Supporting VHH antibody development to accelerate drug discovery
Based on our unique in vitro evolution technology and VHH antibody engineering technology, we support the creation of functional antibodies suitable for drug discovery concepts.
Our goal is not simply to obtain conjugated antibodies, but to design antibodies that possess the desired functions, such as agonist activity, antagonist activity, and internalization induction ability, based on an understanding of target biology and mechanism of action.
Furthermore, we are promoting VHH drug discovery with a view to expanding into next-generation modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cell therapy, nucleic acid drugs, and radiopharmaceuticals.
1. Three reasons to choose us
Complete in vitro VHH screening platform
Utilizing our proprietary cDNA Display technology, we obtain antibodies against targets from a humanized synthetic VHH library with a diversity exceeding 10¹³.
By enabling complete in vitro screening that does not rely on animal immunity, we achieve flexible antibody discovery in a short period of time. Furthermore, we support not only purified antigens but also cell panning using target-expressing cells, making it possible to obtain antibodies against membrane proteins that retain their native structure.
Engineering for obtaining functional antibodies
In drug discovery, what's important is not just any binding antibody, but an antibody that exhibits the desired function.
Our company supports the creation of antibodies that are mindful of their mechanism of action, including agonist antibodies, antagonist antibodies, and endogenous induction antibodies. Even after acquisition, we perform molecular design suitable for drug discovery concepts through engineering such as affinity improvement, diversification, bispecification, and pH-dependent formulation.
Next-generation drug discovery modalities
VHH antibodies are small, highly stable, and offer great design flexibility, as well as high affinity for next-generation modalities. Our company supports antibody design with applications in mind, including ADCs, radiopharmaceuticals, CAR-T/CAR-NK, and LNP targeting, aiming to realize new therapeutic concepts.
2. Technology Platform
Based on our proprietary cDNA Display technology and VHH engineering technology, we support the creation of functional antibodies suitable for drug discovery concepts.
Our goal is not simply to obtain conjugated antibodies. We aim to understand the biological properties and mechanisms of action of target molecules, create antibodies with the required functions, and design molecules with an eye toward development into next-generation modalities.
By providing comprehensive support from antibody acquisition and functional evaluation to molecular optimization, development suitability assessment, and modality development, we contribute to the realization of new therapeutic concepts.
- Antibody screening technology
- Functional antibody creation
- Cross-reactive antibody creation
- VHH Antibody Engineering
- Development aptitude assessment
3. Research and Development Support Flow
We provide comprehensive research and development support, from obtaining VHH antibodies against drug targets to functional evaluation and molecular optimization.
By designing an optimal screening strategy based on the biological characteristics of the target molecule and the drug discovery concept, we aim to create not just simple conjugated antibodies, but functional antibodies with high drug discovery value.
We support the creation of antibodies tailored to specific purposes, such as agonist antibodies, antagonist antibodies, and endogenization-inducing antibodies, for drug targets including membrane proteins, cytokine receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases.
- Target analysis and screening strategy planning
- VHH antibody acquisition
- Development aptitude assessment
- Support for selecting development candidates
- Lead Optimization
- Next-generation modality development
4. Case Studies of Drug Discovery Research
- Case 1:
Examples of the creation of antagonist VHH antibodies against immune checkpoint factors
- Case 2:
VHH-adapted ADC creation case study
- Case 3:
Applications of VHH: Examples of its application to CAR-T.
- Case 4:
Case study of anti-GPCR-VHH creation using cell panning technology
- Case 5:
Examples of building libraries specifically for intracellular targets
5. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it possible to obtain antibodies for ADCs and CAR-T cells?We support antibody acquisition and molecular design that takes into account the required characteristics of each modality, including ADCs, CAR-T/CAR-NK receptors, radiopharmaceuticals, and LNP targeting.
- Can you obtain antibodies that bind to both humans and mice?Our screening strategy, utilizing antigens from multiple species, supports the acquisition of antibodies that exhibit cross-reactivity with humans, mice, monkeys, and other organisms. We can design antibodies that encompass everything from preclinical evaluation to clinical development.
- Is it possible to develop bispecific antibodies?By combining the acquired VHHs, we can support the design and evaluation of bispecific and multivalent antibodies.
- Can antigens other than recombinant antigens be used for screening?Yes, it is possible. We can perform screening using peptide antigens and expressing cells, and even combine multiple types of antigens, so please contact us for more information.
6. Inquiries and requests for materials
EME does not consider antibody acquisition to be the ultimate goal.
Based on our understanding of targeted biology, we support the realization of new therapeutic concepts by designing an integrated process from the creation of functional antibodies to the development of modalities.
We support our clients' drug discovery research from the early stages of target discovery to lead optimization and modality development.