Allele Biotechnology applies our unique screening process and protein engineering throughout the development of each nAb to generate single-domain antibodies enhanced from natural camelid antibody fragments. As part of our engineering process, all points of linkage between nAb and our optimized affinity resins strategically confine to non-binding surfaces of the antibody, increasing specific affinity while reducing the potential for non-specific interactions.
History of nAb Development
Allele's involvement in the field of VHH antibodies goes back a number of years to 2008, when we first began to examine and appreciate the unmatched potential of nanoantibodies. In 2009, we introduced GFP-trap along with other VHH products to the US market through our distribution deal with Chromotek. Moving forward to 2011, we received NIH funding to carry out a research and development project exploring alternative VHH antibody development and isolation technology. Shortly after, we introduced our custom camelid antibody service, harnessing the latest technology and techniques to generate unique single domain antibodies for our customers. In 2012, we moved into a new, two-story facility in San Diego with a dedicated antibody screening area, drastically increasing our internal research and custom service capacity. In anticipation of the expiration of a fundamental patent on single chain antibodies, we received an investment from Dr. Eric Xu, co-founder of Baidu and owner of the venture group Yifang. With these funds we have kicked off an ongoing effort to generate hundreds of nano-antibodies under the nAb trademark. We currently have nAb candidates in our clinical programs for several targets including TNFα and HER2.
