‘Recombinant Antibody Challenge’ Now Offering Grants for Animal-Free Antibodies

For Immediate Release:
July 5, 2022

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

PETA Science Consortium International e.V., the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), and the Alternatives Research and Development Foundation (ARDF) have launched the Recombinant Antibody Challenge, offering grants for free catalog recombinant antibodies for use in in vitro research and testing.

“Millions of animals are used to produce antibodies every year, even though antibodies from animal sources are among the main drivers of the reproducibility crisis in research,” says Science Consortium President Dr. Amy Clippinger. “The Recombinant Antibody Challenge aims to get more reliable recombinant antibodies into the hands of today’s researchers.”

In a systematic analysis of 185 commercially available hybridoma monoclonal antibodies, one-third were not reliably monospecific, and only 0.5% to 5% of the antibodies in a polyclonal reagent bind to their intended target. Recombinant antibodies, whose generation starts from a DNA sequence, offer numerous scientific advantages over animal-derived antibodies—including high affinity and specificity, faster generation time, reduced immunogenicity, the ability to control selection conditions, and the ability to be generated against unstable, toxic, immunosuppressant, and non-immunogenic antigens.

A Science Consortium member has obtained photos revealing that animals used for antibody production have been held in bleak conditions, deprived of basic care, and left with untreated injuries or infections. And in the ascites method of monoclonal antibody production, tumor development, accumulation of ascites fluid, and multiple fluid draws can cause the animals—usually mice—considerable pain and distress. It has been reported that they’re unable to eat, walk, or breathe properly.

Researchers from any sector (e.g., academia, industry, or government) can apply to receive a recombinant antibody to test in their in vitro applications of interest. Applicants should submit a 500-word proposal, along with a curriculum vitae, to Katherine Groff at [email protected]. See full submission guidelines here.

For more information, please visit ThePSCI.eu.