Abnova’s NanoAb™ Initiative for the New Era of Research and Therapy

Abnova’s NanoAb^TM Initiative for the New Era of Research and Therapy

Neihu, Taiwan (December 6, 2023)

Abnova announces a new antibody initiative encompassing NanoAb^TM production targeting high-impact mouse and human genome for the next generation antibody and bispecific therapy, immunotherapy, cell and gene therapy, cancer vaccine, and drug delivery. These small yet powerful VHHs are the gatekeeper between the traditional, “analog” protein-based therapies and the new synthetic, “digital” mRNA therapeutic platforms. VHHs are poised to transform the therapeutic landscape by overcoming the current challenges and obstacles in the treatment of human diseases with unmet needs. Starting 2024, Abnova aims to manufacture and introduces a large repertoire of NanoAb^TM as ready-made reagents for discovery, preclinical and clinical development, and as direct products for diagnostics and drugs.

VHHs are derived from single-domain camelid antibodies with molecular weight one-tenth that of conventional antibodies. Their small size enables exceptional tissue penetration, accessing secluded sites not amenable to traditional antibodies such as the normal brain and tumor microenvironment. Their well-defined, molecular signature facilitate the development of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), nanoCAR T, and VHH conjugated lipid nanoparticle (nLNP) for mRNA cell- and tissue-targeted delivery. Their low immunogenicity allows direct usage and application in in vivo imaging and as drug products with minimal engineering, modification, and humanization. In the manufacturing and commercial settings, they are easy to produce, characterize, purify, and scale-up with low economic burden and high sustainability. 

Abnova intends to integrate the big data generated from its NanoAb^TM manufacturing with open-source algorithms creating a NanoAb^TM Artificial Intelligence (nanoAI) platform for sequence and binding prediction from a given antigen epitope. The nanoAI will serve as powerful engine not only to enhance precision and efficiency of drug development but also obviate all in vitro and in vivo intervention in NanoAb^TM production. By leveraging its commercial partner Leadgene, CDMO, and hospitals in Taiwan, Abnova further accelerates its in-house NanoAb™ preclinical development and pipeline drugs entering clinical trials.  Moreover, Abnova’s large NanoAb^TM asset serves as a vibrant wellspring for out-licensing and collaboration with top-tiered biotech and pharma companies worldwide.