Maximising the yield of plant-made immunoglobulins. (360G-Wellcome-080180_Z_06_Z)

The use of transgenic plants for the production of pharmaceuticals is one of the most promising biotechnology methods of recent years, and antibodies are by far the most valuable molecules to be produced in plants. Transgenic plants allow for the production of GMP-compliant antibodies at significantly lower prices than animal culture. Currently however, the overall yield of functional antibody is somewhat low and the achievement of higher yields will further reduce the manufacturing costs and ensure the supply of antibodies is sufficient to meet the high market needs. Dr Lorenzo Frigerio from the University of Warwick has been awarded translational funding to further develop and validate a technology which allows a much higher yield of antibody from plants.