Cell therapy is a modality that leverages the natural power of cells, enhanced through genetic engineering, to selectively destroy or replace disease-causing cells. Cell therapies can be derived from primary human cells or from pluripotent stem cells.
With targeted protein degradation, researchers are harnessing the cell’s own machinery to degrade disease-causing proteins that were previously considered “undruggable” and promote homeostasis.
Antibody-drug conjugates are engineered to deliver therapeutics to targeted locations. They do so by tethering therapeutic payloads (which can include protein degraders, immune stimulators, cytotoxic drugs, and oligonucleotides) via a linker to monoclonal antibodies, which act as honing mechanisms.
Biologics
Biologics are large molecules produced from living organisms that may consist of a variety of organic compounds. Examples include antibody-based medicines, traditionally referred to as monoclonal antibodies. Now researchers are also creating bi-and tri-specific monoclonal antibodies that have two or three distinct binding domains, allowing them to bind to multiple antigens simultaneously. Fusion proteins are also biologics and combine the attributes of two or more proteins into a single molecule.
Millamolecules
Millamolecules are mid-range compounds that fall in size between small molecules and biologics. Size is not the only consideration for this class, as millamolecules should also be orally available and able to interrupt protein-protein interactions.
Drug delivery technology
Novel technologies that will safely and effectively deliver medicines to patients via new and potentially more desirable or convenient routes of administration.