Anti-CD48 Monoclonal Antibody Drug for Multiple Myeloma (MM)

DATE

March 2, 2023

Technology Overview:

Core Benefit

New target “CD48” validated by analyzing sample from MM patients.
Newly generated Anti-human CD48 monoclonal antibody (hCD48 mAb) indicating drug efficacy in vitro and in vivo animal study
The hCD48 mAb can be bound to rhesus CD48. Safety test in rhesus available.

Background and Technology

MM is a hematological malignancy with abnormal expansion of monoclonal plasma cells and production of monoclonal immunoglobulin. There are the malignant plasma cells observed in MM patient’s bone marrow. MM is one of the most frequent hematological malignancies. The prognosis of MM patients has been improved by the development of new drugs, but still incurable in most cases.MM stem cells are thought to be responsible for the difficulties of curing MM, but MM stem cell have not clearly identified yet. Therapeutic antibody is highly desirable for improvement of MM therapy. Numbers of mAb drugs have been tested in clinical trials. However, no mAb against MM has not been approved yet. We found high expression of CD48 on MM plasma cells and MM stem cells. We have generated a new anti-hCD48 mAb, which can be used for safety test in rhesus and for making humanized mAbs.

Data and Publication

– CD48 was constitutively expressed on MM plasma cells and MM stem cells at much higher levels than on normal lymphocytes, monocytes and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in MM patients.
– New anti-hCD48 mAb that we generated showed striking in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic effects against not only MM cell lines but also primary MM plasma cells
– Publication: Hosen, N., et Al. (2011) British Journal of Haematology, 156, 213-224

Potential Applications / Potential Markets:

Various format of Antibody Drug for Multiple Myeloma
CD48 is expected to be good target for bispecific antibody or multispecific antibody in MM therapy.

State of Development / Opportunity / Seeking:

・Available for exclusive and non-exclusive licensing
・Exclusive/non-exclusive evaluation for defined period (set up for options)
・Collaborative/supportive research

※Seeking
1. Development partner
2. Licensing 

IP Status:

WO2010/117059A1(Issued: JP,US)

Contact:

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