Single-chain variable fragment (scFv) technology is a recombinant antibody engineering platform in which the variable regions of the heavy (VH) and light (VL) chains of an antibody are genetically linked by a short flexible peptide linker to create a single polypeptide capable of retaining the antigen-binding specificity of the parent antibody. Typically ranging from 25–30 kDa in size, scFvs offer several advantages over conventional monoclonal antibodies.
- Improved tissue penetration, rapid production in microbial expression systems, lower manufacturing costs, and ease of genetic manipulation.
- scFv molecules can be readily incorporated into advanced therapeutic formats such as bispecific antibodies, multi-specific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies.
- In diagnostics, scFvs are widely used in biosensors, imaging agents, and point-of-care assays due to their high specificity and adaptability.
Pipeline application
One of our leading products in the pipeline, IMGX-101, uses ScFv combined with AI technology to develop a PCSK9 inhibitor to alleviate hyperlipidemia. Learn more about our cardiovascular program.