Cambridge Antibody Technology

Cambridge Antibody Technology (also known as CAT) is a biotechnology company based in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1989 and is renowned for its pioneering work in the field of antibody engineering, particularly in the development of monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic use.

History

Cambridge Antibody Technology was founded by Sir Gregory Winter, a British biochemist and Nobel laureate, and David Chiswell, a biotechnology entrepreneur. The company was established with the aim of commercialising the phage display technology developed by Winter at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.

Technology

The core technology of Cambridge Antibody Technology is the phage display of antibodies. This technology allows the generation of highly specific monoclonal antibodies for use in the treatment of various diseases. The company has developed a number of successful antibody-based drugs, including Humira (adalimumab), a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, and Benlysta (belimumab), a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus.

Acquisition

In 2006, Cambridge Antibody Technology was acquired by AstraZeneca, a multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company. The acquisition allowed AstraZeneca to strengthen its biologics capabilities and expand its portfolio of antibody-based drugs.

Impact

The work of Cambridge Antibody Technology has had a significant impact on the field of biotechnology and medicine. The company's pioneering work in antibody engineering has led to the development of a new class of drugs that have transformed the treatment of a range of diseases, from cancer to autoimmune disorders.

See also

• Biotechnology
• Monoclonal antibodies
• Phage display
• AstraZeneca

References

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