ALFIA: a novel drug-tolerant ADA assay

Anti-drug antibody measurement

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (biologics) can elicit an immune response in patients. The associated anti-dug antibody (ADA) formation decreases the efficacy of the biologic treatment by interfering with target binding and by increasing clearance. At the Biologics laboratory, ADAs are measured using a standard radio-immunoassay (RIA) or by a variant that uses acid-dissociation to increase drug-tolerance (ARIA). As these assays specifically capture antibodies in the first step and detect with the biologic, low false positivity and high sensitivity are ensured. As innovation and sustainability are key in this fast-moving world, we set out to develop an alternative to the ARIA that is more high-throughput and does not require a radioactive reagent for detection.

Collaboration and innovation

Together with Sanquin Research (dr. Theo Rispens lab) the acid-dissociation lanthanide-fluorescence immunoassay (ALFIA) was developed. Without losing sensitivity and specificity, this assay uses fluorescence to detect ADAs. By using a 96-well plate with filter bottom instead of single tubes per sample, assay volumes and reagent use are decreased, and throughput increased, and the lanthanides omit the need for radioactive labels. A firm step forward in becoming more sustainable.

Interested in our latest publication on the ALFIA? Read about our study of adalimumab-treated patients screened for ADA using the ALFIA.