Bispecific & Multispecific Antibody Development

We design and engineer recombinant antibodies for immunotherapy, including bispecific and multispecific antibodies (BsAbs & MsAbs). Our team develops bispecific antibodies that bind two targets simultaneously, expanding therapeutic potential beyond traditional monoclonal antibodies.

We have the expertise to accelerate your bispecific or multispecific into new areas and applications.

The development of bispecific and multispecific antibodies expands therapeutic possibilities beyond traditional monoclonal antibodies. By combining multiple binding arms or incorporating additional proteins, these molecules enable bi-functional activity and improved target specificity.

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Designing and producing bispecific antibodies can be complex, but Abzena has extensive experience in creating bispecific and multispecific formats, as well as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

We recognize that every program has unique requirements. Our proven antibody design and production strategies allow rapid screening of key features such as avidity, spacing, stoichiometry, and arm formatting. This ensures efficient bispecific antibody design and development from early discovery through clinical readiness.

Our Bispecific Approach:​ Development of a Bispecific

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There are several critical factors to consider when starting a bispecific antibody development project. Early design choices have a major impact on stability, manufacturability, and therapeutic function.

Successful bispecific antibody design should:

  • Explore multiple stoichiometries and spacing options early, regardless of the target product profile
  • Include enough bispecific constructs to confirm the desired biological functionality
  • Define a clear set of functional assays to evaluate and rank designs quickly
  • Integrate developability assessments to ensure molecules can be efficiently produced and scaled – it maybe functional, but can we make it?

Rapid screening of multiple bispecific and multispecific antibody designs, even with subtle structural differences, is essential to select the most viable format for development.

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Bispecific Design

Bispecific antibodies integrate multiple binding specificities into a single construct. Over time, many bispecific formats have emerged, each with unique advantages and development challenges, including freedom to operate.

If your program already uses a preferred bispecific antibody design, Abzena can support optimization and manufacturability. Where an optimal format is still under evaluation, our team offers access to a focused panel of IP-free, proven bispecific antibody formats to explore functionality and performance efficiently.

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Bispecific Expression & Purification

One of the main challenges in bispecific antibody development is avoiding chain mispairing during expression. A common strategy to overcome this is the knob-into-hole (KiH) approach. This technique involves co-expressing two antibody heavy chains with targeted mutations that form a “knob” on one chain and a complementary “hole” on the other, promoting correct heterodimer formation.

Abzena has extensive experience in bispecific antibody design, expression, and purification. Our teams work across multiple bispecific formats, including knob-into-hole and other advanced heterodimerization technologies, to ensure high purity and functional integrity.

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Bispecific Characterization

Because of the structural complexity of bispecific antibodies, detailed characterization and analysis are essential. Traditional analytical tools such as SDS-PAGE and SEC are often insufficient. Advanced methods like intact mass spectrometry and SEC-MALS are required to confirm correct bispecific antibody formation and purity.

Further assessments, including thermal stability profiling, provide valuable insights into molecular stability and developability. Abzena’s analytical scientists evaluate each bispecific or multispecific antibody using the most appropriate techniques to ensure reliability and reproducibility.

Characterization alone is not enough. Functional validation is critical. Working with Abzena’s bioassay team, tailored assays can be developed to confirm biological activity and support lead candidate selection.

Analytics & Bioassays

Experience Across Antibody Formats

Abzena can work with you to develop the right bispecific or multispecific antibody for your application. By leveraging unparalleled expertise in antibody production, purification, analytics and functional bioassays, we can rapidly identify and advance the most promising bispecific candidates.

Whether you are at an early stage or further down the developmental path, we offer services and the necessary expertise that help to get you to the next destination.

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Bispecific & Multispecific Antibody Development FAQs

What are bispecific antibodies?

Bispecific antibodies are engineered proteins that bind to two different antigens or epitopes at once. This dual binding improves targeting accuracy and therapeutic potential compared to traditional monoclonal antibodies.

How do bispecific antibodies differ from monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibodies target a single antigen. Bispecific antibodies engage two targets, offering enhanced therapeutic control and improved cell-to-cell interactions. This key distinction explains the difference between monoclonal antibody vs bispecific function.

Are bispecific antibodies monoclonal?

No. While both are antibody-based therapeutics, bispecific antibodies are engineered from monoclonal antibody components but have two specific binding sites instead of one.

What are multispecific antibodies?

Multispecific antibodies bind to more than two targets, offering complex therapeutic effects. These constructs extend beyond bispecific designs to support advanced immunotherapy strategies.

How does Abzena support bispecific antibody development?

Abzena provides complete support for bispecific and multispecific antibody programs, from molecular design to analytical testing and manufacturing. Our integrated services ensure efficient development and regulatory readiness.

Related Insights

An Approach to Rapidly Identify a Functional & Developable Bispecific Antibody

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EPM Article: Cell Line Development Strategies for Bispecific Antibodies

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EPM: Cell line development strategies fit for a new era of Bispecific Antibodies

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