Ablynx N.v.

N.v. Innogenetics S.a.

Pronota N.v.

Christine Labeur

Marc Jozef Lauwereys

Ann Brigé

Peter Schotte

Patrick Stanssens

Jean-Luc Jonniaux

Koen Kas

Robert J Deleys

Robert Brasseur

Veronique De Brabandere

Sven Eyckerman

Maryvonne Rosseneu

The present invention relates to a method for producing a domain antibody in a yeast, wherein the formation of disulfide bridges in the domain antibody is promoted. The method encompasses the addition of oxidizing agents, preferably oxidizing metal ions, preferably one or more selected from Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+ and Zn2+.

Method for the production of domain antibodies

In a broad aspect the present invention generally relates to novel dimer-complexes (herein called 'non-fused-dimers' or NFDs) comprising single variable domains, methods of making these complexes and uses thereof. These non-covalently bound dimer-complexes consist of two identical monomers that each comprises of one or more single variable domains (homodimers) or of two different monomers that each comprises on or more single variable domains (heterodimers). The subject NFDs have typically altered e.g. improved binding characteristics over their monomeric counterpart. The NFDs of the invention may further be engineered through linkage by a flexible peptide or cysteines in order to improve the stability. This invention also describes conditions under which such NFDs are formed and conditions under which the formation of such dimers can be avoided.

Antigen binding dimer-complexes, methods of making/avoiding and uses thereof

In a broad aspect the present invention generally relates to novel dimer-complexes (herein called 'non-fused-dimers' or NFDs) comprising single variable domains, methods of making these complexes and uses thereof. These non-covalently bound dimer-complexes consist of two identical monomers that each comprises of one or more single variable domains (homodimers) or of two different monomers that each comprises on or more single variable domains (heterodimers). The subject NFDs have typically altered e.g. improved binding characteristics over their monomelic counterpart. The NFDs of the invention may further be engineered through linkage by a flexible peptide or cysteines in order to improve the stability. This invention also describes conditions under which such NFDs are formed and conditions under which the formation of such dimers can be avoided.

Stable formulations are provided that contain immunoglobulin single variable domains at a high concentration. The formulations are useful as pharmaceutical formulation and suitable for subcutaneous administration. The formulations can be transported and stored under various stress conditions. The invention further relates to containers and pharmaceutical units comprising such formulations and to methods for preparing and prophylactic and therapeutic uses of the formulations and pharmaceutical units of the invention.

Stable formulations of polypeptides and uses thereof

Formulations are provided that contain single variable domains with a good solubility and good stability under different storage, transportation and stress conditions. The formulations are useful as pharmaceutical formulation. The formulation comprises an aqueous carrier with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0, a buffer selected from the group consisting of histidine pH 6.0-6.5, hepes pH 7.0-8.0, MES pH 6.0, succinate pH 6.0-6.5 and acetate pH 5.5-6.0; an excipient; and/or a surfactant selected from polysorbate 80, polysorbate 20 and poloxamers. The formulation is further characterized that it has an inorganic salt concentration of 150 mM or lower.

The invention relates to the identification of a naturally occurring internal proteolytic cleavage site in the ApoA1 protein, which leads to inactivation of the mature protein. Specific modification of this cleavage site leads to a stabilised ApoA1 protein, which is beneficial for the reverse cholesterol transport. The invention therefore encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising a recombinant stabilised variant ApoA1 protein or rHDL particles comprising such a protein, for use in the treatment of patients having reduced HDL or hampered reverse cholesterol transport.

Growing community of inventors

Bruges, Belgium

Christine Labeur