Developability of Bispecific Antibodies
Connecting Platforms, Formats, Engineering and Manufacturing for Multispecifics
1/16/2024 - January 17, 2024 ALL TIMES PST
Cambridge Healthtech Institute's 13th Annual Developability of Bispecific Antibodies conference examines the abundance and scope of bispecific antibody constructs to identify and select molecules early in the development process that have favorable drug-like properties including half-life, PK/PD, immunogenicity, stability and manufacturability. This meeting will span from discovery and engineering all the way through clinical development while introducing developability concepts and parameters earlier in the process to promote greater overall success in the quest to develop a wide array of new multi-specific antibodies with greater functionality and efficacy.

Tuesday, January 16

Conference Registration and Morning Coffee

Organizer's Welcome Remarks

Christina C. Lingham, Executive Director, Conferences and Fellow, Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Chairperson's Remarks 

Photo of Paul Parren, PhD, CSO, Gyes; Professor, Molecular Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center , Cofounder and CSO , Gyes BV
Paul Parren, PhD, CSO, Gyes; Professor, Molecular Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center , Cofounder and CSO , Gyes BV

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Predicting Antibody Developability at the Discovery Stage

Photo of Peter M. Tessier, PhD, Albert M. Mattocks Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan , Albert M Mattocks Professor , Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chemical Engineering , University of Michigan
Peter M. Tessier, PhD, Albert M. Mattocks Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan , Albert M Mattocks Professor , Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chemical Engineering , University of Michigan

The development, delivery, and efficacy of therapeutic antibodies are strongly influenced by three types of molecular interactions mediated by their variable regions, namely, affinity, off-target, and self-interactions. Here we report interpretable machine learning models for identifying high-affinity mAbs at the discovery stage with optimal combinations of low off-target binding and low self-association, and demonstrate that these co-optimal antibodies display drug-like in vitro (formulation) and in vivo (pharmacokinetic) properties.

Keynote Chat

Peter M. Tessier, PhD, Albert M. Mattocks Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan , Albert M Mattocks Professor , Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chemical Engineering , University of Michigan

Paul Parren, PhD, CSO, Gyes; Professor, Molecular Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center , Cofounder and CSO , Gyes BV

Networking Coffee Break

NOVEL FORMATS FOR DEVELOPABILITY

Chairperson's Remarks

Photo of Harald Kolmar, PhD, Professor and Head, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Professor and Head , Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , TU Darmstadt Biochemie
Harald Kolmar, PhD, Professor and Head, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Professor and Head , Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , TU Darmstadt Biochemie

FEATURED PRESENTATION: Avidity Engineering for Bispecific and Multispecific Antibodies

Photo of Paul Parren, PhD, CSO, Gyes; Professor, Molecular Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center , Cofounder and CSO , Gyes BV
Paul Parren, PhD, CSO, Gyes; Professor, Molecular Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center , Cofounder and CSO , Gyes BV

Avidity binding, i.e.; the accumulated binding strength resulting from multiple simultaneous interactions, plays a central role in antibody biology. The manipulation of antibody avidity is therefore emerging as an important design principle for enhancing or engineering novel properties in antibody biotherapeutics. Recent advances in ways to effectively exploit the avidity space in multi-agent therapeutic antibody drug development will be discussed.

Engineering a Pure and Stable Heterodimeric IgA for the Development of Multispecific Therapeutics

Photo of Meghan M. Verstraete, PhD, Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering, Zymeworks, Inc. , Senior Scientist , Protein Engineering , Zymeworks, Inc.
Meghan M. Verstraete, PhD, Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering, Zymeworks, Inc. , Senior Scientist , Protein Engineering , Zymeworks, Inc.

To expand the repertoire of multi-specific designs for other antibody isotypes, we present here engineering of the first heterodimeric IgA Fc with high purity, native IgA-like stability, and retained ability to bind FcαRI. This newly designed scaffold provides a first-in-class stable and manufacturable multispecific IgA platform capable of activation of neutrophils via FcαRI. A multispecific IgA platform, in turn, provides access to new biological pathways for next-generation IgA-based immunotherapies, and thus, functionalities that are untapped by IgG.

Session Break and Transition to Luncheon Presentation

Session Break

NOVEL FORMATS FOR DEVELOPABILITY (CONT.)

Chairperson's Remarks

Photo of Harald Kolmar, PhD, Professor and Head, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Professor and Head , Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , TU Darmstadt Biochemie
Harald Kolmar, PhD, Professor and Head, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Professor and Head , Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , TU Darmstadt Biochemie

Structure-Based Engineering of a Novel CD3ε-Targeting Antibody for Reduced Polyreactivity

Photo of Michael B. Battles, PhD, Senior Scientist II, Adimab, LLC , Sr Scientist II , Antibody Engineering , Adimab LLC
Michael B. Battles, PhD, Senior Scientist II, Adimab, LLC , Sr Scientist II , Antibody Engineering , Adimab LLC

Using insights from the crystal structure of anti-Hu/Cy CD3 antibody ADI-26906 in complex with CD3 epsilon (CD3ε) and antibody engineering using a yeast-based platform, we have derived high-affinity CD3 antibody variants with very low polyreactivity and significantly improved biophysical developability. Comparison of these variants with CD3 antibodies in the clinic (as part of bi- or multispecifics) shows that affinity for CD3ε is correlated with polyreactivity. Our engineered CD3 antibodies break this correlation, forming a broad affinity range with no to low polyreactivity. 

TRYBE: An Fc-Free Antibody Format with Three Monovalent Targeting Arms and Engineered for Long in vivo Half-Life

Emma Dave, PhD, Principal Scientist, UCB Pharma , Principal Scientist , UCB Biopharma UK

TrYbe is a multispecific, Fc free, therapeutic antibody format. The design consideration for this fragment-based therapeutic format will be discussed, both in terms of the functional biology and the molecular properties. Data from multiple programs will be shared that exemplify a range of functional activities, demonstrate some beneficial properties of target engagement with respect to immune complex formation, and show consistent in vivo PK from albumin binding, efficient and high yielding production at manufacturing scale, and long shelf-life stability. These data will demonstrate that the TrYbe antibody format has a range of properties that make it an excellent candidate for a multi-specific, Fc free, therapeutic.  

Breakout Discussons

BuzZ Sessions

Find Your Table and Meet the BuzZ Sessions Moderator

BuzZ Sessions with Refreshments

BuzZ Sessions are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing. Please visit the BuzZ Sessions page on the conference website for a complete listing of topics and descriptions.

BuzZ Table 5: Which Formats are Most Developable

G. Jonah Rainey, PhD, Associate Vice President, Eli Lilly and Company , Associate Vice President , Eli Lilly & Co.

Matthew P. Greving, PhD, Vice President & Head, Machine Learning & Platform Technologies, iBio, Inc. , VP, Head of AI & Platform Technologies , AI & Platform Technologies , iBio Inc

  • Improving discovery productivity and diversity for the bispecific T cell engager's immune cell arm
  • New advancements in the discovery of difficult tumor-antigen arm targets and epitopes 
  • T cell engager safety enhancement with ML-derived mammalian display libraries and conditional activation
  • Large-scale bispecific activity and developability screening with mammalian display​

Optimizing Stability, Immunogenicity, Cytotoxicity, and the Cytokine Window of a ROR1 Specific T Cell Engager

Photo of Harald Kolmar, PhD, Professor and Head, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Professor and Head , Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , TU Darmstadt Biochemie
Harald Kolmar, PhD, Professor and Head, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt , Professor and Head , Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry , TU Darmstadt Biochemie

Charge Variant and Succinimide-Isomerization Induced & Rescued Potency of a Common Light Chain Bispecific Antibody

Photo of Bertie Chi, PhD, Senior Scientist, CMC Characterization & Analytical Development, Sanofi , Sr Scientist , CMC Characterization & Analytical Dev , Sanofi
Bertie Chi, PhD, Senior Scientist, CMC Characterization & Analytical Development, Sanofi , Sr Scientist , CMC Characterization & Analytical Dev , Sanofi

DG motif in CDR3 can pose potential liabilities in antibodies by succinimide or iso-Asp formation, depending on the formulation pHs. This can also manifest as basic charge variant formation in accelerated or long-term stability studies. The consequence may or may not impact biological potencies. Here the authors showed that the DG motif can form succinimide in acidic formulations and had reduced potency, but can, nevertheless, be rescued by incubation at higher pHs to promote Asp/Iso-Asp formation and rescue the activities.

Enhancing Bispecific T Cell Engager Discovery, Potency, Safety, and Developability with Machine Learning and Mammalian Display

Photo of Matthew P. Greving, PhD, Vice President & Head, Machine Learning & Platform Technologies, iBio, Inc. , VP, Head of AI & Platform Technologies , AI & Platform Technologies , iBio Inc
Matthew P. Greving, PhD, Vice President & Head, Machine Learning & Platform Technologies, iBio, Inc. , VP, Head of AI & Platform Technologies , AI & Platform Technologies , iBio Inc

Bispecific anti-CD3 T cell engagers (TCEs) show promise in cancer immunotherapy through the engagement of T cells and tumor cells. TCE discovery is challenged by the need to balance tumor-killing potency, toxicity, developability, and cynomolgus monkey (cyno) cross-reactivity. This presentation demonstrates how to overcome these challenges with machine learning (ML)-driven epitope steering and mammalian-display antibody libraries to efficiently discover diverse TCE arms tuned for potency, toxicity, developability, and cyno cross-reactivity.

  • TCE discovery balances potency, toxicity, and developability
  • Potency and toxicity of TCE arms are dependent on combined epitopes and affinities
  • ML and mammalian-display enable tuning TCE epitopes, affinities, and developability

Grand Opening Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Young Scientist Meet Up

PEPTALK PLAZA: YOUNG SCIENTIST MEET UP

Young Scientist Meet Up

Photo of Emma Altman, Senior Research Associate, Protein Sciences, Kite, a Gilead Company , Sr Research Assoc , Protein Sciences , Kite Pharma
Emma Altman, Senior Research Associate, Protein Sciences, Kite, a Gilead Company , Sr Research Assoc , Protein Sciences , Kite Pharma
Photo of Kavya Ganapathy, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Genentech , Postdoctoral Fellow , Genentech
Kavya Ganapathy, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Genentech , Postdoctoral Fellow , Genentech
Photo of Alexandros Karyolaimos, PhD, Researcher, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Stockholm University , Graduate Student , Biochemistry & Biophysics , Stockholm University
Alexandros Karyolaimos, PhD, Researcher, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Stockholm University , Graduate Student , Biochemistry & Biophysics , Stockholm University
Photo of Sean Yamada-Hunter, PhD, Postdoctoral Research, Mackall Lab, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University , Postdoc , Stanford Cancer Institute , Stanford University
Sean Yamada-Hunter, PhD, Postdoctoral Research, Mackall Lab, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University , Postdoc , Stanford Cancer Institute , Stanford University

This young scientist meet up is an opportunity to get to know and network with mentors of the PepTalk community. This session aims to inspire the next-generation of young scientists by giving direct access to established leaders in the field.

  • Get to know fellow peers and colleagues
  • Make connections and network with other institutions
  • Discuss the role of mentors and peers role models in the workplace​​

Close of Day

Wednesday, January 17

Conference Registration & Morning Coffee

Plenary Fireside Chat

PLENARY FIRESIDE CHAT

Plenary Session Organizer's Remarks

Mary Ann Brown, Executive Director, Conferences, Cambridge Healthtech Institute , Executive Director , Conferences , Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Panel Moderator:

PLENARY FIRESIDE CHAT: Supporting and Driving Biotech: Past, Present, and Future

Photo of Jennifer Giottonini Cayer, CBO, Pulmocide; Board of Directors, UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Biocom California , Chief Business Officer , Pulmocide
Jennifer Giottonini Cayer, CBO, Pulmocide; Board of Directors, UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Biocom California , Chief Business Officer , Pulmocide

Panelists:

Photo of Carter A. Mitchell, PhD, CSO, Purification & Expression, Kemp Proteins, LLC , CSO , Purification & Expression , Kemp Proteins, LLC
Carter A. Mitchell, PhD, CSO, Purification & Expression, Kemp Proteins, LLC , CSO , Purification & Expression , Kemp Proteins, LLC
Photo of Eric Vajda, PhD, Vice President, Preclinical R&D, OmniAb , VP , Preclinical R&D , OmniAb
Eric Vajda, PhD, Vice President, Preclinical R&D, OmniAb , VP , Preclinical R&D , OmniAb
Photo of Deborah Moore-Lai, PhD, Vice President, Protein Sciences, ProFound Therapeutics , Vice President , Protein Sciences , ProFound Therapeutics
Deborah Moore-Lai, PhD, Vice President, Protein Sciences, ProFound Therapeutics , Vice President , Protein Sciences , ProFound Therapeutics

MEET THE PLENARY SPEAKERS

PEPTALK PLAZA: MEET THE FIRESIDE CHAT PLENARY SPEAKERS

Meet the Fireside Chat Plenary Speakers

Stop by the PepTalk Plaza to continue the discussion and ask questions.

Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

BISPECIFIC ADCs

Chairperson's Remarks

Photo of Nimish Gera, PhD, Founder and Principal Consultant, MABS R US Consulting , Founder and Principal Consultant , MABS R US Consulting
Nimish Gera, PhD, Founder and Principal Consultant, MABS R US Consulting , Founder and Principal Consultant , MABS R US Consulting

Development of Next-Generation Bispecific and Biparatopic Protein Drug Conjugates Exploiting Novel Protein Domain Architectures

Photo of Graham Cotton, PhD, Head, Protein Therapeutics, Almac Discovery , Head , Protein Therapeutics , Almac Discovery
Graham Cotton, PhD, Head, Protein Therapeutics, Almac Discovery , Head , Protein Therapeutics , Almac Discovery

A novel protein-drug conjugate (PDC) platform has been developed, which exploits small protein domain binders to deliver homogeneous conjugates in monospecific, biparatopic and bispecific formats. Through this innovation, differentiated PDCs have been generated which cause sustained regressions in in vivo cancer models against high-value targets including:   

  • ROR1: mono- and bispecific PDCs that exploit the co-expression pattern of this target; and 
  • ALPP/ALPPL2: next-generation biparatopic PDCs for the treatment of solid tumours​

Combining a Biparatopic MET Antibody with a Tubulin Inhibitor for a One-Two Punch to Treat NSCLC

Photo of Thomas Nittoli, PhD, Senior Director, Therapeutic Proteins, R&D Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Sr Dir Therapeutic Proteins , R&D Chemistry , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc
Thomas Nittoli, PhD, Senior Director, Therapeutic Proteins, R&D Chemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Sr Dir Therapeutic Proteins , R&D Chemistry , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc

Lung cancers harboring MET genetic alterations respond well to selective TKIs, but benefit only 4-5% of lung cancers. We conjugated a biparatopic METxMET antibody to a cytotoxin to generate a MET ADC (METxMET-M114) that could treat ~25% of lung cancers. Overall, our findings suggest that the MET ADC, which takes advantage of the unique trafficking properties of our antibody, is a promising candidate for the treatment of MET-overexpressing tumors. 

Session Break and Transition to Luncheon Presentation

Session Break

WHICH FORMATS ARE MOST DEVELOPABLE?

Chairperson's Remarks

Steffen H.J. Goletz, PhD, Full Professor, Deputy Head, Vice Director, Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Danish Technical University , Professor, Deputy Head & Vice Dir , Biotechnology & Biomedicine , Danish Technical Univ

Generation of Robust Bispecific Antibodies through Fusion of Single-Domain Antibodies on IgG Scaffolds: A Comprehensive Comparison of Formats

Photo of Steffen H.J. Goletz, PhD, Full Professor, Deputy Head, Vice Director, Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Danish Technical University , Professor, Deputy Head & Vice Dir , Biotechnology & Biomedicine , Danish Technical Univ
Steffen H.J. Goletz, PhD, Full Professor, Deputy Head, Vice Director, Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Danish Technical University , Professor, Deputy Head & Vice Dir , Biotechnology & Biomedicine , Danish Technical Univ

Comprehensive comparison of formats for the generation of robust bispecific antibodies through fusion of single-domain VHH and Fab into IgG scaffolds and a toolbox of complementary methods for in-depth analysis of key features, such as in-solution dual antigen binding, thermal stability, and aggregation propensity, to ensure high bsAb quality. Furthermore, novel set of in silico designed humanized VHH antibody phage display libraries with maximal functional diversity and CDR3 lengths from 10 to 25 aminoacids for generating fusion partners.

Manufacturability Assessment of Bispecifics in the Preclinical Space

Photo of Ronan Kelly, PhD, Director, Protein Expression & Purification, Eli Lilly & Co , Dir , Protein Expression & Purification , Eli Lilly & Co
Ronan Kelly, PhD, Director, Protein Expression & Purification, Eli Lilly & Co , Dir , Protein Expression & Purification , Eli Lilly & Co

Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Assessing the Developability of a Next Generation of T Cell Engager Targeting CLDN6

Photo of Masaru Muraoka, PhD, Research Scientist, Discovery Biologics, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. , Research Scientist , Discovery Biologics , Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Masaru Muraoka, PhD, Research Scientist, Discovery Biologics, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. , Research Scientist , Discovery Biologics , Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd

SAIL66 is a trispecific antibody composed of an anti-CLDN6 arm and an arm for T cell recruiting. SAIL66 has a high specificity for CLDN6, despite its high similarity to CLDN3, CLDN4, and CLDN9, suggesting no undesirable off-target toxicity. This presentation will describe our screening strategy, including the optimization process, for achieving acceptable developability. Clinical studies of SAIL66 are currently underway for patients with solid cancers.

  • Next generation of T cell engager targeting CLDN6
  • High specificity for CLDN6 to avoid off-target toxicity
  • Developability of trispecific antibody

Not All Bispecifics Are Created Equal

Photo of Chen Zhou, PhD, Principal Research Scientist, Biologics Drug Product Development, AbbVie Bioresearch Center , Principal Research Scientist , Biologics Drug Product Dev , Abbvie Bioresearch Ctr
Chen Zhou, PhD, Principal Research Scientist, Biologics Drug Product Development, AbbVie Bioresearch Center , Principal Research Scientist , Biologics Drug Product Dev , Abbvie Bioresearch Ctr

Although many different bispecific antibody formats have been used in clinical trials for various diseases, the number of approved bispecifics is still limited, partly due to the poor developability of bispecific antibodies often observed in early development. In this talk we will share the developability of a panel of commercial and advanced clinical stage bispecific molecules to provide a benchmark for the physicochemical property and developability profiles of bispecific antibodies. 

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION:
Which Formats Are Most Developable?

Photo of Steffen H.J. Goletz, PhD, Full Professor, Deputy Head, Vice Director, Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Danish Technical University , Professor, Deputy Head & Vice Dir , Biotechnology & Biomedicine , Danish Technical Univ
Steffen H.J. Goletz, PhD, Full Professor, Deputy Head, Vice Director, Biotechnology & Biomedicine, Danish Technical University , Professor, Deputy Head & Vice Dir , Biotechnology & Biomedicine , Danish Technical Univ

Panelists:

Photo of Masaru Muraoka, PhD, Research Scientist, Discovery Biologics, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. , Research Scientist , Discovery Biologics , Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Masaru Muraoka, PhD, Research Scientist, Discovery Biologics, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. , Research Scientist , Discovery Biologics , Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Photo of Ronan Kelly, PhD, Director, Protein Expression & Purification, Eli Lilly & Co , Dir , Protein Expression & Purification , Eli Lilly & Co
Ronan Kelly, PhD, Director, Protein Expression & Purification, Eli Lilly & Co , Dir , Protein Expression & Purification , Eli Lilly & Co

Close of Developability of Bispecific Antibodies Conference