CSPG4 Antibody Immunotherapy

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

MSK investigators have developed a fully humanized and potent bispecific antibody directed at Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), which plays an important role in tumor cell proliferation and migration.

CSPG4 is an established melanoma-associated tumor antigen (also known as High-molecular-weight melanoma-associated antigen). It is an attractive immunotherapy target since it is strongly expressed in melanoma and numerous other cancers, yet highly restricted in normal human tissues.

In vitro findings indicate that MSK’s novel construct effectively retargets T-cells to CSPG4 (+) tumor cells. In murine melanoma xenograft models, this bispecific antibody was shown to significantly inhibit tumor growth.

ADVANTAGES

Compelling target with broad potential applications
Outstanding scientific team with extensive experience developing bispecific antibodies

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

CSPG4 is expressed both at high levels and in more than 85% of melanomas, a condition whose global incidence is increasing by 3%-7% annually. With this target also expressed in many cases of breast cancer, osteosarcoma, head and neck cancer, glioblastoma, sarcoma, and mesothelioma, this bispecific antibody could be used in numerous cancer immunotherapies.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

Immunotherapy

PATENT INFORMATION

U.S. National application PCT/US2015/060465 published. Europe, Japan and Australia nationals published. Canada national pending.

LEAD INVESTIGATOR

Nai-Kong Cheung, MD, PhD, Laboratory Head, Memorial Hospital Research Laboratories; Enid A. Haupt Chair in Pediatric Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering