Long-Acting Strategies for Antibody Drugs: Structural Modification, Controlling Release, and Changing the Administration Route

Abstract

Because of their high specificity, high affinity, and targeting, antibody drugs have been widely used in the treatment of many diseases and have become the most favored new drugs for research in the world. However, some antibody drugs (such as small-molecule antibody fragments) have a short half-life and need to be administered frequently, and are often associated with injection-site reactions and local toxicities during use. Increasing attention has been paid to the development of antibody drugs that are long-acting and have fewer side effects. This paper reviews existing strategies to achieve long-acting antibody drugs, including modification of the drug structure, the application of drug delivery systems, and changing their administration route. Among these, microspheres have been studied extensively regarding their excellent tolerance at the injection site, controllable loading and release of drugs, and good material safety. Subcutaneous injection is favored by most patients because it can be quickly self-administered. Subcutaneous injection of microspheres is expected to become the focus of developing long-lasting antibody drug strategies in the near future.