Antibody Fragments and Nanobodies
13 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- AbciximabAbciximab is a chimeric Fab fragment of a monoclonal antibody that blocks the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (αIIbβ3) integrin. It is approved for intravenous use to inhibit platelet aggregation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and in acute coronary syndromes, helping to reduce thrombotic complications.
- BI-836858BI‑836858 is a fully human, Fc‑engineered monoclonal antibody that targets CD33, a surface antigen expressed on most acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells and on lower‑risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) clones. It is being investigated as an immunotherapy to trigger immune‑mediated killing of CD33‑positive blasts, either alone or in combination with agents such as decitabine, the polo‑like‑kinase inhibitor volasertib, or an IL‑2‑based cytokine fusion.
- CaplacizumabCaplacizumab is a humanized, bivalent nanobody that targets von Willebrand factor (vWF) and is approved for the treatment of acquired immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP). Used together with plasma exchange and immunosuppression, it shortens the time to platelet count recovery and lowers the risk of early disease recurrence, though it raises the likelihood of mild bleeding.
- Certolizumab pegolCertolizumab pegol is a PEGylated Fab' fragment that binds and neutralises tumour necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α). It is an approved prescription biologic used primarily for inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, where it reduces joint inflammation, pain and improves function and quality of life.
- Dapirolizumab pegolDapirolizumab pegol is an investigational PEGylated Fab' antibody fragment that blocks CD40 ligand (CD40L). It is being studied as a biologic therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), aiming to reduce disease activity in patients whose symptoms persist despite standard care.
- EDI-200EDI-200 (also called ER004, anti‑EDAR agonist antibody) is an investigational monoclonal antibody fragment designed to replace the missing ectodysplasin‑A1 (EDA1) protein in fetuses with X‑linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED). By binding the EDA1 receptor (EDAR) during prenatal development, it aims to restore normal signaling for skin, hair, teeth, and sweat‑gland formation. The compound is being studied in a Phase 2 open‑label trial that administers the drug intra‑amniotically to male fetuses carrying pathogenic EDA mutations.
- Gancotamab
- Gontivimab
- Indium In-111 satumomab pendetideIndium-111 satumomab pendetide (OncoScint) is a radiolabeled antibody fragment used for immunoscintigraphic imaging of solid tumours, principally colorectal and ovarian adenocarcinomas. The agent combines a murine Fab' fragment that binds the tumour-associated antigen TAG‑72 with the gamma‑emitting isotope indium‑111, allowing whole‑body scintigraphy to locate primary, recurrent or occult disease.
- LampalizumabLampalizumab is an intravitreally administered antigen‑binding fragment (Fab) that targets complement factor D, a key enzyme in the alternative complement pathway. It has been investigated in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials for geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced dry form of age‑related macular degeneration (AMD). The drug remains investigational and has not demonstrated clinically meaningful slowing of GA progression or visual‑function improvement.
- PexelizumabPexelizumab is a recombinant humanized single‑chain antibody fragment (scFv) that blocks complement component C5. Developed by Alexion for cardiovascular use, it was investigated as an adjunct in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and acute myocardial infarction (MI) to reduce reperfusion‑related injury. The compound never achieved regulatory approval and has been withdrawn from development, remaining in the research domain.
- SonelokimabSonelokimab (ALX‑0761, M1095) is an investigational trivalent nanobody that simultaneously binds interleukin‑17A, interleukin‑17F and human serum albumin. Delivered by subcutaneous injection, it has been evaluated in a phase 2b trial for moderate‑to‑severe plaque psoriasis and appears in network meta‑analyses of psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, where it showed rapid and durable skin clearance compared with placebo.
- VobarilizumabVobarilizumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody fragment (nanobody) that targets the interleukin‑6 receptor (IL‑6R). It is being studied for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a disease‑modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD). The compound can be given by intravenous or subcutaneous injection and is not yet approved for clinical use.