Monoclonal antibody therapeutics: history and future

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2012 Oct;12(5):615-22. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2012.08.001. Epub 2012 Aug 21.

Abstract

Over the last three decades, monoclonal antibodies have made a dramatic transformation from scientific tools to powerful human therapeutics. At present, approximately 30 therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are marketed in the United States and Europe in a variety of indications, with sales in the US alone reaching approximately $18.5 billion in 2010. This review describes how antibody engineering has revolutionized drug discovery and what are considered the key areas for future development in the monoclonal antibody therapy field.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Discovery / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Protein Engineering / methods

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal