Symphogen is developing recombinant polyclonal antibodies (rpAb) to replace currently used plasma-derived immunoglobulin products. Recombinant pAbs may build upon the clinical strengths of immunoglobulins, while also improving upon their weaknesses, therefore broadening their therapeutic potential.

This program is currently comprised of Sym001 for the replacement of existing anti-RhD hyperimmune immunoglobulins for the treatment of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) and the prevention of Hemolytic Disease of Newborns (HDN). Symphogen is also developing Sym002 for the replacement of existing anti-vaccinia hyperimmune immunoglobulins (VIG) for the treatment of adverse effects caused by smallpox vaccination.

Immunoglobulins have been used for many years for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune and infectious diseases. Immunoglobulins are in general isolated from blood of healthy or vaccinated donors, and in certain cases animals or donors who have recovered from a specific disease. Although immunoglobulin products are generally well tolerated and reflect the diversity of the natural immune system, their use is associated with several disadvantages. These limitations include: low efficacy because only a fraction of the antibodies will be specific to a particular antigen; safety issues due to the risk of disease transmission via infected blood; batch-to-batch variations; and supply shortages due to dependency on donor blood availability. Additionally, the long process of blood collection, screening and immunoglobulin purification makes this a relatively expensive therapeutic option.

Symphogen believes that a rpAb therapeutic may address the shortcomings of immunoglobulins. The Symplex™ technology captures a broad representation of fully human antibody species with diversity comparable to plasma-derived immunoglobulins and specificity reflecting the natural affinity and specificity of monoclonal antibodies. These pAbs are more pure than immunoglobulins, and therefore eliminate the risk of infectious disease transmission. Additionally, because Symphogen’s pAbs are produced recombinantly using industrial manufacturing techniques, they are not subject to supply limitations or batch-to-batch variations like immunoglobulins.

Sym001
Sym002