Epitomics, exclusive maker of RabMAb ® monoclonal antibodies, has developed and patented a large number of exceptional TNFa-neutralizing antibodies that can be used for therapeutic and research purposes in cancer and a variety of inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease (adult and pediatric), ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.
The claims of the 7,431,927 patent broadly cover any antibody that contains the binding region of a particular rabbit TNFa-neutralizing antibody, as well as a large number of variant antibodies that contain amino acid substitutions in the antibody's binding region.
The antibodies claimed in the 7,431,927 patent exploit Epitomics' unique amino acid substitution technology that allows amino acids in the binding region in an antibody – the so-called antigen-binding region – to be substituted without significant loss in antibody activity. Epitomics' technology is superior because unlike all other traditional humanization technologies, Epitomics' technology allows the humanization of the binding region of an antibody in addition to the non-binding region.
"This patent is unlike any other antibody patent" says Dr. Guo-Liang Yu, CEO of Epitomics. "We are so pleased the USPTO recognized the uniqueness of our amino-acid substition technology and we are moving rapidly to develop novel and effective therapeutic uses for these antibodies."
TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) is implicated in inflammatory processes and various diseases. TNF antibodies are among the most promising therapeutic methods in the research and clinical trial processes of major biotechnology companies. Epitomics' TNF breakthrough will help the world's biotechnology companies with research and therapeutic efforts. According to a government report, the global market for anti-TNFa therapies is expected to reach $12 billion by 2015. Epitomics expects to enter this multi-billion dollar market if clinical trials are successful.
About Epitomics
Epitomics, Inc., an emerging biotechnology company, is dedicated to developing breakthrough monoclonal antibody technology for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The Company utilizes a unique and proprietary RabMAb® (Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody) technology which produces antibodies with superior binding affinity and bioactivity in a wide variety of biological assays. Epitomics, Inc. (www.epitomics.com) is headquartered in Burlingame, California, and operates a wholly owned subsidiary in Hangzhou, the People's Republic of China.
Contact: David Maizenberg - 650.537.6411
