Antibodies to dickkopf-1 protein

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.

Keywords::

• bone metastasis
• dickkopf-1
• multiple myeloma
• osteoporosis
• rheumatoid arthritis

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

Notes