Stellar Biotechnologies recently posted its presentation from the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Immunologists to its corporate website. The poster presentation, entitled Measuring the Properties of Different Forms of Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH) Reveals Important Differences, was authored by scientists Shuguang Bi, Ph.D., Laura Milbrandt and Catherine Brisson, Ph.D. The presentation highlights significant results from the company’s research studies on the immunogenicity of different forms and preparations of KLH.
KLH has been shown as an effective solution to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses that can destroy tumor cells and, as a result, is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in many new immunotherapies. This, along with the rapidly expanding interest in therapeutic vaccines for cancer, has created a significant biopharmaceutical market for KLH formulations. As an industry leader in the sustainable manufacture of KLH, Stellar outlined the significantly different properties found among different preparations of the protein. Through its studies, the company concluded that both subunit KLH (suKLH) and high molecular weight KLH (HMW KLH) have potential to be used as effective antigen carriers.
“We know that different forms of KLH can elicit different immune responses, so we are developing test methods to identify the suitable form of KLH for any given application,” stated Dr. Catherine Brisson, chief operating officer at Stellar. “Our goal is to improve the predictive outcome when using KLH as an immunotherapy vaccine carrier or diagnostic immunogen, whether in clinical or research applications.”
Currently, the valued protein is harvested exclusively from the giant keyhole limpet, a scarce marine mollusk naturally found in the rocky shallows along a limited stretch of the Pacific coastline extending from Monterey Bay, California, to Isla Asuncion, near Baja California. Using proprietary methods, facilities and technologies, Stellar is committed to meeting the growing commercial-scale demand for the protein, providing the company with unrivalled access to one of the industry’s most promising new prospects.
According to the National Cancer Institute, there are currently only two cancer vaccines approved for use in the United States, both designed to protect against infection by the two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are most commonly linked to cervical cancer. Since the introduction of these vaccines in 2006, the CDC reports that HPV prevalence has decreased by 56% among female teenagers. These promising results have increased the focus on potentially life-saving vaccines within the industry.
With a proprietary system for the development of KLH and increasingly definitive studies on the protein’s specific effects, Stellar is in a strong position to capitalize on its existing advantage moving forward. Look for the company to have a substantial impact on the pharmaceutical industry in the years to come.
For more information, visit www.stellarbiotech.com
