Description:
The invention relates to a method of producing antibodies that recognize peptides associated with a tumorigenic or disease state, wherein the peptides are displayed in the context of HLA molecules. These antibodies will mimic the specificity of a T-cell receptor such that the molecules may be used as therapeutic, diagnostic and research agents.
Market Applications:
This new drug can be used for a variety of applications. The invention is directed to identifying unique target molecules on endothelial cells which outline all blood vessels. These cells may be targets for drug therapy. Endothelial cells may also form an obstacle in vascular drug delivery approaches so the drug allows doctors to identify cell surface targets and develop highly effective antibodies to treat them. This in turn allows for a faster diagnosis and healing time in various types of cancers such as colon, glioblastomal, and lung. There is a competitor in the market, but with much more serious side effects such as gastrointestinal perforation and internal bleeding, which this invention does not have.
Features, Benefits & Advantages:
- Decreased side effects mean less worry for the patient and allow for fast, accurate diagnosis of factors that contribute to cancerous cell growth.
- Vascular targeting in general and targeting the endothelium of the blood brain barrier is a new application for TCRms. Currently, no truly specific vascular targets exist. Bevacizumab targets angiogenesis, but no vectors are available for specific targeting of normal or inflamed vascular beds.
Intellectual Property:
A U.S. utility patent 14,007,164 was filed on 09/24/2013. Patent has since issued US9555108B2
https://patents.google.com/patent/US9555108B2/en
Development Stage:
Currently, studies are in progress to show pharmacological effect.
Related Research & Publications:
The patent was published on 05/15/2014 as US-2014-0134191-A1. Patent has since issued US9555108B2
Texas Tech Researcher:
Dr. Jon Weidanz, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Center for Immunotherapeutic Research, Now moved to UTA as an associate VPR (2015)
Dr. Ulrich Bickel, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Pharmacy, Amarillo