DESCRIPTION
Antibody-based therapies have emerged as important components of therapies for an increasing number of human malignancies in such fields as oncology, inflammatory and infectious diseases. Indeed, antibodies are one of the best-selling classes of drugs; five of the top ten best selling drugs are antibodies.
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3, LAG3, CD223) is a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, and is expressed in immune cells such as CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T regulatory cells or NK cells. One of its rolls is to regulate T cell activation, serving as a modulator of response to antigens, prevention of over-stimulation and maintaining immune homeostasis. Also, Programmed Death 1 protein (PD1) is also contained in B cells, T cells and monocytes, and it has a role in maintaining immunologic self-tolerance against autoimmune diseases, as well as regulating antigen response.
Hence, the use of both proteins addresses the needs for alternative and improved therapies, and it may be used in immunotherapy for treating diseases such as cancer. As a matter of fact, anti-LAG-3 antibodies are known to delay tumour progression, and its combination with antibodies that bind to PD-1 can be employed in immunotherapy.
ADVANTAGES
1. Easier to manufacture, test and administer
2. Multifunctional: can be associated to other molecules to increase adaptability.
3. Higher efficacy than single LAG-3 binding antibodies.
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
In search of potential licensees and/or buyers.
TEAM
Carolyn Edwards; Isabelle Osuch; Yumin Teng; James Legg; David Escors Murugarren.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
European Patent: EP3752188A1
Israel: IL299443B2, IL276063B2
CONTACT INFORMATION
Innovation Unit: unidad.innovacion.salud@navarra.es (+34 848 42 70 30)