AbNano™ Naive VHH Library
Small. Stable. Specific. Antibody discovery without genetic redundancy.
The Fortis Life Sciences Naïve VHH Library is built from natural camelid immune repertoires to maximize protein-level diversity and unlock binders against a wide range of therapeutic targets. Delivered ready to pan, it is the fastest way to start discovering novel, high-affinity VHHs without the complexity of building a library yourself.
By starting with nature’s own diversity, AbNano gives discovery teams an authentic and adaptable platform. The result is a tool that fits seamlessly into existing workflows while expanding the range of what is possible in therapeutic antibody development.
Why Choose the AbNano Naive VHH Library
Easy to Use
- Delivered ready to pan so you can start discovery immediately.
- No cloning or library construction required.
- Single-domain format simplifies workflows and downstream engineering.
Disruptive IP Model
- Perform selections and panning in your own lab and on your own terms.
- Perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive license included with purchase.
Versatile Discovery Tool
- Captures antibodies against a wide variety of proteins and peptides.
- Isolates antibodies with diverse interaction profiles.
- Minimal genetic redundancy ensures broader sequence space.
Expert Support
- Access to protocols, technical guidance, and risk assessments for new projects.
- Our scientific team partners with you to ensure project success.
Technical Overview
How It's Constructed
The AbNano™ VHH Naïve Library is constructed from 103 naïve camelids (77 llamas and 26 alpacas). More than 1.51 × 10¹⁰ PBMCs were collected and processed using our proprietary workflows for RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and PCR amplification. Transformants were screened and validated by Sanger and next-generation sequencing, with 89% of VHH sequences in-frame.
- Library Size: 1.12 × 10¹⁰ CFU
- Delivery format: 1 mL aliquots at 10¹¹ PFU/mL, ready to pan
- Custom formats: Available on request
VHH Library Performance & Validation
To demonstrate the discovery power and performance of the AbNano™ naïve VHH library, we conducted representative phage display panning campaigns against several biologically relevant targets.
These included two extracellular domains of receptor tyrosine kinase complexes, the insulin receptor (INSR) β isoform and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) canonical isoform, as well as the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1, an important cancer biomarker. After three rounds of selection, 94 random clones were screened by ELISA, and high-signal candidates were further characterized for binding activity.
The AbNano library consistently produces nanomolar binders against challenging targets, including proteins, peptides, VLPs, and live cells. Its natural diversity supports broad discovery campaigns and enables rapid hit generation.
Who We Work With
If you are developing a novel therapeutic target and need early, high-quality VHH hits, AbNano is designed for you. From drug developers to academic labs and biotech platforms, our library accelerates discovery across a range of applications.
Applications We Empower
- CAR-T and CAR-NK Cell Therapy Development
- Immune Antibody Discovery
- Bispecific Antibody Development
- Antibody and Protein Engineering
- Structural Biology (Cryo-EM, Crystallography)
- Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development
- AI and Machine Learning Applications
Therapeutic Areas Supported
Immuno-oncology • Myeloma • Leukemia • Breast Carcinoma • Solid Tumors • Neurodegenerative Disease
Modular, Versatile, and Engineerable VHH Domains
AbNano VHH antibodies offer human-like frameworks and CDR3 length distributions close to human IgHV3-23. This simplifies humanization and downstream development. Their small size enables rapid clearance, while PK/PD profiles can be tuned through covalent and non-covalent engineering.
This flexibility enables:
- Binding to new epitopes or complementing existing therapeutics
- Development of bispecific and biparatopic formats
- Optimization of pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution
AbNano™ has
already yielded nanomolar-affinity VHH binders to key therapeutic targets
including PD-L1, EGFR, and INSR-β. These validated results demonstrate its
potential as a discovery engine for next-generation therapeutics.
From Library to Lead: VHH Binders for PD-L1 and Beyond
Explore how the AbNano™ naïve VHH library enables the rapid discovery of high-affinity binders against PD-L1 and other therapeutic targets, supporting applications from immune-oncology research to drug discovery.
Want A Targeted Discovery Strategy?
Our Custom VHH Discovery services give you access to tailored workflows, deeper characterization, and collaborative scientific support.
Whether you are working with difficult antigens, unique formats, or specialized engineering requirements, our team can help design and execute a discovery plan built around your goals.
