Antibody Discovery

Betazymes is applying its enzyme expertise to develop innovative solutions for antibody recovery and purification, a critical step in the production of biopharmaceuticals and diagnostic reagents. Traditional antibody purification methods can be complex, costly, and sometimes lead to loss of antibody activity. Our research focuses on engineering highly specific enzymes that can selectively cleave tags or other affinity components used in antibody production, allowing for efficient and gentle release of the target antibody in its native and functional form. This enzymatic approach aims to streamline the purification process, reduce costs, and enhance the yield and quality of recovered antibodies.

Our strategy involves identifying and engineering proteases or other enzymes with exquisite specificity for particular peptide sequences or linker molecules commonly used in antibody production. By carefully tailoring the enzyme's activity and selectivity, we can ensure precise cleavage at the desired site, leaving the antibody structure intact and preserving its binding affinity. This targeted enzymatic release can replace harsh chemical treatments or multi-step chromatographic procedures, leading to a more efficient and less denaturing purification process, which is particularly important for maintaining the delicate structure and function of therapeutic antibodies.

Betazymes is also exploring enzymatic methods for the removal of unwanted byproducts or contaminants that may arise during antibody production. This includes investigating enzymes that can specifically degrade host cell proteins, DNA, or other impurities, further enhancing the purity of the final antibody product. By integrating these enzymatic steps into the antibody purification workflow, we aim to develop a more streamlined and cost-effective process that yields high-quality antibodies suitable for therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications.

Our commitment to developing enzymatic solutions for antibody recovery reflects our broader goal of applying biocatalysis to address key challenges in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. By leveraging the precision and efficiency of enzymes, we strive to create innovative tools that improve the yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness of antibody production, ultimately contributing to the more efficient and affordable development of life-saving biologics and essential diagnostic reagents.