Description of Invention:
Mesothelin is a cell surface protein that is naturally expressed at very low levels. However, the expression of mesothelin is significantly increased in aggressive tumors, such as mesotheliomas and pancreatic and ovarian tumors. As a result, mesothelin is an excellent candidate for tumor targeted immunotherapeutics.
Currently, the only antibodies against mesothelin that are available for clinical trials are of murine origin. These antibodies have the potential to elicit immune responses in patients, which may adversely affect the ability to provide patients with repeated doses. As a result, the clinical application of the antibodies may be limited.
In order to address the issue of immunogenicity in patients, NIH inventors have generated an anti-mesothelin antibody of human origin. The antibody has the ability to efficiently recognize mesothelin on the surface of cells, and induce ADCC in mesothelin-positive cells. Thus, this antibody represents an attractive alternative to the murine anti-mesothelin antibodies currently available.
Applications:
Use as an antibody therapeutic for mesotheliomas and pancreatic and ovarian tumors
Use in an immunotoxin thereapeutic for mesotheliomas and pancreatic and ovarian tumors
Diagnostic for the detection of mesothelin positive tumors
Research agent for the detection of mesothelin
Advantages:
Fully human antibody reduces potential immunogenicity, thereby allowing repeated dosing
First human antibody against mesothelin
Benefits:
The antibody based therapeutic market is likely to grow steadily in the next decade, with the present estimate of the market at more than ten billion US dollars. The development of a successful antibody therapeutic for mesotheliomas and pancreatic and ovarian cancers would occupy a significant portion of that market.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-079-2008/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/040,005 filed 27 Mar 2008
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The NCI CCR Nanobiology Program is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize the antibody. Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301-435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information.
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Diagnostics-In Vitro-MAb Based Cancer -Therapeutics-Immunoconjugates-Toxins Cancer -Research Materials-MAb Based Cancer -Diagnostics Cancer -Therapeutics Cancer -Research Materials
For Additional Information Please Contact: David A. Lambertson Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4632
Email: lambertsond@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
