EMABling® technology

LFB Group is developing a technology called EMABling® to produce recombinant monoclonal antibodies with very high biological efficacy. LFB’s research in this area has been based on the study of structure-function relationships for monoclonal antibodies and the importance of post-translational modifications to their functional activity (role of glycans). Over the past five years, LFB Group has used these technological foundations as the basis for a portfolio of EMABling® antibody candidate with great therapeutic potential.

Three monoclonal antibodies in the clinical trial phase

The LFB portfolio currently includes three antibodies in the clinical trial phase.

Several other antibodies are in the optimization phase of research. They are either directed against targets already validated on a therapeutic level, or against new targets, in the areas of oncology, haematology and infectious diseases.

• Anti-D: The first monoclonal anti-RhD antibody
Monoclonal anti-RhD (cDNA) is an antibody used when there is rhesus incompatibility between mother and child.This alloimmunization prevention affects more than 150,000 rhesus negative females in France per year. Injection of the anti-RhD antibody during the delivery of a rhesus positive child avoids the creation of antibodies by the mother’s immune system that could then attack the foetus during a later pregnancy.

• Anti-CD 20 Potentially indicated for some cancers
The anti-CD20 is directed towards an antigen present on the surface of B lymphocytes which develop during leukaemia and lymphomas. The antibody could potentially be indicated for the treatment of rare cancers. The first clinical phase batches of this anti-CD20 is manufacturing on LFB's site in Alès, LFB BIOMANUFACTURING, a bioproduction company formaly MAbgène.

• Shigamabs®
In February 2010 LFB BIOTECHNOLOGIES SAS and THALLION PHARMACEUTICALS  Inc. signed a development and marketing agreement  for a treatment for E. Coli infections. The agreement covered the development and marketing of SHIGAMABS®, which is produced by THALLION PHARMACEUTICALS Inc. and is a candidate for treating shiga toxin-producing E. Coli infections (STEC). THALLION PHARMACEUTICALS Inc. has granted LFB BIOTECHNOLOGIES an exclusive license for commercial rights to Shigamabs® in Europe, South America and in some areas of strategic interest to the LFB Group, including Russia, China, South Korea and North Africa.