Antibodies with increased affinity for the epidermal growth factor receptor and fragments derived therefrom

The invention relates to new antibodies (Ab) and fragments that recognize the extracellular region of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (hEGFR) with a higher affinity than the Ab nimotuzumab, thus being able to recognize more efficiently lines with medium expression of EGFR. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned Abs and fragments as active principle, and to the use thereof in therapy for EGFR-expressing tumors. In addition, the Abs and fragments can be used to locate EGFR positive tumors when linked to a radioisotope or fluorophore. Additionally, said Abs and fragments can be used in directing the immune response to EGFR positive tumor cells when they are fused to proteins or protein domains of immunological interest.