Receptor-Fc fusion therapeutics, traps, and MIMETIBODY™ technology

Fc fusion proteins are molecules in which the immunoglobulin Fc is fused genetically to a protein of interest, such as an extracellular domain of a receptor, ligand, enzyme, or peptide. Fc fusion proteins have some antibody-like properties such as long serum half-life and easy expression and purification, making them an attractive platform for therapeutic drugs. Five Fc fusion based drugs are on the market presently, and many more are in different stages of clinical trials, demonstrating that Fc fusion proteins have become credible alternatives to monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics. This review summarizes the Fc fusion proteins that have been approved for use in the clinic and those that are currently in clinical trials, as well as the different approaches to design Fc fusion proteins.