Out-licensing

Antibody to Identify GPVI on Human Platelets: Target for Arterial Thrombosis

Introduction/Background

Platelet activation is a primary event in arterial thrombotic diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke and the inhibition of platelet activation by drugs is an established method of treating and preventing these diseases. Perhaps the earliest activation of platelets in vivo occurs in response to collagen interaction with the recently cloned collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI).

Aims/Hypothesis

We aim to raise antibodies to identify GPVI on human platelets.

Research

The laboratory of Mark Kahn, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, has raised monoclonal antibodies versus human GPVI and recently identified one that binds GPVI and blocks its activation by collagen. This antibody has potential therapeutic use in blocking the early platelet activation by collagen and is of general use for identifying GPVI on the surface of human platelets.

Conclusion

Antibodies were raised to mature, fully processed GPVI and may be better able to recognize mature GPVI on human platelets. Studies have revealed complete inhibition of GPVI signalling in hybridoma supernatant which is typically a concentration of only 1-10 mg/mL of antibody.

Relevance/Opportunity

GPVI can target arterial thrombosis associated with peripheral atherosclerosis vascular disease. GPVI may inhibit coronary thrombosis in the setting of MI and angioplasty/stenting of coronary lesions. GPVI may target arterial thrombosis associated with stroke. We are currently seeking licensing or codevelopment partnerships. Please enquire quoting reference no. N2626.

Early Stage