Selective Conjugation Method for Small Format Antibodies

ABSTRACT

Antibodies selectively and specifically recognize and bind to antigens. Antibody drug conjugates consist of an antibody linked to a biologically active agent that is selectively delivered to tissues by leveraging the binding specificity of the attached antibody. Smaller format antibodies may have better pharmacokinetic properties, while still retaining target selectivity. Therefore, the Seeker is interested in chemical conjugation methods that are applicable to small format antibodies.

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.

 

OVERVIEW

Small format antibodies include the single-chain fragment variable (scFv), fragment antigen binding (Fab), and F(ab)₂, which has two antigen-binding regions joined together by disulfide bonds. Compared to a typical monoclonal antibody (150 kDa), these molecules are significantly smaller and can have a molecular weight as low as 20 kDa in the case of scFv. By eliminating the Fc portion, small format antibodies eliminate non-specific binding with Fc receptors on cells, while also gaining the ability to penetrate tissues more efficiently due to their compact size. The Seeker desires an efficient method for linking either a cytotoxic drug and/or a trackable probe to small format antibodies.

This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. The Challenge award will be contingent upon theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker.

To receive an award, the Solvers will have to transfer their exclusive intellectual property (IP) rights to the Seeker. However, the Seeker will be willing to consider a licensing agreement for a partial award if exclusive IP cannot be transferred by the Solver.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on October 15, 2022. 

Late submissions will not be considered.

 

ABOUT THE SEEKER

Debiopharm, a Swiss private pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and invests in innovative therapies and technologies that respond to high unmet medical needs in oncology and bacterial infections. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery products and real-world patient reach, Debiopharm identifies high-potential compounds and technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrates their safety and efficacy and then selects large pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize patient access globally. For more information, visit www.debiopharm.com.

 

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What is a Wazoku Crowd Theoretical IP Transfer Challenge?

A Wazoku Crowd Theoretical Challenge builds upon an idea but is not yet a proof of concept. A solution to a Theoretical Challenge will solidify the Solver's concept with detailed descriptions, specifications and requirements necessary to bringing a good idea closer to becoming an actual product or service.

This Challenge is a Theoretical IP Transfer Challenge, meaning that Solvers must transfer all rights to the Intellectual Property (IP) for which they are awarded. Solvers that do not win retain the rights to their solution after the evaluation period is complete. The Seeker retains no rights to any IP not awarded.