration, and adequate levels of solubility, and are expected to revolutionize the antibody-based drug therapy. In 2018, the worlds first nanobody was approved for marketing in the European Union to treat adult patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. At present, more than 20 nanobodies are being tested in clinical research worldwide, mostly in clinical phase I or II.
Discovering Antigen-specific Monoclonal Antibodies using Single B Cell Screening
Sponsored PublicationsSince the approval of Orthoclone OKT3 in 1986, more than 100 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a variety of diseases ranging from autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer [1-2]. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, its crucial that these biologics are developed rapidly and efficiently. Among various antibody discovery approaches, including hybridoma technology, single B cell screening is a powerful and efficient strategy for generating antigen-specific mAbs based on the direct amplification of the VH and VL regions encoding genes from single B cells [3-4]. Notably, single B cell screening has various advantages that include maintaining the naïve VH/VL pairing, requiring relatively few cells, and the ability to discover antibodies against challenging targets.
Agomab extenses Series B with USD40m Bringing Total Amount to USD114m
Latest NewsAgomab Therapeutics NV from Ghent, Belgium, today announced it has extended its Series B financing round with an additional close of $40.5 million (€38.4 million), bringing the total Series B amount raised to $114 million. Pfizer led the extension with an investment through its Pfizer Breakthrough Growth Initiative.
ACHEMA 2022, 22 – 26 August 2022 in Frankfurt, Germany
Sponsored PublicationsACHEMA is the world forum and leading trade show for the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. It’s where new developments are unveiled and trends are discussed.
Spatial Biology Company Navinci (Olink) closes EUR9m Series A
Latest NewsNavinci Diagnostics AB, a Swedish life science company formerly known as Olink developing innovative tools for spatial proteomics research, announces the closing of SEK 90 million financing. The round was led by Segulah Medical Acceleration, a Scandinavia-based life science-focused investment company, together with existing shareholders, including Landegren Gene Technology AB, Nexttobe AB, and Beijer Ventures AB.
Swedish SOBI awarded rights to market Zynlonta from ADC therapeutics
Latest NewsIn a deal worth around USD435m Swiss ADC therapeutics grants Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI) the rights to market freshly approved Zynlonta outside the US.
ECBF joins Novo Seeds and Sofinnova Partners in EUR11.5m round in Biosyntia
Latest NewsThe European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) expands its industrial biotechnology portfolio by joining the financing Series B of danish Biosyntia ApS. Biosyntia is a precision fermentation company focused on bio-based production for products such as vitamins and other ingredients.
Strengthening for Andera’s Life Sciences team
AppointmentsJan Van den Bossche becomes the 20th partner of Andera Partners. He joined the Life Sciences team at the beginning of July to accelerate the deployment of its BioDiscovery 6 fund.
Lonza invests CHF500m in Large-Scale Facility in Stein (CH)
Latest NewsLarge CDMO Lonza to build a new large-scale, commercial drug product facility including fill and finish to support customers across the entire product life cycle in Switzerland, investment of CHF500m.
Charnwood Molecular with new CEO
AppointmentsLee Patterson joins UK-based Charnwood Molecular as new CEO. After nearly 25 years at UK-based Charnwood Molecular, Prof. Steve Allin has stepping down as CEO. He will remain as an investor and Board advisor.