In Silico Sequence Optimization and Humanization
Antibody optimization focuses on adjusting the sequence of lead antibody candidates to remove sequence liabilities (e.g., unpaired cysteines, problematic PTMs. etc.) and humanize the antibody sequence if the candidates come from non-human sources. The process is done in silico and is important to antibody development as it makes antibodies more stable and manufacturable, and less immunogenic. Following in silico design, lead antibody variants are reformatted, if needed, expressed, and re-characterized to ensure that key characteristics have been maintained or enhanced.
De-risk Your Leads for Efficient Downstream Development
Eurofins Discovery provides in silico antibody optimization, removing risky sequence liabilities and humanizing your lead antibody candidates. Our experienced team then takes your pool of optimized leads, develops a small-scale expression system, and characterizes antigen binding, affinity, and functional activity compared to the parental lead candidate. We can help you optimize a diverse array of antibody formats, including scFv, Fab, IgG, IgM, VHH, and multi-specifics.
Sequence optimization
Sequence optimization of lead antibody candidates involves modifying the sequence to enhance therapeutic and developability properties, such as improving binding affinity, reducing immunogenicity, increasing stability, optimizing pharmacokinetics, and facilitating manufacturability. Lead antibody optimization is important because it ensures the antibody is safe for patient use, stable throughout its shipping and shelf-life, economically feasible to produce with higher yields and simplified purification, and compliant with regulatory standards for safety and efficacy. Our team can identify and remove problematic post-translational modifications, repeats, unpaired cysteines, hydrophobic patches, and other liabilities to derisk your antibody development.
Humanization
Antibody humanization is the modification of lead antibody candidates from synthetic or animal sources to more closely resemble a human antibody. Non-human antibody framework regions are replaced by human antibody sequences while maintaining the specificity and affinity of the antigen-binding CDRs. Humanization can reduce immunogenicity, minimizing the risk of adverse events and potentially extend the antibody’s half-life. At Eurofins Discovery, we can enhance the safety and therapeutic efficacy of your lead antibodies with our in silico humanization.
Multi-specifics Formatting
Bi- and multi-specific antibodies have a lot of therapeutic potential, but their structure and binding properties make them challenging to format, develop, manufacture, characterize, and optimize. Due to their complex MoA and development process, optimization for downstream development and comprehensive characterization is essential. We leverage our expertise in bi- and multi-specific antibody development to help navigate these challenges and optimize your leads for clinical success.
