Human Monoclonal Antibodies Against The Plague
Background:
The National Cancer Institute's Protein Interactions Group is
seeking statements of capability or interest from parties
interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate,
or commercialize therapeutic human monoclonal antibodies directed
against plague (Yersinia pestis).
Technology:
Although human plague in the United States and globally occurs
mostly as scattered cases, it is of tremendous importance to
develop effective treatment against the disease because of its
biodefense significance. Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis), the etiologic
pathogen of the fatal disease Plague is included in the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) and NIH's category A agents
that can be readily used as a biological weapon by
bioterrorists. Though antibiotics are effective as the first
line treatment against plague, there have been reports of
drug-resistant Y. pestis strains.
This technology consists of a group of three human monoclonal
antibodies directed against Y. pestis. These antibodies are
specifically directed against two of the bacterium's virulent
factors, the F1 capsid protein (one antibody) and the low-calcium
response antigen V (LcrV) (two antibodies). The antibodies have
been shown to provide protection against Y. pestis in a mouse
model, with the highest protection attained with a combination of
all three. These antibodies can be used for the development of
therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment against Y. pestis
infections and are well-suited as a first line treatment. Unlike
antibiotics, the antibodies are able to provide immediate relief to
patients who have high toxin levels in the system.
Additionally, the technology may be used in research related to the
pathogenicity of Y. pestis, as well as for the development of new
treatments against this pathogen.
Further R&D Needed:
- Clinical validation
- Maximize efficacy by determining optimum application schedules
and improving antibody affinity
- Develop new antibodies which show synergy with the current
ones
R&D Status: Pre-clinical in vivo
validation (mouse model).
IP Status: This technology is
classified as a Research Tool; patent protection is not being
sought pursuant to NIH policy.
Value Proposition:
- Ability to develop therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment
against Y. pestis, the causative pathogen of Plague that can be
used as a biological weapon
- First line plague treatments that are able to provide
immediate relief to patients who have high toxin levels in the
system
- Potential to use these antibodies in research related to Y.
pestis and for development of new treatment against
Plague
Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Tel: 301-435-3121
Email: hewesj@mail.nih.gov
Please reference advertisement # 765
Revised 10/30/2008