Hybritech Incorporated

Eli Lilly and Company

Richard M Bartholomew

Thomas C Furman

James P McDonough

James M Frincke

Rodney A Jue

Robert O Dillman

Novel methods for reducing the heterogeneity of secreted monoclonal antibodies are disclosed. The first method comprises incubating the heterogeneous antibodies at low pH for a length of time sufficient to convert the heterogeneous forms of antibodies into substantially homogeneous forms. Another method produces the same result using ascites fluid, while yet another method produces the same result using carboxypeptidase. The homogeneous antibodies can then be purified in high yield.

Method for the reduction of heterogeneity of monoclonal antibodies

A composition comprising a non-covalent immunocomplex of an anthracycline agent and an antibody selected to bind a target antigen and enhance the cytotoxicity of the anthracycline agent is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, the efficacy of an anthracycline as an anti-tumor agent for use in in vivo therapy is enhanced by administering to a patient a non-covalent immunocomplex provided herein.

Non-covalent antibody-anthracycline immunocomplexes

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Richard M Bartholomew