Development of bispecific antibodies against leukemia and hematopoetic stem cells

Purpose and goal

In the project, we evaluated bispecific antibodies directed against leukemia and stem cells prior to stem cell transplantation. We also wanted to investigate whether an evaluation strategy consisting of advanced microscopy, affinity measurements and classical immunological methods could improve the development of new biological drugs. By conducting an iterative process between the various objectives, the probability of creating effective candidates could be increased.

Expected results and effects

Within the project, we have developed a bispecific antibody that has shown good effect on both tumor cell lines and primary tumors. We have also shown that it does not induce cell death in non-relevant cells, indicating specificity. The goal is for the antibody to be tested in initial studies in humans if ongoing animal experiments show positive results.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was implemented as a collaboration between KTH, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset and the company Attana. In an iterative process, different candidates of bispecific antibodies were evaluated by the various participating parties. The project concluded that for a fair assessment of the development strategy, a little more optimization of certain methods is needed. Nevertheless, the project was able to produce a very promising bispecific antibody.