Human antibodies as next generation therapeutics

Abstract

Antibodies and antibody derivatives constitute twenty five percent of therapeutics currently in development, and a number of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have recently reached the market. All antibodies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, however, contain mouse protein sequences. These partially murine antibodies, therefore, have the potential to elicit allergic or other complications when used in human patients. Recent developments aim to reduce or eliminate murine components, and fully human antibodies are rapidly becoming the norm. A number of technologies exist which enable the development of 100% human antibodies.