Patent ID: 7709220
Filing Date: 2010-05-04
Classification: A61K,A61P,C07H,C07K,Y02A

Abstract:
1. A method of monitoring the efficacy of a BAFF-R antagonist in the treatment of a disease or disorder associated with aberrant levels of B-cells or B-cell activity, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a pre-administration test sample selected from a biological fluid, cell sample, or tissue sample, from a subject diagnosed as having a disease or disorder associated with aberrant levels of B-cells or B-cell activity prior to administration of the BAFF-R antagonist; (b) detecting the level of B-cells in the pre-administration test sample; (c) obtaining one or more post-administration test samples from the subject; (d) detecting the level of B-cells in the post-administration test sample or samples; and (e) comparing the level of B-cells in the pre-administration test sample with the level of B-cells in the post-administration test sample or samples; wherein the BAFF-R antagonist is selected from a soluble BAFF-R polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:13 and an antibody that binds to a BAFF-R polypeptide having an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO:13; and wherein a measure of reduction in the level of B-cells indicates that the BAFF-R antagonist is effective in treating the disease or disorder associated with aberrant levels of B-cells or B-cell activity.