Help A.L.P.A.C.A.: Ethical Nanobody Research for Better Treatments

Transform Nanobody Discovery: Support Our Ethical, Efficient Approach!

Nanobodies are amazing. They are tiny proteins derived from the binding part of the antibodies that are found in animals such as sharks, camels, and alpacas that can stick to specific targets in the body. They are also an incredibly useful tool in research and could help doctors detect and treat diseases better by binding to pathogens and stimulating the immune system. 

The potential for nanobodies is vast. They can be used to detect biomarkers or pathogens, study biological processes, make existing medication more effective, and even create new kinds of medication altogether! Two nanobody-based drugs, ozoralizumab for arthritis and caplacizumab for thrombosis, have already been approved, and more are on the way.

And yet, there is a problem. The conventional way of discovering new nanobodies involves injecting animals like alpacas with different compounds. Not only is this method unpleasant for the alpacas, it is also difficult, time-consuming and inefficient. As a result, nanobodies are expensive, so their vast potential goes untapped and what has been achieved so far is relatively inaccessible.

We want to change this. So, to remedy these problems, we came up with A.L.P.A.C.A., or the ‘Affordable Library-based Pipeline for Accelerated Creation of Antibodies’. The idea is to develop a system that uses a genetically engineered baker’s yeast to help select desired nanobodies from a huge pool of different nanobody variations, skipping the need for alpaca immunisation and saving us time, money, and effort. 

We expect that our system will facilitate the more widespread use of nanobodies as a tool, not only in the lab but also in the clinic. It could lay the foundation for the creation of all sorts of different therapies, such as treatment for parasitic infections, personalised cancer therapy, and more! The possibilities are enormous!

We invite collaboration and support from academic institutions, industry partners, and funding bodies. Your donation will help us finalise our project and present our exciting results at the Grand Jamboree in Paris, showing the world how we’re transforming science. Join us in revolutionising nanobody research and making groundbreaking treatments accessible—your support can change the future of medicine!