Nanobody Drug Delivery System Development

In the rapidly changing biopharmaceutical industry, the pursuit of efficient and accurate drug delivery strategies has become an industry consensus. BOC Sciences is proud to announce that we have entered a new era in the development of nanobody drug delivery systems. Our services span the entire process from the design and optimization of nanobodies to the development of drug carriers and preclinical evaluation to create highly personalized and targeted drug delivery solutions. We believe that through the precise navigation of nanobodies, drugs can more effectively reach the lesion site, maximize the therapeutic effect, while significantly reducing the damage to healthy tissue, and bring a safer and more efficient treatment experience for patients.

What is a nanobody?

Nanobodies, also known as single domain antibodies, are emerging molecular fragments derived from camels' unique heavy-chain antibodies. By cloning variable region of the heavy chain (VH) of the heavy-chain antibodies, variable domain of heavy chain of heavy-chain antibody (VHH) can be obtained, which has the same structural stability as the original heavy chain antibody, and the binding activity to the antigen is unchanged. It is the smallest unit known to bind to the target antigen, with a molecular weight of about 12~15 kDa.

Advantages of nanobodies

Smaller molecular mass and stronger tissue penetration: nanobodies have a smaller molecular mass, which allows them to more easily penetrate biological barriers, such as cell membranes and tissues, to reach their target location more efficiently.

Low humanized immunogenicity: The gene encoding nanobodies derived from camels has a high degree of homology with the human type 3 VH domain (VH3), and the immunogenicity in humans is weak.

High stability: nanobodies in extreme conditions, such as high temperature, low temperature, organic solvents and acid-base environment, can maintain its structure and function. This high stability makes the nanobodies more convenient during storage and transportation, and also provides the possibility for their application in harsh environments.

High affinity: compared with conventional VH, VHH has a longer complementary determination region 3(CDR3), this long CDR3 structure is easy to form a convex ring structure, can bind some difficult to bind antigen epitopes, so make up for the nanobody due to the loss of light chain caused by the antigen binding capacity of the defect.

Suitable for industrial production: nanobodies are easy to be reexpressed in bacteria, yeast and other expression systems, in addition, its production process is relatively simple, low cost, conducive to large-scale production.

Versatility in conjugation and delivery: The modular nature of Nanobodies allows for easy conjugation with a wide range of therapeutic agents and delivery platforms. This versatility enables the development of customized drug delivery systems tailored to specific therapeutic needs, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Our nanobody drug delivery system services

Custom design and engineering optimization of nanobodies

We use cutting-edge bioinformatics and molecular modeling techniques to carefully design and modify nanobodies for specific targets, ensuring excellent binding specificity and stability. With our large library of nanobody sequences, we can quickly identify and screen the ideal candidates for drug delivery, laying the foundation for an efficient delivery system.

Construction of carrier delivery system based on nanobody

The active targeting of anti-cancer drugs to tumor tissues can be achieved by modifying nanobodies onto nano-drug carriers (such as liposomes, micelles, albumin and ferritin nanoparticles and polymer polymers, etc.). By surface coupling of nanobodies, therapeutic nanoparticles are given the ability to actively seek out and focus on tumor areas, greatly enhancing drug efficacy while minimizing damage to healthy cells. With the help of tumor-specific receptors, nanobodies act as carriers to accurately deliver drugs or toxins to the lesion, achieving local efficient release and effectively reducing systemic side effects.

Fig. 1 Schematic diagram representing various types of nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with nanobodies (Nbs) for targeted cancer therapy. (Hu, Y., 2017)

Nanobody conjugated drugs development and formulation

Nanobody conjugated drug (NDC) is composed of nanobody (Nb) as the core, and covalently binds to chemotherapy drugs through chemical linkers to form highly specialized therapeutic weapons. In clinical applications, we prioritize the use of humanized Nb to avoid immune responses and ensure the safety of treatment. The efficacy of NDC depends on the specificity and affinity of Nb, the type of chemotherapy agent, the site-specific binding strategy, the drug location, and the coupling ratio. Through the specific guidance of Nb, NDC accurately delivers drugs to tumor cells, and through receptor-mediated endocytosis, drugs are internalized and released in cells, ultimately interfering with DNA replication, inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, and inducing apoptosis. We synchronously develop advanced delivery platforms such as nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and hydrogels to enhance pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs, reduce toxicity and improve therapeutic effectiveness.

Comprehensive preclinical evaluation

We provide full-cycle preclinical evaluation services to ensure the safety and effectiveness of nanobody drug delivery systems. With state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a senior research team, we perform rigorous pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, conduct toxicity assessments, and validate therapeutic efficacy in animal models, laying a solid foundation for subsequent clinical applications.

Advantage of our services

Technological innovation: Our nanoantibody drug delivery systems take advantage of the latest advances in nanotechnology and bioengineering, including but not limited to smart responsive nanoparticles, precise modification of targeted ligands, and antibody coupling techniques.

Laboratory equipment: We are equipped with cutting-edge laboratory equipment such as automated synthesis workstations, high-throughput screening systems, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry and in vivo imaging systems to ensure data accuracy and experimental efficiency.

Professional team: A team of experienced scientists and technicians with deep professional backgrounds in nanomaterials, medicinal chemistry, and biomedical engineering, capable of solving complex R&D challenges.

Customer orientation: We focus on working closely with our customers, from project launch to final delivery, we provide personalized services to ensure that your specific needs and expectations are met.

Process of nanobody drug delivery system services

Requirements analysis and design: We start by understanding your drug molecules and therapeutic targets. With advanced computational simulation platforms, we predict and design the most suitable nanocarrier structures to ensure efficient loading and targeted delivery of drugs.

Carrier synthesis and optimization: Using our automated synthesis workstation and microfluidic technology, we accurately synthesize nanoantibody carriers, ensuring batch to batch consistency and quality control. Then, through iterative optimization, we adjust the vector's size, charge, and surface functionalization to enhance its biological stability and targeting ability.

Drug loading and characterization: On our high-throughput drug loading system, we employ mild conditions to bind the antibody to the drug while maintaining its biological activity. Through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and flow cytometry, we comprehensively evaluate the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the vector.

Efficacy and safety evaluation in vivo: Using our well-established in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics research platform, including animal models and preclinical research facilities, we evaluate the in vivo behavior, efficacy and safety of nanoantibody delivery systems. This process ensures the clinical translational potential of the product.

Scale preparation and GMP compliance: Our GMP-compliant clean rooms and mass production facilities enable a seamless transition from laboratory scale to commercial production, ensuring regulatory compliance and accelerating the time-to-market process.

As a pioneering biopharmaceutical company focused on nanobody drug delivery systems, BOC Sciences is committed to advancing the field of targeted therapies. From nanobody design to preclinical evaluation, we offer a comprehensive range of development services that ensure our customers can bring innovative and effective therapies to market. By harnessing the unique advantages of nanobodies, we are transforming the future of drug delivery, bringing new hope to patients and revolutionizing the landscape of modern medicine.

FAQ

1. What are nanobodies, and why are they advantageous for drug delivery systems?

Nanobodies, also known as single-domain antibodies, are antibody fragments derived from camelids. They are smaller, more stable, and more versatile than traditional antibodies. Their small size allows for better tissue penetration, higher stability under various conditions, and easier production. These properties make nanobodies highly effective for targeted drug delivery.

2. How do you design and engineer nanobodies for specific targets?

We use advanced bioinformatics and molecular modeling tools to design nanobodies with optimized binding properties and stability. Our extensive library of nanobody sequences allows for rapid screening and identification of suitable candidates. This process ensures that the engineered nanobodies are highly specific to the target of interest.

3. What types of drugs can be delivered using nanobody-based systems?

Nanobody-based systems can deliver a wide range of therapeutic agents, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. The versatility of nanobodies allows for the conjugation of various drug types, enabling targeted delivery and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

4. How do you ensure the stability and bioavailability of nanobody-drug conjugates?

Our formulation scientists create formulations that enhance stability and bioavailability. We use advanced delivery platforms, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels, tailored to the therapeutic application. This ensures controlled release and maintains the bioactivity of the nanobody-drug conjugates.

5. What are the advantages of using nanobody drug delivery systems over traditional methods?

• Enhanced target specificity and affinity
• Improved tissue penetration
• Increased stability and solubility
• Cost-effective production
• Versatility in conjugation and delivery platforms

6. How cost-effective is the production of nanobody-based therapeutics?

Nanobodies can be produced more cost-effectively than traditional monoclonal antibodies due to their simple structure and high-yield production in microbial systems. This reduces manufacturing costs and enables scalable production, making them a financially viable option for therapeutic development.

7. How can we start a collaboration with your company for nanobody drug delivery system development?

To start a collaboration, please contact us through our website or directly via email. Our team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor our services to support the development of your nanobody-based therapeutics. We look forward to partnering with you to achieve groundbreaking advancements in targeted therapy.