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THP Generates Transgenic Rabbits Producing Human Antibodies

Posted on: Thursday, 11 August 2005, 15:00 CDT

Therapeutic Human Polyclonals Inc. (THP) has created the first transgenic rabbits producing human antibodies. THP is now applying this technology to the development of its first products and clinical trials.

Roland Buelow, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and THP co-founder, will present results of proof-of-concept studies using polyclonal antibodies from these animals at the University of California, Davis' "Transgenic Animal Research Conference V," Aug. 14-18, 2005, in Tahoe City, Calif.

Polyclonal antibodies have the unique ability to bind and eliminate a plurality of "evolving targets" linked with complex diseases. By binding multiple antigens, polyclonals saturate a target and retain activity even in the event of antigen mutation. Then, through a cascade of signals, polyclonals induce a potent immune response to eliminate the target antigen, pathogen or cell. These properties give polyclonals a clear advantage over monotherapies in eliminating unwanted pathogens and cancerous cells.

"THP's breakthrough in the production of human antibodies from transgenic animals will revolutionize the use of antibody therapeutics," said THP Chief Executive Officer Wim van Schooten, Ph.D. "As nature's own solution to control complex diseases, humanized polyclonals will be of great benefit to diseases inaccessible by current therapies."

Rabbits are preferred animals to produce commercial-scale therapeutic antibodies because they have been in use for many decades for the commercial production of polyclonal antibodies for human therapy.

THP is an early-stage biopharmaceutical company developing the next-generation antibody products to treat infectious diseases and cancer.

Source: Business Wire

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