HER2/ERBB2 Research Reagents: Antibodies, Proteins & Biosimilars for Cancer Research

HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, ERBB2) is one of the most important therapeutic targets in oncology. For a broader view of all oncology reagent categories, see our Cancer Research Reagents hub.

Target Biology and Clinical Relevance

HER2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase of the ERBB/EGF receptor family. Unlike other ERBB family members, HER2 has no known direct ligand — it functions as a preferred dimerization partner for other ERBB receptors (EGFR, HER3, HER4). HER2 amplification or overexpression occurs in approximately 15–20% of breast cancers, 10–15% of gastric cancers, and smaller subsets of NSCLC, CRC, and endometrial cancers.

HER2-targeted therapies include monoclonal antibodies (trastuzumab, pertuzumab), ADCs (T-DXd/Enhertu, T-DM1/Kadcyla), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (lapatinib, tucatinib). The success of T-DXd in HER2-low breast cancer has expanded the clinical relevance of HER2 beyond traditional 3+ IHC-positive tumors.

Anti-HER2 antibodies for research use are validated for IHC (HER2 scoring on FFPE tissue — see our IHC Panel Design guide for scoring criteria), flow cytometry (surface HER2 quantification), WB (HER2 phosphorylation status), and IP. HER2 ECD proteins are used as ELISA antigens, SPR/BLI ligands, and immunogens for custom antibody generation.

Research biosimilar trastuzumab and pertuzumab are available for PK/ADA bioanalytical assay development, competitive binding studies, ADCC assays, and as positive controls for cell-based potency testing. For a detailed comparison of how research biosimilars differ from originator drugs, see our Biosimilar vs. Originator guide.

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References

1. Slamon DJ, Clark GM, Wong SG, Levin WJ, Ullrich A, McGuire WL. Human breast cancer: correlation of relapse and survival with amplification of the HER-2/neu oncogene. Science. 1987;235(4785):177-182. doi: 10.1126/science.3798106

2. Yarden Y, Sliwkowski MX. Untangling the ErbB signalling network. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2001;2(2):127-137. doi: 10.1038/35052073

3. Drago JZ, Modi S, Chandarlapaty S. Unlocking the potential of antibody-drug conjugates for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2021;18(6):327-344. doi: 10.1038/s41571-021-00470-8

All products are for research use only. For technical support, contact order@abinscience.com.