Published in Nature Cancer
An international consortium, co-led by ICREA researcher Dr. Eduard Batlle and the Dutch company Merus N.V., has revealed the preclinical data that led to the discovery of MCLA-158. This bi-specific antibody targets two proteins, EGFR and LGR5, on the surface of cancer stem cells, slowing the growth of primary tumours in preclinical models of cancer and preventing metastasis. The study has been published in the journal Nature Cancer.
The researchers used a biobank of organoids from cancer patients to develop and characterise the effective antibody. The use of organoids in drug discovery has facilitated the identification of therapeutic antibodies and the unwanted side effects of the drugs on organs.
For more information:
https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en/news/scientific/mcla-158-first-clinical-candidate-screened-organoids-targeting-cancer-stem-cells