G Protein-Coupled Receptors targeted by antibodies raised against three dimensional epitopes

Why target GPCRs with antibodies?

The G Protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily represents the largest and single most important family of human drug targets. GPCRs play a central role in a plethora of biological processes and are linked to a wide range of therapeutic areas including cancer, diabetes, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic pain. Expressed in every type of cell in the body, GPCRs relay signals from outside the cell, across the membrane, to intracellular signaling pathways.

The human genome encodes about 800 GPCRs, over half of these being olfactory or sensory receptors. More so, 370 GPCRs are actual or putative drug targets. Indeed, 20-30% of current prescription drugs modulate this class of proteins. For instance, 6 of the top 10 and 60 of the top 200 best-selling drugs in the US in 2010 target GPCRs. Thus, drugs targeting GPCR continue to generate annual multi-billion dollar sales. This unique antibody development platform has already yielded numerous candidates for the treatment of GI tract infections, inflammation, pain, colorectal cancer and breast cancer. In addition, Immune Biosolutions is actively advancing its new GPCR antibody lead series, as well as raising additional antibodies against relevant targets involved in a wide range of diseases.