MorphoSys and Proteros Biostructures Receive Research Grant
Analysis of Antibody-Antigen-Complex Structures to Allow More Efficient Engineering of Therapeutic Antibodies
In the first project, the two companies will analyze MorphoSys's proprietary clinical anti-inflammatory antibody MOR103 and the binding properties to its corresponding antigen GM-CSF. MOR103 is a fully human HuCAL antibody directed against GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor), being developed in the area of inflammatory diseases, for example rheumatoid arthritis. Due to its diverse functions in the immune system, GM-CSF can be considered a target for a broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory therapies. The program is currently being evaluated in a European clinical phase 1b/2a trial in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.
"Early clarification of the precise interaction between antibody and antigen is very valuable information in drug discovery, as it can help in identifying the most promising lead candidate or in generating improved follow-up compounds by directed molecular evolution," commented Dr Marlies Sproll, Chief Scientific Officer of MorphoSys AG. "Within the research program we'll bring together MorphoSys's antibody expertise and Proteros's structure solution know-how to tackle challenges in crystallizing whole IgG molecules."
"The analysis of antibody-antigen interaction at atomic resolution efficiently guides the further evolution of antibodies," commented Dr. Torsten Neuefeind, CEO of Proteros. "In the joint program, a technology platform will be developed which combines the strengths of combinatorial biology and rational structure guided approaches".
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Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous