Smith created a technique called a ‘phage display’ which is where a virus infects bacteria and genetically engineers it to produce new proteins. Winter then replicated this technique to produce new antibody proteins, which are now used in drug therapy.
This was notably used to develop adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for a range of diseases which cause inflammation, including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Adalimumab is a biological drug made from a synthetic (man-made) antibody. It belongs to a group of medicines called ‘anti-TNF’ drugs or therapies, created using the ‘phase display’ technique.
It works by targeting a protein in the body called TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha). The body naturally produces TNF-alpha as part of its immune response, in order to help fight infections by temporarily causing inflammation in affected areas.
Over-production of this protein is thought to be partly responsible for the type of chronic inflammation found in the digestive system of people with Crohn's and Colitis. Adalimumab binds to the TNF-alpha and this helps to reduce the inflammation and relieve symptoms.