Abkyu:
Bringing the industry's most advanced discovery tools to the world of VHHs

  • Antigen Design

    We take a rigorous, biology-first approach to every antigen, evaluating structure, epitope accessibility, stability, and potential liabilities that could impact immune recognition or downstream discovery. Each project begins with a detailed assessment to identify risks, constraints, and design opportunities that help shape the overall strategy. We then design and produce project-specific antigens and supporting reagents, ensuring we have the right tools in hand to drive immune responses and discover antibodies with the properties you care about.

  • Precision Immunization Strategies

    Our precision immunization workflows are designed to move on industry-leading timelines while remaining flexible to the biology of each target. We deploy diverse immunization strategies—including cell-based, protein, and DNA approaches—tailored to the specific challenges of the antigen. Using Abkyu’s proprietary DNA immunization system, we enable controlled immune priming for difficult and previously intractable targets. This flexibility allows us to generate robust, high-diversity immune responses aligned with the desired target product profile and downstream discovery objectives.

  • Repertoire Analysis

    We apply proprietary bioinformatics and immune repertoire analytics to deeply profile and interpret the natural antibody response generated during immunization. By analyzing sequence diversity, clonal expansion, and epitope-associated signatures, we learn directly from the immune system to guide downstream discovery decisions. These insights allow us to maximize both sequence and epitopic diversity, prioritize productive immune responses, and design selection strategies that capture a broad and differentiated antibody landscape aligned with project goals.

  • Characterization and Functional Testing

    We apply a rigorous, biology-driven characterization strategy to understand antibody performance beyond simple binding. Using a combination of biophysical, biochemical, and cell-based assays, we evaluate affinity, specificity, epitope behavior, and functional activity relevant to the intended mechanism of action. Assay design is tailored to each program and informed by the target biology and desired target product profile. This integrated approach enables confident prioritization of lead antibodies with properties aligned to downstream development need

  • Humanization and Engineering

    We apply rational, structure- and sequence-guided humanization and engineering strategies to optimize antibodies for downstream development while preserving affinity, specificity, and function. Using framework selection, targeted mutations, and developability-focused design, we tailor VHHs to meet stability, manufacturability, and pharmacokinetic requirements. Engineering decisions are informed by target biology, mechanism of action, and the intended target product profile, enabling flexible optimization across formats and ensuring candidates are well positioned for translation beyond discovery.


End-to-End
VHH Discovery




We support VHH discovery from antigen design through lead nomination, partnering closely to deliver high-quality science at every stage.

Contact our team

Have some upcoming VHH work?

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