Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 (FGFR4) Monoclonal Antibodies and Methods of Their Use

This invention concerns several high-affinity monoclonal antibodies that can be used to treat FGFR4-related diseases. In particular, these antibodies have been used to generate ADCs and CARs specifically targeting and killing cancer cells.Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents. Although current treatments for primary disease are relatively successful, metastatic RMS is generally accompanied by a dismal prognosis. Thus, there is a public health need for the development of new therapies for metastatic RMS.Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 (FGFR4) is a cell surface protein that is highly expressed in RMS as well as in liver, lung, pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Researchers in NCI ' s Genetics Branch found that high FGFR4 expression in RMS patients is often associated with advanced disease, rapid disease progression, and poor survival. The correlation between FGFR4 expression and highly aggressive RMS makes the protein an attractive target for treatment. Specific targeting of FGFR4 specifically may attack cancer cells while leaving healthy, essential cells unaffected.  IC: NCINIH Ref. No.: E-264-2015Advantages: High affinity and specificity of the antibodies allows more selective targeting of cancer cells, reducing the potential for side effects during therapyMultiple antibodies availablePotential to address significant unmet medical needApplications: Development of unconjugated antibody therape...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - Category: Research Authors: Source Type: research