Site-specific bioconjugation and self-assembly technologies for multi-functional biologics: on the road to the clinic

The expanding portfolio of biotherapeutics both in the research and development (R&D) and market sectors is shaping new opportunities towards multifunctional biologics (MFBs). The combination of new or pre-existing therapeutic agents into a single multifunctional format makes it possible to develop new pharmacological actions to significantly improve their efficacy and safety. In this review, I focus on novel platform technologies that are being exploited in the biotech industry to produce MFBs with potential therapeutic benefits that include half-life extension, targeted delivery, T cell engagement, and improved vaccination. In this regard, technologies of key importance are site-specific bioconjugation and self-assembly, which allow homogeneous, defined, and scalable process developments for several MFBs that are advancing towards clinical applications.