Ucl Business Plc

Neil Chaplin

Martin Pulé

Lydia Lee

Kwee L Yong

Ben Draper

The present invention provides a bi-specific molecule which comprises: (i) a first domain which binds B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and comprises at least part of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL); and (ii) a second domain capable of activating a T cell. The invention also provides the use of such a molecule in the treatment of plasma-cell mediated diseases, such as multiple myeloma.

Bi-specific T-cell engager specific for BCMA

The present invention provides a variant proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) which has a higher binding affinity to BCMA than wild-type APRIL; and/or altered binding kinetics compared with wild-type APRIL, and/or a higher BCMA:TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor) binding ratio than wild-type APRIL and which comprises mutations at one or more of the following positions: A125, V174, T175, M200, P201, S202, H203, D205 and R206.

April variants

The present invention provides a variant proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), which has a higher binding affinity to BCMA than wild-type APRIL; and/or altered binding kinetics compared with wild-type APRIL, and/or a higher BCMA:TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor) binding ratio than wild-type APRIL and which comprises mutations at one or more of the following positions: A125, V174, T175, M200, P201, S202, H203, D205 and R206.

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London, United Kingdom

Neil Chaplin