Anti-Bin1 antibodies: treatment for Alzheimer's disease
Lead investigators: Sunil Thomas, PhD, James Mullin, PhD, George C. Prendergast, PhD
Unmet need
The incidence of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) in developed countries with aging populations is skyrocketing. In the U.S. alone, about 5.8 million have Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and it is the sixth leading cause of death, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Medical advances paralleling aging demographics in developed countries have created an unprecedented need for strategies to prevent and treat dementia, most especially LOAD.
Opportunity
Human genetics studies have identified Bin1 as second only to ApoE as a risk factor for LOAD. Neurology studies indicate that Bin1 binds and influences the turnover of tau as a likely mechanism in promoting LOAD risk. LIMR scientists developed a cell-penetrating Bin1 antibody that appears to promote tau turnover to inhibit its expression and cellular deposition. This therapeutic technology based on novel MOA may offer a route to attenuate AD driven by tau deposition.
The global market for effective therapeutics for AD is estimated to grow from $3.64B in 2017 to $5.66B in 2024, according to Zion Market Research,
Unique attributes
The scaffold and signaling molecule Bin1 modifies stress and inflammatory responses of cells under stress. A cell-permeable anti-Bin1 antibody — developed by LIMR scientists as a strategy to blunt its pathogenic function in inflammatory bowel disease—was found to exert anti-tau effects in cell culture and animals when examined. With the emergence of elevated Bin1 expression as a risk factor in LOAD development, this experimental therapeutic may be effective. Indeed, given emerging evidence of gut-brain interactions in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including LOAD, this therapeutic intersection may be relevant.
A survival benefit has been observed in early tests of anti-Bin1 administration in a tauopathy-based mouse model of AD. Accordingly, anti-Bin1 may offer a novel tractable target to limit the development or progression of AD pathophysiology in patients.
Clinical applications
The LIMR mAb offers potential uses to treat AD and other tauopathy-based pathologies.
Stage of development
Current work is at a preclinical stage of development, including ongoing mechanism studies and antibody humanization.
Intellectual property
Methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases and disorders. U.S. Patent 10,494,424 (issued December 3, 2019).
Collaboration opportunity
Refinement and humanization of murine anti-BIN1 mAb exhibiting anti-tau properties.
Relevant publications
- Chang MY, Boulden J, Valenzano MC, Soler AP, Muller AJ, Mullin JM and Prendergast GC (2012). Bin1 attenuation suppresses inflammatory colitis by enforcing intestinal barrier function. Dig Dis Sci 57:1813-21.
- Thomas S, Mercado JM, DuHadaway J, DiGuilio K, Mullin JM and Prendergast GC (2016). Novel colitis immunotherapy targets Bin1 and improves colon cell barrier function. Dig Dis Sci 61:423-32.
- Thomas S, Hoxha K, Alexander W, Gilligan J, Dilbarova R, Whittaker K, Kossenkov A, Prendergast GC and Mullin JM (2019). Intestinal barrier tightening by a cell penetrating antibody to Bin1, a candidate target for immunotherapy of ulcerative colitis. J Cell Biochem 120:4225-37.
- Thomas S, Hoxha K, Tran A and Prendergast GC (2019). Bin1 antibody lowers the expression of phosphorylated Tau in Alzheimer’s disease. J Cell Biochem 2019 Jun 18.
Contacts
Institutional contact: George C. Prendergast, PhD, LIMR President and CEO, 484.476.8475, [email protected]
IP manager contact: Heather Rose, PhD, JD, VP of Technology Licensing and Startups, Thomas Jefferson University, 215.503.0770, [email protected]