Antibodies and Antibody Fragments Are Therapeutic Tools in the Treatment of Type-II Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Antibody fragments (FABs) are proteins that form part of the antigen recognition site. FABs are produced in genetically modified bacteriophages, bacteria, fungi, or plants and, consequently, can be produced in large quantities at a fraction of the cost of traditional antibodies. Antibody fragments are small and simple structure that today is highly regarded because of the many advantages they have over the use of whole antibodies. Single-domain antibodies are the smallest antigen-binding units of antibodies, consisting either only of one variable domain or one engineered constant domain that solely facilitates target binding. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Clinical use of recombinant fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and other disorders linked to obesity has been proposed; however, its clinical development has been challenging owing to its poor pharmacokinetics