Monoclonal antibodies, due to their unique specificity and high affinity for the epitopes they bind, have found numerous applications in basic and clinical research. Their use in anti-neoplastic therapeutic regimes, anti-inflammatory protocols, and septic shock treatment is gaining momentum. Since industrial scale production of monoclonal antibodies from hybridomas involves substantial capital investment and production of recombinant antibodies in E. coli has certain limitation with respect to stability, yield, or applicability, the plan, in Phase I, is to adapt an existing baculovirus expression system for the efficient secretion (100- 150 mg/liter) of functional antibodies. In Phase II, the plan is to use this system for the large scale production of a recombinant monoclonal antibody directed against HER-2/neu, a human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor that is overexpressed in breast and ovarian cancers. Such a monoclonal antibody has shown promising results in clinical trials.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants - Phase II (R42)
Project #
2R42CA065037-02
Application #
2008614
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG2-SSS-4 (02))
Project Start
1995-07-07
Project End
1999-03-31
Budget Start
1997-04-15
Budget End
1998-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Tera Biotechnology Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
959329814
City
San Diego
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92109