The ING-1 variable region ensures high affinity antigen binding, and a human IgG1 constant region reduces the likelihood of an immune response, lengthens the time the antibodies remain in circulation, and is crucial for the potent ADCC activity. ING-1 is an ideal candidate for further development as an antitumor therapeutic in cancer patients. Established cancer therapies such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are relatively nonselective techniques that cut out, burn or poison cancerous tissue. As understanding of the molecular basis of cancer advances, new therapies are being developed that may offer more precise treatment and fewer side effects. One promising approach is immunotherapy, where the patient's immune system is recruited to fight the cancer.
Monoclonal antibodies are multiple identical antibodies with the same specific binding affinity.
XOMA has two issued U.S. patents and corresponding foreign patent applications covering various aspects of chimeric, including humanized, ING-1 antibodies. These patents include claims directed to the genetic engineering and recombinant production of chimeric ING-1 antibodies and their use as therapeutic, diagnostic and imaging agents.