The mission of the Center for Therapeutic Antibody Development is to collaborate with researchers in the design and development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for research and commercialization. If monoclonal antibodies are needed for basic science studies or grant submissions for therapeutic or diagnostics use, please contact us for a consultation to determine the best approach to producing the antibody of interest.

CTAD can help with the generation of protein immunogens using a number of expression systems. If the antibody has therapeutic value, we can arrange to have it humanized for potential use as a drug. Human antibodies from the blood of patients or subjects can also be produced in many instances. The Center was established in 1996 under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Moran.

Because of their sensitivity and specificity, monoclonal antibodies are critical basic science research tools and are the core technology for many diagnostic tests, such as those used to verify pregnancy or influenza infection. In the past decade, monoclonal antibodies have become the most successful new drug classification, with yearly sales exceeding $50 billion.

Our facility assists in all aspects of the generation of monoclonal antibodies, from expressing the target protein to screening and purifying the selected clones. We also have expertise in humanization of antibodies as well as immortalization of human B cells from blood samples.

Hundreds of antibodies have been generated for scientists at Mount Sinai as well as for other institutions. To date, more than 30 monoclonal antibodies generated in our facility have been commercialized for basic science use. These antibodies have been contracted out to companies and percentages of proceeds returned to the investigators.

Area of Expertise

CTAD can assist in, or perform any or all of the steps needed to generate high quality monoclonal antibodies for research or therapeutic uses, including:

• Production of protein using various expression systems
• Purification of protein
• Immunization of appropriate host (potentially humanized mice)
• Fusion and immortalization of B cell clones
• Screening and selection of clones
• Humanization of monoclonal antibodies made in non-human species
• Isolation of antibody producing human B cells
• Cloning and expression of human V genes
• Target indifferent approach
• Purification of antibodies
• Mycoplasma testing

We are looking for promising targets for monoclonal antibodies production in humanized mice. Funding is available for investigators who have identified targets with potential therapeutic or diagnostic value. Investigators with targets that are scientifically novel and at an early stage of investigation are encouraged to apply. We will synthesize target proteins for immunization and screening, generate panels of monoclonal antibodies and collaborate with investigators to identify and characterize antibodies with the greatest commercial potential and therapeutic impact.