Monoclonal antibody therapeutics: history and future

Over the last three decades, monoclonal antibodies have made a dramatic transformation from scientific tools to powerful human therapeutics. At present, approximately 30 therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are marketed in the United States and Europe in a variety of indications, with sales in the US alone reaching approximately $18.5 billion in 2010. This review describes how antibody engineering has revolutionized drug discovery and what are considered the key areas for future development in the monoclonal antibody therapy field.

► A brief overview of the history of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies is given. ► Recent advances in Fc engineering are discussed. ► Advances in antibody drug conjugates and bispecifics are presented. ► The potential for targeting diseases of the brain using mAb therapy is discussed.