IMMUNO-MONITORING

During the initial part of the ERC-Consolidator Grant PRO-TOOLKITS we have successfully demonstrated a novel approach for antibodies detection. The platform uses antigen-conjugated synthetic DNA strand to achieve the rapid and inexpensive detection of target antibodies. Our platform offers several advantages (low-cost, single-step, rapid) in comparison of other methods for antibody detection and is so versatile that can be used also for the detection of Bispecific Antibodies (BsAb). On the basis of interactions with pharmaceutical companies and following a market analysis we have found that there is a growing need for similar approaches that can allow to monitor the efficacy of immunotherapies. This is especially true for immunotherapies using BsAb as there are no standard analytical methods for these targets. Given these considerations, the goal of this project is to evaluate the commercial potential of our innovative platform for immunotherapy efficacy monitoring with particular focus on the detection and characterization of BsAb. During the project we will 1) Fully characterize the DNA-based antibody sensor for the detection of a model BsAb (Anti EGFR/Anti HER2 BsAb) in terms of analytical performances (i.e. sensitivity, specificity, stability etc.) with direct comparison with other used techniques; 2) Prepare a Manufacturing Plan for producing/testing the Ab-switch; 3) Establish an IP strategy for patent filing and maintenance; 4) Determine a business and commercialization planning.