The Growing Use Of Antibody Library Technologies In Drug Discovery

By Aditi Shivarkar, insightSLICE

Antibody library technologies are methods used to generate diverse collections of antibodies for research, diagnostics, and therapeutic purposes. These technologies enable the screening and identification of antibodies with desired properties, such as high affinity and specificity for a target molecule. There are several types of antibody library technologies, including phage display, yeast display, ribosome display, and mammalian cell display.

These antibody libraries can be derived from natural sources, such as human or animal immune systems, or they can be generated synthetically by randomizing the sequences of antibody fragments to create a diverse repertoire of antibody variants. By screening these libraries against specific targets, researchers can identify antibodies with the desired binding properties and potential therapeutic applications. Antibody library technologies have revolutionized the field of antibody discovery and development by providing a powerful tool for generating and selecting antibodies with high specificity and affinity for a wide range of targets, including proteins, peptides, small molecules, and even complex cellular structures.

Based on insightSLICE’s new analysis, the global antibody library technologies market was estimated to be $169.22 million in 2022 and is expected to reach $252.9 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.1%. Let’s look at factors and trends driving the market, segment insights, application insights, and geographic insights.

Factors Driving The Use Of Global Antibody Library Technologies

Rising Demand for Targeted Therapies

The increasing demand for targeted therapies is a major driving factor for the global antibody library technologies market. Targeted therapies offer the potential for more effective and precise treatment of diseases by specifically targeting the underlying mechanisms or molecules involved. Antibodies play a crucial role in targeted therapies as they can be designed to bind to specific molecules or cells, blocking their activity or triggering immune responses against them.

Antibody library technologies enable the discovery and development of antibodies with high specificity and affinity for desired targets. These technologies provide a diverse repertoire of antibody candidates for screening and selection, facilitating the identification of novel therapeutic antibodies. The rising prevalence of complex diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders, along with the need for more personalized treatment approaches, has fuelled the demand for targeted therapies and, consequently, the adoption of antibody library technologies.

Advancements in Antibody Engineering and Technologies

Over the years, there have been remarkable advancements in the understanding of antibody structure and function, as well as in the techniques for generating and optimizing antibodies. Antibody engineering techniques, such as protein engineering, phage display, and yeast display, have been refined and expanded, allowing the creation of diverse antibody libraries with improved properties. These advancements have led to the development of more efficient and streamlined processes for antibody discovery and optimization.

Moreover, the integration of high-throughput screening methods, automation, and computational tools has accelerated the screening and selection of antibodies from libraries, reducing the time and cost required for drug development. The continuous innovation and improvements in antibody engineering and technologies have expanded the scope and potential of antibody library technologies, driving their adoption in various sectors, including therapeutics, diagnostics, and research.

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is a major driving factor for the global antibody library technologies market. Chronic diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, have become a significant global health burden. These diseases often require long-term management and targeted treatments, creating a demand for innovative therapeutic approaches.

Antibodies have emerged as a promising class of therapeutics for chronic diseases due to their specificity and ability to modulate disease targets. Antibody library technologies play a crucial role in meeting the demand for novel therapeutic antibodies. These technologies allow for the generation of diverse antibody libraries that can be screened against disease targets, enabling the discovery of antibodies with high specificity, affinity, and therapeutic potential.

Key Trends

Expansion of Synthetic Antibody Libraries

One key trend is the expansion of synthetic antibody libraries. Synthetic libraries are created by randomizing the antibody sequences using synthetic DNA or RNA, resulting in a diverse repertoire of antibody variants. This trend is driven by the need for libraries with enhanced diversity and improved drug-like properties.

Advances in DNA synthesis technology and computational design algorithms have facilitated the generation of large and highly diverse synthetic libraries. These libraries enable the screening of a broader range of antibody candidates, increasing the chances of finding antibodies with desired properties. The expansion of synthetic antibody libraries has improved the possibilities for antibody discovery, particularly in challenging therapeutic areas and for targets that are difficult to access using traditional methods.

Integration of High-Throughput Screening and Automation

The integration of high-throughput screening and automation is another key trend. High-throughput screening allows for the rapid screening of large antibody libraries against target molecules, accelerating the antibody discovery process. Automation further enhances the efficiency by reducing manual labor and enabling higher throughput.

Automated liquid handling, robotic systems, and advanced screening platforms have enabled the screening and analysis of thousands to millions of antibody candidates in shorter time frames. This trend has significantly increased the speed and efficiency of antibody discovery and optimization, making it more accessible for research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies. It also facilitates the screening of antibodies against complex targets and enables the identification of rare and potent antibodies with therapeutic potential.

Application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques is emerging as a significant trend. AI and ML algorithms are being employed to analyze large data sets, predict antibody-antigen interactions, and optimize antibody properties. These techniques can assist in antibody library design, screening, and lead optimization and can help in identifying patterns, predicting binding affinities, and prioritizing antibody candidates for further characterization. This trend is driven by the growing availability of Big Data, advancements in computational power, and the need to efficiently analyze and interpret large-scale antibody screening data. The integration of AI and ML in antibody library technologies has the potential to accelerate antibody discovery, improve success rates, and facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic antibodies.

Market Segment Insights

Type Segment Insights

The global antibody library technologies market is segmented into phage display, ribosome display, yeast display, and mammalian cell display based on product type. Among these, phage display technology is the most commonly used method for generating antibody libraries and has been widely adopted in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This is because phage display technology is relatively simple to use and can generate large libraries of diverse antibodies quickly and efficiently.

There are several key industry trends in the phage display segment of the global antibody library technologies market. These include:

• Established and Widely Used Technology: Phage display technology has been widely adopted and utilized in the field of antibody discovery for several decades. It has a well-established track record and has been extensively validated for the generation and screening of antibody libraries. The technology is well-documented, and researchers are familiar with its principles and procedures, making it a preferred choice for many laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.
• Versatility and Diversity: Phage display technology offers a high level of versatility and diversity in antibody library construction. It allows for the presentation of antibody fragments (such as single-chain variable fragments, or scFv) on the surface of bacteriophages, enabling the selection of phages carrying antibodies with desired binding properties. This flexibility allows researchers to generate libraries with large numbers of diverse antibody variants, increasing the chances of identifying antibodies with high specificity and affinity for specific targets.
• Success in Therapeutic Antibody Discovery: Phage display technology has demonstrated considerable success in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies. Many clinically approved antibodies, including well-known drugs like Humira (adalimumab), were discovered using phage display-based approaches. The technology has proven effective in generating antibodies against challenging targets, such as membrane proteins, which are difficult to produce using other methods.
• Technological Advancements: Over the years, phage display technology has undergone continuous advancements and improvements, with an enhancement of performance and expansion of capabilities. These advancements include the development of novel phage display formats, improved library construction methods, and integration with other technologies such as next-generation sequencing and high-throughput screening. These technological advancements have further solidified phage display technology’s position as the largest segment in the global antibody library technologies market.

Application Insights

Based on applications, the global antibody library technologies market is segmented into drug discovery and development, research, and other application, with the largest being drug discovery and development. Drug discovery and development is a complex and resource-intensive process that involves identifying and optimizing potential drug candidates for the treatment of various diseases.

There are several key industry trends specific to the drug discovery and development segment of the global antibody library technologies market. Here are two of them:

• High Demand for Therapeutic Antibodies: Therapeutic antibodies have gained significant traction in the pharmaceutical industry due to their specificity, efficacy, and favorable safety profiles. The demand for novel therapeutic antibodies to address various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases, is driving the need for robust antibody library technologies.
• Expanding Applications: Antibody library technologies find extensive applications in drug discovery and development. They enable the identification and optimization of lead candidates through screening, selection, and engineering processes. These technologies are used to discover antibodies that target specific disease-related molecules or cells, and subsequent development involves optimizing their properties for therapeutic use.
• Accelerating the Drug Development Process: Antibody library technologies, with advancements in automation, high-throughput screening, and computational analysis, have significantly accelerated the drug development process. These technologies allow for efficient screening of large antibody libraries, reducing the time and resources required for identifying lead candidates.
• Success Stories and Commercialization: Numerous therapeutic antibodies discovered using antibody library technologies have been successfully commercialized and approved for clinical use. The success of these antibodies in the market has boosted the adoption of antibody library technologies in drug discovery and development.

Geographic Insights

North America is expected to hold a significant share in the global antibody library technologies market due to several factors, notably North America’s – particularly the U.S.’s -- well-established and advanced research infrastructure that supports the development and utilization of antibody library technologies. The region is home to renowned academic institutions, research centers, and biotechnology companies that have the expertise and resources to drive innovation in antibody research and development. The presence of state-of-the-art facilities and access to cutting-edge technologies contribute to the growth of the antibody library technologies market. The region is a global leader in drug discovery and development, including therapeutic antibodies. Pharmaceutical companies in North America have been at the forefront of utilizing antibody library technologies to discover and develop novel therapeutic antibodies for various diseases.

We are also seeing an increasing adoption of antibody library technologies in emerging markets. Countries such as China, India, Brazil, and South Korea have been witnessing significant growth in their biopharmaceutical sectors and are investing in research and development activities. These regions are increasingly utilizing antibody library technologies for drug discovery, therapeutic antibody development, and biomanufacturing processes. The expansion of healthcare infrastructure, rising investments in biotechnology, and the presence of a skilled workforce are driving the growth of antibody library technologies in these markets.

Competitive Insights

Companies operating in the global antibody library technologies market employ various growth strategies to expand their market presence and drive revenue. Some of the major growth strategies adopted by these companies include:

• Product Development and Innovation: Companies in the antibody library technologies market focus on continuous product development and innovation to stay competitive and meet evolving customer needs. They invest in research and development efforts to enhance their technology platforms, develop new library formats, and improve screening methodologies. For example, MorphoSys AG, a biotechnology company, has been investing in expanding its antibody library technologies and developing new antibody discovery platforms to provide innovative solutions to its customers.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborations and partnerships are commonly employed strategies in the antibody library technologies market. Companies form strategic alliances with academic institutions, research organizations, and other pharmaceutical companies to access complementary expertise, share resources, and collaborate on research projects. Such collaborations help accelerate product development, enhance knowledge exchange, and broaden market reach. One example is the collaboration between Adimab and several pharmaceutical companies, where Adimab provides its antibody library technologies and expertise to support the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies.
• Mergers and Acquisitions: Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) play a significant role in the growth strategies of companies in the antibody library technologies market. M&A activities allow companies to expand their product portfolios, access new technologies, enter new geographic markets, and gain a competitive edge. For instance, GenScript Biotech Corporation acquired Amphera, a company specializing in antibody discovery technologies, to strengthen its antibody library and discovery capabilities.

These growth strategies help companies operating in the global antibody library technologies market drive innovation, expand their market presence, and meet the evolving demands of the biopharmaceutical industry. By adopting these strategies, companies strive to maintain a competitive edge and capitalize on the growing opportunities in the market.

About The Author:

Aditi Shivarkar is principal consultant at insightSLICE, a market intelligence and strategy consulting company. She has been a part of the research industry for 13 years. She joined insightSLICE in 2021, and she works with clients to design studies that generate the data needed to answer their strategic market analysis, segmentation, brand equity, and pricing questions. She works across various domains, including healthcare, industrial automation, consumer goods, IT, and telecom.