NOVEL ANTIBODIES AGAINST EPHA2 FOR RESEARCH, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF CANCER

Invention Novelty

A novel monoclonal human antibody specific to the cell-surface exposed protein EphA2, which is over-expressed in many forms of cancer and is a validated therapeutic target.

Value Proposition

Many forms of cancer, most notably basal-like breast cancers, induce the over-expression of a cell-surface exposed protein EphA2, making it a potent biomarker for cancer diagnosis as well as a therapeutic target. Using a unique, high-throughput phage-display screening approach, UCSF researchers have successfully identified a novel human monoclonal antibody that recognizes a new epitope of EphA2, and upon recognizing EphA2 on the cell surface is able to be efficiently internalized. Internalizing antibodies are essential technologies for the targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs.

This novel invention provides the following advantages:

• A new tool with which to target EphA2: a validated therapeutic target for many forms of cancer, including basal-type breast cancers
• Targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs through the use of internalizing antibodies with cancer-specific epitopes

Technology Description

UCSF researchers have taken a high-throughput screening approach to identify novel human antibodies against cell-surface proteins commonly over-expressed in cancer cells. The approach involves rounds of selection of a human antibody phage-display library for internalization in a human breast cancer cell line, and further enrichment of antibodies that bind human proteins of interest by expressing them (in their surface-displayed form) in yeast. The result of this approach has produced a novel human antibody against the validated cancer target EphA2.

Application

• Research tool
• Diagnostic
• Therapy for basal-like breast cancers or other forms of cancer

Looking for Partners

To develop and commercialize this novel antibody as a research tool for the study of, diagnosis of, or therapy for certain forms of cancer. 

Stage of Development

Preclinical

Related Materials

• Discovery of internalizing antibodies to basal breast cancer cells

Patent Status