Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters (한국미생물·생명공학회지)

The Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (한국미생물·생명공학회)
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Advancements in Bispecific Antibody Development and Research Trends

이중특이성 항체의 개발 및 최신동향

  • Yong Hwan Choi (Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University) ;
  • Ha Seung Song (Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University) ;
  • Su Keun Lee (Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University) ;
  • Chi Hun Song (Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University) ;
  • Ji Hoe Kim (Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University) ;
  • Kyung Ho Han (Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Hannam University)
  • 최용환 (한남대학교 생명시스템과학과) ;
  • 송하승 (한남대학교 생명시스템과학과) ;
  • 이수근 (한남대학교 생명시스템과학과) ;
  • 송치훈 (한남대학교 생명시스템과학과) ;
  • 김지회 (한남대학교 생명시스템과학과) ;
  • 한경호 (한남대학교 생명시스템과학과)
  • Received : 2023.07.27
  • Accepted : 2023.08.21
  • Published : 2023.09.28
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Abstract

In contrast to chemical medicines, biopharmaceuticals exhibit reduced side effects and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Antibody therapies have significantly advanced since the first monoclonal antibody's approval in 1986, now dominating the pharmaceutical market with seven out of the top 10 biopharmaceuticals. The bispecific antibody has a distinct capability to bind to two antigens simultaneously, unlike conventional monoclonal antibodies that target just one antigen. The notion of bispecific antibodies was initially introduced in 1960, and by 1997, the first symmetrical form of bispecific antibody was successfully produced. Subsequently, extensive research has been conducted on bispecific antibodies, leading to a significant milestone in 2014 when blinatumomab became the first FDA-approved drug to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia. Despite having a relatively shorter history compared to monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies have proven their potential by targeting two antigens simultaneously, thereby rendering them highly effective as anti-cancer drugs. As of 2023, there are a total of 11 globally approved bispecific antibodies, with six of them receiving approval from FDA. In light of the rapidly expanding market for bispecific antibodies, this review article comprehensively explores the attributes, historical background, applications, and market status of bispecific antibodies. Additionally, it sheds light on the present trends in bispecific antibody development, drawing insights from 96 research articles and 105 clinical studies. Excitingly, we anticipate further progress in the development of bispecific antibodies and clinical trials on a global scale, with the aspiration of utilizing them not only in cancer treatment but also for addressing diverse medical conditions.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Korea government (MFDS) (22202MFDS178).

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