Monoclonal antibodies for anti-cancer therapy are usually produced in cell cultures. A new approach is the production in cultures of unicellular Ciliates.

As first in vitro studies show, a Rituximab-based, modified monoclonal antibody (CiMab, Cilian AG, Münster) from Ciliates binds effectively to the target receptor CD20: as the company announced, an approx. 17-fold higher antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity towards the expressing tumour cells was observed compared to antibodies on the market. This means that a lower dosage and better tolerability may be possible. The innovative manufacturing process also poses fewer safety risks and is more cost-effective.