Grant: Proof of Principle Program - Phase I

This proposal brings together expertise in engineering and immunology to develop a commercial technology that addresses a pivotal problem in basic and applied medical research - the rapid and inexpensive generation of monoclonal antibodies. In response to the presence of unnatural or foreign compounds, animals with adaptive immune systems, including humans, generate an enormous diversity of different types of proteins called antibodies. These proteins have the very special property that each can selectively bind to unique and specific compounds including viruses, proteins, and drugs. Within the organism this selective binding is essential in fighting disease and building immunity to foreign agents and pathogens. In addition, the potential to generate very selective binding to virtually any compound is also of enormous medical and commercial importance in biomedical research, the development of new clinical diagnostic tests, the delivery of drugs, and the design of highly specific and potent therapies with little or no unwanted side effects. Despite this enormous potential in basic research and clinical applications, the discovery and production of high-quality antibodies by conventional means is a major bottleneck. Current techniques are very expensive, require many months or years of development, and are not compatible with the production of human antibodies that would be useful in therapeutics. This pre-commercialization project will establish new capabilities for the rapid and cost-effective generation of monoclonal antibodies. We will demonstrate this new process by creating fully human monoclonal antibodies to influenza virus. The results of the research will position us to establish a new company with unique and transformative capabilities in monoclonal antibody production, leading to the creation of wealth and new high-tech jobs in Canada, as well as the ability to more rapidly advance antibody technology for research and clinical applications.