Research Project
9047502
? DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The principal objective of this application is the development of safer and more effective anti-thrombotic that does not increase bleeding risk. Cardiovascular disease, primarily myocardial infarction (MI), is the leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, almost 800,000 people suffer a stroke and 1.5 million an MI. Total US healthcare expenditures in 2015 for coronary heart disease and stroke are estimated to be a staggering $182 billion and $95 billion, respectively, with an associated cost of drug therapies estimated to exceed $20 billion worldwide. Current drugs are subject to significant bleeding risk associated with increased mortality. While new antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents have been introduced, they are associated with a 25- 30% increase in the rate of bleeding. There is clearly an acute need for a safer (lower bleeding risk), effective anti-thrombotic. BioAtla plans to translate recent work defining the precise points of interaction between a leukocyte-expressed integrin and a platelet-expressed glycoprotein counter-receptor. This work has not only identified specific amino acids mediating binding but also demonstrated that it is possible to selectively inhibit leukocyte-platelet interaction without interfering with other critical interactons, including those that mediate normal hemostasis. Associated work is revealing the importance of leukocyte-platelet interaction in the early stages of pathological thrombus formation. In sum, this work points to a new class of anti-thrombotic drugs with a significantly higher safety profile. Preliminary studies by the applicants using affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies demonstrate the feasibility of selective inhibition and provide preclinical evidence for efficacy showing reduced tissue injury in mouse models of restenosis, vasculitis, and other inflammatory diseases. The long term goal of this project is to develop a potent monoclonal antibody for treatment of MI, stroke, and venous thromboembolic disease that does not increase bleeding risk. This Phase I project is designed to provide critical information to support launch of a preclinical drug discovery program. The specific aims of this proposal are: 1: To identify humanized IgG monoclonal antibodies specific for human and mouse M2 sequence; and, 2: To demonstrate inhibition of thrombus formation with preservation of hemostasis.
