Monoclonal antibodies, their production and potential in clinical practice

Humanized antibodies as potential therapeutic drugs

BACKGROUND

Antibodies have been used therapeutically to treat a variety of clinical conditions. The introduction of monoclonal antibodies and more recently, engineered humanized antibodies has greatly refined and expanded the therapeutic potential of this modality of treatment.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

To reinforce the reader's knowledge of the therapeutic application of antibody in the treatment for different diseases. More specifically, to enhance reader's understanding of basic methods employed in the production and clinical use of humanized antibodies.

DATA SOURCE

The MEDLINE database was used to review the humanized antibody related literature.

CONCLUSION

Humanized antibodies provide a novel approach for the treatment of a broad range of diseases. Expanded use will depend on improvement in their efficacy (avidity and specificity), demonstration of their safety, and reduction of their immunogenicity.

Monoclonal antibodies and immobilized antibodies. Patents and literature

Antibodies in both their free and immobilized state have been the object of considerable industrial and academic interest. A variety of methods are used for preparing and immobilizing antibodies. Applications for monoclonal antibodies include the preparation of therapeutics, diagnostics, and in affinity fractionation. Recent US patents on monoclonal and immobilized antibodies and scientific literature on monoclonal antibodies are surveyed. A description of these patents and a list of references are given.