Next Generation Therapeutics: Biologics
In humans, therapeutic biologics have revolutionized medicine, providing more effective treatments for many diseases, including various cancers and autoimmune disorders. KindredBio is developing next-generation veterinary therapeutic biologics for cats, dogs, and horses.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are antibodies produced by identical cells cloned from a unique parent cell. They bind to a specific epitope on the targeted cell type or soluble target.
Monoclonal antibodies are the gold standard of treatment because of their safety, efficacy, high specificity and long half-life. Anti-inflammatory monoclonal antibodies which inhibit TNFα, such as Infliximab (Remicade®) and Adalimumab (Humira®), help treat Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rituximab (Rituxan®), a monoclonal antibody to CD20 on B cells, can treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Other monoclonal antibodies including Bevacizumab (Avastin®) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis®) are used against inflammatory and autoimmune disorders as well as cancer in human medicine.
Recombinant Proteins
Recombinant biologics are produced by inserting the genetic code for a specific therapeutic protein into the DNA of an expression vector. The inserted DNA codes for protein cause large quantities of recombinant protein to be produced through replication in living host cells. We purify the produced recombinant protein and administer it to the animal (cat, dog, or horse) for targeted therapy. This final preparation (drug formulation) is sterile and contains a highly pure and targeted drug. One recombinant protein commonly used in human medicine is erythropoietin alpha (Epogen®).
The Process
1 We identify and isolate the genetic code for the desired therapeutic protein and insert the genes of interest into the expression vector’s DNA.
2 The expression vector is double-stranded DNA capable of inserting itself into the host cell thereby introducing the genetic code of the therapeutic protein into the host cells.
3 The host cell produces recombinant protein along with host-cell proteins.
4 We collect, separate, and purify recombinant proteins from the host cell proteins using conventional chromatography.
5 The final drug formulation is sterile and contains highly pure drug substance capable of binding to the specific epitope on the cell receptor or to a soluble target (such as cytokine).
