A new single-chain antibody fragment, identified by Tel Aviv University researchers as having the ability to fix a protein that’s mutated in more than 50 percent of human tumors, has been licensed to Champions Biotechnology for development and commercialization.

Back when I was a first degree student of biology, I was sternly told that antibodies are only used for diagnostic purposes. It never struck me quite right. After all, in the body they’re an important part of the immune system. Among their various functions, they can bind to unrecognized proteins and toxins released by intruders to the body and prevent them from accomplishing their nefarious purpose. Prof. Beka Solomon from Tel Aviv University has taken this idea one step forward, by identifying the unique activity of an antibody fragment – one that might deal a harsh blow to cancerous cells.

TAR-1, a single-chain antibody fragment, has the ability of binding to a mutant protein called P53. In the correct conformation, P53 regulates the cell cycle and thus prevents cancer. Its role is so important that it has been described as “guarding of the genome” and “master watchman”. This protein is so important that more than 50 percent of human tumors contain a mutated P53 protein, or miss it altogether. By binding to the mutant P53, TAR-1 restores the active conformation of the protein, and enables it to get back to work and guard the genome once again. The expected result would be that the cancerous cell will commit suicide, and the tumor growth as a whole will be inhibited.

The big question now is whether TAR-1 can work its miracles on human cells in vivo, and whether a way can be found to inject it into the cells of the tumor. To that purpose, Champions Biotchnology, Inc, an oncology drug development company, has recently (October 27) established an exclusive licensing agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd, encompassing the development and commercialization of TAR-1. Champions’ preclinical platform is based upon the implantation of primary human tumors in immune deficient mice and evaluating the Tumorgrafts response to drug candidates.

“We were impressed by the potential of TAR-1,” said Guy Malchi, Champions Biotechnology’s Head of Corporate Development and International Operations, ”and we are planning to continue to in-license oncology drug candidates with compelling science and to develop only those with positive Tumorgraft results.”

Source at Tel Aviv University

Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd

Champions Biotechnology, Inc

Share on Facebook

Popularity: 46% [?]