Regression of retinal neovascularization and inflammation using bioengineered nanobodies

Antibody-based therapies are innovative strategies that are revolutionizing Medicine. Despite the recent advances in the use of antibodies and its derivatives to inhibit neovascularization in the context of cancer or retinal diseases, current anti-VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) formulations are extremely expensive and only transiently abort vascular development. In refractory cases, the effect may be also vulnerable to the production of other pro-angiogenic signals alternative to VEGF-A. This project aims to develop a more efficient treatment for neovascularization using a new generation of bioengineered antibodies. Compared to regular antibodies, nanobodies have several advantages, including size, ease of production, and higher penetration in tissues. We will bioengineer a set of nanobodies to target vascular and immune cells in the retina. On these cells, the nanobodies are intended to activate pathways that naturally antagonize VEGF, inhibit vessel formation, and clear inflammation. These formulations will be tested in experimental models of macular degeneration and glioblastoma with the final aim of translating a new and effective therapy into the clinic.

Mentor:

Basic mentor: Professor Shoreh Issazadeh-Navikas, Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen

Clinical mentor: Professor Morten Dornonville de la Cour, HovedOrtoCentret, Rigshospitalet

Life science industry mentor: Dr. Brian Vandahl, Novo Nordisk