Transgenic non-human animals capable of producing heterologous antibodies

Abstract

The inventors describe an approach for making human antibodies in which transgenic animals are made containing human immunoglobulin loci (or miniloci encoding part of the complete locus). Immunisation of the mice with appropriate antigens induces human antibody responses. It is then possible to generate human monoclonal antibodies using standard hybridoma technology. This patent was applied for by Genpharm Internation, Inc., who were acquired by Medarex, Inc. in October 1997. The granting of this patent triggered a $7.5 m payment to Medarex from a joint venture partnership (Xenotech) comprising Cell Genesys and its subsidiary, Abgenix, and Japan Tobacco.

• hybridoma technology
• immunoglobulin
• monoclonal antibody
• transgenic
• yeast artificial chromosome