Antibody therapeutics have revolutionized treatment for many diseases, from cancer to autoimmune disorders. Understanding how they work can help patients and caregivers make informed decisions about treatment options. Today’s Primer showcases monoclonals, ADCs, bispecifics, checkpoint inhibitors, and fragments—what they are and how they work.

The Big Picture

Our immune system naturally produces antibodies to fight off invaders. Scientists have harnessed this power to create targeted therapies that can zero in on specific disease-causing elements in the body.

Monoclonal Antibodies Explained

• What they are: Lab-created antibodies that target a specific part of a cell or protein.
• How they work: Attach to their target to destroy it or alert the immune system to attack it.
• Examples: Humira for rheumatoid arthritis, Herceptin for breast cancer.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) Explained

• What they are: Antibodies linked to a potent drug.
• How they work: The antibody part attaches to and delivers the drug part directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
• Example: Adcetris for lymphoma.

Bispecific Antibodies Explained

• What they are: Engineered antibodies that can bind to two different targets simultaneously.
• How they work: Often used to bring an immune cell and a cancer cell closer together so the immune cell can kill the cancer cell. 
• Example: Blincyto for certain types of leukemia.

Checkpoint Inhibitors Explained

• What they are: Antibodies that “take the brakes off” the immune system.
• How they work: Block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer.
• Examples: Keytruda and Opdivo for various cancers.

Antibody Fragments Explained

• What they are: Smaller pieces of antibodies.
• How they work: Penetrate tissues more efficiently than full-sized antibodies.
• Still mostly in development, with potential for treating eye diseases and other conditions.

Between the Lines

Antibody therapeutics are powerful, but they come with challenges. Their hefty price tags can limit accessibility, turning effective treatments into financial burdens. Unlike simple pills, these drugs often require injections or infusions, complicating the treatment process. Side effects are another concern, ranging from immune system overreactions to infusion-related issues. Antibodies offer remarkable benefits, but their drawbacks need careful consideration.

What’s Next

Scientists are pushing the boundaries, striving to create super-antibodies that pack a more potent punch with fewer unwanted side effects. But that’s just the beginning. Imagine antibodies that can sneak past the blood-brain barrier, potentially revolutionizing treatments for neurological disorders. And for those who dread needles, efforts are underway to create oral versions of these typically injectable drugs. These advancements could make antibody treatments more effective, accessible, and user-friendly for patients worldwide.

The Bottom Line

The world of antibody therapeutics is buzzing with innovation. As research advances, we expect to see even more innovative treatments targeting a wider range of diseases. Check out our on-demand microcourse, Antibody Primer, to learn the basic science of antibodies.