Generation of Fabs-in-tandem immunoglobulin molecules for dual-specific targeting.

ABSTRACT

Bispecific antibody (BsAb) has become an important trend in developing next generation biologics therapies. By simultaneously engaging two molecular targets, BsAbs show distinctive mechanism of actions that could lead to clinical benefits unattainable by conventional monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Successful launch provided clinical validation and encourage more BsAb development in the pipeline of pharmaceutical companies. Fabs-in-tandem immunoglobulin (FIT-Ig™) format was initially described in 2017. This unique design provides a symmetrical and tetravalent IgG-like bispecific molecule with correct association of 2 sets of VH/VL pairs, where two Fabs are fused directly in a crisscross orientation without any mutations or use of peptide linkers. FIT-Ig can be readily made from 2 existing monoclonal antibodies by basic molecular biology techniques with high expression level in mammalian cells, and easily purified to homogeneity using standard approaches without extensive optimization. FIT-Ig molecules exhibit favorable drug-like properties, in vitro and in vivo functions, as well as manufacturing efficiency for commercial development. Here, we provide an example of construction and preliminary characterization of a FIT-Ig molecule with discussions on optimization and general utility.