Abstract
Patent WO2006015373 claims the development of anti-dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) antibodies and immunologically functional fragments that neutralise DKK-1 function. These molecules can be used to detect DKK-1 in biological samples allowing the identification of pathological conditions in which DKK-1 alteration contributes to their pathophysiology. The use of anti-DKK-1 antibodies is of high importance in the treatment of bone disorders characterised by the inhibition of osteoblast function and subsequent bone loss. Postmenopausal and steroid-induced osteoporosis, myeloma bone disease and cancer bone metastases with lytic lesions are candidates for anti-DKK-1 therapy, as DKK-1 is implicated in their pathogenesis. Furthermore, anti-DKK-1 antibodies may be evaluated in conditions where promoting stem cell renewal is required, such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disorders, chronic heart failure, muscle or neurological diseases.
Patent details
Title Antibodies to DKK-1
Assignee Amgen Inc.
Inventors Li J, Shen W, Lu HS, Richards WG.
Priority date 04/08/04
Filing date 04/08/05
Publication date 09/02/06
Publication no. WO2006015373