Journey of therapeutic antibodies: from discovery to future

Abstract

Antibodies currently represent a leading segment of the biopharmaceutical market and are expected to maintain a significant presence in the therapeutic landscape. Development of therapeutic antibodies represents one of the most transformative advances in the modern medicine field, with hundreds of successful products on the market that have changed the lives of millions and the history of mankind by revolutionizing medical treatment. In its broadest context, antibody-based products consist of full-length antibodies, antibody fragments, polyvalent and polyspecific antibodies, and their conjugates (for targeted delivery of other therapeutic drugs/agents). High target specificity, tailored mechanisms of action, and broad applicability have made antibodies indispensable in a variety of diseases. With advancements in protein engineering as well as growing integration of computational biology, the field of antibody development continues to push boundaries and is expected to drive the next era of breakthroughs. This article charts the journey of therapeutic antibodies from their conceptual roots to their central role in current medicine, and offers a forward-looking perspective on what lies ahead in this dynamic field.

Keywords

full-length antibodies / antibody fragments / polyvalent and polyspecific antibodies / antibody conjugates

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