Proprietary “Next Generation Maleimide Chemistry” for Bioconjugation (5HP2O)

The expanding portfolio of biotherapeutics in both the research and development (R&D) and market sectors is shaping new opportunities towards multifunctional biologics (MFBs) as next-generation therapeutics. In this regard, site-specific bioconjugations are technologies of key importance. The main aim of bioconjugation is to form a stable covalent link between molecules, at least one of which is a biomolecule. This technology is used to enhance the stability of the therapeutic moiety (small molecule or macromolecule), to protect it against proteolysis or to enhance the targeting properties of the delivery system. Nonetheless, there are several drawbacks related to this technology. Within the research group of Prof. Madder a novel, proprietary and straightforward methodology for bioconjugation was developed, not only solving important stability issues but also out-performing the classically used conjugation technologies by allowing multiple conjugation partners in a reduced number of steps. The aim of this project is mainly to focus, as a first step, on bringing relevant building blocks (via distributors) on the Reagent market.