Translational pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling of the anti-ADAMTS-5 NANOBODY (M6495) using the neo-epitope ARGS as a biomarker.

M6495 is a first-in-class NANOBODY molecule and an inhibitor of ADAMTS-5, with the potential to be a disease modifying osteoarthritis drug. In order to investigate the PK/PD (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic) properties of M6495, a single dose study was performed in cynomolgus monkeys with doses up to 6 mg/kg, with the goal of understanding the PK/PD properties of M6495. The neo-epitope ARGS (Alanine-Arginine-Glycine-Serine) generated by cleavage of aggrecan by ADAMTS-5 was used as a target-engagement biomarker.

Translational population target binding model for the anti-FcRn fragment antibody efgartigimod.

Efgartigimod is a human IgG1 antibody Fc-fragment that lowers IgG levels through blockade of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and is being evaluated for the treatment of patients with severe autoimmune diseases mediated by pathogenic IgG autoantibodies. Engineered for increased FcRn affinity at both acidic and physiological pH, efgartigimod can outcompete endogenous IgG binding, preventing FcRn-mediated recycling of IgGs and resulting in increased lysosomal degradation. A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model including FcRn binding was developed based on data from two healthy volunteer studies after single and repeated administration of efgartigimod.

Protective effect of different anti-rabies virus VHH constructs against rabies disease in mice.

Rabies virus causes lethal brain infection in about 61000 people per year. Each year, tens of thousands of people receive anti-rabies prophylaxis with plasma-derived immunoglobulins and vaccine soon after exposure. Anti-rabies immunoglobulins are however expensive and have limited availability.

Genetic variability of hepatitis C virus in chronically infected patients with viral breakthrough during interferon-ribavirin therapy.

Little is known about hepatitis C virus (HCV) breakthrough during antiviral therapy, although it would help in understanding HCV resistance to current antiviral treatments. To analyse the implication of virological factors and the vigour of humoral immune responses in this phenomenon, we studied nine chronic hepatitis C patients with a viral breakthrough during IFN/ribavirin combination therapy, as well as five responders and five non-responders. The IRES and regions coding for the capsid protein, the PePHD domain of envelope glycoprotein E2 and the NS5A and 5B proteins were amplified by RT-PCR before treatment, before and during breakthrough, and after treatment.