Researchers at Uppsala University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology have introduced an innovative form of precision medicine – an antibody that holds promise for treating various types of cancer. By integrating three distinct functions within the antibody, they have significantly enhanced the ability of T cells to combat cancer tumors. The findings of this research are detailed in the journal Nature Communications.
This groundbreaking antibody not only targets cancer cells but also transports a drug package while activating the immune system simultaneously, representing a “3-in-1 design” for tailored immunotherapy.
“For nearly 15 years, we have focused on precision medicine and how antibodies can interact with a crucial immune protein (CD40). We are excited to demonstrate that our novel antibody approach serves as precision medicine for cancer,” shared Sara Mangsbo, a professor in the Department of Pharmacy at Uppsala University, who, alongside Johan Rockberg from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, co-led the study.
The antibody aids the immune system in recognizing and targeting distinct mutations and genetic alterations exclusive to cancer cells, termed neoantigens. This is accomplished by the new antibody delivering tumor-specific materials directly to certain immune cells while simultaneously stimulating them, thereby significantly boosting the T-cell response against the tumor.
Results indicate that this method is effective in multiple ways. It not only activates the appropriate immune cells in human blood samples but also demonstrates through animal studies that treated mice experience longer lifespans. At higher doses, the treatment can even eradicate cancer in these mice, proving to be safer than previous cancer therapies studied.
While creating tailored precision treatments can be expensive and lengthy, our drug stands out.
“The key benefit of our medication is its scalability for mass production while being easily adaptable for the patient’s specific disease or tumor type. The formulation consists of two components: a bispecific targeting antibody that can be manufactured in bulk and a custom peptide that can be synthesized quickly on a small scale for specific cancer types. This approach enhances both the availability and expediency of transitioning from diagnosis to treatment for patients,” noted Johan Rockberg, a Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
The research aimed to provide a more adaptable, rapid, and safer cancer treatment option compared to existing therapies. Initial results suggest the method can be personalized for each patient, bolstering the immune response against cancer. The next steps involve utilizing the fully optimized production process to prepare the drug candidate for additional safety evaluations, followed by the initiation of clinical trials in humans.
