Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are increasingly applied in clinical application with great success. A variety of antibody products have been approved by the FDA since 1997. Furthermore, the industries have been paying more attention to and efforts in the field of antibody development than ever, suggesting the grand potential of the market and benefits. At present, many monoclonal antibodies have proven their therapeutic value in combination with established treatment for many diseases, as shown in FDA approved expanded indications. This old-fashioned immunotherapy exerts profound effects in many refractory and formidable diseases, especially cancers. With further understanding of the interaction between immune system and cancer, more target molecules were discovered and more promising therapeutic antibodies with improved effects will be feasible in the future. Regardless of initial development or ultimate approved drug, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies have always been associated with numerous patent applications. This review mainly focuses on potential therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in oncology and related antibody patents, and discusses the trend for antibody development and therapeutic applications in humans.