Bispecific Antibodies Signal A New Era For Autoimmune Disease Treatment

Realistic antibody immunoglobulin molecule Image from freepik by pikisuperstar

A new approach targets the B-cell pathway with bispecific antibodies, building on decades of research that establishes the role of B cells and self-reactive antibodies in lupus, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. While current therapies target B cells, bispecific antibodies are engineered proteins that connect T cells and B cells. This strategy provides results comparable to existing options, with greater flexibility and simpler administration.

A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine describes how the bispecific antibody teclistamab induces prolonged remission in patients who do not respond to other treatments. In some cases, a single course of therapy eliminates the need for da