ICH5394 is a research-grade biosimilar of bersanlimab (originator BI-505), supplied as an unconjugated recombinant human IgG1 (lambda light chain) monoclonal antibody directed against human ICAM-1 (CD54). It is a non-therapeutic analog built around the ICAM-1 target and intended strictly for research use, not for clinical or diagnostic application. Bersanlimab was originally developed by BioInvent as a fully human antibody and evaluated in oncology, notably multiple myeloma, where ICAM-1 is highly expressed. This biosimilar reproduces the target specificity of the originator so investigators can use it as a reference or benchmarking tool in functional and mechanistic studies. It is manufactured to research-grade endotoxin specifications (<1 EU/mg), making it suitable for cell-based and binding assays. Because ICAM-1 is a human antigen, this product is best positioned for in-vitro and ex-vivo work rather than routine mouse in-vivo dosing. Typical applications include ICAM-1 binding characterization, blockade of leukocyte adhesion interactions, assay development, and use as an isotype-matched or antigen-specific control in comparative antibody studies.
ICAM-1 (CD54; UniProt P05362) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, comprising five extracellular Ig-like domains, a transmembrane region, and a short cytoplasmic tail. It serves as a principal counter-receptor for the beta-2 integrins LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) on leukocytes, mediating firm adhesion, transendothelial migration, and immunological synapse formation. ICAM-1 also binds fibrinogen, rhinovirus, and Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes. It is expressed at low basal levels on endothelium and many cell types and is strongly upregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-1, and IFN-gamma. Elevated ICAM-1 is associated with inflammation and with several malignancies, including multiple myeloma, melanoma, and non-small-cell lung and liver cancers, making it a target of interest for adhesion biology, immune-cell trafficking, and tumor studies.