Antibody drugs, also known as antibody therapeutics, are medications designed to harness the body's immune system to fight diseases. They are primarily used to treat cancer and other conditions. These drugs are typically monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), meaning they're laboratory-produced versions of the body's natural antibodies, specifically engineered to target particular cells or substances.
How Antibody Drugs Work
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Targeting Specific Proteins: Monoclonal antibodies recognize and bind to specific proteins on the surface of cells, such as cancer cells. Cancer Research UK explains that this targeted approach minimizes harm to healthy cells.
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Stimulating the Immune System: Some antibody drugs work by directly attacking target cells. Others act as signals, stimulating the body's immune system to destroy the targeted cells. Mayo Clinic describes this as enlisting the body's germ-fighting system.
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Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): Another type of antibody drug is the Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC). AstraZeneca describes ADCs as targeted medicines that combine an antibody with a chemotherapy drug. The antibody delivers the chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, increasing its effectiveness and reducing harm to healthy cells. Nature refers to these as "biological missiles".
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Examples of Antibody Drug Uses: Antibody drugs are used in a variety of therapeutic contexts. For example, monoclonal antibodies are authorized for treatment of COVID-19, as noted by the FDA.
Types of Antibody Drugs
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Naked mAbs: These antibodies work independently, without any additional drugs or radioactive materials attached. American Cancer Society points out that these are the most common type.
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Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): As previously mentioned, these combine an antibody with a chemotherapy drug for targeted delivery. Cleveland Clinic highlights their use in treating recurring cancers.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced and serve as substitute antibodies. They can restore, enhance, modify, or mimic the immune system's attack on unwanted cells, such as cancer cells. Cleveland Clinic states that these are clones of the body's antibodies designed to stimulate the immune system. The National Cancer Institute provides further information on antibody therapy.
