Ribovax Biotechnologies S.a.

Natimab Therapeutics S.r.l.

Bioline Diagnostici Srl

Francesco Novelli

Barbara Tomaino

Paola Cappello

Michela Capello

An isolated peptide of 12-20 amino acids in length comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the serine residue (S) at position 8 of SEQ ID NO:1 is phosphorylated, is provided. Also provided is a human monophosphorylated alpha-enolase isoform wherein the serine residue (S) at position 419 of the human alpha-enolase amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:2) is phosphorylated and in which other post-translational modifications may be present. Further provided are antibodies capable of specifically binding the peptide and/or the isoform of the invention. The peptide, the isoform and the antibodies of the invention may be used in the diagnosis and/or amelioration and/or treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Isolated monophosphorylated peptide derived from human alpha-enolase useful for diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, antibodies directed against the said monophosphorylated peptide, and uses thereof

The present invention provides novel human protein antigens and related antibodies that have been identified as being specifically expressed in association to human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDA). In particular, novel phosphorylated isoforms of alpha-enolase have been identified in transformed cell lines of pancreatic origin and antibodies binding such isoforms are specifically present in the sera of PDA patients. These proteins and antibodies can be useful for the diagnosis and the treatment of PDA and other cancers having common molecular features.

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Turin, Italy

Francesco Novelli