US20130302346A1 - Antibodies that bind notum pectinacetylesterase - Google Patents

Antibodies that bind notum pectinacetylesterase Download PDF

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US20130302346A1
US20130302346A1 US13/885,815 US201113885815A US2013302346A1 US 20130302346 A1 US20130302346 A1 US 20130302346A1 US 201113885815 A US201113885815 A US 201113885815A US 2013302346 A1 US2013302346 A1 US 2013302346A1
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seq
amino acid
acid sequence
antibody
variable region
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Robert Joseph Brommage, JR.
Xiao Feng
Seokjoo Hong
Gregory Landes
Jeff Liu
David George Potter
David Reed Powell
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Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc
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Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc
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Publication of US20130302346A1 publication Critical patent/US20130302346A1/en
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/40—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against enzymes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K39/395—Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum
    • A61K39/39533—Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum against materials from animals
    • A61K39/3955—Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum against materials from animals against proteinaceous materials, e.g. enzymes, hormones, lymphokines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P19/00—Drugs for skeletal disorders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P19/00—Drugs for skeletal disorders
    • A61P19/08—Drugs for skeletal disorders for bone diseases, e.g. rachitism, Paget's disease
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P19/00—Drugs for skeletal disorders
    • A61P19/08—Drugs for skeletal disorders for bone diseases, e.g. rachitism, Paget's disease
    • A61P19/10—Drugs for skeletal disorders for bone diseases, e.g. rachitism, Paget's disease for osteoporosis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K2039/505—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies comprising antibodies
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/10—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by their source of isolation or production
    • C07K2317/14—Specific host cells or culture conditions, e.g. components, pH or temperature
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/20—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by taxonomic origin
    • C07K2317/24—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by taxonomic origin containing regions, domains or residues from different species, e.g. chimeric, humanized or veneered
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/30—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by aspects of specificity or valency
    • C07K2317/33—Crossreactivity, e.g. for species or epitope, or lack of said crossreactivity
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/50—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments
    • C07K2317/51—Complete heavy chain or Fd fragment, i.e. VH + CH1
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/50—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments
    • C07K2317/515—Complete light chain, i.e. VL + CL
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/50—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments
    • C07K2317/56—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments variable (Fv) region, i.e. VH and/or VL
    • C07K2317/565—Complementarity determining region [CDR]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/70—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by effect upon binding to a cell or to an antigen
    • C07K2317/76—Antagonist effect on antigen, e.g. neutralization or inhibition of binding
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/90—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by (pharmaco)kinetic aspects or by stability of the immunoglobulin
    • C07K2317/92—Affinity (KD), association rate (Ka), dissociation rate (Kd) or EC50 value

Definitions

  • This invention relates to antibody inhibitors of Notum Pectinacetylesterase, compositions comprising them, and methods of their use.
  • Bone health depends on the coordinated activities of bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts. “Bone turnover reflects a balance between these anabolic and catabolic cellular functions and ensures that the mature skeleton can repair itself when damaged and sustain its endocrine function by release of minerals such as calcium and phosphorous into the circulation.” Allen, J. G. et al., J. Med. Chem., 53 (Jun. 10, 2010), pp. 4332-4353, 4332. Many disease states alter this balance, resulting in increased or decreased bone mass or changes in bone quality. Gradual loss of bone mineral density is known as osteopenia; severe loss of bone is known as osteoporosis. Id.
  • the current standard of care for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis utilizes the bisphosphonate class of oral, small molecule antiresportives. Id. at 4333. Zoledronic acid, raloxifene, calcium, and vitamin D supplements are also typically used in the osteoporosis treatment. Id. While antiresorptive agents can help prevent bone loss, anabolic agents “are capable of increasing bone mass to a greater degree . . . and also have the capacity to improve bone quality and increase bone strength.” Guo, H., et al., J. Med. Chem., 53 (Feb. 25, 2010), pp. 1819-1829, 1819. In the United States, human PTH is the only FDA-approved anabolic agent.
  • WNT pathway Another of these pathways is the WNT pathway, which is implicated in a variety of developmental and regenerative processes. Allen at 4340.
  • the pathway is complex, however, and much about it and about how its components affect bone remains unclear. For example, it has been suggested that LRP-5, mutations of which are associated with increased bone mass in humans, and ⁇ -catenin, through which canonical WNT signaling occurs, “may not be linked directly via WNT signaling to the control of bone mass.” Id.
  • a monoclonal antibody that binds human notum pectinacetylesterase (NOTUM) and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM is provided.
  • the antibody binds to a NOTUM selected from mouse NOTUM, guinea pig NOTUM, cynomolgus monkey NOTUM, and rhesus monkey NOTUM.
  • the antibody has at least one activity selected from reducing NOTUM activity in a trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (OPTS) assay in vitro, and reducing NOTUM activity in a Wnt signaling assay in vitro.
  • OPTS trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate
  • the antibody has at least one activity selected from increasing serum PINP levels in vivo, increasing bone mineral density in vivo, increasing midshaft femur cortical thickness in vivo, increasing midshaft femur bone area in vivo, increasing midshaft humerus cortical thickness in vivo, increasing endocortical bone formation in vivo, increasing the proportion of cortical bone volume in the LV5 vertebral body in vivo, and increasing the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to femoral neck total volume in vivo.
  • an antibody that binds NOTUM binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with K D of less than 50 nM, less than 20 nM, or less than 10 nM.
  • the antibody has at least one binding characteristic selected from: a) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 84; b) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86; c) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 94; d) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid
  • the antibody is selected from a mouse antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, and a human antibody.
  • an antibody that binds NOTUM comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises at least one CDR selected from: a) a CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, 49, and 90; b) a CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 18, 26, 34, 42, and 50; and c) a CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 51, and 91.
  • the heavy chain comprises a set comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3, wherein the set is selected from: a) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; b) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91; c) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; d) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence
  • an antibody that binds NOTUM comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the light chain comprises at least one CDR selected from: a) a CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12, 20, 28, 36, 44, 52, and 92; b) a CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 13, 21, 29, 37, 45, 53, 61, and 93; and c) a CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 22, 30, 38, 46, 54, and 62.
  • the light chain comprises at least one CDR selected from: a) a CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12, 20, 28, 36, 44, 52, and 92; b) a CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 13, 21, 29, 37, 45, 53, 61, and 93; and c) a CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 22,
  • the light chain comprises a set comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3, wherein the set is selected from: a) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; b) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; c) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; d) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR3 having the
  • an antibody that binds NOTUM comprises a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region, wherein: a) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; or b) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid
  • an antibody that binds NOTUM comprises a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region, wherein a) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; or b) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; or c) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73; or d) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74; or e) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; or f) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75 and the light chain variable region
  • a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain or a light chain of an antibody that binds NOTUM and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM.
  • the nucleic acid molecule comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain, and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes the light chain.
  • the nucleic acid molecule is a vector.
  • a host cell comprising a nucleic acid molecule that comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain or a light chain of an antibody that binds NOTUM and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM is provided.
  • a host cell comprising a nucleic acid molecule that comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain, and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes a light chain, is provided.
  • a host cell comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a light chain.
  • a method of producing an antibody that binds to NOTUM and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM comprising incubating a host cell under conditions sufficient to express the antibody.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody that binds NOTUM and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM is provided.
  • a method of stimulating endocortical bone formation in a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition is provided.
  • a method of treating, managing, or preventing a disease or disorder characterized by bone loss in a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition is provided.
  • the disease or disorder is osteoporosis.
  • a single unit dosage form comprising the pharmaceutical composition is provided.
  • FIG. 1 provides a graphical representation of differences between the cortical thicknesses of various bone sites in NOTUM homozygous knockout mice (“HUM”) and those in their wildtype littermates (“WT”).
  • FIG. 2 provides a graphical representation of an increase in cortical bone thicknesses observed in both NOTUM homozygous and heterozygous (“HET”) knockout mice as compared to their wildtype littermates.
  • FIG. 3 provides a graphical representation of results obtained from femur breaking strength and spine compression tests performed on the bones of male NOTUM homozygous and heterozygous knockout mice and their wildtype littermates.
  • FIG. 4 provides a graphical representation of results obtained from femur breaking strength and spine compression tests performed on the bones of female NOTUM homozygous and heterozygous knockout mice and their wildtype littermates
  • FIG. 5 provides a graphical representation of certain human/mouse chimeric proteins, and indicates a region that appears to be involved in binding of NOTUM neutralizing antibodies in Bin 1, as described in Example 6.7.
  • FIG. 6 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements obtained in mice after eight weeks of administering MAb 2.1029 or MAb 2.78, as described in Example 6.9.1.
  • FIG. 7 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements obtained in mice after four weeks of administering various dosages of MAb 2.1029, as described in Example 6.9.2.
  • FIG. 8 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements obtained in mice after four weeks of administering various dosages of MAb 2.78b, as described in Example 6.9.3.
  • FIG. 8A shows 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg dosages of MAb 2.78b.
  • FIG. 8B shows 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 3 mg/kg dosages of MAb 2.78b.
  • FIG. 9 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements (A) and serum PINP levels (B) obtained in mice after 4 weeks of administering MAb 2.78b, with and without pretreatment with zoledronate, as described in Example 6.9.4.
  • FIG. 10 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements obtained in mice after 4 weeks of administering MAb 2.78a, as described in Example 6.9.5.
  • FIG. 11 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements (A) and midshaft humerus cortical thickness measurements (B) obtained in mice after 12 weeks of administering MAb 2.78a, as described in Example 6.9.6.
  • FIG. 12 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements (A), midshaft humerus cortical thickness measurements (B), and ninth rib cortical thickness (C) obtained in mice after 24 weeks of administering MAb 2.78a, as described in Example 6.9.6.
  • FIG. 13 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness (A) and midshaft femur mineralized bone area (B) in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.3.
  • FIG. 14 provides a graphical representation of the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of bone volume to total volume (A), the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of cortical bone volume to total volume (B), and the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of trabecular bone volume to total volume (C) in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.3.
  • FIG. 15 provides a graphical representation of the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to total volume in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.3.
  • FIG. 16 provides a graphical representation of the percentage of the endocortical surface of the midshaft femur cross-sections that were labeled with calcein, alizarin, and tetracycline in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.4.
  • FIG. 17 provides a graphical representation of the mineral a positional rate (A) and the volume-referent bone formation rate (B) in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.4.
  • This invention is based, in part, on the discovery that inhibition of NOTUM can affect endocortical bone formation.
  • Particular aspects of the invention are based on studies of mice lacking a functional NOTUM gene (“knockout mice”), on the development of antibodies that inhibit NOTUM, and on the discovery that such antibodies can be used to stimulate cortical bone formation in mice and rats.
  • antibody refers to an intact antibody or a fragment of an antibody that competes with the intact antibody for antigen binding.
  • Antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′) 2 , Fv, scFv, Fd, diabodies, and other antibody fragments that retain at least a portion of the variable region of an intact antibody. See, e.g., Hudson et al. (2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134.
  • antibody fragments are produced by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of intact antibodies.
  • antibody fragments are produced by recombinant DNA techniques.
  • antigen-binding site refers to a portion of an antibody capable of specifically binding an antigen.
  • an antigen-binding site is provided by one or more antibody variable regions.
  • binding affinity refers to a qualitative or quantitative determination of the strength with which an antibody binds to an antigen.
  • the binding affinity is the dissociation constant (K D ) of the antibody for the antigen.
  • the binding affinity of an antibody for an antigen is determined qualitatively, such as relative to the binding affinity of a different antibody for an antigen, or relative to the binding affinity of the same antibody for a different antigen (such as the antigen with one or more changes in its amino acid sequence).
  • the binding affinity of an antibody for a first antigen is considered “stronger” than its affinity for a second antigen, for example, when the K D of the antibody for the first antigen is lower than the K D of the antibody for the second antigen.
  • the binding affinity of an antibody for a first antigen is considered “stronger” when the K D of the antibody for the first antigen is at least 1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 5-fold, or at least 10-fold lower than the K D of the antibody for the second antigen.
  • the binding affinity of an antibody for a first antigen is considered “weaker” than its affinity for a second antigen, for example, when the K D of the antibody for the first antigen is higher than the K D of the antibody for the second antigen.
  • the binding affinity of an antibody for a first antigen is considered “weaker” when the K D of the antibody for the first antigen is at least 1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 5-fold, or at least 10-fold higher than the K D of the antibody for the second antigen.
  • a “chimeric” antibody refers to an antibody made up of components from at least two different sources.
  • a chimeric antibody comprises a portion of an antibody derived from a first species fused to another molecule, e.g., a portion of an antibody derived from a second species.
  • a chimeric antibody comprises a portion of an antibody derived from a non-human animal fused to a portion of an antibody derived from a human.
  • a chimeric antibody comprises all or a portion of a variable region of an antibody derived from a non-human animal fused to a constant region of an antibody derived from a human.
  • epitope refers to any polypeptide determinant capable of specifically binding to an immunoglobulin or a T-cell receptor.
  • an epitope is a region of an antigen that is specifically bound by an antibody.
  • an epitope may include chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as amino acids, sugar side chains, phosphoryl, or sulfonyl groups.
  • an epitope may have specific three dimensional structural characteristics (e.g., a “conformational” epitope) and/or specific charge characteristics.
  • an epitope is defined as “the same” as another epitope if a particular antibody specifically binds to both epitopes.
  • polypeptides having different primary amino acid sequences may comprise epitopes that are the same. Different antibodies are said to bind to the same epitope if they compete for specific binding to that epitope.
  • a “fragment” of a reference polypeptide refers to a contiguous stretch of amino acids from any portion of the reference polypeptide.
  • a fragment may be of any length that is less than the length of the reference polypeptide.
  • a fragment is a contiguous stretch of amino acids from any portion of the reference polypeptide that has a particular activity or contains a particular epitope.
  • human antibody refers to a monoclonal antibody that contains human antibody sequences and does not contain antibody sequences from a non-human animal.
  • a human antibody may contain synthetic sequences not found in native antibodies. The term is not limited by the manner in which the antibodies are made.
  • a human antibody may be made in a transgenic mouse, by phage display, by human B-lymphocytes, or by recombinant methods.
  • a “humanized” antibody refers to a non-human antibody that has been modified so that it more closely matches (in amino acid sequence) a human antibody.
  • a humanized antibody is thus a type of chimeric antibody.
  • amino acid residues outside of the antigen binding residues of the variable region of the non-human antibody are modified.
  • a humanized antibody is constructed by replacing all or a portion of one or more complementarity determining region (CDRs) of a human antibody with all or a portion of one or more CDRs from another antibody, such as a non-human antibody, having the desired antigen binding specificity.
  • CDRs complementarity determining region
  • a humanized antibody comprises variable regions in which all or substantially all of the CDRs correspond to CDRs of a non-human antibody and all or substantially all of the framework regions (FRs) correspond to FRs of a human antibody.
  • one or more amino acids within one or more CDRs of the non-human antibody are changed in the humanized antibody, e.g., through a process of affinity maturation. Exemplary methods of affinity maturation are known in the art.
  • a humanized antibody further comprises a constant region (Fc) of a human antibody.
  • the term “include” has the same meaning as “include, but are not limited to,” the term “includes” has the same meaning as “includes, but is not limited to,” and the term “including” has the same meaning as “including, but not limited to.” Similarly, the term “such as” has the same meaning as the term “such as, but not limited to.”
  • the terms “manage,” “managing” and “management” encompass preventing the recurrence of the specified disease or disorder in a patient who has already suffered from the disease or disorder, and/or lengthening the time that a patient who has suffered from the disease or disorder remains in remission.
  • the terms encompass modulating the threshold, development and/or duration of the disease or disorder, or changing the way that a patient responds to the disease or disorder.
  • a monoclonal antibody refers to an antibody from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies that specifically bind to the same epitope.
  • a monoclonal antibody is secreted by a hybridoma.
  • a hybridoma is produced according to some methods known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Kohler and Milstein (1975) Nature 256: 495-499.
  • a monoclonal antibody is produced using recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567).
  • a monoclonal antibody refers to an antibody fragment isolated from a phage display library.
  • neutralizing antibody or “antibody that neutralizes” refers to an antibody that reduces at least one activity of a polypeptide comprising the epitope to which the antibody specifically binds. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody reduces an activity of the polypeptide in vitro and/or in vivo.
  • NOTUM refers to notum pectinacetylesterase having an amino acid sequence from any vertebrate or mammalian source, including human, bovine, chicken, rodent, mouse, rat, porcine, ovine, primate, monkey, and guinea pig, unless specified otherwise.
  • the term also refers to fragments and variants of native NOTUM that maintain at least one in vivo or in vitro activity of a native NOTUM.
  • the term encompasses full-length unprocessed precursor forms of NOTUM as well as mature forms resulting from post-translational cleavage of a signal peptide and other forms of proteolytic processing.
  • a full-length, unprocessed human NOTUM has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.
  • a full-length, unprocessed mouse NOTUM has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.
  • polypeptide refers to a polymer of amino acid residues.
  • the terms apply to amino acid polymers containing naturally occurring amino acids as well as amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residues is an artificial chemical analogue of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid.
  • the amino acid polymers can be of any length.
  • native polypeptide refers to a naturally occurring polypeptide.
  • the terms “prevent,” “preventing” and “prevention” contemplate an action that occurs before a patient begins to suffer from the specified disease or disorder, which inhibits or reduces the severity of the disease or disorder. In other words, the terms encompass prophylaxis.
  • a “prophylactically effective amount” of a compound is an amount sufficient to prevent a disease or condition, or one or more symptoms associated with the disease or condition, or prevent its recurrence.
  • a “prophylactically effective amount” of a compound means an amount of therapeutic agent, alone or in combination with other agents, which provides a prophylactic benefit in the prevention of the disease.
  • the term “prophylactically effective amount” can encompass an amount that improves overall prophylaxis or enhances the prophylactic efficacy of another prophylactic agent.
  • an antibody “specifically binds” an antigen when it preferentially recognizes the antigen in a complex mixture of proteins and/or macromolecules.
  • an antibody comprises an antigen-binding site that specifically binds to a particular epitope.
  • the antibody is capable of binding different antigens so long as the different antigens comprise that particular epitope.
  • homologous proteins from different species may comprise the same epitope.
  • an antibody is said to specifically bind an antigen when the dissociation constant (K D ) is ⁇ 1 ⁇ M, in some embodiments, when the dissociation constant is ⁇ 100 nM, and in some embodiments, when the dissociation constant is ⁇ 10 nM.
  • a subject and patient include both humans and animals.
  • a subject or patient is a mammal.
  • a subject or patient is a human.
  • a “therapeutically effective amount” of a compound is an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutic benefit in the treatment or management of a disease or condition, or to delay or minimize one or more symptoms associated with the disease or condition.
  • a “therapeutically effective amount” of a compound means an amount of therapeutic agent, alone or in combination with other therapies, which provides a therapeutic benefit in the treatment or management of the disease or condition.
  • the term “therapeutically effective amount” can encompass an amount that improves overall therapy, reduces or avoids symptoms or causes of a disease or condition, or enhances the therapeutic efficacy of another therapeutic agent.
  • treat contemplate an action that occurs while a patient is suffering from the specified disease or disorder, which reduces the severity of the disease or disorder, or retards or slows the progression of the disease or disorder.
  • a native antibody typically has a tetrameric structure.
  • a tetramer typically comprises two identical pairs of polypeptide chains, each pair having one light chain (In some embodiments, about 25 kDa) and one heavy chain (In some embodiments, about 50-70 kDa).
  • a heavy chain comprises a variable region, VH, and three constant regions, CH1, CH2, and CH3.
  • the VH domain is at the amino-terminus of the heavy chain
  • the CH3 domain is at the carboxy-terminus.
  • a light chain comprises a variable region, VL, and a constant region, CL.
  • the variable region of the light chain is at the amino-terminus of the light chain.
  • the variable regions of each light/heavy chain pair typically form the antigen binding site.
  • the constant regions are typically responsible for effector function.
  • Native human light chains are typically classified as kappa and lambda light chains.
  • Native human heavy chains are typically classified as mu, delta, gamma, alpha, or epsilon, and define the antibody's isotype as IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE, respectively.
  • IgG has subclasses, including IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.
  • IgM has subclasses including IgM1 and IgM2.
  • IgA has subclasses including IgA1 and IgA2.
  • variable and constant regions are typically joined by a “J” region of about 12 or more amino acids, with the heavy chain also including a “D” region of about 10 more amino acids.
  • J Fundamental Immunology (1989) Ch. 7 (Paul, W., ed., 2nd ed. Raven Press, N.Y.).
  • variable regions typically exhibit the same general structure in which relatively conserved framework regions (FRs) are joined by three hypervariable regions, also called complementarity determining regions (CDRs).
  • the CDRs from the two chains of each pair typically are aligned by the framework regions, which may enable binding to a specific epitope.
  • both light and heavy chain variable regions typically comprise the domains FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3 and FR4.
  • the CDRs on the heavy chain are referred to as H1, H2, and H3, while the CDRs on the light chain are referred to as L1, L2, and L3.
  • CDR3 is the greatest source of molecular diversity within the antigen binding site.
  • H3 for example, in certain instances, can be as short as two amino acid residues or greater than 26.
  • the assignment of amino acids to each domain is typically in accordance with the definitions of Kabat et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest (National Institutes of Health, Publication No. 91-3242, vols. 1-3, Bethesda, Md.); Chothia, C., and Lesk, A. M. (1987) J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917; or Chothia, C. et al. Nature 342:878-883 (1989).
  • the term “CDR” refers to a CDR from either the light or heavy chain, unless otherwise specified.
  • a “Fab” fragment comprises one light chain and the CH1 and variable region of one heavy chain.
  • the heavy chain of a Fab molecule cannot form a disulfide bond with another heavy chain molecule.
  • a “Fab′” fragment comprises one light chain and one heavy chain that comprises additional constant region, extending between the CH1 and CH2 domains.
  • An interchain disulfide bond can be formed between two heavy chains of a Fab′ fragment to form a “F(ab′)2” molecule.
  • an “Fv” fragment comprises the variable regions from both the heavy and light chains, but lacks the constant regions.
  • a single-chain Fv (scFv) fragment comprises heavy and light chain variable regions connected by a flexible linker to form a single polypeptide chain with an antigen-binding region.
  • Exemplary single chain antibodies are discussed in detail in WO 88/01649 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,946,778 and 5,260,203.
  • a single variable region i.e., a heavy chain variable region or a light chain variable region
  • heavy chain refers to a polypeptide comprising sufficient heavy chain variable region sequence to confer antigen specificity either alone or in combination with a light chain.
  • light chain refers to a polypeptide comprising sufficient light chain variable region sequence to confer antigen specificity either alone or in combination with a heavy chain.
  • monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to NOTUM are provided.
  • the monoclonal antibodies are neutralizing antibodies that reduce at least one activity of NOTUM in vivo and/or in vitro.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM reduces NOTUM activity in a trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (OPTS) assay in vitro. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM reduces NOTUM activity in a Wnt signaling assay in vitro.
  • OPTS trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases serum PINP levels in vivo when administered to a subject in a sufficient amount and for a sufficient duration. Exemplary dosages and dosing schedules for administering a sufficient amount for a sufficient duration are discussed herein.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases bone mineral density.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases midshaft femur cortical thickness in vivo.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases midshaft femur bone area in vivo.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases midshaft humerus cortical thickness in vivo.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases endocortical bone formation in vivo. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases the proportion of cortical bone volume in the LV5 vertebral body in vivo. By “proportion of cortical bone volume in the LV5 vertebral body” is meant the proportion of cortical bone volume to total volume of the LV5 vertebral body. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to total volume of the femoral neck in vivo.
  • neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to mouse NOTUM are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to human NOTUM are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that bind to a region from Q47 to M177 of human NOTUM are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that depend upon a region from Q47 to M177 of human NOTUM for binding are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to the same region of NOTUM from different species (i.e., antibodies that demonstrate cross-reactivity) are provided.
  • neutralizing antibodies that bind to human NOTUM and NOTUM from at least one species selected from mouse, rat, guinea pig, cynomolgus monkey, marmoset, and rhesus macaque, are provided.
  • the antibodies specifically bind to both non-human primate NOTUM and human NOTUM.
  • the antibodies specifically bind to both mouse NOTUM and human NOTUM.
  • neutralizing antibodies that bind to a region of human NOTUM from Q47 to M177 are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that depend upon a region of human NOTUM from Q47 to M177 for binding are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to human-mouse chimeric NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 83) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for mouse-human chimeric NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 84).
  • NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to human-mouse-human chimeric NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 85) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for mouse-human-mouse chimeric NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 86).
  • NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to human NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for NOTUM D141S (SEQ ID NO: 94).
  • NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to mouse NOTUM S148D (SEQ ID NO: 95) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for mouse NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 2).
  • NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to human NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for human NOTUM R144A/R145A (SEQ ID NO: 99).
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM binds to human NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an affinity (K D ) of less than 100 nM, less than 50 nM, less than 40 nM, less than 30 nM, less than 25 nM, less than 20 nM, less than 15 nM, less than 10 nM, less than 5 nM, less than 3 nM, or less than 2 nM, determined as described in Example 6.8.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM has an IC 50 in an OPTS assay of less than 100 nM, less than 75 nM, less than 50 nM, less than 40 nM, less than 30 nM, less than 25 nM, less than 20 nM, less than 15 nM, or less than 10 nM, determined as described in Example 6.4.1.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM has an IC 50 in a Wnt signaling assay of less than 100 nM, less than 75 nM, less than 50 nM, less than 40 nM, less than 30 nM, less than 25 nM, less than 20 nM, less than 15 nM, or less than 10 nM, determined as described in Example 6.4.2.
  • the IC 50 is for human NOTUM. In some embodiments, the IC 50 is for mouse NOTUM.
  • neutralizing antibodies are non-human monoclonal antibodies. In some such embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are rodent monoclonal antibodies. In some such embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are mouse monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are chimeric monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are humanized monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are human monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, chimeric, humanized, and/or human monoclonal antibodies are useful as therapeutic antibodies in humans.
  • neutralizing antibodies are antibody fragments.
  • Exemplary antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′) 2 , Fv, scFv, Fd, diabodies, and the like.
  • Nonlimiting exemplary NOTUM neutralizing antibodies include MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. Each of MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78 neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM. Further, at least MAbs 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, and 2.78 are dependent for binding to NOTUM on at least a portion of the region of human NOTUM bounded by amino acids Q47 to M177. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody competes for binding to NOTUM with at least one antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody binds to an epitope of NOTUM that at least partially overlaps with the epitope bound by at least one antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78.
  • an antibody that competes for binding to NOTUM with at least one antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78 is predicted to be a NOTUM neutralizing antibody.
  • the sequences of the CDRs and variable regions of MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78 are shown in Section 7, below.
  • NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 1.731 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 1.802 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 1.815 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 1.846 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 2.1029 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 2.55 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 2.78 binds.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region selected from SEQ ID NOs: 7, 15, 23, 31, 39, and 47. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain variable region selected from SEQ ID NOs: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain CDR1 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, 49, and 90. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain CDR2 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 18, 26, 34, 42, and 50. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 51, and 91. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 19 and 91.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 33 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 35 and 91.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • X 1 in SEQ ID NO: 90 is selected from Y and F.
  • X 2 in SEQ ID NO: 91 is selected from H and N.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain CDR1 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12, 20, 28, 36, 44, 52, 60, and 92. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain CDR2 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 13, 21, 29, 37, 45, 53, 61, and 93. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 22, 30, 38, 46, 54, and 62.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 20 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 28 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 29 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 36 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 37 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62.
  • X 3 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from 1 and 5; X 4 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from T and E; and X 5 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from M and I. In some embodiments, X 6 in SEQ ID NO: 93 is selected from D and N.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 19 and 91; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 20 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 28 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 29 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 33 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 35 and 91; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 36 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 37 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62.
  • X 1 in SEQ ID NO: 90 is selected from Y and F.
  • X 2 in SEQ ID NO: 91 is selected from H and N.
  • X 3 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from 1 and S; X 4 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from T and E; and X 5 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from M and I. In some embodiments, X 6 in SEQ ID NO: 93 is selected from D and N.
  • NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to the same epitope in NOTUM from different species (i.e., antibodies that demonstrate cross-reactivity) are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM and also specifically bind at least one species of NOTUM selected from mouse, rat, guinea pig, cynomolgus monkey, marmoset, and rhesus macaque are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM and NOTUM from at least one species of non-human primate are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM and mouse NOTUM are provided.
  • non-human antibodies are chimerized.
  • mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM are chimerized.
  • Certain exemplary methods for making chimeric antibodies are provided, for example, in Morrison et al. (1984) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855; Neuberger et al. (1984) Nature 312:604-608; Takeda et al. (1985) Nature 314:452-454; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,075,181 and 5,877,397.
  • non-human antibodies are “humanized.”
  • mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM are humanized.
  • mouse monoclonal antibodies raised against mouse NOTUM, but which specifically bind (i.e., cross react) with human NOTUM are humanized.
  • humanized antibodies retain their binding specificity and have reduced immunogenicity (e.g., reduced human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) response) when administered to a human.
  • HAMA reduced human anti-mouse antibody
  • humanization is achieved by methods including CDR grafting and human engineering, as described in detail below.
  • one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from the light and heavy chain variable regions of an antibody with the desired binding specificity are grafted onto human framework regions (FRs) in an “acceptor” antibody.
  • CDR grafting is described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,180,370, 5,693,762, 5,693,761, 5,585,089, and 5,530,101; Queen et al. (1989) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029-10033.
  • one or more CDRs from the light and heavy chain variable regions are grafted onto consensus human FRs in an acceptor antibody.
  • FRs from several human heavy chain or light chain amino acid sequences are aligned to identify a consensus amino acid sequence.
  • certain FR amino acids in the acceptor antibody are replaced with FR amino acids from the donor antibody.
  • FR amino acids from the donor antibody are amino acids that contribute to the affinity of the donor antibody for the target antigen. See, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,180,370, 5,693,762, 5,693,761, 5,585,089, and 5,530,101; Queen et al. (1989) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029-10033.
  • computer programs are used for modeling donor and/or acceptor antibodies to identify residues that are likely to be involved in binding antigen and/or to contribute to the structure of the antigen binding site, thus assisting in the selection of residues, such as FR residues, to be replaced in the donor antibody.
  • CDRs from a donor antibody are grafted onto an acceptor antibody comprising a human constant region. In some such embodiments, FRs are also grafted onto the acceptor. In some embodiments, CDRs from a donor antibody are derived from a single chain Fv antibody. In some embodiments, FRs from a donor antibody are derived from a single chain Fv antibody. In some embodiments, grafted CDRs in a humanized antibody are further modified (e.g., by amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions) to increase the affinity of the humanized antibody for the target antigen. In some embodiments, grafted FRs in a humanized antibody are further modified (e.g., by amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions) to increase the affinity of the humanized antibody for the target antigen.
  • non-human antibodies may be humanized using a “human engineering” method. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,886 and 5,869,619.
  • information on the structure of antibody variable domains e.g., information obtained from crystal structures and/or molecular modeling
  • human variable region consensus sequences are generated to identify residues that are conserved among human variable regions. In some embodiments, that information provides guidance as to whether an amino acid residue in the variable region of a non-human antibody should be substituted.
  • a humanized NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising at least one of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising at least one of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, and light chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 from an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 63, 67, 71, 75, and 79. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 64, 68, 72, 76, and 80. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 65, 69, 73, 77, and 81. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 66, 70, 74, 78, and 82.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 79 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82.
  • an antibody against NOTUM is of any isotype selected from IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE.
  • an antibody against NOTUM is of the IgG isotype. in certain such embodiments, an antibody is of the subclass IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4.
  • an antibody against NOTUM is of the IgM isotype. In certain such embodiments, an antibody is of the subclass IgM1 or IgM2.
  • an antibody against NOTUM is of the IgA isotype. In certain such embodiments, an antibody is of the subclass IgA1 or IgA2.
  • An antibody against NOTUM may comprise a lambda or kappa light chain constant region of, e.g., either human or mouse origin.
  • an antibody against NOTUM comprises a human kappa light chain constant region and a human IgG1, IgG2, or IgG4 heavy chain constant region.
  • an antibody against NOTUM comprises a mouse kappa light chain and a mouse IgG1 or IgG2 heavy chain.
  • an antibody is modified to alter one or more of its properties.
  • a modified antibody may possess advantages over an unmodified antibody, such as increased stability, increased time in circulation, or decreased immunogenicity (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,337).
  • an antibody is modified by linking it to a nonproteinaceous moiety.
  • an antibody is modified by altering the glycosylation state of the antibody, e.g., by altering the number, type, linkage, and/or position of carbohydrate chains on the antibody.
  • an antibody is altered so that it is not glycosylated.
  • one or more chemical moieties are linked to the amino acid backbone and/or carbohydrate residues of the antibody.
  • Certain exemplary methods for linking a chemical moiety to an antibody include, but are not limited to, acylation reactions or alkylation reactions. See, e.g, EP 0 401 384; Malik et al. (1992), Exp.
  • any of these reactions are used to generate an antibody that is chemically modified at its amino-terminus.
  • an antibody is linked to a detectable label, such as an enzymatic, fluorescent, isotopic or affinity label.
  • a detectable label allows for the detection or isolation of the antibody.
  • a detectable label allows for the detection of an antigen bound by the antibody.
  • an antibody is modified by linking it to one or more polymers.
  • an antibody is linked to one or more water-soluble polymers.
  • linkage to a water-soluble polymer reduces the likelihood that the antibody will precipitate in an aqueous environment, such as a physiological environment.
  • a therapeutic antibody is linked to a water-soluble polymer.
  • one skilled in the art can select a suitable water-soluble polymer based on considerations including whether the polymer/antibody conjugate will be used in the treatment of a patient and, if so, the pharmacological profile of the antibody (e.g., half-life, dosage, activity, antigenicity, and/or other factors).
  • water-soluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG); polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde; copolymers of ethylene glycol/propylene glycol; monomethoxy-polyethylene glycol; carboxymethylcellulose; dextran; polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly-1,3-dioxolane; poly-1,3,6-trioxane; ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer; poly- ⁇ -amino acids (either homopolymers or random copolymers); poly(n-vinyl pyrrolidone)polyethylene glycol; polypropylene glycol homopolymers (PPG) and other polyalkylene oxides; polypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide copolymers; polyoxyethylated polyols (POG) (e.g., glycerol) and other polyoxyethylated polyols; polyoxyethylated polyol
  • Certain exemplary PEGs include, but are not limited to, certain forms known in the art to be useful in antibody modification, such as mono-(C 1 -C 10 ) alkoxy- or aryloxy-PEG.
  • PEG propionaldehyde may have advantages in manufacturing due to its stability in water.
  • a water-soluble polymer is of any molecular weight. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer is branched or unbranched. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 100 kDa, including all points between the end points of the range. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has an average molecular weight of about 5 kDa to about 40 kDa. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has an average molecular weight of about 10 kDa to about 35 kDa. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has an average molecular weight of about 15 kDa to about 30 kDa.
  • an antibody is linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG; i.e., an antibody is “pegylated”).
  • PEG polyethylene glycol
  • pegylated polyethylene glycol
  • PEG has low toxicity in mammals. See Carpenter et al. (1971) Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 18:35-40.
  • a PEG adduct of adenosine deaminase was approved in the United States for use in humans for the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome.
  • PEG may reduce the immunogenicity of antibodies.
  • linkage of PEG to an antibody having non-human sequences may reduce the antigenicity of that antibody when administered to a human.
  • a polymer is linked to one or more reactive amino acid residues in an antibody.
  • Certain exemplary reactive amino acid residues include, but are not limited to, the alpha-amino group of the amino-terminal amino acid, the epsilon amino groups of lysine side chains, the sulfhydryl groups of cysteine side chains, the carboxyl groups of aspartyl and glutamyl side chains, the alpha-carboxyl group of the carboxy-terminal amino acid, tyrosine side chains, and activated glycosyl chains linked to certain asparagine, serine or threonine residues.
  • PEG reagents suitable for direct reaction with proteins are known to those skilled in the art.
  • PEG reagents suitable for linkage to amino groups include, but are not limited to, active esters of carboxylic acid or carbonate derivatives of PEG, for example, those in which the leaving groups are N-hydroxysuccinimide, p-nitrophenol, imidazole or 1-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzene-4-sulfonate.
  • PEG reagents containing maleimido or haloacetyl groups are used to modify sulfhydryl groups.
  • PEG reagents containing amino, hydrazine and/or hydrazide groups may be used in reactions with aldehydes generated by periodate oxidation of carbohydrate groups in proteins.
  • a water-soluble polymer has at least one reactive group.
  • an activated derivative of a water-soluble polymer such as PEG, is created by reacting the water-soluble polymer with an activating group.
  • an activating group may be monofunctional, bifunctional, or multifunctional.
  • Certain exemplary activating groups that can be used to link a water-soluble polymer to two or more antibodies include, but are not limited to, the following groups: sulfone (e.g., chlorosulfone, vinylsulfone and divinylsulfone), maleimide, sulfhydryl, thiol, triflate, tresylate, azidirine, oxirane and 5-pyridyl.
  • a PEG derivative is typically stable against hydrolysis for extended periods in aqueous environments at pHs of about 11 or less.
  • a PEG derivative linked to another molecule, such as an antibody confers stability from hydrolysis on that molecule.
  • Certain exemplary homobifunctional PEG derivatives include, but are not limited to, PEG-bis-chlorosulfone and PEG-bis-vinylsulfone (see WO 95/13312).
  • monoclonal antibodies are produced by standard techniques. In some embodiments, monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridoma-based methods. Certain such methods are known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Kohler et al. (1975) Nature 256:495-497; Harlow and Lane (1988) Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual Ch. 6 (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.). In certain such embodiments, a suitable animal, such as a mouse, rat, hamster, monkey, or other mammal, is immunized with an immunogen to produce antibody-secreting cells. In some embodiments, the antibody-secreting cells are B-cells, such as lymphocytes or splenocytes.
  • lymphocytes e.g., human lymphocytes
  • lymphocytes are immunized in vitro to generate antibody-secreting cells. See, e.g., Borreback et al. (1988) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 85:3995-3999.
  • antibody secreting cells are fused with an “immortalized” cell line, such as a myeloid-type cell line, to produce hybridoma cells.
  • hybridoma cells that produce the desired antibodies are identified, for example, by ELISA.
  • such cells can then be subcloned and cultured using standard methods.
  • such cells can also be grown in vivo as ascites tumors in a suitable animal host.
  • monoclonal antibodies are isolated from hybridoma culture medium, serum, or ascites fluid using standard separation procedures, such as affinity chromatography.
  • mouse monoclonal antibodies are produced by immunizing genetically altered mice with an immunogen.
  • the mice are NOTUM-deficient mice, which partially or completely lack NOTUM function.
  • the mice are “knockout” mice that lack all or part of a gene encoding NOTUM.
  • such knockout mice are immunized with mouse NOTUM.
  • such knockout mice are immunized with human NOTUM.
  • human monoclonal antibodies are raised in transgenic animals (e.g., mice) that are capable of producing human antibodies. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,075,181 A and 6,114,598 A; and WO 98/24893 A2.
  • human immunoglobulin genes are introduced (e.g., using yeast artificial chromosomes, human chromosome fragments, or germline integration) into mice in which the endogenous Ig genes have been inactivated. See, e.g., Jakobovits et al. (1993) Nature 362:255-258; Tomizuka et al. (2000) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 97:722-727; and Mendez et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:146-156 (describing the XenoMouse II® line of transgenic mice).
  • such transgenic mice are immunized with an immunogen.
  • lymphatic cells such as B-cells
  • recovered cells are fused with an “immortalized” cell line, such as a myeloid-type cell line, to produce hybridoma cells.
  • hybridoma cells are screened and selected to identify those that produce antibodies specific to the antigen of interest.
  • human monoclonal antibodies against NOTUM are suitable for use as therapeutic antibodies. See Part V.G., below.
  • human monoclonal antibodies are produced using a display-based method, such as, for example, any of those described below.
  • a monoclonal antibody is produced using phage display techniques.
  • phage display techniques are known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in Hoogenboom, Overview of Antibody Phage - Display Technology and Its Applications , from Methods in Molecular Biology: Antibody Phage Display: Methods and Protocols (2002) 178:1-37 (O'Brien and Aitken, eds., Human Press, Totowa, N.J.).
  • a library of antibodies are displayed on the surface of a filamentous phage, such as the nonlytic filamentous phage fd or M13.
  • the antibodies are antibody fragments, such as scFvs, Fabs, Fvs with an engineered intermolecular disulfide bond to stabilize the V H -V L pair, and diabodies.
  • antibodies with the desired binding specificity can then be selected.
  • Nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of antibody phage display methods are described in further detail below.
  • an antibody phage-display library can be prepared using certain methods known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Hoogenboom, Overview of Antibody Phage - Display Technology and Its Applications , from Methods in Molecular Biology: Antibody Phage Display Methods and Protocols (2002) 178:1-37 (O'Brien and Aitken, eds., Human Press, Totowa, N.J.).
  • variable gene repertoires are prepared by PCR amplification of genomic DNA or cDNA derived from the mRNA of antibody-secreting cells.
  • cDNA is prepared from mRNA of B-cells.
  • cDNA encoding the variable regions of heavy and light chains is amplified, for example, by PCR.
  • heavy chain cDNA and light chain cDNA are cloned into a suitable vector.
  • heavy chain cDNA and light chain cDNA are randomly combined during the cloning process, thereby resulting in the assembly of a cDNA library encoding diverse scFvs or Fabs.
  • heavy chain cDNA and light chain cDNA are ligated before being cloned into a suitable vector.
  • heavy chain cDNA and light chain cDNA are ligated by stepwise cloning into a suitable vector.
  • cDNA is cloned into a phage display vector, such as a phagemid vector.
  • a phagemid vector such as a phagemid vector.
  • a phagemid vector such as pCES1
  • cDNA encoding both heavy and light chains is present on the same vector.
  • cDNA encoding scFvs are cloned in frame with all or a portion of gene III, which encodes the minor phage coat protein pill.
  • the phagemid directs the expression of the scFv-pIII fusion on the phage surface.
  • cDNA encoding heavy chain is cloned in frame with all or a portion of gene III, and cDNA encoding light chain (or heavy chain) is cloned downstream of a signal sequence in the same vector.
  • the signal sequence directs expression of the light chain (or heavy chain) into the periplasm of the host cell, where the heavy and light chains assemble into Fab fragments.
  • cDNA encoding heavy chain and cDNA encoding light chain are present on separate vectors.
  • heavy chain and light chain cDNA is cloned separately, one into a phagemid and the other into a phage vector, which both contain signals for in vivo recombination in the host cell.
  • recombinant phagemid or phage vectors are introduced into a suitable bacterial host, such as E. coli .
  • a suitable bacterial host such as E. coli .
  • the host is infected with helper phage to supply phage structural proteins, thereby allowing expression of phage particles carrying the antibody-pill fusion protein on the phage surface.
  • “synthetic” antibody libraries are constructed using repertoires of variable genes that are rearranged in vitro. For example, in some embodiments, individual gene segments encoding heavy or light chains (V-D-J or V-J, respectively) are randomly combined using PCR. In some embodiments, additional sequence diversity can be introduced into the CDRs, and possibly FRs, e.g., by error prone PCR. In some such embodiments, additional sequence diversity is introduced into CDR3, e.g., H3 of the heavy chain.
  • “na ⁇ ve” or “universal” phage display libraries are constructed as described above using nucleic acid from an unimmunized animal.
  • the unimmunized animal is a human.
  • “immunized” phage display libraries are constructed as described above using nucleic acid from an immunized animal.
  • the immunized animal is a human, rat, mouse, hamster, or monkey. In certain such embodiments, the animals are immunized with any of the immunogens described below.
  • Certain exemplary universal human antibody phage display libraries are available from commercial sources.
  • Certain exemplary libraries include, but are not limited to, the HuCAL series of libraries from MorphoSys AG (Martinstreid/Munich, Germany); libraries from Crucell (Leiden, the Netherlands) using MAbstract technology; the n-CoDeRTM Fab library from BioInvent (Lund, Sweden); and libraries available from Cambridge Antibody Technology (Cambridge, UK).
  • the selection of antibodies having the desired binding specificity from a phage display library is achieved by successive panning steps.
  • library phage preparations are exposed to antigen.
  • the phage-antigen complexes are washed, and unbound phage are discarded.
  • bound phage are recovered and subsequently amplified by infecting E. coli .
  • monoclonal antibody-producing phage may be cloned by picking single plaques. In some embodiments, the above process is repeated.
  • the antigen used in panning is any of the immunogens described below.
  • the antigen is immobilized on a solid support to allow purification of antigen-binding phage by affinity chromatography.
  • the antigen is biotinylated, thereby allowing the separation of bound phage from unbound phage using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads.
  • the antigen may be immobilized on cells (for direct panning), in tissue cryosections, or on membranes (e.g., nylon or nitrocellulose membranes). Other variations of certain panning procedures may be routinely determined by one skilled in the art.
  • a yeast display system is used to produce monoclonal antibodies.
  • an antibody is expressed as a fusion protein with all or a portion of the yeast AGA2 protein, which becomes displayed on the surface of the yeast cell wall.
  • yeast cells expressing antibodies with the desired binding specificity can then be identified by exposing the cells to fluorescently labeled antigen.
  • yeast cells that bind the antigen can then be isolated by flow cytometry. See, e.g., Boder et al. (1997) Nat. Biotechnol. 15:553-557.
  • the affinity of an antibody for a particular antigen is increased by subjecting the antibody to affinity maturation (or “directed evolution”) in vitro.
  • affinity maturation or “directed evolution”
  • native antibodies undergo affinity maturation through somatic hypermutation followed by selection.
  • Some in vitro methods mimic that in vivo process, thereby allowing the production of antibodies having affinities that equal or surpass that of native antibodies.
  • mutations are introduced into a nucleic acid sequence encoding the variable region of an antibody having the desired binding specificity. See, e.g., Hudson et al. (2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134; Brekke et al. (2002) Nat. Reviews 2:52-62.
  • mutations are introduced into the variable region of the heavy chain, light chain, or both.
  • mutations are introduced into one or more CDRs.
  • mutations are introduced into H3, L3, or both.
  • mutations are introduced into one or more FRs.
  • a library of mutations is created, for example, in a phage, ribosome, or yeast display library, so that antibodies with increased affinity may be identified by standard screening methods. See, e.g., Boder et al. (2000) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 97:10701-10705; Foote et al. (2000) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci.
  • mutations are introduced by site-specific mutagenesis based on information on the antibody's structure, e.g., the antigen binding site. In some embodiments, mutations are introduced using combinatorial mutagenesis of CDRs. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the variable region coding sequence is randomly mutagenized, e.g., using E. coli mutator cells, homologous gene rearrangement, or error prone PCR. In some embodiments, mutations are introduced using “DNA shuffling.” See, e.g., Crameri et al. (1996) Nat. Med. 2:100-102; Fermer et al. (2004) Tumor Biol. 25:7-13.
  • chain shuffling is used to generate antibodies with increased affinity.
  • one of the chains e.g., the light chain
  • the other chain e.g., the heavy chain
  • a library of chain shuffled antibodies is created, wherein the unchanged heavy chain is expressed in combination with each light chain from the repertoire of light chains.
  • such libraries may then be screened for antibodies with increased affinity.
  • both the heavy and light chains are sequentially replaced. In some embodiments, only the variable regions of the heavy and/or light chains are replaced.
  • variable regions e.g., CDRs
  • CDRs variable regions
  • mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM are subject to sequential chain shuffling.
  • the heavy chain of a given mouse monoclonal antibody is combined with a new repertoire of human light chains, and antibodies with the desired affinity are selected.
  • the light chains of the selected antibodies are then combined with a new repertoire of human heavy chains, and antibodies with the desired affinity are selected.
  • human antibodies having the desired antigen binding specificity and affinity are selected.
  • the heavy chain of a given mouse monoclonal antibody is combined with a new repertoire of human light chains, and antibodies with the desired affinity are selected from this first round of shuffling.
  • the light chain of the original mouse monoclonal antibody is combined with a new repertoire of human heavy chains, and antibodies with the desired affinity are selected from this second round of shuffling.
  • human light chains from the antibodies selected in the first round of shuffling are then combined with human heavy chains from the antibodies selected in the second round of shuffling.
  • human antibodies having the desired antigen binding specificity and affinity are selected.
  • a “ribosome display” method is used that alternates antibody selection with affinity maturation.
  • antibody-encoding nucleic acid is amplified by RT-PCR between the selection steps.
  • error prone polymerases may be used to introduce mutations into the nucleic acid. A nonlimiting example of such a method is described in detail in Hanes et al. (1998) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 95:14130-14135.
  • a monoclonal antibody is produced by recombinant techniques. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567.
  • nucleic acid encoding monoclonal antibody chains are cloned and expressed in a suitable host cell.
  • RNA can be prepared from cells expressing the desired antibody, such as mature B-cells or hybridoma cells, using standard methods.
  • the RNA can then be used to make cDNA using standard methods.
  • cDNA encoding a heavy or light chain polypeptide is amplified, for example, by PCR, using specific oligonucleotide primers.
  • the cDNA is cloned into a suitable expression vector.
  • the expression vector is then transformed or transfected into a suitable host cell, such as a host cell that does not endogenously produce antibody.
  • suitable host cells include, but are not limited to, E. coli , COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and myeloma cells.
  • reconstituted antibody may be isolated.
  • cDNA encoding a heavy or light chain can be modified.
  • the constant region of a mouse heavy or light chain can be replaced with the constant region of a human heavy or light chain.
  • a chimeric antibody can be produced which possesses human antibody constant regions but retains the binding specificity of a mouse antibody.
  • a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain or the light chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody.
  • a single nucleic acid molecule comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes the light chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody.
  • the coding sequence for the heavy chain and the coding sequence for the light chain are part of a continuous coding sequence such that a single polypeptide is expressed, which comprises both the heavy chain and the light chain of the antibody.
  • a single nucleic acid molecule that encodes both a heavy chain and a light chain is capable of expressing the two chains as separate polypeptides.
  • each chain is under the control of a separate promoter.
  • the two chains are under the control of the same promoter.
  • One skilled in the art can select a suitable configuration and suitable control elements for the heavy and light chain of the NOTUM neutralizing antibody according to the intended application.
  • the nucleic acid is a vector, such as an expression vector suitable for expressing the heavy chain and/or light chain in a particular host cell.
  • a suitable expression vector, or expression vectors can select a suitable expression vector, or expression vectors, according to the host cell to be used for expression. Many exemplary such vectors are known in the art.
  • a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, 2.78, and humanized versions of such MAbs.
  • a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 112, 115, 116, 119, 120, 123, 124, 127, and 128.
  • a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a light chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, 2.78, and humanized versions of such MAbs.
  • a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 113, 114, 117, 118, 121, 122, 125, 126, 129, and 130.
  • a nucleic acid molecule comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes the light chain, of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, 2.78, and humanized versions of such MAbs.
  • recombinant antibodies can be expressed in certain cell lines.
  • sequences encoding particular antibodies can be used for transformation of a suitable mammalian host cell.
  • transformation can be by any known method for introducing polynucleotides into a host cell.
  • Certain exemplary methods include, but are not limited to, packaging the polynucleotide in a virus (or into a viral vector) and transducing a host cell with the virus (or vector) and using certain transfection procedures known in the art, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216, 4,912,040, 4,740,461, and 4,959,455.
  • the transformation procedure used may depend upon the host to be transformed.
  • Certain exemplary methods for introduction of heterologous polynucleotides into mammalian cells include, but are not limited to, dextran-mediated transfection, calcium phosphate precipitation, polybrene mediated transfection, protoplast fusion, electroporation, encapsulation of the polynucleotide(s) in liposomes, and direct microinjection of the DNA into nuclei.
  • Certain exemplary mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression include, but are not limited to, many immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), including Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., Hep G2), and a number of other cell lines.
  • ATCC American Type Culture Collection
  • cell lines may be selected by determining which cell lines produce high levels of antibodies that specifically bind NOTUM.
  • This invention encompasses a method of stimulating endocortical bone formation in a patient, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an antibody of the invention. It also encompasses a method of increasing cortical bone thickness, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an antibody of the invention.
  • This invention encompasses a method of treating, managing, or preventing a disease or disorder associated with bone loss, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an antibody of the invention.
  • diseases and disorders include osteoporosis (e.g., postmenopausal osteoporosis, steroid- or glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, male osteoporosis, and idiopathic osteoporosis), osteopenia, and Paget's disease.
  • Also encompassed by the invention is a method of treating, managing, or preventing bone fractures, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an antibody of the invention.
  • Particular bone fractures are associated with metastatic bone disease, i.e., cancer that has metastasized to bone.
  • metastatic bone disease i.e., cancer that has metastasized to bone.
  • cancers that can metastasize to bone include prostate, breast, lung, thyroid, and kidney cancer.
  • This invention also encompasses a method of treating, managing, or preventing bone loss associated with, or caused by, a disease or disorder, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an antibody of the invention.
  • diseases and disorders include celiac disease, Crohn's Disease, Cushing's syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis.
  • Nonlimiting exemplary patients that may benefit from methods of this invention include men and women aged 55 years or older, post-menopausal women, and patients suffering from renal insufficiency.
  • Antibodies of the invention can be administered in combination (e.g., at the same or at different times) with other drugs known to be useful in the treatment, management, or prevention of diseases or conditions affecting the bone.
  • drugs known to be useful in the treatment, management, or prevention of diseases or conditions affecting the bone.
  • examples include: androgen receptor modulators; bisphosphonates; calcitonin; calcium sensing receptor antagonists; RANKL antibodies, cathepsin K inhibitors; estrogen and estrogen receptor modulators; integrin binders, antibodies, and receptor antagonists; parathyroid hormone (PTH) and analogues and mimics thereof; and vitamin D and synthetic vitamin D analogues.
  • PTH parathyroid hormone
  • Examples of androgen receptor modulators include finasteride and other 5 ⁇ -reductase inhibitors, nilutamide, flutamide, bicalutamide, liarozole, and abiraterone acetate.
  • bisphosphonates include alendronate, cimadronate, clodronate, etidronate, ibandronate, incadronate, minodronate, neridronate, olpadronate, pamidronate, piridronate, risedronate, tiludronate, and zolendronate, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.
  • cathepsin K inhibitors examples include VEL-0230, AAE581 (balicatib), MV061194, SB-462795 (relacatib), MK-0822 (odanacatib), and MK-1256.
  • estrogen and estrogen receptor modulators include naturally occurring estrogens (e.g., 7-estradiol, estrone, and estriol), conjugated estrogens (e.g., conjugated equine estrogens), oral contraceptives, sulfated estrogens, progestogen, estradiol, droloxifene, raloxifene, lasofoxifene, TSE-424, tamoxifen, idoxifene, LY353381, LY117081, toremifene, fulvestrant, 4-[7-(2,2-dimethyl-1-oxopropoxy-4-methyl-2-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]-2H-1-benzopyran-3-yl]-phenyl-2,2-dimethylpropanoate, 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazone, and SH646.
  • naturally occurring estrogens e.g.,
  • integrin binders examples include vitaxin (MEDI-522), cilengitide and L-000845704.
  • This invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antibodies of the invention, and optionally one or more other drugs, such as those described above.
  • a NOTUM neutralizing antibody may be used as a therapeutic antibody.
  • Exemplary NOTUM neutralizing antibodies to be used as therapeutic antibodies include, but are not limited to, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, and human antibodies. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the use of antibodies as therapeutic agents.
  • a pharmaceutical composition that comprises an effective amount of an antibody to NOTUM and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative and/or adjuvant.
  • a pharmaceutical composition is provided that comprises an effective amount of an antibody to NOTUM and an effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative and/or adjuvant.
  • at least one additional therapeutic agent is selected from those described above.
  • formulation materials for pharmaceutical compositions are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed.
  • the pharmaceutical composition comprises formulation materials for modifying, maintaining or preserving, for example, the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, clarity, color, isotonicity, odor, sterility, stability, rate of dissolution or release, adsorption or penetration of the composition.
  • suitable formulation materials include, but are not limited to, amino acids (for example, glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine and lysine); antimicrobials; antioxidants (for example, ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite and sodium hydrogen-sulfite); buffers (for example, borate, bicarbonate, Tris-HCl, citrates, phosphates and other organic acids); bulking agents (for example, mannitol and glycine); chelating agents (for example, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)); complexing agents (for example, caffeine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin); fillers; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates (for example, glucose, mannose and dextrins); proteins (for example, serum albumin, gelatin and immunoglobulins); coloring, flavoring, and diluti
  • amino acids
  • an antibody to NOTUM or other therapeutic molecule is linked to a half-life extending vehicle.
  • exemplary half-life extending vehicles include those known in the art. Such vehicles include, but are not limited to, the Fc domain, polyethylene glycol, and dextran. Exemplary such vehicles are described, e.g., in published PCT Application No. WO 99/25044.
  • an optimal pharmaceutical composition will be determined by one skilled in the art depending upon, for example, the intended route of administration, delivery format, and desired dosage. See, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences , supra.
  • such compositions may influence the physical state, stability, rate of in vivo release, or rate of in vivo clearance of a neutralizing antibody.
  • a primary vehicle or carrier in a pharmaceutical composition may be either aqueous or non-aqueous in nature.
  • a suitable vehicle or carrier may be water for injection, physiological saline solution, or artificial cerebrospinal fluid, possibly supplemented with other materials common in compositions for parenteral administration.
  • Exemplary vehicles include, but are not limited to, neutral buffered saline and saline mixed with serum albumin.
  • pharmaceutical compositions comprise Tris buffer of about pH 7.0-8.5, or acetate buffer of about pH 4.0-5.5, which may further include sorbitol or a suitable substitute therefor.
  • a composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agents may be prepared for storage by mixing the selected composition having the desired degree of purity with optional formulation agents ( Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences , supra) in the form of a lyophilized cake or an aqueous solution.
  • a composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent may be formulated as a lyophilizate using appropriate excipients such as sucrose.
  • a pharmaceutical composition is selected for parenteral delivery. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is selected for inhalation or for delivery through the digestive tract, such as orally.
  • Various techniques for preparing pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are within the skill of one skilled in the art.
  • formulation components are present in concentrations that are acceptable to the site of administration.
  • buffers are used to maintain the composition at physiological pH or at a slightly lower pH, typically within a pH range of from about 5 to about 8.
  • a pharmaceutical composition when parenteral administration is contemplated, may be in the form of a pyrogen-free, parenterally acceptable aqueous solution comprising the desired antibody to NOTUM, with or without additional therapeutic agents, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.
  • a vehicle for parenteral injection is sterile distilled water in which the antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is formulated as a sterile, isotonic solution, properly preserved.
  • the preparation can involve the formulation of the desired molecule with an agent, such as injectable microspheres, bio-erodible particles, polymeric compounds (such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid), beads or liposomes, that may provide for the controlled or sustained release of the product which may then be delivered via a depot injection.
  • an agent such as injectable microspheres, bio-erodible particles, polymeric compounds (such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid), beads or liposomes, that may provide for the controlled or sustained release of the product which may then be delivered via a depot injection.
  • hyaluronic acid may also be used, and may have the effect of promoting sustained duration in the circulation.
  • implantable drug delivery devices may be used to introduce the desired molecule.
  • a pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for inhalation.
  • an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent may be formulated as a dry powder for inhalation.
  • an inhalation solution comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, may be formulated with a propellant for aerosol delivery.
  • solutions may be nebulized.
  • a formulation may be administered orally.
  • an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, that is administered in this fashion may be formulated with or without carriers customarily used in the compounding of solid dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.
  • a capsule may be designed to release the active portion of the formulation at the point in the gastrointestinal tract when bioavailability is maximized and pre-systemic degradation is minimized.
  • at least one additional agent can be included to facilitate absorption of the antibody to NOTUM with or without any additional therapeutic agents.
  • diluents, flavorings, low melting point waxes, vegetable oils, lubricants, suspending agents, tablet disintegrating agents, and/or binders may also be employed.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, in a mixture with non-toxic excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets.
  • excipients include, but are not limited to, inert diluents (for example, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, lactose, and calcium phosphate); binding agents (for example, starch, gelatin, and acacia); and lubricating agents (for example, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and talc).
  • sustained- or controlled-delivery formulations include, but are not limited to, liposome carriers, bio-erodible microparticles, porous beads, and depot injections.
  • sustained-release preparations may include semipermeable polymer matrices in the form of shaped articles, e.g. films or microcapsules.
  • sustained release matrices include, but are not limited to, polyesters, hydrogels, polylactides (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
  • sustained release compositions may include liposomes, which can be prepared, in some embodiments, by any of several methods known in the art. See e.g., Eppstein et al. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82:3688-3692; EP 036,676; EP 088,046; and EP 143,949.
  • a pharmaceutical composition to be used for in vivo administration typically is sterile. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by filtration through sterile filtration membranes. In some embodiments, where the composition is lyophilized, sterilization using this method may be conducted either prior to or following lyophilization and reconstitution. In some embodiments, the composition for parenteral administration may be stored in lyophilized form or in a solution. In some embodiments, parenteral compositions generally are placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.
  • the pharmaceutical composition may be stored in sterile vials as a solution, suspension, gel, emulsion, solid, or as a dehydrated or lyophilized powder.
  • such formulations may be stored either in a ready-to-use form or in a form (e.g., lyophilized) that is reconstituted prior to administration.
  • kits for producing a single-dose administration unit are provided.
  • the kits may each contain both a first container having a dried protein and a second container having an aqueous formulation.
  • kits containing single or multi-chambered pre-filled syringes e.g., liquid syringes and lyosyringes are included.
  • the effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, to be employed therapeutically will depend, for example, upon the context and objectives of treatment.
  • the appropriate dosage levels for treatment will thus vary depending, in part, upon the molecule delivered, the indication for which the antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is being used, the route of administration, and the size (body weight, body surface or organ size) and/or condition (the age and general health) of the patient.
  • the clinician may titer the dosage and modify the route of administration to obtain the optimal therapeutic effect.
  • a typical dosage may range from about 0.1 ⁇ g/kg of patient body weight, up to about 100 mg/kg or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. In some embodiments, the dosage may range from 0.1 ⁇ g/kg up to about 100 mg/kg; 1 ⁇ g/kg up to about 100 mg/kg; or 5 ⁇ g/kg up to about 100 mg/kg, including all points (including fractions) between any of the foregoing endpoints. In some embodiments, the dosage is between about 1 mg/kg body weight and about 60 mg/kg body weight.
  • the dosage is about 1 mg/kg body weight, about 3 mg/kg body weight, about 5 mg/kg body weight, about 10 mg/kg body weight, about 20 mg/kg body weight, about 30 mg/kg body weight, about 40 mg/kg body weight, about 50 mg/kg body weight, or about 60 mg/kg body weight.
  • a human dose of a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM is determined based on the efficacious dose of the same antibody in another species, such as mice, dogs, monkeys, etc.
  • a human dose of a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM is determined using “Guidance for Industry: Estimating the Maximum Safe Starting Dose in Initial Clinical Trials for Therapeutics in Adult Healthy Volunteers,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), July 2005 (Pharmacology and Toxicology).
  • a suitable dosage may be determined by one skilled in the art, for example, based on animal studies.
  • a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM is administered to a patient twice per week, once per week, once every two weeks, once per month, once every other month, or even less frequently.
  • the frequency of dosing will take into account the pharmacokinetic parameters of an antibody to NOTUM and, if applicable, any additional therapeutic agents in the formulation used.
  • a clinician will administer the composition until a dosage is reached that achieves the desired effect.
  • the composition may therefore be administered as a single dose, or as two or more doses (which may or may not contain the same amount of the desired molecule) over time, or as a continuous infusion via an implantation device or catheter.
  • further refinement of the appropriate dosage is routinely made by those skilled in the art and is within the ambit of tasks routinely performed by them.
  • appropriate dosages may be ascertained through use of appropriate dose-response data.
  • a patient receives one dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM. In some embodiments, a patient receives one, two, three, or four doses per day of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM. In some embodiments, a patient receives one, two, three, four, five, or six doses per week of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM. In some embodiments, a patient receives one, two, three, or four doses per month of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM.
  • the route of administration of the pharmaceutical composition is in accord with known methods, e.g. orally, through injection by subcutaneous, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intracerebral (intra-parenchymal), intracerebroventricular, intramuscular, intra-ocular, intraarterial, intraportal, or intralesional routes; by sustained release systems or by implantation devices.
  • the compositions may be administered by bolus injection or continuously by infusion, or by implantation device.
  • the composition may be administered locally via implantation of a membrane, sponge or another appropriate material onto which the desired molecule has been absorbed or encapsulated.
  • the device may be implanted into any suitable tissue or organ, and delivery of the desired molecule may be via diffusion, timed-release bolus, or continuous administration.
  • an antibody to NOTUM with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is delivered by implanting certain cells that have been genetically engineered, using methods such as those described herein, to express and secrete the polypeptides.
  • such cells may be animal or human cells, and may be autologous, heterologous, or xenogeneic.
  • the cells may be immortalized.
  • the cells in order to decrease the chance of an immunological response, the cells may be encapsulated to avoid infiltration of surrounding tissues.
  • the encapsulation materials are typically biocompatible, semi-permeable polymeric enclosures or membranes that allow the release of the protein product(s) but prevent the destruction of the cells by the patient's immune system or by other detrimental factors from the surrounding tissues.
  • mice homozygous for a genetically engineered mutation in the murine ortholog of the human NOTUM gene were generated using corresponding mutated embryonic stem (ES) cell clones from the OMNIBANK collection of mutated murine ES cell clones (see generally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,576).
  • ES cell clones containing a mutagenic viral insertion into the murine NOTUM locus were microinjected into blastocysts which were in turn implanted into pseudopregnant female hosts and carried to term.
  • the resulting chimeric offspring were subsequently bred to C57 black 6 female mice and the offspring checked for the germline transmission of the knocked-out NOTUM allele.
  • mice homozygous ( ⁇ / ⁇ ) for the disruption of the NOTUM gene were studied in conjunction with mice heterozygous (+/ ⁇ ) for the disruption of the NOTUM gene and wild-type (+/+) litter mates.
  • mice were subject to a medical work-up using an integrated suite of medical diagnostic procedures designed to assess the function of the major organ systems in a mammalian subject.
  • homozygous ( ⁇ / ⁇ ) “knockout” mice in the described numbers and in conjunction with heterozygous (+/ ⁇ ) and wild-type (+/+) litter mates, more reliable and repeatable data were obtained.
  • These differences which were measured by microCT (Scanco ⁇ CT40), were: 28% (p ⁇ 0.001) at midshaft femur; 19% (p ⁇ 0.001) at midshaft humerus; 17% (p ⁇ 0.001) at midshaft tibia; and 11% (p ⁇ 0.001) at tibia-fibula junction.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 show results of femur breaking strength tests (performed by SkeleTech, now Ricerca Biosciences) using a standard 4-point bending test.
  • spine compression tests of both NOTUM horns and hets did not show a significant reduction in maximum spine compression loads as compared to wildtype controls.
  • the expression constructs can be used to generate conditioned medium containing secreted NOTUM protein by transient transfection, or to establish stable transfectants for the generation of larger quantities of conditioned medium, e.g., for subsequent purification of NOTUM protein.
  • HEK293F cells were transfected using Lipofectamine-2000 (Invitrogen) and grown in suspension culture in Freestyle 293 Expression Medium (Invitrogen) in shaker flasks. For transient transfections, conditioned medium was harvested four days after transfection, sterile filtered and stored at 4° C. For the generation of cell lines stably expressing NOTUM protein, genomic integration of the expression plasmid was selected for in the presence of puromycin.
  • NOTUM protein was confirmed by Western blot of cell lysates and/or conditioned medium, using an anti-His antibody. Subcloning of NOTUM-producing bulk stable transfectants by limiting dilution enabled the identification by anti-His Western blot of individual clones expressing NOTUM at relatively high levels.
  • clonal HEK293F cell lines expressing either mouse or human NOTUM were expanded in suspension culture to a volume of 3 L.
  • the cell density at this volume reached 1 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 6 viable cells per ml
  • the cells were pelleted by centrifugation and resuspended in fresh Freestyle 293 Expression Medium and maintained in culture for a further 96 hours without additional medium changes. After 96 hours, cultures were harvested, cells were pelleted by centrifugation, and the conditioned medium was sterile filtered and stored at 4° C. for subsequent processing.
  • NOTUM-containing conditioned medium was concentrated from 3 L to 1 L and then buffer exchanged into nickel immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl, 10 mM imidazole, 0.5 M NaCl, pH 7.4) by tangential flow filtration using a membrane with a 10 kDa nominal molecular weight cut off. Concentrated, buffer exchanged conditioned medium was then applied to an equilibrated, nickel charged, metal chelating column. Bound protein was washed and eluted using an imidazole concentration gradient. Elution fractions containing pure NOTUM protein were pooled and dialyzed against phosphate buffered saline to remove the elution buffer. Purified, dialyzed protein was aliquotted and frozen at ⁇ 80° C.
  • IMAC nickel immobilized metal affinity chromatography
  • Antibodies were raised against purified recombinant human and mouse NOTUM proteins in two separate immunization campaigns.
  • mice homozygous for a gene trap insertion in the NOTUM gene and therefore lacking endogenous NOTUM protein were immunized with human NOTUM protein as follows.
  • Mice were primed with 20 ⁇ g human NOTUM protein in complete Freund's adjuvant injected intraperitoneally.
  • Mice were boosted with 20 ⁇ g human NOTUM protein in incomplete Freund's adjuvant injected intraperitoneally every two to three weeks.
  • Mice exhibiting a robust serum titer against human NOTUM as determined by ELISA received a final boost of 10 ⁇ g human NOTUM protein in PBS injected intravenously (i.v.).
  • mice homozygous for a gene trap insertion in the NOTUM gene were immunized via the hind footpads with a priming immunization of 10 ⁇ g mouse NOTUM protein in TiterMax adjuvant with CpG DNA followed by ten boosts of 10 ⁇ g mouse NOTUM protein in Alum adjuvant with CpG DNA at three or four day intervals.
  • Inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes were harvested from high titer mice after a final footpad boost with 10 ⁇ g mouse NOTUM protein in PBS.
  • Spleens from i.v. boosted mice or lymph nodes from footpad immunized mice were collected four days after the final boost and were minced and strained to yield a cell suspension.
  • Red blood cells were lysed and the cell suspension was enriched for B-cells by negative selection using magnetic beads coated with antibodies specific for non-B-cell populations.
  • Hybridomas were generated by electro-cell fusion of enriched B-cells with mouse NS1 myeloma cells and were seeded onto 96-well plates in hybridoma medium containing hypoxanthine and aminopterin to select for viable B-cell/myeloma cell hybridomas.
  • Hybridomas were screened for the production of NOTUM-specific antibodies by assaying hybridoma conditioned medium for immunoreactivity with passively adsorbed NOTUM protein in an ELISA format. Hundreds of hybridomas secreting antibody specific for mouse and/or human NOTUM were found from both immunization campaigns.
  • OPTS trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate
  • hybridoma conditioned medium in general interfered in the OPTS assay perhaps due to the release from dying cells of hydrolases that could also cleave the OPTS. For this reason, additional hybridoma conditioned medium was generated for those lines originally showing the highest level of binding activity by ELISA and antibody was purified in a 96-well format by affinity chromatography using protein A beads. These purified antibodies were then tested in the OPTS assay at a four-fold dilution without prior quantitation.
  • Antibodies were tested in quadruplicate in 384-well plates. 12.5 ⁇ l containing 125 ng of purified NOTUM in 4 ⁇ reaction buffer (20 mM CaCl2, 2 mM MgCl2, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH7.4) was added to 12.5 ⁇ l of purified antibody. After mixing, antibody and NOTUM were incubated at room temperature for 20 minutes followed by addition of 25 ⁇ l of 1.25 ⁇ M OPTS (Sigma, catalog #74875) in 50 mM Tric-HCl, pH7.4. After mixing, the enzyme reaction was allowed to proceed at room temperature for 10 minutes before being stopped by addition of 25 ⁇ l of 3% SDS. Plates were read on an Envision plate reader with an excitation wavelength of 485 nm and emission wavelength of 535 nm to quantify the amount of cleavage product.
  • OPTS assay screening of 1,056 mouse NOTUM immunoreactive hybridomas identified from Campaign 2 yielded six antibodies that showed greater than 50% inhibition of mouse NOTUM. These six together with an additional six hybridomas exhibiting some degree of neutralization in the OPTS assay were selected for subcloning by limiting dilution and small scale purified antibody production by protein A affinity chromatography using 50 ml conditioned medium from clonal hybridomas.
  • NOTUM can act as a negative regulator of Wnt signaling.
  • Antibody neutralizing activity determined through the effect on Wnt signaling, was determined in a Wnt signaling assay, which uses CellSensor® technology and conditioned media prepared as follows. Plasmid containing human NOTUM in pcDNA3.1(+) vector was transfected into HEK293 cells and clones were selecting by growing in presence of 400 ⁇ g/mL of G418. Condition media from these cells was used for the assay. L cells overexpressing and secreting Wnt3a into the conditioned media were purchased from ATCC.
  • the assay protocol was as follows. CellSensor®LEF/TCF-bla FreeStyleTM 293F cells (Invitrogen) were grown to near confluency in 15-cm plates in DMEM with 10% Dialyzed FBS, 5 ⁇ g/ml Blasticidin (Invitrogen, R210-01), 0.1 mM NEAA, 25 mM HEPES and 1 ⁇ GPS. Cells were trypsinized by first rinsing with PBS, followed by addition of 5 mL trypsin and incubation of plates at room temperature for two minutes.
  • a total of 10 mL of assay media (Opti-MEM, plus 0.5% dialyzed FBS, 0.1 mM NEAA, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 10 mM HEPES, 1 ⁇ GPS) was then added per 15 cm plate.
  • Cells were counted and suspended at 50,000 cells per mL.
  • Cells were seeded into Biocoat 384-well plates (Fisher, Catalogue #356663) at a density of 10000 cells per 20 ⁇ L per well. After incubation of cells at 37° C. for 3 hours, 10 ⁇ L of 30 mM LiCl in assay medium was added per well, followed by incubation at 37° C. overnight.
  • Controls included wells lacking any cells, wells lacking NOTUM, and wells lacking L-Wnt3a conditioned medium.
  • the assay plate was incubated for 5 hours at 37° C. to enable Wnt-mediated beta-lactamase upregulation, and then 8 ⁇ l LiveBLAzerTM-FRET B/G Substrate (CCF4-AM, Invitrogen) was added to each well and the plate incubated in the dark at room temperature for 3 hours. Plates were then read on an Envision plate reader using an excitation wavelength of 400 nm and emission wavelengths of 460 nm and 535 nm.
  • Antibodies purified from clonal hybridomas were characterized with respect to their species cross-reactivity by ELISA, their ability to recognize reduced, denatured NOTUM protein by Western blot, and their neutralizing potency in the cell-free OPTS assay and the cell-based Wnt signaling assay, both of which are described above in Example 6.4.
  • Table 1 shows the results of various characterization experiments for certain antibodies from Campaign 1.
  • the data in the “Bin” column was generated using the method described in Example 6.6, below.
  • Table 2 shows the results of various characterization experiments for certain antibodies from Campaign 2.
  • the data in the “Bin” column was generated using the method described in Example 6.6, below.
  • Antibodies from both immunization campaigns were assessed for their ability to interfere with each other's binding to NOTUM protein in an epitope binning assay.
  • This assay was performed in an ELISA format using anti-His captured NOTUM protein.
  • the captured NOTUM protein was incubated with an excess of an unlabelled NOTUM-specific antibody (the ‘blocking’ antibody) followed by addition of a biotinylated NOTUM-specific antibody (the ‘probe’ antibody). Binding of the probe antibody was measured using HRP conjugated to streptavidin. If the two antibodies compete for binding in the same epitope space or if the blocking antibody otherwise affects the ability of the probe antibody to bind, e.g., by allosteric interference, no signal is generated.
  • Antibodies are tested in a reciprocal matrix format. Typically, a pair of antibodies will show the same level of interference regardless of which of the two is the blocking antibody and which is the probe antibody. Antibodies exhibiting similar profiles are assigned to the same epitope ‘bin’.
  • MAbs 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.78, and 2.1029 all interfere with each other's binding to human NOTUM while they do not interfere with the binding of several other less potent neutralizers or non-neutralizers.
  • FIG. 5 shows schematic representations of the human/mouse chimeric NOTUM proteins used in this experiment. The sequences of those proteins are shown in Section 7 (Table of Sequences). The conditioned media were used in ELISA format to determine antibody specificity. Based on loss of human-specific MAb binding to particular chimeras it was determined that MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 (all of which are “Bin 1” antibodies) depend on human NOTUM amino acids between Q47 and M177 for binding. See FIG. 5 . Within this region, mouse and human NOTUM differ at five positions (R115K, D141S. R150K, R154H, and Y171H, based on the human sequence numbering).
  • Human NOTUM point mutants were generated by transient transfection of constructs expressing human NOTUM with the mouse amino acid at each of these five positions and the point mutants were all shown to be functional in the OPTS assay.
  • MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 bound all point mutants except human NOTUM D141S, indicating that this amino acid is important for their binding to human NOTUM.
  • Mouse NOTUM with the reciprocal point mutation mouse NOTUM S148D was generated by transient transfection, shown to be active in the OPTS assay, and was shown to support binding of the human NOTUM-specific MAbs. Therefore, the species specificity of MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 appears to be dependent upon the amino acid at position 141 in human NOTUM, which is aspartic acid in the native human NOTUM protein.
  • the chimera approach could not be used to map amino acids involved in binding of MAbs 2.78 or 2.1029 because those cross-react with both human and mouse NOTUM. Based on the finding that MAbs 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.78, and 2.1029 interfere with one another's binding, alanine scanning mutagenesis of charged amino acid residues in the vicinity of human D141 was performed.
  • human NOTUM mutants Five human NOTUM mutants were constructed, each with a pair of charged residues mutated to alanines: human NOTUM N132A/R133A (SEQ ID NO: 96); human NOTUM E134A/N135A (SEQ ID NO: 97); human NOTUM D137A/R139A (SEQ ID NO: 98); human NOTUM R144A/R145A (SEQ ID NO: 99); and human NOTUM R150A/D151A (SEQ ID NO: 100). All five human mutants were effectively expressed and secreted after transient transfection. Four of the five mutants exhibited significant activity in the OPTS assay while the fifth (human NOTUM D137A/R139A) showed little to no activity.
  • Binding affinities of certain anti-NOTUM MAbs was determined using a Biacore 3000.
  • antibody FAb fragments were generated by digestion of whole IgG with the protease Ficin, followed by removal of undigested IgG and Fc fragments by protein A affinity chromatography. Affinity values for binding of FAbs and whole IgG to human NOTUM corresponded, and their affinity values were in the single to low double digit nM range, as shown in Table 3.
  • mice Eight week old male F1 hybrid (129 ⁇ C57) mice were administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.1029 or 2.78b, or a control antibody, by intraperitoneal injection at 30 mg/kg once per week for eight weeks. There were 12 mice per group. At the end of the study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco ⁇ CT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 12% (P ⁇ 0.001) with administration of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.1029, and 16% (P ⁇ 0.001) with administration of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, as compared to the control antibody.
  • mice Eight week old male F1 hybrid (129 ⁇ C57) mice were administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.1029 by intraperitoneal injection at 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 30 mg/kg once per week for four weeks. There were 10 mice per group. At the end of the study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco ⁇ CT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • mice Eight week old male F1 hybrid (129 ⁇ C57) mice were administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b by intraperitoneal injection at 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 30 mg/kg once per week for four weeks. There were 10 mice per group in the first experiment. In a second experiment, NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b was administered by intraperitoneal injection at 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, or 3 mg/kg once per week for four weeks. There were 12 mice per group in the second experiment. At the end of each study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco ⁇ CT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 13% (P ⁇ 0.001), 17% (P ⁇ 0.001), and 16% (P ⁇ 0.001) with administration of 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to administration of control antibody, in the first experiment.
  • mice 28-week old male F1 hybrid mice (129 ⁇ C57) were administered a single dose 50 ⁇ g/kg zoledronate by intraperitoneal injection.
  • the mice were administered 10 mg/kg NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b by i.p. injection weekly for 4 weeks.
  • the mice were sacrificed. There were 11 or 12 mice per group. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco ⁇ CT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • serum levels of PINP which is a marker of bone formation, were measured using a commercially available ELISA assay (Immunodiagnostic Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz.) at day 7 after the first dose of Mab 2.78b.
  • 9B shows that serum PINP levels decreased by 15 ng/mL, or 50% (P ⁇ 0.001) in mice administered zolendronate treatment and control antibody, relative to mice administered saline and control antibody.
  • PINP levels increased by 14 ng/mL, or 47% (P ⁇ 0.001) in mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b without zoledronate pretreatment, relative to mice administered saline and control antibody, and increased by 12 ng/mL, or 79% (P ⁇ 0.001) in mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b with zoledronate pretreatment, relative to mice administered zeledronate and control antibody.
  • Mab 2.78 (also referred to as “2.78b”), which is an IgG2b antibody, was reformatted as an IgG2a antibody (IgG2a antibodies often have longer half-lives than IgG2b antibodies). Reformatted Mab 2.78 is referred to as “2.78a.”
  • 13-week old male F1 hybrid mice (129 ⁇ C57) were administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a by intraperitoneal injection at 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg once per week for four weeks. There were 10 or 12 mice per group. At the end of each study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco ⁇ CT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • mice Ten week old male F1 hybrid mice (129 ⁇ C57) were administered a control antibody, 0.3 mg/kg NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a by i.p. injection weekly for 12 weeks, or 1 mg/kg NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a by i.p. injection every other week (biweekly) for 12 weeks or 24 weeks. There were twelve mice per administration group. At the end of each study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco ⁇ CT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • the midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 6% (P ⁇ 0.001) and 9% (P ⁇ 0.001) in mice administered 0.3 mg/kg weekly and 1 mg/kg biweekly, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a for 12 weeks.
  • mice Following surgery and prior to the start of treatment, ovariectomized mice showed increased bone remodeling relative to sham surgery mice, as shown in Table 4. Since trabecular bone contains many more bone cells than cortical bone, these data likely reflect primarily increased trabecular bone remodeling.
  • NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or a control antibody was administered at 10 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection once per week for 4 weeks, starting 8 weeks after surgery.
  • fluorochrome bone labels were administered on treatment days 7, 14, and 21 (i.e., with the 2 nd , 3 rd , and 4 th treatments). Calcein, which fluoresces green, was administered on day 7; alizarin, which fluoresces red, was administered on day 14; and tetracycline, which fluoresces yellow, was administered on day 21. The mice were sacrificed at the end of the 4 week treatment. Uterine weight at necropsy confirmed that the ovariectomy surgery was successful. (Data not shown.)
  • Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco ⁇ CT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • the midshaft femur, LV5 vertebral body, and the femoral neck were scanned.
  • the midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 22 ⁇ m, or 9%, in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 26 ⁇ m, or 12%, in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • FIG. 13A the midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 22 ⁇ m, or 9%, in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 26 ⁇ m, or 12%, in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • the midshaft femur mineralized bone area increased by 0.1 mm 2 , or 11%, in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 0.08 mm 2 , or 10%, in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of total (cortical plus trabecular) bone volume to total volume increased by 9% in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 3% in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • FIG. 14A the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of total (cortical plus trabecular) bone volume to total volume increased by 9% in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 3% in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of cortical bone volume to total volume increased by 13% in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 9% in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of trabecular bone volume to total volume was not significantly affected by administration of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b in either the sham surgery mice or the ovariectomized mice.
  • the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to total volume increased by 4% in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 6% in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • Femur shafts were embedded in methylmethacrylate using a rapid embedding protocol. See Brlow and Vafai, Calcified Tissue Int'l 67: 479 (2000).
  • Midshaft cross-sections with a thickness of about 80 ⁇ m were prepared using a Leica SP1600 bone saw. Sections were then examined with an Olympus BX60 fluorescent microscope.
  • Various bone histomorphometric parameters were determined using OsteoMeasureTM software (OsteoMetrics, Decatur, Ga.). Both static parameters (such as bone area and thickness) and dynamic parameters (such as single label surface (SLS), mineral a position rater (MAR), and bone formation rate (BFR)) were measured at 100 ⁇ magnification.
  • SLS single label surface
  • MAR mineral a position rater
  • BFR bone formation rate
  • FIG. 16 shows the percentage of the endocortical surface of the midshaft femur cross-sections that were labeled with calcein, which was administered on day 7, with alizarin, which was administered on day 14, and with tetracycline, which was administered on day 21.
  • Table 6 shows the statistical analysis of the data in FIG. 16 .
  • Mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b showed a significantly higher percentage of endocortical labeling at days 7 and 14 compared to mice administered control antibody.
  • FIG. 17 shows the mineral appositional rate (A) and the volume-referent bone formation rate (B) of sham surgery and ovariectomized mice that were administered control antibody or NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b.
  • the mineral appositional rate ( FIG. 17A ) was determined by measuring the distance between the calcein label (day 7) and the alizarin label (day 14) and dividing by 7 to obtain the “days 7 to 14 rate,” and measuring the distance between the alizarin label (day 14) and the tetracycline label (day 21) and dividing by 7 to obtain the “days 14 to 21 rate.”
  • Table 7 shows the statistical analysis of the data in FIG. 17A .
  • Mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b showed a greater rate of mineral apposition than mice administered control antibody during the time period from days 7 to 14.
  • the volume-referent bone formation rate ( FIG. 17B ) was determined by standard calculations involving multiplying the endocortical mineralization surface (percentage of double-labeled surface plus one-half of the single labeled surface, derived from FIG. 16 ) by the mineral apposition rate (see FIG. 17A ). The result is the bone formation rate divided by the bone volume, expressed as a percentage per 7 days. Table 8 shows the statistical analysis of the data in FIG. 17B . As evident in FIG. 17B , the bone formation rate per bone volume is significantly higher in mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b than in mice administered control antibody.
  • MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 would bind to guinea pig NOTUM and that this species might therefore be suitable for preclinical studies.
  • guinea pig NOTUM was cloned and expressed by transient transfection, and shown to be active in the OPTS assay.
  • MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 were found to bind to guinea pig NOTUM by ELISA and MAb 1.802 was shown to neutralize guinea pig NOTUM activity in the OPTS assay.
  • MAb 2.78 bound guinea pig NOTUM with lower affinity than MAb 1.802, and had correspondingly lower inhibiting activity in the OPTS assay.
  • MAb 2.1029 bound guinea pig NOTUM only weakly, and did not significantly inhibit it in the OPTS assay.
  • Cynomolgus and rhesus monkey NOTUM were cloned from cDNA preparations from those species. Analysis of the sequences revealed that the amino acid at the position equivalent to human NOTUM D141 is an asparagine, which is different from the amino acid at that position in both mouse and human NOTUM. Active (as determined by OPTS assay) cynomolgus and rhesus NOTUM proteins were generated by transient transfection, and it was found that MAb 1.802 neither binds nor inhibits either protein. An active human NOTUM point mutant, human NOTUM D141N, was generated by transient transfection, and it was found that MAb 1.802 does not bind to that human NOTUM point mutant.
  • MAb 2.78 bound both cynomolgus and rhesus NOTUM weakly by ELISA, but did not inhibit either protein significantly in the OPTS assay.
  • MAb 2.1029 bound both cynomolgus and rhesus monkey NOTUM by ELISA as well as it binds human NOTUM, and also inhibited both proteins in the OPTS assay as well as it inhibited human NOTUM.
  • Heavy and light chain variable regions were sequenced by specific RT-PCR using total RNA from the relevant hybridoma cell line followed by sequencing of the PCR product.
  • the variable region sequences, without signal sequences, for each of those antibodies are shown in Section 7 (Table of Sequences), below. Section 7 also shows the sequences for the heavy and light chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 for each of those antibodies.
  • the following table shows the SEQ ID NOs corresponding to the heavy and light chain variable regions, and to CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, for each of those antibodies.
  • MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 share an identical heavy chain CDR1 (GFTFSDYGMH; SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 33), while heavy chain CDR1 of MAb 1.815 (GFTFSDFGMH; SEQ ID NO: 25) differs from MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 by only one conservative amino acid substitution (Phenylalanine (F) in place of Tyrosine (Y)).
  • the consensus sequence for the heavy chain CDR1 for those antibodies is therefore GFTFSDX 1 GMH (SEQ ID NO: 90), wherein X 1 is F or Y.
  • Heavy chain CDR3 of MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 differ by only one conservative amino acid substitution (histidine (H) versus asparagine (N)).
  • the consensus sequence for the heavy chain CDR3 for those antibodies is therefore KX 2 YNGGYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 91), wherein X 2 is H or N.
  • MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 share an identical light chain CDR2 (LASNLES; SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 37), while light chain CDR2 of MAb 1.815 (LASDLES; SEQ ID NO: 29) differs from MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 by only one conservative amino acid substitution (aspartic acid (D) in place of asparagine (N)).
  • the consensus sequence for the light chain CDR2 for those antibodies is therefore LASX 6 LES (SEQ ID NO: 93), wherein X 6 is D or N.
  • a consensus sequence for the light chain CDR1 for the three antibodies from Campaign 1, 1.802, 1.846, and 1.815 is RASKX 3 VSX 4 SGYSYX 5 H (SEQ ID NO: 92), wherein X 3 is I or S, X 4 is T or E, and X 5 is M or I.
  • BLAST searching was performed against public databases to identify the human germline variable region sequences with greatest similarity to each of the mouse heavy and light chain variable regions.
  • CDRs from the mouse variable regions were then grafted in silico into these human germline variable sequences in place of the human germline CDRs.
  • the resulting humanized variable regions for five of the mouse antibodies (2.78, 2.1029, 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846) were synthesized with a 5′ leader sequence encoding an in-frame signal peptide and cloned upstream of sequence encoding human IgG2 constant regions in the case of the heavy chain variable sequences or human kappa constant region in the case of the light chain variable sequences.
  • the sequences for each of the humanized variable regions are shown in Section 7 (Table of Sequences), below, along with the sequences for the full-length humanized heavy and light chains (without the signal peptide).
  • Coding sequences for full length humanized heavy and light chains were subcloned into mammalian expression vectors and corresponding heavy and light chain constructs were cotransfected into CHO-S cells.
  • the resulting conditioned media were checked by Western blotting with an anti-human secondary antibody to confirm expression and secretion of intact humanized antibody.
  • the conditioned media were then tested in ELISA format to determine whether the humanized antibodies retained the capacity to bind human NOTUM protein.
  • Humanized MAbs 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, and 2.1029 bound human NOTUM while humanized MAb 2.78 exhibited little to no binding to either human or mouse NOTUM.

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Abstract

Antibodies that neutralize Notum Pectinacetylesterase are described, as well as compositions comprising them, and methods of their use to treat diseases and disorders affecting the bone.

Description

  • This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/416,927, filed Nov. 24, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for any purpose.
    • 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates to antibody inhibitors of Notum Pectinacetylesterase, compositions comprising them, and methods of their use.
    • 2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Bone health depends on the coordinated activities of bone forming osteoblasts and bone resorbing osteoclasts. “Bone turnover reflects a balance between these anabolic and catabolic cellular functions and ensures that the mature skeleton can repair itself when damaged and sustain its endocrine function by release of minerals such as calcium and phosphorous into the circulation.” Allen, J. G. et al., J. Med. Chem., 53 (Jun. 10, 2010), pp. 4332-4353, 4332. Many disease states alter this balance, resulting in increased or decreased bone mass or changes in bone quality. Gradual loss of bone mineral density is known as osteopenia; severe loss of bone is known as osteoporosis. Id.
  • The current standard of care for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis utilizes the bisphosphonate class of oral, small molecule antiresportives. Id. at 4333. Zoledronic acid, raloxifene, calcium, and vitamin D supplements are also typically used in the osteoporosis treatment. Id. While antiresorptive agents can help prevent bone loss, anabolic agents “are capable of increasing bone mass to a greater degree . . . and also have the capacity to improve bone quality and increase bone strength.” Guo, H., et al., J. Med. Chem., 53 (Feb. 25, 2010), pp. 1819-1829, 1819. In the United States, human PTH is the only FDA-approved anabolic agent. Id.; Allen at 4333. “Because of the paucity of available anabolic agents for osteoporosis treatment, there is an urgent need to develop small molecular compounds to treat this disease that are nontoxic, cost-effective, and easy to administer.” Guo, at 1819.
  • “Although the development of pharmacological agents that stimulate bone formation is less advanced compared to antiresorptive therapies, several pathways are known to facilitate osteoblast function.” Allen at 4338. These pathways include bone morphogenic proteins, transforming growth factor β, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) signaling. Id. Guo and coworkers recently reported results concerning the first of these pathways. Guo, supra. In particular, they reported that certain substituted benzothiophene and benzofuran compounds enhance bone morphogenic protein 2 expression in mice and rats. Two of the compounds reportedly stimulate bone formation and trabecular connectivity restoration in vivo. Id. at 1819.
  • Another of these pathways is the WNT pathway, which is implicated in a variety of developmental and regenerative processes. Allen at 4340. The pathway is complex, however, and much about it and about how its components affect bone remains unclear. For example, it has been suggested that LRP-5, mutations of which are associated with increased bone mass in humans, and β-catenin, through which canonical WNT signaling occurs, “may not be linked directly via WNT signaling to the control of bone mass.” Id.
  • Recent analysis of gene expression data has led to the identification of new targets of WNT signaling. See, e.g., Torisu, Y., et al., Cancer Sci., 99(6):1139-1146, 1143 (2008). One such target is Notum Pectinacetylesterase, also known as NOTUM and LOC174111.
    • 3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In some embodiments, a monoclonal antibody that binds human notum pectinacetylesterase (NOTUM) and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM is provided. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to a NOTUM selected from mouse NOTUM, guinea pig NOTUM, cynomolgus monkey NOTUM, and rhesus monkey NOTUM. In some embodiments, the antibody has at least one activity selected from reducing NOTUM activity in a trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (OPTS) assay in vitro, and reducing NOTUM activity in a Wnt signaling assay in vitro. In some embodiments, the antibody has at least one activity selected from increasing serum PINP levels in vivo, increasing bone mineral density in vivo, increasing midshaft femur cortical thickness in vivo, increasing midshaft femur bone area in vivo, increasing midshaft humerus cortical thickness in vivo, increasing endocortical bone formation in vivo, increasing the proportion of cortical bone volume in the LV5 vertebral body in vivo, and increasing the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to femoral neck total volume in vivo. In some embodiments, an antibody that binds NOTUM binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with KD of less than 50 nM, less than 20 nM, or less than 10 nM.
  • In some embodiments, the antibody has at least one binding characteristic selected from: a) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 84; b) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86; c) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 94; d) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 99; e) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 95 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; f) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; g) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; h) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; i) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32; j) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; k) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48; and l) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56.
  • In some embodiments, the antibody is selected from a mouse antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, and a human antibody.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody that binds NOTUM comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises at least one CDR selected from: a) a CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, 49, and 90; b) a CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 18, 26, 34, 42, and 50; and c) a CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 51, and 91. In some embodiments, the heavy chain comprises a set comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3, wherein the set is selected from: a) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; b) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91; c) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; d) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; e) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; f) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91; g) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; h) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43; i) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51; and j) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, the heavy chain comprises a heavy chain variable regions comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 7, 15, 23, 31, 39, 47, 63, 67, 71, 75, and 79.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody that binds NOTUM comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the light chain comprises at least one CDR selected from: a) a CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12, 20, 28, 36, 44, 52, and 92; b) a CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 13, 21, 29, 37, 45, 53, 61, and 93; and c) a CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 22, 30, 38, 46, 54, and 62. In some embodiments, the light chain comprises a set comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3, wherein the set is selected from: a) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; b) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; c) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; d) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; e) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; f) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; g) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; h) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46; i) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54; and j) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, the light chain comprises a light chain variable regions comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 65, 69, 73, 77, and 81.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody that binds NOTUM comprises a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region, wherein: a) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; or b) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; or c) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, and the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; or d) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; or e) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; or f) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; or g) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35, and the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; or h) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46; or i) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54; or j) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody that binds NOTUM comprises a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region, wherein a) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; or b) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; or c) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73; or d) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74; or e) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; or f) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77; or g) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78; or h) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32; or i) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 79 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81; or j) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82; or k) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; or l) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69; or m) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70; or n) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48; or o) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56; or p) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65; or q) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66.
  • In some embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule is provided that comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain or a light chain of an antibody that binds NOTUM and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain, and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes the light chain. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule is a vector. In some embodiments, a host cell comprising a nucleic acid molecule that comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain or a light chain of an antibody that binds NOTUM and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM is provided. In some embodiments, a host cell comprising a nucleic acid molecule that comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain, and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes a light chain, is provided. In some embodiments, a host cell comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a light chain. In some embodiments, a method of producing an antibody that binds to NOTUM and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM is provided, comprising incubating a host cell under conditions sufficient to express the antibody.
  • In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody that binds NOTUM and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM is provided. In some embodiments, a method of stimulating endocortical bone formation in a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition is provided. In some embodiments, a method of treating, managing, or preventing a disease or disorder characterized by bone loss in a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition is provided. In some embodiments, the disease or disorder is osteoporosis. In some embodiments, a single unit dosage form comprising the pharmaceutical composition is provided.
    • 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • FIG. 1 provides a graphical representation of differences between the cortical thicknesses of various bone sites in NOTUM homozygous knockout mice (“HUM”) and those in their wildtype littermates (“WT”).
  • FIG. 2 provides a graphical representation of an increase in cortical bone thicknesses observed in both NOTUM homozygous and heterozygous (“HET”) knockout mice as compared to their wildtype littermates.
  • FIG. 3 provides a graphical representation of results obtained from femur breaking strength and spine compression tests performed on the bones of male NOTUM homozygous and heterozygous knockout mice and their wildtype littermates.
  • FIG. 4 provides a graphical representation of results obtained from femur breaking strength and spine compression tests performed on the bones of female NOTUM homozygous and heterozygous knockout mice and their wildtype littermates
  • FIG. 5 provides a graphical representation of certain human/mouse chimeric proteins, and indicates a region that appears to be involved in binding of NOTUM neutralizing antibodies in Bin 1, as described in Example 6.7.
  • FIG. 6 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements obtained in mice after eight weeks of administering MAb 2.1029 or MAb 2.78, as described in Example 6.9.1.
  • FIG. 7 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements obtained in mice after four weeks of administering various dosages of MAb 2.1029, as described in Example 6.9.2.
  • FIG. 8 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements obtained in mice after four weeks of administering various dosages of MAb 2.78b, as described in Example 6.9.3. FIG. 8A shows 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg dosages of MAb 2.78b. FIG. 8B shows 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 3 mg/kg dosages of MAb 2.78b.
  • FIG. 9 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements (A) and serum PINP levels (B) obtained in mice after 4 weeks of administering MAb 2.78b, with and without pretreatment with zoledronate, as described in Example 6.9.4.
  • FIG. 10 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements obtained in mice after 4 weeks of administering MAb 2.78a, as described in Example 6.9.5.
  • FIG. 11 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements (A) and midshaft humerus cortical thickness measurements (B) obtained in mice after 12 weeks of administering MAb 2.78a, as described in Example 6.9.6.
  • FIG. 12 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness measurements (A), midshaft humerus cortical thickness measurements (B), and ninth rib cortical thickness (C) obtained in mice after 24 weeks of administering MAb 2.78a, as described in Example 6.9.6.
  • FIG. 13 provides a graphical representation of midshaft femur cortical thickness (A) and midshaft femur mineralized bone area (B) in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.3.
  • FIG. 14 provides a graphical representation of the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of bone volume to total volume (A), the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of cortical bone volume to total volume (B), and the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of trabecular bone volume to total volume (C) in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.3.
  • FIG. 15 provides a graphical representation of the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to total volume in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.3.
  • FIG. 16 provides a graphical representation of the percentage of the endocortical surface of the midshaft femur cross-sections that were labeled with calcein, alizarin, and tetracycline in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.4.
  • FIG. 17 provides a graphical representation of the mineral a positional rate (A) and the volume-referent bone formation rate (B) in sham surgery and ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or control antibody, as described in Example 6.10.4.
    •  5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention is based, in part, on the discovery that inhibition of NOTUM can affect endocortical bone formation. Particular aspects of the invention are based on studies of mice lacking a functional NOTUM gene (“knockout mice”), on the development of antibodies that inhibit NOTUM, and on the discovery that such antibodies can be used to stimulate cortical bone formation in mice and rats.
  • The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose. In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials defines a term that contradicts that term's definition in this application, this application controls.
  • 5.1. Definitions
  • The term “antibody,” as used herein, refers to an intact antibody or a fragment of an antibody that competes with the intact antibody for antigen binding. Antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, scFv, Fd, diabodies, and other antibody fragments that retain at least a portion of the variable region of an intact antibody. See, e.g., Hudson et al. (2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134. In some embodiments, antibody fragments are produced by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of intact antibodies. In some embodiments, antibody fragments are produced by recombinant DNA techniques.
  • The term “antigen-binding site” refers to a portion of an antibody capable of specifically binding an antigen. In some embodiments, an antigen-binding site is provided by one or more antibody variable regions.
  • The term “binding affinity” refers to a qualitative or quantitative determination of the strength with which an antibody binds to an antigen. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is the dissociation constant (KD) of the antibody for the antigen. In some embodiments, the binding affinity of an antibody for an antigen is determined qualitatively, such as relative to the binding affinity of a different antibody for an antigen, or relative to the binding affinity of the same antibody for a different antigen (such as the antigen with one or more changes in its amino acid sequence). The binding affinity of an antibody for a first antigen is considered “stronger” than its affinity for a second antigen, for example, when the KD of the antibody for the first antigen is lower than the KD of the antibody for the second antigen. In some embodiments, the binding affinity of an antibody for a first antigen is considered “stronger” when the KD of the antibody for the first antigen is at least 1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 5-fold, or at least 10-fold lower than the KD of the antibody for the second antigen. Conversely, the binding affinity of an antibody for a first antigen is considered “weaker” than its affinity for a second antigen, for example, when the KD of the antibody for the first antigen is higher than the KD of the antibody for the second antigen. In some embodiments, the binding affinity of an antibody for a first antigen is considered “weaker” when the KD of the antibody for the first antigen is at least 1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 5-fold, or at least 10-fold higher than the KD of the antibody for the second antigen.
  • A “chimeric” antibody refers to an antibody made up of components from at least two different sources. In some embodiments, a chimeric antibody comprises a portion of an antibody derived from a first species fused to another molecule, e.g., a portion of an antibody derived from a second species. In some such embodiments, a chimeric antibody comprises a portion of an antibody derived from a non-human animal fused to a portion of an antibody derived from a human. In some such embodiments, a chimeric antibody comprises all or a portion of a variable region of an antibody derived from a non-human animal fused to a constant region of an antibody derived from a human.
  • The term “epitope” refers to any polypeptide determinant capable of specifically binding to an immunoglobulin or a T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, an epitope is a region of an antigen that is specifically bound by an antibody. In some embodiments, an epitope may include chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as amino acids, sugar side chains, phosphoryl, or sulfonyl groups. In some embodiments, an epitope may have specific three dimensional structural characteristics (e.g., a “conformational” epitope) and/or specific charge characteristics.
  • An epitope is defined as “the same” as another epitope if a particular antibody specifically binds to both epitopes. In some embodiments, polypeptides having different primary amino acid sequences may comprise epitopes that are the same. Different antibodies are said to bind to the same epitope if they compete for specific binding to that epitope.
  • A “fragment” of a reference polypeptide refers to a contiguous stretch of amino acids from any portion of the reference polypeptide. A fragment may be of any length that is less than the length of the reference polypeptide. In some embodiments, a fragment is a contiguous stretch of amino acids from any portion of the reference polypeptide that has a particular activity or contains a particular epitope.
  • The term “human antibody” refers to a monoclonal antibody that contains human antibody sequences and does not contain antibody sequences from a non-human animal. In some embodiments, a human antibody may contain synthetic sequences not found in native antibodies. The term is not limited by the manner in which the antibodies are made. For example, in various embodiments, a human antibody may be made in a transgenic mouse, by phage display, by human B-lymphocytes, or by recombinant methods.
  • A “humanized” antibody refers to a non-human antibody that has been modified so that it more closely matches (in amino acid sequence) a human antibody. A humanized antibody is thus a type of chimeric antibody. In some embodiments, amino acid residues outside of the antigen binding residues of the variable region of the non-human antibody are modified. In some embodiments, a humanized antibody is constructed by replacing all or a portion of one or more complementarity determining region (CDRs) of a human antibody with all or a portion of one or more CDRs from another antibody, such as a non-human antibody, having the desired antigen binding specificity. In some embodiments, a humanized antibody comprises variable regions in which all or substantially all of the CDRs correspond to CDRs of a non-human antibody and all or substantially all of the framework regions (FRs) correspond to FRs of a human antibody. In some embodiments, one or more amino acids within one or more CDRs of the non-human antibody are changed in the humanized antibody, e.g., through a process of affinity maturation. Exemplary methods of affinity maturation are known in the art. In some such embodiments, a humanized antibody further comprises a constant region (Fc) of a human antibody.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, the term “include” has the same meaning as “include, but are not limited to,” the term “includes” has the same meaning as “includes, but is not limited to,” and the term “including” has the same meaning as “including, but not limited to.” Similarly, the term “such as” has the same meaning as the term “such as, but not limited to.”
  • Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “manage,” “managing” and “management” encompass preventing the recurrence of the specified disease or disorder in a patient who has already suffered from the disease or disorder, and/or lengthening the time that a patient who has suffered from the disease or disorder remains in remission. The terms encompass modulating the threshold, development and/or duration of the disease or disorder, or changing the way that a patient responds to the disease or disorder.
  • The term “monoclonal antibody” refers to an antibody from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies that specifically bind to the same epitope. In some embodiments, a monoclonal antibody is secreted by a hybridoma. In some such embodiments, a hybridoma is produced according to some methods known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Kohler and Milstein (1975) Nature 256: 495-499. In some embodiments, a monoclonal antibody is produced using recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567). In some embodiments, a monoclonal antibody refers to an antibody fragment isolated from a phage display library. See, e.g., Clackson et al. (1991) Nature 352: 624-628, and Marks et al. (1991) J. Mol. Biol. 222: 581-597. For various other monoclonal antibody production techniques, see, e.g., Harlow and Lane (1988) Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).
  • The term “neutralizing antibody” or “antibody that neutralizes” refers to an antibody that reduces at least one activity of a polypeptide comprising the epitope to which the antibody specifically binds. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody reduces an activity of the polypeptide in vitro and/or in vivo.
  • The term “NOTUM” refers to notum pectinacetylesterase having an amino acid sequence from any vertebrate or mammalian source, including human, bovine, chicken, rodent, mouse, rat, porcine, ovine, primate, monkey, and guinea pig, unless specified otherwise. The term also refers to fragments and variants of native NOTUM that maintain at least one in vivo or in vitro activity of a native NOTUM. The term encompasses full-length unprocessed precursor forms of NOTUM as well as mature forms resulting from post-translational cleavage of a signal peptide and other forms of proteolytic processing. In some embodiments, a full-length, unprocessed human NOTUM has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, a full-length, unprocessed mouse NOTUM has the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.
  • The terms “polypeptide,” “peptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a polymer of amino acid residues. The terms apply to amino acid polymers containing naturally occurring amino acids as well as amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residues is an artificial chemical analogue of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid. The amino acid polymers can be of any length. The term “native polypeptide” refers to a naturally occurring polypeptide.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “prevent,” “preventing” and “prevention” contemplate an action that occurs before a patient begins to suffer from the specified disease or disorder, which inhibits or reduces the severity of the disease or disorder. In other words, the terms encompass prophylaxis.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, a “prophylactically effective amount” of a compound is an amount sufficient to prevent a disease or condition, or one or more symptoms associated with the disease or condition, or prevent its recurrence. A “prophylactically effective amount” of a compound means an amount of therapeutic agent, alone or in combination with other agents, which provides a prophylactic benefit in the prevention of the disease. The term “prophylactically effective amount” can encompass an amount that improves overall prophylaxis or enhances the prophylactic efficacy of another prophylactic agent.
  • An antibody “specifically binds” an antigen when it preferentially recognizes the antigen in a complex mixture of proteins and/or macromolecules. In some embodiments, an antibody comprises an antigen-binding site that specifically binds to a particular epitope. In some such embodiments, the antibody is capable of binding different antigens so long as the different antigens comprise that particular epitope. In some instances, for example, homologous proteins from different species may comprise the same epitope. In some embodiments, an antibody is said to specifically bind an antigen when the dissociation constant (KD) is ≦1 μM, in some embodiments, when the dissociation constant is ≦100 nM, and in some embodiments, when the dissociation constant is ≦10 nM.
  • The terms “subject” and “patient” include both humans and animals. In some embodiments, a subject or patient is a mammal. In some such embodiments, a subject or patient is a human.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, a “therapeutically effective amount” of a compound is an amount sufficient to provide a therapeutic benefit in the treatment or management of a disease or condition, or to delay or minimize one or more symptoms associated with the disease or condition. A “therapeutically effective amount” of a compound means an amount of therapeutic agent, alone or in combination with other therapies, which provides a therapeutic benefit in the treatment or management of the disease or condition. The term “therapeutically effective amount” can encompass an amount that improves overall therapy, reduces or avoids symptoms or causes of a disease or condition, or enhances the therapeutic efficacy of another therapeutic agent.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “treat,” “treating” and “treatment” contemplate an action that occurs while a patient is suffering from the specified disease or disorder, which reduces the severity of the disease or disorder, or retards or slows the progression of the disease or disorder.
    • 5.2. Antibodies
  • 5.2.1. Exemplary Antibody Structure
  • A native antibody typically has a tetrameric structure. A tetramer typically comprises two identical pairs of polypeptide chains, each pair having one light chain (In some embodiments, about 25 kDa) and one heavy chain (In some embodiments, about 50-70 kDa). In a native antibody, a heavy chain comprises a variable region, VH, and three constant regions, CH1, CH2, and CH3. The VH domain is at the amino-terminus of the heavy chain, and the CH3 domain is at the carboxy-terminus. In a native antibody, a light chain comprises a variable region, VL, and a constant region, CL. The variable region of the light chain is at the amino-terminus of the light chain. In a native antibody, the variable regions of each light/heavy chain pair typically form the antigen binding site. The constant regions are typically responsible for effector function.
  • Native human light chains are typically classified as kappa and lambda light chains. Native human heavy chains are typically classified as mu, delta, gamma, alpha, or epsilon, and define the antibody's isotype as IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE, respectively. IgG has subclasses, including IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. IgM has subclasses including IgM1 and IgM2. IgA has subclasses including IgA1 and IgA2. Within native human light and heavy chains, the variable and constant regions are typically joined by a “J” region of about 12 or more amino acids, with the heavy chain also including a “D” region of about 10 more amino acids. See, e.g., Fundamental Immunology (1989) Ch. 7 (Paul, W., ed., 2nd ed. Raven Press, N.Y.).
  • In a native antibody, the variable regions typically exhibit the same general structure in which relatively conserved framework regions (FRs) are joined by three hypervariable regions, also called complementarity determining regions (CDRs). The CDRs from the two chains of each pair typically are aligned by the framework regions, which may enable binding to a specific epitope. From N-terminus to C-terminus, both light and heavy chain variable regions typically comprise the domains FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3 and FR4. The CDRs on the heavy chain are referred to as H1, H2, and H3, while the CDRs on the light chain are referred to as L1, L2, and L3. Typically, CDR3 is the greatest source of molecular diversity within the antigen binding site. H3, for example, in certain instances, can be as short as two amino acid residues or greater than 26. The assignment of amino acids to each domain is typically in accordance with the definitions of Kabat et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest (National Institutes of Health, Publication No. 91-3242, vols. 1-3, Bethesda, Md.); Chothia, C., and Lesk, A. M. (1987) J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917; or Chothia, C. et al. Nature 342:878-883 (1989). In the present application, the term “CDR” refers to a CDR from either the light or heavy chain, unless otherwise specified.
  • A “Fab” fragment comprises one light chain and the CH1 and variable region of one heavy chain. The heavy chain of a Fab molecule cannot form a disulfide bond with another heavy chain molecule. A “Fab′” fragment comprises one light chain and one heavy chain that comprises additional constant region, extending between the CH1 and CH2 domains. An interchain disulfide bond can be formed between two heavy chains of a Fab′ fragment to form a “F(ab′)2” molecule.
  • An “Fv” fragment comprises the variable regions from both the heavy and light chains, but lacks the constant regions. A single-chain Fv (scFv) fragment comprises heavy and light chain variable regions connected by a flexible linker to form a single polypeptide chain with an antigen-binding region. Exemplary single chain antibodies are discussed in detail in WO 88/01649 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,946,778 and 5,260,203. In certain instances, a single variable region (i.e., a heavy chain variable region or a light chain variable region) may have the ability to recognize and bind antigen.
  • As used herein, the term “heavy chain” refers to a polypeptide comprising sufficient heavy chain variable region sequence to confer antigen specificity either alone or in combination with a light chain.
  • As used herein, the term “light chain” refers to a polypeptide comprising sufficient light chain variable region sequence to confer antigen specificity either alone or in combination with a heavy chain.
  • 5.2.2. Exemplary Antibodies
  • In some embodiments, monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to NOTUM are provided. In some such embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies are neutralizing antibodies that reduce at least one activity of NOTUM in vivo and/or in vitro.
  • In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM reduces NOTUM activity in a trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (OPTS) assay in vitro. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM reduces NOTUM activity in a Wnt signaling assay in vitro.
  • In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases serum PINP levels in vivo when administered to a subject in a sufficient amount and for a sufficient duration. Exemplary dosages and dosing schedules for administering a sufficient amount for a sufficient duration are discussed herein. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases bone mineral density. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases midshaft femur cortical thickness in vivo. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases midshaft femur bone area in vivo. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases midshaft humerus cortical thickness in vivo. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases endocortical bone formation in vivo. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases the proportion of cortical bone volume in the LV5 vertebral body in vivo. By “proportion of cortical bone volume in the LV5 vertebral body” is meant the proportion of cortical bone volume to total volume of the LV5 vertebral body. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM increases the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to total volume of the femoral neck in vivo.
  • In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to mouse NOTUM are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to human NOTUM are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that bind to a region from Q47 to M177 of human NOTUM are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that depend upon a region from Q47 to M177 of human NOTUM for binding are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to the same region of NOTUM from different species (i.e., antibodies that demonstrate cross-reactivity) are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that bind to human NOTUM and NOTUM from at least one species selected from mouse, rat, guinea pig, cynomolgus monkey, marmoset, and rhesus macaque, are provided. In some such embodiments, the antibodies specifically bind to both non-human primate NOTUM and human NOTUM. In some embodiments, the antibodies specifically bind to both mouse NOTUM and human NOTUM.
  • In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that bind to a region of human NOTUM from Q47 to M177 are provided. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies that depend upon a region of human NOTUM from Q47 to M177 for binding are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to human-mouse chimeric NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 83) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for mouse-human chimeric NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 84). In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to human-mouse-human chimeric NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 85) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for mouse-human-mouse chimeric NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 86). In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to human NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for NOTUM D141S (SEQ ID NO: 94). In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to mouse NOTUM S148D (SEQ ID NO: 95) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for mouse NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 2). In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to human NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an affinity that is at least 5-fold, at least 10-fold, or at least 20-fold stronger than the affinity for human NOTUM R144A/R145A (SEQ ID NO: 99).
  • In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM binds to human NOTUM (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an affinity (KD) of less than 100 nM, less than 50 nM, less than 40 nM, less than 30 nM, less than 25 nM, less than 20 nM, less than 15 nM, less than 10 nM, less than 5 nM, less than 3 nM, or less than 2 nM, determined as described in Example 6.8. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM has an IC50 in an OPTS assay of less than 100 nM, less than 75 nM, less than 50 nM, less than 40 nM, less than 30 nM, less than 25 nM, less than 20 nM, less than 15 nM, or less than 10 nM, determined as described in Example 6.4.1. In some embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM has an IC50 in a Wnt signaling assay of less than 100 nM, less than 75 nM, less than 50 nM, less than 40 nM, less than 30 nM, less than 25 nM, less than 20 nM, less than 15 nM, or less than 10 nM, determined as described in Example 6.4.2. In some embodiments, the IC50 is for human NOTUM. In some embodiments, the IC50 is for mouse NOTUM.
  • In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are non-human monoclonal antibodies. In some such embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are rodent monoclonal antibodies. In some such embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are mouse monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are chimeric monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are humanized monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are human monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, chimeric, humanized, and/or human monoclonal antibodies are useful as therapeutic antibodies in humans.
  • In some embodiments, neutralizing antibodies are antibody fragments. Exemplary antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, scFv, Fd, diabodies, and the like.
  • Nonlimiting exemplary NOTUM neutralizing antibodies include MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. Each of MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78 neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM. Further, at least MAbs 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, and 2.78 are dependent for binding to NOTUM on at least a portion of the region of human NOTUM bounded by amino acids Q47 to M177. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody competes for binding to NOTUM with at least one antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody binds to an epitope of NOTUM that at least partially overlaps with the epitope bound by at least one antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. In addition, in some embodiments, an antibody that competes for binding to NOTUM with at least one antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78 is predicted to be a NOTUM neutralizing antibody. The sequences of the CDRs and variable regions of MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78 are shown in Section 7, below.
  • In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 1.731 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 1.802 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 1.815 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 1.846 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 2.1029 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 2.55 binds. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies are provided that bind to the same epitope to which MAb 2.78 binds.
  • In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region selected from SEQ ID NOs: 7, 15, 23, 31, 39, and 47. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain variable region selected from SEQ ID NOs: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47, and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48.
  • In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain CDR1 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, 49, and 90. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain CDR2 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 18, 26, 34, 42, and 50. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 51, and 91. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 19 and 91. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 33 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 35 and 91. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, X1 in SEQ ID NO: 90 is selected from Y and F. In some embodiments, X2 in SEQ ID NO: 91 is selected from H and N.
  • In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain CDR1 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12, 20, 28, 36, 44, 52, 60, and 92. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain CDR2 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 13, 21, 29, 37, 45, 53, 61, and 93. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 22, 30, 38, 46, 54, and 62. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 20 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 28 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 29 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 36 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 37 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, X3 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from 1 and 5; X4 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from T and E; and X5 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from M and I. In some embodiments, X6 in SEQ ID NO: 93 is selected from D and N.
  • In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 19 and 91; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 20 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 25 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 28 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 29 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 33 and 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 35 and 91; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 36 and 92, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 37 and 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59; and a light chain comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, X1 in SEQ ID NO: 90 is selected from Y and F. In some embodiments, X2 in SEQ ID NO: 91 is selected from H and N. In some embodiments, X3 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from 1 and S; X4 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from T and E; and X5 in SEQ ID NO: 92 is selected from M and I. In some embodiments, X6 in SEQ ID NO: 93 is selected from D and N.
  • In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to the same epitope in NOTUM from different species (i.e., antibodies that demonstrate cross-reactivity) are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM and also specifically bind at least one species of NOTUM selected from mouse, rat, guinea pig, cynomolgus monkey, marmoset, and rhesus macaque are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM and NOTUM from at least one species of non-human primate are provided. In some embodiments, NOTUM neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM and mouse NOTUM are provided.
  • 5.2.2.1. Chimerized and Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies
  • In some embodiments, non-human antibodies are chimerized. In some embodiments, mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM are chimerized. Certain exemplary methods for making chimeric antibodies are provided, for example, in Morrison et al. (1984) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855; Neuberger et al. (1984) Nature 312:604-608; Takeda et al. (1985) Nature 314:452-454; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,075,181 and 5,877,397.
  • In some embodiments, non-human antibodies are “humanized.” In some embodiments, mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM are humanized. In some embodiments, mouse monoclonal antibodies raised against mouse NOTUM, but which specifically bind (i.e., cross react) with human NOTUM, are humanized. In some embodiments, humanized antibodies retain their binding specificity and have reduced immunogenicity (e.g., reduced human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) response) when administered to a human. In some embodiments, humanization is achieved by methods including CDR grafting and human engineering, as described in detail below.
  • In some embodiments of humanized antibodies, one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from the light and heavy chain variable regions of an antibody with the desired binding specificity (the “donor” antibody) are grafted onto human framework regions (FRs) in an “acceptor” antibody. Exemplary CDR grafting is described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,180,370, 5,693,762, 5,693,761, 5,585,089, and 5,530,101; Queen et al. (1989) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029-10033. In some embodiments, one or more CDRs from the light and heavy chain variable regions are grafted onto consensus human FRs in an acceptor antibody. To create consensus human FRs, in some embodiments, FRs from several human heavy chain or light chain amino acid sequences are aligned to identify a consensus amino acid sequence.
  • In some embodiments, certain FR amino acids in the acceptor antibody are replaced with FR amino acids from the donor antibody. In certain such embodiments, FR amino acids from the donor antibody are amino acids that contribute to the affinity of the donor antibody for the target antigen. See, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,180,370, 5,693,762, 5,693,761, 5,585,089, and 5,530,101; Queen et al. (1989) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029-10033. In some embodiments, computer programs are used for modeling donor and/or acceptor antibodies to identify residues that are likely to be involved in binding antigen and/or to contribute to the structure of the antigen binding site, thus assisting in the selection of residues, such as FR residues, to be replaced in the donor antibody.
  • In some embodiments, CDRs from a donor antibody are grafted onto an acceptor antibody comprising a human constant region. In some such embodiments, FRs are also grafted onto the acceptor. In some embodiments, CDRs from a donor antibody are derived from a single chain Fv antibody. In some embodiments, FRs from a donor antibody are derived from a single chain Fv antibody. In some embodiments, grafted CDRs in a humanized antibody are further modified (e.g., by amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions) to increase the affinity of the humanized antibody for the target antigen. In some embodiments, grafted FRs in a humanized antibody are further modified (e.g., by amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions) to increase the affinity of the humanized antibody for the target antigen.
  • In some embodiments, non-human antibodies may be humanized using a “human engineering” method. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,886 and 5,869,619. In some embodiments of human engineering, information on the structure of antibody variable domains (e.g., information obtained from crystal structures and/or molecular modeling) is used to assess the likelihood that a given amino acid residue in a variable region is (a) involved in antigen binding, (b) exposed on the antibody surface (i.e., accessible to solvent), or (c) buried within the antibody variable region (i.e., involved in maintaining the structure of the variable region). Furthermore, in some embodiments, human variable region consensus sequences are generated to identify residues that are conserved among human variable regions. In some embodiments, that information provides guidance as to whether an amino acid residue in the variable region of a non-human antibody should be substituted.
  • In some embodiments, a humanized NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising at least one of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising at least one of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, and light chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 from an antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78.
  • In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 63, 67, 71, 75, and 79. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 64, 68, 72, 76, and 80. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 65, 69, 73, 77, and 81. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 66, 70, 74, 78, and 82. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 79 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78. In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82.
  • 5.2.2.2. Antibody Isotypes
  • In some embodiments, an antibody against NOTUM is of any isotype selected from IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE. In some embodiments, an antibody against NOTUM is of the IgG isotype. in certain such embodiments, an antibody is of the subclass IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4. In some embodiments, an antibody against NOTUM is of the IgM isotype. In certain such embodiments, an antibody is of the subclass IgM1 or IgM2. In some embodiments, an antibody against NOTUM is of the IgA isotype. In certain such embodiments, an antibody is of the subclass IgA1 or IgA2. An antibody against NOTUM may comprise a lambda or kappa light chain constant region of, e.g., either human or mouse origin. In some embodiments, an antibody against NOTUM comprises a human kappa light chain constant region and a human IgG1, IgG2, or IgG4 heavy chain constant region. In some embodiments, an antibody against NOTUM comprises a mouse kappa light chain and a mouse IgG1 or IgG2 heavy chain.
  • 5.2.2.3. Modified Antibodies
  • In some embodiments, an antibody is modified to alter one or more of its properties. In some embodiments, a modified antibody may possess advantages over an unmodified antibody, such as increased stability, increased time in circulation, or decreased immunogenicity (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,337). In some embodiments, an antibody is modified by linking it to a nonproteinaceous moiety. In some embodiments, an antibody is modified by altering the glycosylation state of the antibody, e.g., by altering the number, type, linkage, and/or position of carbohydrate chains on the antibody. In some embodiments, an antibody is altered so that it is not glycosylated.
  • In some embodiments, one or more chemical moieties are linked to the amino acid backbone and/or carbohydrate residues of the antibody. Certain exemplary methods for linking a chemical moiety to an antibody are known to those skilled in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to, acylation reactions or alkylation reactions. See, e.g, EP 0 401 384; Malik et al. (1992), Exp. Hematol., 20:1028-1035; Francis (1992) Focus on Growth Factors 3(2):4-10, published by Mediscript, Mountain Court, Friern Barnet Lane, London N20 OLD, UK; EP 0 154 316; EP 0 401 384; WO 92/16221; WO 95/34326; WO 95/13312; WO 96/11953; WO 96/19459 and WO 96/19459. In some embodiments, any of these reactions are used to generate an antibody that is chemically modified at its amino-terminus.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody is linked to a detectable label, such as an enzymatic, fluorescent, isotopic or affinity label. In certain such embodiments, a detectable label allows for the detection or isolation of the antibody. In some embodiments, a detectable label allows for the detection of an antigen bound by the antibody.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody is modified by linking it to one or more polymers. In some embodiments, an antibody is linked to one or more water-soluble polymers. In certain such embodiments, linkage to a water-soluble polymer reduces the likelihood that the antibody will precipitate in an aqueous environment, such as a physiological environment. In some embodiments, a therapeutic antibody is linked to a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, one skilled in the art can select a suitable water-soluble polymer based on considerations including whether the polymer/antibody conjugate will be used in the treatment of a patient and, if so, the pharmacological profile of the antibody (e.g., half-life, dosage, activity, antigenicity, and/or other factors).
  • Certain exemplary clinically acceptable, water-soluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG); polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde; copolymers of ethylene glycol/propylene glycol; monomethoxy-polyethylene glycol; carboxymethylcellulose; dextran; polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly-1,3-dioxolane; poly-1,3,6-trioxane; ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer; poly-β-amino acids (either homopolymers or random copolymers); poly(n-vinyl pyrrolidone)polyethylene glycol; polypropylene glycol homopolymers (PPG) and other polyalkylene oxides; polypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide copolymers; polyoxyethylated polyols (POG) (e.g., glycerol) and other polyoxyethylated polyols; polyoxyethylated sorbitol, polyoxyethylated glucose, colonic acids or other carbohydrate polymers; and Ficoll, dextran, or mixtures thereof. Certain exemplary PEGs include, but are not limited to, certain forms known in the art to be useful in antibody modification, such as mono-(C1-C10) alkoxy- or aryloxy-PEG. In some embodiments, PEG propionaldehyde may have advantages in manufacturing due to its stability in water.
  • In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer is of any molecular weight. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer is branched or unbranched. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has an average molecular weight of about 2 kDa to about 100 kDa, including all points between the end points of the range. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has an average molecular weight of about 5 kDa to about 40 kDa. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has an average molecular weight of about 10 kDa to about 35 kDa. In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has an average molecular weight of about 15 kDa to about 30 kDa.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody is linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG; i.e., an antibody is “pegylated”). In various embodiments, PEG has low toxicity in mammals. See Carpenter et al. (1971) Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 18:35-40. Notably, a PEG adduct of adenosine deaminase was approved in the United States for use in humans for the treatment of severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome. In various embodiments, PEG may reduce the immunogenicity of antibodies. For example, in some embodiments, linkage of PEG to an antibody having non-human sequences may reduce the antigenicity of that antibody when administered to a human.
  • In some embodiments, a polymer is linked to one or more reactive amino acid residues in an antibody. Certain exemplary reactive amino acid residues include, but are not limited to, the alpha-amino group of the amino-terminal amino acid, the epsilon amino groups of lysine side chains, the sulfhydryl groups of cysteine side chains, the carboxyl groups of aspartyl and glutamyl side chains, the alpha-carboxyl group of the carboxy-terminal amino acid, tyrosine side chains, and activated glycosyl chains linked to certain asparagine, serine or threonine residues. Certain exemplary activated forms of PEG (“PEG reagents”) suitable for direct reaction with proteins are known to those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, PEG reagents suitable for linkage to amino groups include, but are not limited to, active esters of carboxylic acid or carbonate derivatives of PEG, for example, those in which the leaving groups are N-hydroxysuccinimide, p-nitrophenol, imidazole or 1-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzene-4-sulfonate. In some embodiments, PEG reagents containing maleimido or haloacetyl groups are used to modify sulfhydryl groups. In some embodiments, PEG reagents containing amino, hydrazine and/or hydrazide groups may be used in reactions with aldehydes generated by periodate oxidation of carbohydrate groups in proteins.
  • In some embodiments, a water-soluble polymer has at least one reactive group. In some embodiments, an activated derivative of a water-soluble polymer, such as PEG, is created by reacting the water-soluble polymer with an activating group. In some embodiments, an activating group may be monofunctional, bifunctional, or multifunctional. Certain exemplary activating groups that can be used to link a water-soluble polymer to two or more antibodies include, but are not limited to, the following groups: sulfone (e.g., chlorosulfone, vinylsulfone and divinylsulfone), maleimide, sulfhydryl, thiol, triflate, tresylate, azidirine, oxirane and 5-pyridyl. In some embodiments, a PEG derivative is typically stable against hydrolysis for extended periods in aqueous environments at pHs of about 11 or less. In some embodiments, a PEG derivative linked to another molecule, such as an antibody, confers stability from hydrolysis on that molecule. Certain exemplary homobifunctional PEG derivatives include, but are not limited to, PEG-bis-chlorosulfone and PEG-bis-vinylsulfone (see WO 95/13312).
  • 5.2.3. Certain Methods of Making Monoclonal Antibodies
  • 5.2.3.1. Certain Hybridoma Methods
  • In some embodiments, monoclonal antibodies are produced by standard techniques. In some embodiments, monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridoma-based methods. Certain such methods are known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Kohler et al. (1975) Nature 256:495-497; Harlow and Lane (1988) Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual Ch. 6 (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.). In certain such embodiments, a suitable animal, such as a mouse, rat, hamster, monkey, or other mammal, is immunized with an immunogen to produce antibody-secreting cells. In some embodiments, the antibody-secreting cells are B-cells, such as lymphocytes or splenocytes. In some embodiments, lymphocytes (e.g., human lymphocytes) are immunized in vitro to generate antibody-secreting cells. See, e.g., Borreback et al. (1988) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 85:3995-3999.
  • In some embodiments, antibody secreting cells are fused with an “immortalized” cell line, such as a myeloid-type cell line, to produce hybridoma cells. In some embodiments, hybridoma cells that produce the desired antibodies are identified, for example, by ELISA. In some embodiments, such cells can then be subcloned and cultured using standard methods. In some embodiments, such cells can also be grown in vivo as ascites tumors in a suitable animal host. In some embodiments, monoclonal antibodies are isolated from hybridoma culture medium, serum, or ascites fluid using standard separation procedures, such as affinity chromatography. Guidance for the production of hybridomas and the purification of monoclonal antibodies according to certain embodiments is provided, for example, in Harlow and Lane (1988) Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual Ch. 8 (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).
  • In some embodiments, mouse monoclonal antibodies are produced by immunizing genetically altered mice with an immunogen. In certain such embodiments, the mice are NOTUM-deficient mice, which partially or completely lack NOTUM function. In certain such embodiments, the mice are “knockout” mice that lack all or part of a gene encoding NOTUM. In some embodiments, such knockout mice are immunized with mouse NOTUM. In some embodiments, such knockout mice are immunized with human NOTUM.
  • In some embodiments, human monoclonal antibodies are raised in transgenic animals (e.g., mice) that are capable of producing human antibodies. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,075,181 A and 6,114,598 A; and WO 98/24893 A2. For example, in some embodiments, human immunoglobulin genes are introduced (e.g., using yeast artificial chromosomes, human chromosome fragments, or germline integration) into mice in which the endogenous Ig genes have been inactivated. See, e.g., Jakobovits et al. (1993) Nature 362:255-258; Tomizuka et al. (2000) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 97:722-727; and Mendez et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:146-156 (describing the XenoMouse II® line of transgenic mice).
  • In some embodiments, such transgenic mice are immunized with an immunogen. In certain such embodiments, lymphatic cells (such as B-cells) from mice that express antibodies are obtained. In certain such embodiments, such recovered cells are fused with an “immortalized” cell line, such as a myeloid-type cell line, to produce hybridoma cells. In certain such embodiments, hybridoma cells are screened and selected to identify those that produce antibodies specific to the antigen of interest. Certain exemplary methods and transgenic mice suitable for the production of human monoclonal antibodies are described, e.g., in Jakobovits et al. (1993) Nature 362:255-258; Jakobovits (1995) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 6:561-566; Lonberg et al. (1995) Int'l Rev. Immunol. 13:65-93; Fishwild et al. (1996) Nat. Biotechnol. 14:845-851; Mendez et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 15:146-156; Green (1999) J. Immunol. Methods 231:11-23; Tomizuka et al. (2000) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 97:722-727; and reviewed in Little et al. (2000) Immunol. Today 21:364-370; and WO 98/24893. In some embodiments, human monoclonal antibodies against NOTUM are suitable for use as therapeutic antibodies. See Part V.G., below.
  • 5.2.3.2. Certain Display-Based Methods
  • In some embodiments, human monoclonal antibodies are produced using a display-based method, such as, for example, any of those described below.
  • In some embodiments, a monoclonal antibody is produced using phage display techniques. Various antibody phage display methods are known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in Hoogenboom, Overview of Antibody Phage-Display Technology and Its Applications, from Methods in Molecular Biology: Antibody Phage Display: Methods and Protocols (2002) 178:1-37 (O'Brien and Aitken, eds., Human Press, Totowa, N.J.). For example, in some embodiments, a library of antibodies are displayed on the surface of a filamentous phage, such as the nonlytic filamentous phage fd or M13. In some embodiments, the antibodies are antibody fragments, such as scFvs, Fabs, Fvs with an engineered intermolecular disulfide bond to stabilize the VH-VL pair, and diabodies. In some embodiments, antibodies with the desired binding specificity can then be selected. Nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of antibody phage display methods are described in further detail below.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody phage-display library can be prepared using certain methods known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Hoogenboom, Overview of Antibody Phage-Display Technology and Its Applications, from Methods in Molecular Biology: Antibody Phage Display Methods and Protocols (2002) 178:1-37 (O'Brien and Aitken, eds., Human Press, Totowa, N.J.). In some embodiments, variable gene repertoires are prepared by PCR amplification of genomic DNA or cDNA derived from the mRNA of antibody-secreting cells. For example, in some embodiments, cDNA is prepared from mRNA of B-cells. In some embodiments, cDNA encoding the variable regions of heavy and light chains is amplified, for example, by PCR.
  • In some embodiments, heavy chain cDNA and light chain cDNA are cloned into a suitable vector. In some embodiments, heavy chain cDNA and light chain cDNA are randomly combined during the cloning process, thereby resulting in the assembly of a cDNA library encoding diverse scFvs or Fabs. In some embodiments, heavy chain cDNA and light chain cDNA are ligated before being cloned into a suitable vector. In some embodiments, heavy chain cDNA and light chain cDNA are ligated by stepwise cloning into a suitable vector.
  • In some embodiments, cDNA is cloned into a phage display vector, such as a phagemid vector. Certain exemplary phagemid vectors, such as pCES1, are known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, cDNA encoding both heavy and light chains is present on the same vector. For example, in some embodiments, cDNA encoding scFvs are cloned in frame with all or a portion of gene III, which encodes the minor phage coat protein pill. In certain such embodiments, the phagemid directs the expression of the scFv-pIII fusion on the phage surface. Alternatively, in some embodiments, cDNA encoding heavy chain (or light chain) is cloned in frame with all or a portion of gene III, and cDNA encoding light chain (or heavy chain) is cloned downstream of a signal sequence in the same vector. The signal sequence directs expression of the light chain (or heavy chain) into the periplasm of the host cell, where the heavy and light chains assemble into Fab fragments. Alternatively, in some embodiments, cDNA encoding heavy chain and cDNA encoding light chain are present on separate vectors. In certain such embodiments, heavy chain and light chain cDNA is cloned separately, one into a phagemid and the other into a phage vector, which both contain signals for in vivo recombination in the host cell.
  • In some embodiments, recombinant phagemid or phage vectors are introduced into a suitable bacterial host, such as E. coli. In some embodiments using phagemid, the host is infected with helper phage to supply phage structural proteins, thereby allowing expression of phage particles carrying the antibody-pill fusion protein on the phage surface.
  • In some embodiments, “synthetic” antibody libraries are constructed using repertoires of variable genes that are rearranged in vitro. For example, in some embodiments, individual gene segments encoding heavy or light chains (V-D-J or V-J, respectively) are randomly combined using PCR. In some embodiments, additional sequence diversity can be introduced into the CDRs, and possibly FRs, e.g., by error prone PCR. In some such embodiments, additional sequence diversity is introduced into CDR3, e.g., H3 of the heavy chain.
  • In some embodiments, “naïve” or “universal” phage display libraries are constructed as described above using nucleic acid from an unimmunized animal. In some embodiments, the unimmunized animal is a human. In some embodiments, “immunized” phage display libraries are constructed as described above using nucleic acid from an immunized animal. In some embodiments, the immunized animal is a human, rat, mouse, hamster, or monkey. In certain such embodiments, the animals are immunized with any of the immunogens described below.
  • Certain exemplary universal human antibody phage display libraries are available from commercial sources. Certain exemplary libraries include, but are not limited to, the HuCAL series of libraries from MorphoSys AG (Martinstreid/Munich, Germany); libraries from Crucell (Leiden, the Netherlands) using MAbstract technology; the n-CoDeR™ Fab library from BioInvent (Lund, Sweden); and libraries available from Cambridge Antibody Technology (Cambridge, UK).
  • In some embodiments, the selection of antibodies having the desired binding specificity from a phage display library is achieved by successive panning steps. In some embodiments of panning, library phage preparations are exposed to antigen. In certain such embodiments, the phage-antigen complexes are washed, and unbound phage are discarded. In certain such embodiments, bound phage are recovered and subsequently amplified by infecting E. coli. In certain such embodiments, monoclonal antibody-producing phage may be cloned by picking single plaques. In some embodiments, the above process is repeated.
  • In some embodiments, the antigen used in panning is any of the immunogens described below. In some embodiments, the antigen is immobilized on a solid support to allow purification of antigen-binding phage by affinity chromatography. In some embodiments, the antigen is biotinylated, thereby allowing the separation of bound phage from unbound phage using streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. In some embodiments, the antigen may be immobilized on cells (for direct panning), in tissue cryosections, or on membranes (e.g., nylon or nitrocellulose membranes). Other variations of certain panning procedures may be routinely determined by one skilled in the art.
  • In some embodiments, a yeast display system is used to produce monoclonal antibodies. In certain such systems, an antibody is expressed as a fusion protein with all or a portion of the yeast AGA2 protein, which becomes displayed on the surface of the yeast cell wall. In certain such embodiments, yeast cells expressing antibodies with the desired binding specificity can then be identified by exposing the cells to fluorescently labeled antigen. In certain such embodiments, yeast cells that bind the antigen can then be isolated by flow cytometry. See, e.g., Boder et al. (1997) Nat. Biotechnol. 15:553-557.
  • 5.2.3.3. Certain Affinity Maturation Methods
  • In some embodiments, the affinity of an antibody for a particular antigen is increased by subjecting the antibody to affinity maturation (or “directed evolution”) in vitro. In vivo, native antibodies undergo affinity maturation through somatic hypermutation followed by selection. Some in vitro methods mimic that in vivo process, thereby allowing the production of antibodies having affinities that equal or surpass that of native antibodies.
  • In some embodiments of affinity maturation, mutations are introduced into a nucleic acid sequence encoding the variable region of an antibody having the desired binding specificity. See, e.g., Hudson et al. (2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134; Brekke et al. (2002) Nat. Reviews 2:52-62. In some embodiments, mutations are introduced into the variable region of the heavy chain, light chain, or both. In some embodiments, mutations are introduced into one or more CDRs. In certain such embodiments, mutations are introduced into H3, L3, or both. In some embodiments, mutations are introduced into one or more FRs. In some embodiments, a library of mutations is created, for example, in a phage, ribosome, or yeast display library, so that antibodies with increased affinity may be identified by standard screening methods. See, e.g., Boder et al. (2000) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 97:10701-10705; Foote et al. (2000) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 97:10679-10681; Hoogenboom, Overview of Antibody Phage-Display Technology and Its Applications, from Methods in Molecular Biology: Antibody Phage Display: Methods and Protocols (2002) 178:1-37 (O'Brien and Aitken, eds., Human Press, Totowa, N.J.); and Hanes et al. (1998) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 95:14130-14135.
  • In some embodiments, mutations are introduced by site-specific mutagenesis based on information on the antibody's structure, e.g., the antigen binding site. In some embodiments, mutations are introduced using combinatorial mutagenesis of CDRs. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the variable region coding sequence is randomly mutagenized, e.g., using E. coli mutator cells, homologous gene rearrangement, or error prone PCR. In some embodiments, mutations are introduced using “DNA shuffling.” See, e.g., Crameri et al. (1996) Nat. Med. 2:100-102; Fermer et al. (2004) Tumor Biol. 25:7-13.
  • In some embodiments, “chain shuffling” is used to generate antibodies with increased affinity. In some embodiments of chain shuffling, one of the chains, e.g., the light chain, is replaced with a repertoire of light chains, while the other chain, e.g., the heavy chain, is unchanged, thus providing specificity. In certain such embodiments, a library of chain shuffled antibodies is created, wherein the unchanged heavy chain is expressed in combination with each light chain from the repertoire of light chains. In some embodiments, such libraries may then be screened for antibodies with increased affinity. In some embodiments, both the heavy and light chains are sequentially replaced. In some embodiments, only the variable regions of the heavy and/or light chains are replaced. In some embodiments, only a portion of the variable regions, e.g., CDRs, of the heavy and/or light chains are replaced. See, e.g., Hudson et al. (2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134; Brekke et al. (2002) Nat. Reviews 2:52-62; Kang et al. (1991) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 88:11120-11123; Marks et al. (1992) Biotechnol. 10:779-83.
  • In some embodiments, mouse monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind human NOTUM (including mouse monoclonal antibodies raised against mouse NOTUM but which specifically bind (i.e., cross react) with human NOTUM) are subject to sequential chain shuffling. In some embodiments, for example, the heavy chain of a given mouse monoclonal antibody is combined with a new repertoire of human light chains, and antibodies with the desired affinity are selected. In certain such embodiments, the light chains of the selected antibodies are then combined with a new repertoire of human heavy chains, and antibodies with the desired affinity are selected. Thus, in some embodiments, human antibodies having the desired antigen binding specificity and affinity are selected.
  • Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heavy chain of a given mouse monoclonal antibody is combined with a new repertoire of human light chains, and antibodies with the desired affinity are selected from this first round of shuffling. In some embodiments, the light chain of the original mouse monoclonal antibody is combined with a new repertoire of human heavy chains, and antibodies with the desired affinity are selected from this second round of shuffling. In some embodiments, human light chains from the antibodies selected in the first round of shuffling are then combined with human heavy chains from the antibodies selected in the second round of shuffling. Thus, in some embodiments, human antibodies having the desired antigen binding specificity and affinity are selected.
  • In some embodiments, a “ribosome display” method is used that alternates antibody selection with affinity maturation. In some embodiments of a ribosome display method, antibody-encoding nucleic acid is amplified by RT-PCR between the selection steps. Thus, in some embodiments, error prone polymerases may be used to introduce mutations into the nucleic acid. A nonlimiting example of such a method is described in detail in Hanes et al. (1998) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 95:14130-14135.
  • 5.2.3.4. Certain Recombinant Methods
  • In some embodiments, a monoclonal antibody is produced by recombinant techniques. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567. In certain such embodiments, nucleic acid encoding monoclonal antibody chains are cloned and expressed in a suitable host cell. For example, in some embodiments, RNA can be prepared from cells expressing the desired antibody, such as mature B-cells or hybridoma cells, using standard methods. In some embodiments, the RNA can then be used to make cDNA using standard methods. In some embodiments, cDNA encoding a heavy or light chain polypeptide is amplified, for example, by PCR, using specific oligonucleotide primers. In some embodiments, the cDNA is cloned into a suitable expression vector. In some embodiments, the expression vector is then transformed or transfected into a suitable host cell, such as a host cell that does not endogenously produce antibody. Certain exemplary host cells include, but are not limited to, E. coli, COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and myeloma cells. In some embodiments, wherein heavy and light chains are coexpressed in the same host, reconstituted antibody may be isolated.
  • In some embodiments, cDNA encoding a heavy or light chain can be modified. For example, in some embodiments, the constant region of a mouse heavy or light chain can be replaced with the constant region of a human heavy or light chain. In this manner, in some embodiments, a chimeric antibody can be produced which possesses human antibody constant regions but retains the binding specificity of a mouse antibody.
  • In some embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain or the light chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody. In some embodiments, a single nucleic acid molecule comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes the light chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody. In some embodiments, for example, when the antibody is a single-chain Fv (scFv), the coding sequence for the heavy chain and the coding sequence for the light chain are part of a continuous coding sequence such that a single polypeptide is expressed, which comprises both the heavy chain and the light chain of the antibody. In some embodiments, a single nucleic acid molecule that encodes both a heavy chain and a light chain is capable of expressing the two chains as separate polypeptides. In some such embodiments, each chain is under the control of a separate promoter. In some embodiments, the two chains are under the control of the same promoter. One skilled in the art can select a suitable configuration and suitable control elements for the heavy and light chain of the NOTUM neutralizing antibody according to the intended application.
  • In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is a vector, such as an expression vector suitable for expressing the heavy chain and/or light chain in a particular host cell. One skilled in the art can select a suitable expression vector, or expression vectors, according to the host cell to be used for expression. Many exemplary such vectors are known in the art.
  • In some embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, 2.78, and humanized versions of such MAbs. In some such embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 112, 115, 116, 119, 120, 123, 124, 127, and 128. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a light chain of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, 2.78, and humanized versions of such MAbs. In some such embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule comprises a polynucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 113, 114, 117, 118, 121, 122, 125, 126, 129, and 130. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes the light chain, of a NOTUM neutralizing antibody selected from MAbs 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.1029, 2.55, 2.78, and humanized versions of such MAbs.
  • In some embodiments, recombinant antibodies can be expressed in certain cell lines. In some embodiments, sequences encoding particular antibodies can be used for transformation of a suitable mammalian host cell. According to certain embodiments, transformation can be by any known method for introducing polynucleotides into a host cell. Certain exemplary methods include, but are not limited to, packaging the polynucleotide in a virus (or into a viral vector) and transducing a host cell with the virus (or vector) and using certain transfection procedures known in the art, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216, 4,912,040, 4,740,461, and 4,959,455. In some embodiments, the transformation procedure used may depend upon the host to be transformed. Certain exemplary methods for introduction of heterologous polynucleotides into mammalian cells are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, dextran-mediated transfection, calcium phosphate precipitation, polybrene mediated transfection, protoplast fusion, electroporation, encapsulation of the polynucleotide(s) in liposomes, and direct microinjection of the DNA into nuclei.
  • Certain exemplary mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, many immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), including Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., Hep G2), and a number of other cell lines. In some embodiments, cell lines may be selected by determining which cell lines produce high levels of antibodies that specifically bind NOTUM.
  • 5.3. Methods of Treatment
  • This invention encompasses a method of stimulating endocortical bone formation in a patient, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an antibody of the invention. It also encompasses a method of increasing cortical bone thickness, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an antibody of the invention.
  • This invention encompasses a method of treating, managing, or preventing a disease or disorder associated with bone loss, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an antibody of the invention. Examples of diseases and disorders include osteoporosis (e.g., postmenopausal osteoporosis, steroid- or glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, male osteoporosis, and idiopathic osteoporosis), osteopenia, and Paget's disease.
  • Also encompassed by the invention is a method of treating, managing, or preventing bone fractures, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an antibody of the invention. Particular bone fractures are associated with metastatic bone disease, i.e., cancer that has metastasized to bone. Examples of cancers that can metastasize to bone include prostate, breast, lung, thyroid, and kidney cancer.
  • This invention also encompasses a method of treating, managing, or preventing bone loss associated with, or caused by, a disease or disorder, which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an antibody of the invention. Examples of diseases and disorders include celiac disease, Crohn's Disease, Cushing's syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis.
  • Nonlimiting exemplary patients that may benefit from methods of this invention include men and women aged 55 years or older, post-menopausal women, and patients suffering from renal insufficiency.
  • Antibodies of the invention can be administered in combination (e.g., at the same or at different times) with other drugs known to be useful in the treatment, management, or prevention of diseases or conditions affecting the bone. Examples include: androgen receptor modulators; bisphosphonates; calcitonin; calcium sensing receptor antagonists; RANKL antibodies, cathepsin K inhibitors; estrogen and estrogen receptor modulators; integrin binders, antibodies, and receptor antagonists; parathyroid hormone (PTH) and analogues and mimics thereof; and vitamin D and synthetic vitamin D analogues.
  • Examples of androgen receptor modulators include finasteride and other 5α-reductase inhibitors, nilutamide, flutamide, bicalutamide, liarozole, and abiraterone acetate.
  • Examples of bisphosphonates include alendronate, cimadronate, clodronate, etidronate, ibandronate, incadronate, minodronate, neridronate, olpadronate, pamidronate, piridronate, risedronate, tiludronate, and zolendronate, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof.
  • Examples of cathepsin K inhibitors include VEL-0230, AAE581 (balicatib), MV061194, SB-462795 (relacatib), MK-0822 (odanacatib), and MK-1256.
  • Examples of estrogen and estrogen receptor modulators include naturally occurring estrogens (e.g., 7-estradiol, estrone, and estriol), conjugated estrogens (e.g., conjugated equine estrogens), oral contraceptives, sulfated estrogens, progestogen, estradiol, droloxifene, raloxifene, lasofoxifene, TSE-424, tamoxifen, idoxifene, LY353381, LY117081, toremifene, fulvestrant, 4-[7-(2,2-dimethyl-1-oxopropoxy-4-methyl-2-[4-[2-(1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]-2H-1-benzopyran-3-yl]-phenyl-2,2-dimethylpropanoate, 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazone, and SH646.
  • Examples of integrin binders, antibodies, and receptor antagonists include vitaxin (MEDI-522), cilengitide and L-000845704.
  • 5.4. Pharmaceutical Formulations
  • This invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antibodies of the invention, and optionally one or more other drugs, such as those described above.
  • In some embodiments, a NOTUM neutralizing antibody may be used as a therapeutic antibody. Exemplary NOTUM neutralizing antibodies to be used as therapeutic antibodies include, but are not limited to, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, and human antibodies. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the use of antibodies as therapeutic agents.
  • In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided that comprises an effective amount of an antibody to NOTUM and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative and/or adjuvant. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided that comprises an effective amount of an antibody to NOTUM and an effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative and/or adjuvant. In some embodiments, at least one additional therapeutic agent is selected from those described above.
  • In some embodiments, formulation materials for pharmaceutical compositions are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed.
  • In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises formulation materials for modifying, maintaining or preserving, for example, the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, clarity, color, isotonicity, odor, sterility, stability, rate of dissolution or release, adsorption or penetration of the composition. In some embodiments, suitable formulation materials include, but are not limited to, amino acids (for example, glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine and lysine); antimicrobials; antioxidants (for example, ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite and sodium hydrogen-sulfite); buffers (for example, borate, bicarbonate, Tris-HCl, citrates, phosphates and other organic acids); bulking agents (for example, mannitol and glycine); chelating agents (for example, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)); complexing agents (for example, caffeine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin); fillers; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates (for example, glucose, mannose and dextrins); proteins (for example, serum albumin, gelatin and immunoglobulins); coloring, flavoring, and diluting agents; emulsifying agents; hydrophilic polymers (for example, polyvinylpyrrolidone); low molecular weight polypeptides; salt-forming counterions (for example, sodium); preservatives (for example, benzalkonium chloride, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, thimerosal, phenethyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, chlorhexidine, sorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide); solvents (for example, glycerin, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol); sugar alcohols (for example, mannitol and sorbitol); suspending agents; surfactants or wetting agents (for example, pluronics, PEG, sorbitan esters, polysorbates (for example, polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80), triton, tromethamine, lecithin, cholesterol, and tyloxapal); stability enhancing agents (for example, sucrose and sorbitol); tonicity enhancing agents (for example, alkali metal halides (for example, sodium or potassium chloride), mannitol, and sorbitol); delivery vehicles; diluents; excipients; and pharmaceutical adjuvants. (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, A. R. Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Company (1990).
  • In some embodiments, an antibody to NOTUM or other therapeutic molecule is linked to a half-life extending vehicle. Nonlimiting exemplary half-life extending vehicles include those known in the art. Such vehicles include, but are not limited to, the Fc domain, polyethylene glycol, and dextran. Exemplary such vehicles are described, e.g., in published PCT Application No. WO 99/25044.
  • In some embodiments, an optimal pharmaceutical composition will be determined by one skilled in the art depending upon, for example, the intended route of administration, delivery format, and desired dosage. See, e.g., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, supra. In some embodiments, such compositions may influence the physical state, stability, rate of in vivo release, or rate of in vivo clearance of a neutralizing antibody.
  • In some embodiments, a primary vehicle or carrier in a pharmaceutical composition may be either aqueous or non-aqueous in nature. For example, in some embodiments, a suitable vehicle or carrier may be water for injection, physiological saline solution, or artificial cerebrospinal fluid, possibly supplemented with other materials common in compositions for parenteral administration. Exemplary vehicles include, but are not limited to, neutral buffered saline and saline mixed with serum albumin. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprise Tris buffer of about pH 7.0-8.5, or acetate buffer of about pH 4.0-5.5, which may further include sorbitol or a suitable substitute therefor. In some embodiments, a composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agents, may be prepared for storage by mixing the selected composition having the desired degree of purity with optional formulation agents (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, supra) in the form of a lyophilized cake or an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, a composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, may be formulated as a lyophilizate using appropriate excipients such as sucrose.
  • In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is selected for parenteral delivery. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is selected for inhalation or for delivery through the digestive tract, such as orally. Various techniques for preparing pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are within the skill of one skilled in the art.
  • In some embodiments, formulation components are present in concentrations that are acceptable to the site of administration. In some embodiments, buffers are used to maintain the composition at physiological pH or at a slightly lower pH, typically within a pH range of from about 5 to about 8.
  • In some embodiments, when parenteral administration is contemplated, a pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of a pyrogen-free, parenterally acceptable aqueous solution comprising the desired antibody to NOTUM, with or without additional therapeutic agents, in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. In some embodiments, a vehicle for parenteral injection is sterile distilled water in which the antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is formulated as a sterile, isotonic solution, properly preserved. In some embodiments, the preparation can involve the formulation of the desired molecule with an agent, such as injectable microspheres, bio-erodible particles, polymeric compounds (such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid), beads or liposomes, that may provide for the controlled or sustained release of the product which may then be delivered via a depot injection. In some embodiments, hyaluronic acid may also be used, and may have the effect of promoting sustained duration in the circulation. In some embodiments, implantable drug delivery devices may be used to introduce the desired molecule.
  • In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for inhalation. In some embodiments an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, may be formulated as a dry powder for inhalation. In some embodiments, an inhalation solution comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, may be formulated with a propellant for aerosol delivery. In some embodiments, solutions may be nebulized.
  • In some embodiments, a formulation may be administered orally. In some embodiments, an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, that is administered in this fashion may be formulated with or without carriers customarily used in the compounding of solid dosage forms such as tablets and capsules. In some embodiments, a capsule may be designed to release the active portion of the formulation at the point in the gastrointestinal tract when bioavailability is maximized and pre-systemic degradation is minimized. In some embodiments, at least one additional agent can be included to facilitate absorption of the antibody to NOTUM with or without any additional therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, diluents, flavorings, low melting point waxes, vegetable oils, lubricants, suspending agents, tablet disintegrating agents, and/or binders may also be employed.
  • In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprises an effective amount of an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, in a mixture with non-toxic excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. In some embodiments, by dissolving the tablets in sterile water, or another appropriate vehicle, solutions may be prepared in unit-dose form. Exemplary excipients include, but are not limited to, inert diluents (for example, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, lactose, and calcium phosphate); binding agents (for example, starch, gelatin, and acacia); and lubricating agents (for example, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and talc).
  • Additional pharmaceutical compositions will be evident to those skilled in the art, including formulations comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, in sustained- or controlled-delivery formulations. Exemplary sustained- or controlled-delivery formulations include, but are not limited to, liposome carriers, bio-erodible microparticles, porous beads, and depot injections. Various techniques for preparing formulations are known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, sustained-release preparations may include semipermeable polymer matrices in the form of shaped articles, e.g. films or microcapsules. Exemplary sustained release matrices include, but are not limited to, polyesters, hydrogels, polylactides (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919 and EP 058,481), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and gamma ethyl-L-glutamate (see, e.g., Sidman et al. (1983) Biopolymers 22:547-556), poly (2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate) (see, e.g., Langer et al. (1981) J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 15:167-277 and Langer (1982) Chem. Tech. 12:98-105), ethylene vinyl acetate (Langer et al., supra), and poly-D(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (EP 133,988). In some embodiments, sustained release compositions may include liposomes, which can be prepared, in some embodiments, by any of several methods known in the art. See e.g., Eppstein et al. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82:3688-3692; EP 036,676; EP 088,046; and EP 143,949.
  • In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition to be used for in vivo administration typically is sterile. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by filtration through sterile filtration membranes. In some embodiments, where the composition is lyophilized, sterilization using this method may be conducted either prior to or following lyophilization and reconstitution. In some embodiments, the composition for parenteral administration may be stored in lyophilized form or in a solution. In some embodiments, parenteral compositions generally are placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.
  • In some embodiments, once the pharmaceutical composition has been formulated, it may be stored in sterile vials as a solution, suspension, gel, emulsion, solid, or as a dehydrated or lyophilized powder. In some embodiments, such formulations may be stored either in a ready-to-use form or in a form (e.g., lyophilized) that is reconstituted prior to administration.
  • In some embodiments, kits for producing a single-dose administration unit are provided. In some embodiments, the kits may each contain both a first container having a dried protein and a second container having an aqueous formulation. In some embodiments, kits containing single or multi-chambered pre-filled syringes (e.g., liquid syringes and lyosyringes) are included.
  • In some embodiments, the effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, to be employed therapeutically will depend, for example, upon the context and objectives of treatment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the appropriate dosage levels for treatment, according to some embodiments, will thus vary depending, in part, upon the molecule delivered, the indication for which the antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is being used, the route of administration, and the size (body weight, body surface or organ size) and/or condition (the age and general health) of the patient. In some embodiments, the clinician may titer the dosage and modify the route of administration to obtain the optimal therapeutic effect. In some embodiments, a typical dosage may range from about 0.1 μg/kg of patient body weight, up to about 100 mg/kg or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. In some embodiments, the dosage may range from 0.1 μg/kg up to about 100 mg/kg; 1 μg/kg up to about 100 mg/kg; or 5 μg/kg up to about 100 mg/kg, including all points (including fractions) between any of the foregoing endpoints. In some embodiments, the dosage is between about 1 mg/kg body weight and about 60 mg/kg body weight. In some embodiments, the dosage is about 1 mg/kg body weight, about 3 mg/kg body weight, about 5 mg/kg body weight, about 10 mg/kg body weight, about 20 mg/kg body weight, about 30 mg/kg body weight, about 40 mg/kg body weight, about 50 mg/kg body weight, or about 60 mg/kg body weight.
  • In some embodiments, a human dose of a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM is determined based on the efficacious dose of the same antibody in another species, such as mice, dogs, monkeys, etc. In some embodiments, a human dose of a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM is determined using “Guidance for Industry: Estimating the Maximum Safe Starting Dose in Initial Clinical Trials for Therapeutics in Adult Healthy Volunteers,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), July 2005 (Pharmacology and Toxicology).
  • In some embodiments, a suitable dosage may be determined by one skilled in the art, for example, based on animal studies.
  • In various embodiments, a neutralizing antibody against NOTUM is administered to a patient twice per week, once per week, once every two weeks, once per month, once every other month, or even less frequently.
  • In some embodiments, the frequency of dosing will take into account the pharmacokinetic parameters of an antibody to NOTUM and, if applicable, any additional therapeutic agents in the formulation used. In some embodiments, a clinician will administer the composition until a dosage is reached that achieves the desired effect. In some embodiments, the composition may therefore be administered as a single dose, or as two or more doses (which may or may not contain the same amount of the desired molecule) over time, or as a continuous infusion via an implantation device or catheter. In some embodiments, further refinement of the appropriate dosage is routinely made by those skilled in the art and is within the ambit of tasks routinely performed by them. In some embodiments, appropriate dosages may be ascertained through use of appropriate dose-response data. In some embodiments, a patient receives one dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM. In some embodiments, a patient receives one, two, three, or four doses per day of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM. In some embodiments, a patient receives one, two, three, four, five, or six doses per week of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM. In some embodiments, a patient receives one, two, three, or four doses per month of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody to NOTUM.
  • In some embodiments, the route of administration of the pharmaceutical composition is in accord with known methods, e.g. orally, through injection by subcutaneous, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intracerebral (intra-parenchymal), intracerebroventricular, intramuscular, intra-ocular, intraarterial, intraportal, or intralesional routes; by sustained release systems or by implantation devices. In some embodiments, the compositions may be administered by bolus injection or continuously by infusion, or by implantation device.
  • In some embodiments, the composition may be administered locally via implantation of a membrane, sponge or another appropriate material onto which the desired molecule has been absorbed or encapsulated. In some embodiments, where an implantation device is used, the device may be implanted into any suitable tissue or organ, and delivery of the desired molecule may be via diffusion, timed-release bolus, or continuous administration.
  • In some embodiments, an antibody to NOTUM, with or without at least one additional therapeutic agent, is delivered by implanting certain cells that have been genetically engineered, using methods such as those described herein, to express and secrete the polypeptides. In some embodiments, such cells may be animal or human cells, and may be autologous, heterologous, or xenogeneic. In some embodiments, the cells may be immortalized. In some embodiments, in order to decrease the chance of an immunological response, the cells may be encapsulated to avoid infiltration of surrounding tissues. In some embodiments, the encapsulation materials are typically biocompatible, semi-permeable polymeric enclosures or membranes that allow the release of the protein product(s) but prevent the destruction of the cells by the patient's immune system or by other detrimental factors from the surrounding tissues.
    • 6. EXAMPLES
  • 6.1. Knock-Out Mouse
  • Mice homozygous for a genetically engineered mutation in the murine ortholog of the human NOTUM gene were generated using corresponding mutated embryonic stem (ES) cell clones from the OMNIBANK collection of mutated murine ES cell clones (see generally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,576). In brief, ES cell clones containing a mutagenic viral insertion into the murine NOTUM locus were microinjected into blastocysts which were in turn implanted into pseudopregnant female hosts and carried to term. The resulting chimeric offspring were subsequently bred to C57 black 6 female mice and the offspring checked for the germline transmission of the knocked-out NOTUM allele. Animals heterozygous for the mutated NOTUM allele were subsequently bred to produce offspring that were homozygous for the mutated NOTUM allele, heterozygous for the mutated NOTUM allele, or wild type offspring at an approximate ratio of 1:2:1.
  • Mice homozygous (−/−) for the disruption of the NOTUM gene were studied in conjunction with mice heterozygous (+/−) for the disruption of the NOTUM gene and wild-type (+/+) litter mates. During this analysis, the mice were subject to a medical work-up using an integrated suite of medical diagnostic procedures designed to assess the function of the major organ systems in a mammalian subject. By studying the homozygous (−/−) “knockout” mice in the described numbers and in conjunction with heterozygous (+/−) and wild-type (+/+) litter mates, more reliable and repeatable data were obtained.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, male mice having homozygous disruption of the NOTUM gene (“homs”) exhibited greater cortical thicknesses at various bone sites, compared to their wildtype littermates at 16 weeks of age (number of mice N=10 for both groups). These differences, which were measured by microCT (Scanco μCT40), were: 28% (p<0.001) at midshaft femur; 19% (p<0.001) at midshaft humerus; 17% (p<0.001) at midshaft tibia; and 11% (p<0.001) at tibia-fibula junction. As shown in FIG. 2, at 16 weeks of age, the midshaft femur cortical bone thickness of mice heterozygous for the NOTUM mutation (“hets”) was also greater than that of their wildtype littermates: male hets (N=50) exhibited a 6% (p=0.007) increase compared to their wildtype littermates (N=23); and female hets (N=57) exhibited a 9% (p<0.001) increase compared to their wildtype littermates (N=22).
  • Practical manifestations of the observed redistribution of bone formation in NOTUM animals are reflected in FIGS. 3 and 4, which show results of femur breaking strength tests (performed by SkeleTech, now Ricerca Biosciences) using a standard 4-point bending test. As shown in FIG. 3, which provides results obtained for male mice at 16 weeks of age, hets (N=20) exhibited a 5% (p=0.54) increase in femur breaking strength compared to their wildtype littermates (N=23), whereas horns (N=17) exhibited a 28% (p<0.001) increase. On the other hand, spine compression tests of both NOTUM horns and hets did not show a significant reduction in maximum spine compression loads as compared to wildtype controls. Similar results were obtained for female mice at 16 weeks of age. As shown in FIG. 4, hets (N=20) exhibited a 12% (p=0.04) increase in femur breaking strength compared to their wildtype littermates (N=21), whereas horns (N=18) exhibited a 28% (p<0.001) increase. Analysis of these and other data revealed a strong correlation between cortical thickness and femur breaking strength.
  • 6.2. Production and Purification of Recombinant NOTUM Proteins
  • The full-length coding sequences for human, catalytically inactive human (S232A), mouse, catalytically inactive mouse (S239A), rat, guinea pig, cynomolgus monkey, and rhesus monkey NOTUM, each with a C-terminal 6×His epitope tag, were subcloned into the expression vector pIRESpuro2 (Clontech). The expression constructs can be used to generate conditioned medium containing secreted NOTUM protein by transient transfection, or to establish stable transfectants for the generation of larger quantities of conditioned medium, e.g., for subsequent purification of NOTUM protein.
  • HEK293F cells were transfected using Lipofectamine-2000 (Invitrogen) and grown in suspension culture in Freestyle 293 Expression Medium (Invitrogen) in shaker flasks. For transient transfections, conditioned medium was harvested four days after transfection, sterile filtered and stored at 4° C. For the generation of cell lines stably expressing NOTUM protein, genomic integration of the expression plasmid was selected for in the presence of puromycin.
  • Expression and secretion of NOTUM protein was confirmed by Western blot of cell lysates and/or conditioned medium, using an anti-His antibody. Subcloning of NOTUM-producing bulk stable transfectants by limiting dilution enabled the identification by anti-His Western blot of individual clones expressing NOTUM at relatively high levels.
  • To produce purified mouse and human NOTUM proteins at 10-20 mg scale, clonal HEK293F cell lines expressing either mouse or human NOTUM were expanded in suspension culture to a volume of 3 L. When the cell density at this volume reached 1×10̂6 viable cells per ml, the cells were pelleted by centrifugation and resuspended in fresh Freestyle 293 Expression Medium and maintained in culture for a further 96 hours without additional medium changes. After 96 hours, cultures were harvested, cells were pelleted by centrifugation, and the conditioned medium was sterile filtered and stored at 4° C. for subsequent processing.
  • Immediately prior to purification, NOTUM-containing conditioned medium was concentrated from 3 L to 1 L and then buffer exchanged into nickel immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl, 10 mM imidazole, 0.5 M NaCl, pH 7.4) by tangential flow filtration using a membrane with a 10 kDa nominal molecular weight cut off. Concentrated, buffer exchanged conditioned medium was then applied to an equilibrated, nickel charged, metal chelating column. Bound protein was washed and eluted using an imidazole concentration gradient. Elution fractions containing pure NOTUM protein were pooled and dialyzed against phosphate buffered saline to remove the elution buffer. Purified, dialyzed protein was aliquotted and frozen at −80° C.
  • For each batch of protein one aliquot was used to determine protein concentration by bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay (Thermo Scientific, Rockford, Ill.), purity by SDS PAGE followed by Coomassie or silver staining, activity in both the cell-free OPTS enzymatic assay (described in Example 6.4.1, below) and the cell-based Wnt signaling assay (described in Example 6.4.2, below), and endotoxin concentration by Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay (Lonza, Basel, Switzerland).
  • 6.3. Generation of Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies to NOTUM
  • Antibodies were raised against purified recombinant human and mouse NOTUM proteins in two separate immunization campaigns.
  • In Campaign 1, mice homozygous for a gene trap insertion in the NOTUM gene and therefore lacking endogenous NOTUM protein were immunized with human NOTUM protein as follows. Mice were primed with 20 μg human NOTUM protein in complete Freund's adjuvant injected intraperitoneally. Mice were boosted with 20 μg human NOTUM protein in incomplete Freund's adjuvant injected intraperitoneally every two to three weeks. Mice exhibiting a robust serum titer against human NOTUM as determined by ELISA received a final boost of 10 μg human NOTUM protein in PBS injected intravenously (i.v.).
  • In Campaign 2, mice homozygous for a gene trap insertion in the NOTUM gene were immunized via the hind footpads with a priming immunization of 10 μg mouse NOTUM protein in TiterMax adjuvant with CpG DNA followed by ten boosts of 10 μg mouse NOTUM protein in Alum adjuvant with CpG DNA at three or four day intervals. Inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes were harvested from high titer mice after a final footpad boost with 10 μg mouse NOTUM protein in PBS.
  • Spleens from i.v. boosted mice or lymph nodes from footpad immunized mice were collected four days after the final boost and were minced and strained to yield a cell suspension. Red blood cells were lysed and the cell suspension was enriched for B-cells by negative selection using magnetic beads coated with antibodies specific for non-B-cell populations. Hybridomas were generated by electro-cell fusion of enriched B-cells with mouse NS1 myeloma cells and were seeded onto 96-well plates in hybridoma medium containing hypoxanthine and aminopterin to select for viable B-cell/myeloma cell hybridomas.
  • Hybridomas were screened for the production of NOTUM-specific antibodies by assaying hybridoma conditioned medium for immunoreactivity with passively adsorbed NOTUM protein in an ELISA format. Hundreds of hybridomas secreting antibody specific for mouse and/or human NOTUM were found from both immunization campaigns.
  • 6.4. NOTUM Neutralization Assays
  • 6.4.1. OPTS Assay
  • In the OPTS assay, trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (OPTS), a water soluble enzyme substrate for fluorimetric assays of esterases and lipases, is used to measure NOTUM activity. Enzymatic cleavage of the ester bond in OPTS yields a fluorescent product.
  • It was found that hybridoma conditioned medium in general interfered in the OPTS assay perhaps due to the release from dying cells of hydrolases that could also cleave the OPTS. For this reason, additional hybridoma conditioned medium was generated for those lines originally showing the highest level of binding activity by ELISA and antibody was purified in a 96-well format by affinity chromatography using protein A beads. These purified antibodies were then tested in the OPTS assay at a four-fold dilution without prior quantitation.
  • Antibodies were tested in quadruplicate in 384-well plates. 12.5 μl containing 125 ng of purified NOTUM in 4× reaction buffer (20 mM CaCl2, 2 mM MgCl2, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH7.4) was added to 12.5 μl of purified antibody. After mixing, antibody and NOTUM were incubated at room temperature for 20 minutes followed by addition of 25 μl of 1.25 μM OPTS (Sigma, catalog #74875) in 50 mM Tric-HCl, pH7.4. After mixing, the enzyme reaction was allowed to proceed at room temperature for 10 minutes before being stopped by addition of 25 μl of 3% SDS. Plates were read on an Envision plate reader with an excitation wavelength of 485 nm and emission wavelength of 535 nm to quantify the amount of cleavage product.
  • Screening of 1,135 human NOTUM immunoreactive hybridomas from Campaign 1 yielded three antibodies that showed greater than 70% inhibition of human NOTUM. These three together with an additional five hybridomas exhibiting some degree of neutralization in the OPTS assay were selected for subcloning by limiting dilution and small scale purified antibody production by protein A affinity chromatography using 50 ml conditioned medium from clonal hybridomas.
  • OPTS assay screening of 1,056 mouse NOTUM immunoreactive hybridomas identified from Campaign 2 yielded six antibodies that showed greater than 50% inhibition of mouse NOTUM. These six together with an additional six hybridomas exhibiting some degree of neutralization in the OPTS assay were selected for subcloning by limiting dilution and small scale purified antibody production by protein A affinity chromatography using 50 ml conditioned medium from clonal hybridomas.
  • 6.4.2. Wnt Signaling Assay
  • NOTUM can act as a negative regulator of Wnt signaling. Antibody neutralizing activity, determined through the effect on Wnt signaling, was determined in a Wnt signaling assay, which uses CellSensor® technology and conditioned media prepared as follows. Plasmid containing human NOTUM in pcDNA3.1(+) vector was transfected into HEK293 cells and clones were selecting by growing in presence of 400 μg/mL of G418. Condition media from these cells was used for the assay. L cells overexpressing and secreting Wnt3a into the conditioned media were purchased from ATCC.
  • The assay protocol was as follows. CellSensor®LEF/TCF-bla FreeStyle™ 293F cells (Invitrogen) were grown to near confluency in 15-cm plates in DMEM with 10% Dialyzed FBS, 5 μg/ml Blasticidin (Invitrogen, R210-01), 0.1 mM NEAA, 25 mM HEPES and 1×GPS. Cells were trypsinized by first rinsing with PBS, followed by addition of 5 mL trypsin and incubation of plates at room temperature for two minutes. A total of 10 mL of assay media (Opti-MEM, plus 0.5% dialyzed FBS, 0.1 mM NEAA, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 10 mM HEPES, 1×GPS) was then added per 15 cm plate. Cells were counted and suspended at 50,000 cells per mL. Cells were seeded into Biocoat 384-well plates (Fisher, Catalogue #356663) at a density of 10000 cells per 20 μL per well. After incubation of cells at 37° C. for 3 hours, 10 μL of 30 mM LiCl in assay medium was added per well, followed by incubation at 37° C. overnight. The next day, 15 μL of antibody and 15 μL of purified NOTUM, both in assay medium, were coincubated in a total volume of 45 μL assay medium at room temperature for 30 minutes in a 96-well plate. NOTUM was used in a concentration previously determined to give 50% inhibition in the assay, typically 25 nM. Following the 30 minute incubation, 15 μL of undiluted L-Wnt3a conditioned medium was added to the 45 μL antibody/NOTUM mixture, and 10 μl of the resulting mixture was added to the wells of the 384-well plate containing the CellSensor® cells, in quadruplicate. Controls included wells lacking any cells, wells lacking NOTUM, and wells lacking L-Wnt3a conditioned medium. The assay plate was incubated for 5 hours at 37° C. to enable Wnt-mediated beta-lactamase upregulation, and then 8 μl LiveBLAzer™-FRET B/G Substrate (CCF4-AM, Invitrogen) was added to each well and the plate incubated in the dark at room temperature for 3 hours. Plates were then read on an Envision plate reader using an excitation wavelength of 400 nm and emission wavelengths of 460 nm and 535 nm.
  • 6.5. Characterization of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibodies
  • Antibodies purified from clonal hybridomas were characterized with respect to their species cross-reactivity by ELISA, their ability to recognize reduced, denatured NOTUM protein by Western blot, and their neutralizing potency in the cell-free OPTS assay and the cell-based Wnt signaling assay, both of which are described above in Example 6.4.
  • Functional testing of monoclonal antibodies from Campaign 1 revealed three antibodies, 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, that neutralize human NOTUM in both the OPTS and Wnt signaling assays with an IC50 in the range of 1 to 10 nM. These antibodies do not have any effect on the activity of mouse NOTUM and were shown by ELISA to bind human NOTUM but not mouse NOTUM. Furthermore, these antibodies recognized human NOTUM only weakly when NOTUM protein was passively adsorbed to the assay plate and were much more sensitive to anti-His displayed human NOTUM protein.
  • Table 1 shows the results of various characterization experiments for certain antibodies from Campaign 1. The data in the “Bin” column was generated using the method described in Example 6.6, below.
  • TABLE 1
    Characterization of certain antibodies raised against human NOTUM
    Wnt signaling Wnt
    OPTS IC50 IC50 OPTS IC50 signaling IC50 Mouse Western
    (nM; human (nM; human (nM; mouse (nM; mouse NOTUM blot
    Antibody Isotype Bin NOTUM) NOTUM) NOTUM) NOTUM) binding binding
    1.802 IgG1 1 6.44 5.71 No inhibition No inhibition No No
    1.815 IgG1 1 7.62 6.88 No inhibition nd No No
    1.846 IgG2b 1 10.07 1.70 No inhibition nd No No
    1.731 IgG1 3 >166.67 15.52    196.74 No inhibition Yes Yes
    1.655 IgG1 3 >166.67 nd >166.67 nd nd Yes
    1.168 IgG2a 4 56.61 No inhibition No inhibition nd Yes Yes
    1.712 IgG2a 2 125.36 58.49  No inhibition nd Yes Yes
    1.807 IgG2a 2 nd No inhibition No inhibition nd Yes Yes
  • Functional testing of monoclonal antibodies from Campaign 2 revealed interesting activity profiles. In particular, MAb 2.78 neutralized both mouse and human NOTUM in both the OPTS and Wnt signaling assays with an IC50 in the range of 3 to 50 nM while MAb 2.1029 neutralized both mouse and human NOTUM in the OPTS assay with an IC50 in the range of 5 to 30 nM but only human NOTUM in the Wnt signaling assay with an IC50 of 14 nM. This latter observation was ascribed to there being some difference in the quality of the recombinant mouse and human NOTUM proteins. One known difference between the proteins is that recombinant mouse NOTUM exists as multimers/aggregates to a much greater extent than does recombinant human NOTUM. Neither 2.78 nor 2.1029 recognized reduced, denatured NOTUM protein by Western blotting and both were substantially more immunoreactive with anti-His displayed NOTUM than with passively adsorbed NOTUM.
  • Table 2 shows the results of various characterization experiments for certain antibodies from Campaign 2. The data in the “Bin” column was generated using the method described in Example 6.6, below.
  • TABLE 2
    Characterization of certain antibodies raised against mouse NOTUM
    Wnt signaling Wnt
    OPTS IC50 IC50 OPTS IC50 signaling IC50 Human Western
    (nM; mouse (nM; mouse (nM; human (nM; human NOTUM blot
    Antibody Isotype Bin NOTUM) NOTUM) NOTUM) NOTUM) binding binding
    2.78 IgG2b 2 35.65 3.75 15.49 45.94 Yes No
    2.1029 IgG2a 3 29.19 No inhibition 5.77 14.02 Yes No
    2.816 IgG2a 3 31.70 No inhibition No inhibition 39.11 Yes No
    2.856 IgG2b 3 37.70 No inhibition No inhibition No inhibition Yes No
    2.1001 IgG2b 3 >166.67 No inhibition No inhibition No inhibition No Yes
    2.55 IgG2a 1 26.13 No inhibition No inhibition No inhibition Yes Yes
    2.1002 IgG2a 1 42.39 No inhibition No inhibition No inhibition Yes Yes
    2.497 IgG2a 1 54.95 No inhibition No inhibition No inhibition Yes Yes
    2.341 IgG2a 1 56.95 No inhibition No inhibition No inhibition Yes Yes
    2.236 IgG2a 1 64.54 No inhibition No inhibition No inhibition Yes Yes
    2.688 IgG2a 4 No inhibition No inhibition 12.84‡ No inhibition Yes No
    2.1006 IgG2a 5 >166.67 No inhibition >166.67‡ No inhibition Yes Yes
    ‡Maximum inhibition ≈50%.
  • 6.6. Binding Competition Studies Using NOTUM Neutralizing Antibodies
  • Antibodies from both immunization campaigns were assessed for their ability to interfere with each other's binding to NOTUM protein in an epitope binning assay. This assay was performed in an ELISA format using anti-His captured NOTUM protein. The captured NOTUM protein was incubated with an excess of an unlabelled NOTUM-specific antibody (the ‘blocking’ antibody) followed by addition of a biotinylated NOTUM-specific antibody (the ‘probe’ antibody). Binding of the probe antibody was measured using HRP conjugated to streptavidin. If the two antibodies compete for binding in the same epitope space or if the blocking antibody otherwise affects the ability of the probe antibody to bind, e.g., by allosteric interference, no signal is generated. If the two antibodies do not interfere with one another, a signal similar to that of the biotinylated antibody tested in the absence of blocking antibody is generated. Antibodies are tested in a reciprocal matrix format. Typically, a pair of antibodies will show the same level of interference regardless of which of the two is the blocking antibody and which is the probe antibody. Antibodies exhibiting similar profiles are assigned to the same epitope ‘bin’.
  • Using this methodology it was shown that MAbs 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.78, and 2.1029 all interfere with each other's binding to human NOTUM while they do not interfere with the binding of several other less potent neutralizers or non-neutralizers.
  • 6.7. Epitope Mapping of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibodies
  • In an effort to map the amino acids involved in binding of human NOTUM-specific MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846, human/mouse chimeric NOTUM proteins were produced by transient transfection in HEK293F of expression constructs encoding NOTUM open reading frames with a mixture of human and mouse sequences. By Western blotting with anti-His antibody and by OPTS assay it was shown that conditioned media from these transfections contained functional NOTUM chimeras.
  • FIG. 5 shows schematic representations of the human/mouse chimeric NOTUM proteins used in this experiment. The sequences of those proteins are shown in Section 7 (Table of Sequences). The conditioned media were used in ELISA format to determine antibody specificity. Based on loss of human-specific MAb binding to particular chimeras it was determined that MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 (all of which are “Bin 1” antibodies) depend on human NOTUM amino acids between Q47 and M177 for binding. See FIG. 5. Within this region, mouse and human NOTUM differ at five positions (R115K, D141S. R150K, R154H, and Y171H, based on the human sequence numbering). Human NOTUM point mutants were generated by transient transfection of constructs expressing human NOTUM with the mouse amino acid at each of these five positions and the point mutants were all shown to be functional in the OPTS assay. By ELISA, MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 bound all point mutants except human NOTUM D141S, indicating that this amino acid is important for their binding to human NOTUM. Mouse NOTUM with the reciprocal point mutation, mouse NOTUM S148D was generated by transient transfection, shown to be active in the OPTS assay, and was shown to support binding of the human NOTUM-specific MAbs. Therefore, the species specificity of MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 appears to be dependent upon the amino acid at position 141 in human NOTUM, which is aspartic acid in the native human NOTUM protein.
  • The chimera approach could not be used to map amino acids involved in binding of MAbs 2.78 or 2.1029 because those cross-react with both human and mouse NOTUM. Based on the finding that MAbs 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, 2.78, and 2.1029 interfere with one another's binding, alanine scanning mutagenesis of charged amino acid residues in the vicinity of human D141 was performed. Five human NOTUM mutants were constructed, each with a pair of charged residues mutated to alanines: human NOTUM N132A/R133A (SEQ ID NO: 96); human NOTUM E134A/N135A (SEQ ID NO: 97); human NOTUM D137A/R139A (SEQ ID NO: 98); human NOTUM R144A/R145A (SEQ ID NO: 99); and human NOTUM R150A/D151A (SEQ ID NO: 100). All five human mutants were effectively expressed and secreted after transient transfection. Four of the five mutants exhibited significant activity in the OPTS assay while the fifth (human NOTUM D137A/R139A) showed little to no activity. All five mutants were detected in ELISA format by at least some of the Campaign 1 and Campaign 2 MAbs. MAb 2.78 failed to bind human NOTUM D137A/R139A and human NOTUM R144A/R145A, while MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 failed to bind only NOTUM R144A/R145A. MAb 2.1029 was immunoreactive with all five of the alanine mutants.
  • 6.8. Binding Affinities of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibodies
  • Binding affinities of certain anti-NOTUM MAbs was determined using a Biacore 3000. In order to obtain meaningful affinity values for binding to multimeric mouse NOTUM protein, antibody FAb fragments were generated by digestion of whole IgG with the protease Ficin, followed by removal of undigested IgG and Fc fragments by protein A affinity chromatography. Affinity values for binding of FAbs and whole IgG to human NOTUM corresponded, and their affinity values were in the single to low double digit nM range, as shown in Table 3.
  • TABLE 3
    Binding affinity of certain antibodies raised against human
    and mouse NOTUM
    Antibody or
    fragment KD (nM) kon (M−1 sec−1) koff (M−1 sec−1)
    Affinity for human NOTUM
    1.802 IgG 1.42 2.57 × 105 3.65 × 10−4
    1.802 Fab 0.91 8.99 × 105 8.20 × 10−4
    2.78 IgG 17.6 4.79 × 104 8.41 × 10−4
    2.78 Fab 15.4 8.77 × 104 1.36 × 10−4
    2.1029 IgG 5.99 1.51 × 105 9.08 × 10−4
    Affinity for mouse NOTUM
    1.802 Fab No binding observed
    2.78 Fab 4.99 3.91 × 104 1.95 × 10−4
  • 6.9. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibodies to Mice
  • 6.9.1. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibodies Weekly for 8 Weeks
  • Eight week old male F1 hybrid (129×C57) mice were administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.1029 or 2.78b, or a control antibody, by intraperitoneal injection at 30 mg/kg once per week for eight weeks. There were 12 mice per group. At the end of the study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco μCT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • As shown in FIG. 6, midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 12% (P<0.001) with administration of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.1029, and 16% (P<0.001) with administration of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, as compared to the control antibody.
  • 6.9.2. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibody 2.1029 Weekly for 4 Weeks
  • Eight week old male F1 hybrid (129×C57) mice were administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.1029 by intraperitoneal injection at 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 30 mg/kg once per week for four weeks. There were 10 mice per group. At the end of the study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco μCT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • As shown in FIG. 7, midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 5% (P=0.12) with administration of 30 mg/kg NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.1029, relative to administration of control antibody.
  • 6.9.3. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibody 2.78b Weekly for 4 Weeks
  • Eight week old male F1 hybrid (129×C57) mice were administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b by intraperitoneal injection at 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 30 mg/kg once per week for four weeks. There were 10 mice per group in the first experiment. In a second experiment, NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b was administered by intraperitoneal injection at 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, or 3 mg/kg once per week for four weeks. There were 12 mice per group in the second experiment. At the end of each study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco μCT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • As shown in FIG. 8A, midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 13% (P<0.001), 17% (P<0.001), and 16% (P<0.001) with administration of 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to administration of control antibody, in the first experiment. As shown in FIG. 8B, midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 3% (P=0.46), 7% (P=0.01), and 10% (P<0.001) with administration of 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 3 mg/kg, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to administration of control antibody, in the second experiment.
  • 6.9.4. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibody 2.78b Weekly for 4 Weeks with Zoledronate Pretreatment
  • 28-week old male F1 hybrid mice (129×C57) were administered a single dose 50 μg/kg zoledronate by intraperitoneal injection. Four weeks after the dose of zolendronate, the mice were administered 10 mg/kg NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b by i.p. injection weekly for 4 weeks. At the end of each study, the mice were sacrificed. There were 11 or 12 mice per group. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco μCT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV. In addition, serum levels of PINP, which is a marker of bone formation, were measured using a commercially available ELISA assay (Immunodiagnostic Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz.) at day 7 after the first dose of Mab 2.78b.
  • As shown in FIG. 9A, the midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 10 μm, or 4% (P=0.31), in mice administered zoledronate and control antibody, relative to mice administered saline and control antibody. Midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 23 μm, or 9% (P<0.001), in mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b without zoledronate pretreatment, relative to mice administered saline and control antibody, and increased by 14 μm, or 5% (P=0.06), in mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b with zoledronate pretreatment, relative to mice administered zeledronate and control antibody. FIG. 9B shows that serum PINP levels decreased by 15 ng/mL, or 50% (P<0.001) in mice administered zolendronate treatment and control antibody, relative to mice administered saline and control antibody. PINP levels increased by 14 ng/mL, or 47% (P<0.001) in mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b without zoledronate pretreatment, relative to mice administered saline and control antibody, and increased by 12 ng/mL, or 79% (P<0.001) in mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b with zoledronate pretreatment, relative to mice administered zeledronate and control antibody.
  • 6.9.5. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibody 2.78a for 4 Weeks
  • For this experiment, Mab 2.78 (also referred to as “2.78b”), which is an IgG2b antibody, was reformatted as an IgG2a antibody (IgG2a antibodies often have longer half-lives than IgG2b antibodies). Reformatted Mab 2.78 is referred to as “2.78a.”
  • 13-week old male F1 hybrid mice (129×C57) were administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a by intraperitoneal injection at 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg once per week for four weeks. There were 10 or 12 mice per group. At the end of each study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco μCT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • As shown in FIG. 10, midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 3% (P=0.57), 7% (P=0.02), 9% (P=0.002), and 10% (P<0.001) with administration of 0.3 mg/gk, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a in that experiment.
  • 6.9.6. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibody 2.78a Weekly or Biweekly for 12 Weeks
  • Ten week old male F1 hybrid mice (129×C57) were administered a control antibody, 0.3 mg/kg NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a by i.p. injection weekly for 12 weeks, or 1 mg/kg NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a by i.p. injection every other week (biweekly) for 12 weeks or 24 weeks. There were twelve mice per administration group. At the end of each study, the mice were sacrificed. Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco μCT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV.
  • As shown in FIG. 11A, the midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 6% (P<0.001) and 9% (P<0.001) in mice administered 0.3 mg/kg weekly and 1 mg/kg biweekly, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a for 12 weeks. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11B, the midshaft humerus cortical thickness increased by 5% (P=0.007) and 7% (P<0.001) in mice administered 0.3 mg/kg weekly and 1 mg/kg biweekly, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a for 12 weeks.
  • As shown in FIG. 12A, the midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 7% (P=0.002) and 9% (P<0.001) in mice administered 0.3 mg/kg weekly and 1 mg/kg biweekly, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a for 24 weeks. As shown in FIG. 12B, the midshaft humerus cortical thickness increased by 3% (P=0.09) and 8% (P<0.001) in mice administered 0.3 mg/kg weekly and 1 mg/kg biweekly, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a for 24 weeks. Finally, as shown in FIG. 12C, the ninth rib cortical thickness increased by 7% (P=0.02) and 9% (P=0.003) in mice administered 0.3 mg/kg weekly and 1 mg/kg biweekly, respectively, of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78a for 24 weeks.
  • 6.10. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibodies to Ovariectomized Mice
  • 6.10.1. Ovariectomy
  • Sixteen-week-old albino C57BL/6J female mice were ovariectomized or given sham surgery. Serum levels of PINP, which is a marker of bone formation, and CTX, which is a marker of bone resorption, were measured using a commercially available ELISA assay (Immunodiagnostic Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz.) in the interval after ovariectomy and before administration of NOTUM neutralizing antibody, to confirm that increased bone remodelling was occurring after ovariectomy.
  • Following surgery and prior to the start of treatment, ovariectomized mice showed increased bone remodeling relative to sham surgery mice, as shown in Table 4. Since trabecular bone contains many more bone cells than cortical bone, these data likely reflect primarily increased trabecular bone remodeling.
  • TABLE 4
    Bone marker levels following surgery
    Sham surgery OVX surgery
    Marker Weeks after surgery (N = 10) (N = 10) Statistics
    PINP (ng/ml) 1 36.4 ± 0.9 50.6 ± 5.3 Δ = 39%
    P = 0.02
    CTX (ng/ml) 2 10.5 ± 0.9 14.1 ± 0.9 Δ = 33%
    P = 0.01
    PINP (ng/ml) 4 41.2 ± 2.3 54.8 ± 2.5 Δ = 33%
    P = 0.001
  • 6.10.2. Administration of NOTUM Neutralizing Antibody 2.78b to Ovariectomized Mice
  • NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b or a control antibody was administered at 10 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection once per week for 4 weeks, starting 8 weeks after surgery. The study included the treatment groups shown in Table 5.
  • TABLE 5
    Treatment groups in ovariectomy (OVX) study
    Number of mice Surgery Antibody
    13 Sham Control
     13* Sham NOTUM
    10 OVX Control
    11 OVX NOTUM
    *There were originally 14 mice in this group, but one mouse died during the study.
  • To assess the location and extent of new bone formation, fluorochrome bone labels were administered on treatment days 7, 14, and 21 (i.e., with the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th treatments). Calcein, which fluoresces green, was administered on day 7; alizarin, which fluoresces red, was administered on day 14; and tetracycline, which fluoresces yellow, was administered on day 21. The mice were sacrificed at the end of the 4 week treatment. Uterine weight at necropsy confirmed that the ovariectomy surgery was successful. (Data not shown.)
  • 6.10.3. Bone Mass and Architecture in NOTUM Neutralizing Antibody-Treated Ovariectomized Mice
  • Bone mass and architecture were determined by microCT following necropsy, using a Scanco μCT40 with a threshold value of 240, an integration time of 200 milliseconds, and an X-ray tube voltage of 55 keV. The midshaft femur, LV5 vertebral body, and the femoral neck were scanned.
  • As shown in FIG. 13A, the midshaft femur cortical thickness increased by 22 μm, or 9%, in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 26 μm, or 12%, in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody. As shown in FIG. 13B, the midshaft femur mineralized bone area increased by 0.1 mm2, or 11%, in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 0.08 mm2, or 10%, in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • As shown in FIG. 14A, the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of total (cortical plus trabecular) bone volume to total volume increased by 9% in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 3% in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody. As shown in FIG. 14B, the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of cortical bone volume to total volume increased by 13% in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 9% in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody. As shown in FIG. 14C, the proportion in the LV5 vertebral body of trabecular bone volume to total volume was not significantly affected by administration of NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b in either the sham surgery mice or the ovariectomized mice.
  • Finally, as shown in FIG. 15, the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to total volume increased by 4% in sham surgery mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to sham surgery mice administered control antibody, and increased by 6% in ovariectomized mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b, relative to ovariectomized mice administered control antibody.
  • 6.10.4. Bone Histomorphometry in NOTUM Neutralizing Antibody-Treated Ovariectomized Mice
  • Femur shafts were embedded in methylmethacrylate using a rapid embedding protocol. See Brommage and Vafai, Calcified Tissue Int'l 67: 479 (2000). Midshaft cross-sections with a thickness of about 80 μm were prepared using a Leica SP1600 bone saw. Sections were then examined with an Olympus BX60 fluorescent microscope. Various bone histomorphometric parameters were determined using OsteoMeasure™ software (OsteoMetrics, Decatur, Ga.). Both static parameters (such as bone area and thickness) and dynamic parameters (such as single label surface (SLS), mineral a position rater (MAR), and bone formation rate (BFR)) were measured at 100× magnification.
  • FIG. 16 shows the percentage of the endocortical surface of the midshaft femur cross-sections that were labeled with calcein, which was administered on day 7, with alizarin, which was administered on day 14, and with tetracycline, which was administered on day 21. Table 6 shows the statistical analysis of the data in FIG. 16. Mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b showed a significantly higher percentage of endocortical labeling at days 7 and 14 compared to mice administered control antibody.
  • TABLE 6
    Two-factor ANOVA of Single-Label Surface %
    Two-Factor ANOVA Day 7 Day 14 Day 21
    Effect of Ovariectomy P = 0.16 P = 0.65 P = 0.28
    Effect of Treatment P < 0.001 P < 0.001 P = 0.02
    Effect of Interaction P = 0.66 P = 0.74 P = 0.77
  • FIG. 17 shows the mineral appositional rate (A) and the volume-referent bone formation rate (B) of sham surgery and ovariectomized mice that were administered control antibody or NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b. The mineral appositional rate (FIG. 17A) was determined by measuring the distance between the calcein label (day 7) and the alizarin label (day 14) and dividing by 7 to obtain the “days 7 to 14 rate,” and measuring the distance between the alizarin label (day 14) and the tetracycline label (day 21) and dividing by 7 to obtain the “days 14 to 21 rate.” Table 7 shows the statistical analysis of the data in FIG. 17A. Mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b showed a greater rate of mineral apposition than mice administered control antibody during the time period from days 7 to 14.
  • TABLE 7
    Two-factor ANOVA of Mineral Appositional Rate
    Two-Factor ANOVA Days 7 to 14 Days 14 to 21
    Effect of Ovariectomy P = 0.80 P = 0.70
    Effect of Treatment P < 0.001 P = 0.82
    Effect of Interaction P = 0.86 P = 0.02
  • The volume-referent bone formation rate (FIG. 17B) was determined by standard calculations involving multiplying the endocortical mineralization surface (percentage of double-labeled surface plus one-half of the single labeled surface, derived from FIG. 16) by the mineral apposition rate (see FIG. 17A). The result is the bone formation rate divided by the bone volume, expressed as a percentage per 7 days. Table 8 shows the statistical analysis of the data in FIG. 17B. As evident in FIG. 17B, the bone formation rate per bone volume is significantly higher in mice administered NOTUM neutralizing antibody 2.78b than in mice administered control antibody.
  • TABLE 8
    Two-factor ANOVA of Volume-Referent Bone Formation Rate
    Two-Factor ANOVA Days 7 to 14 Days 14 to 21
    Effect of Ovariectomy P = 0.95 P = 0.80
    Effect of Treatment P < 0.001 P < 0.001
    Effect of Interaction P = 0.39 P = 0.30
  • 6.11. Identification of Species Suitable for Testing NOTUM Neutralizing Antibodies
  • Based upon multi-species protein sequence alignments taken from the public domain, it was predicted that MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 would bind to guinea pig NOTUM and that this species might therefore be suitable for preclinical studies. To test this hypothesis, guinea pig NOTUM was cloned and expressed by transient transfection, and shown to be active in the OPTS assay. MAbs 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846 were found to bind to guinea pig NOTUM by ELISA and MAb 1.802 was shown to neutralize guinea pig NOTUM activity in the OPTS assay. MAb 2.78 bound guinea pig NOTUM with lower affinity than MAb 1.802, and had correspondingly lower inhibiting activity in the OPTS assay. MAb 2.1029 bound guinea pig NOTUM only weakly, and did not significantly inhibit it in the OPTS assay.
  • Cynomolgus and rhesus monkey NOTUM were cloned from cDNA preparations from those species. Analysis of the sequences revealed that the amino acid at the position equivalent to human NOTUM D141 is an asparagine, which is different from the amino acid at that position in both mouse and human NOTUM. Active (as determined by OPTS assay) cynomolgus and rhesus NOTUM proteins were generated by transient transfection, and it was found that MAb 1.802 neither binds nor inhibits either protein. An active human NOTUM point mutant, human NOTUM D141N, was generated by transient transfection, and it was found that MAb 1.802 does not bind to that human NOTUM point mutant.
  • MAb 2.78 bound both cynomolgus and rhesus NOTUM weakly by ELISA, but did not inhibit either protein significantly in the OPTS assay. In contrast, MAb 2.1029 bound both cynomolgus and rhesus monkey NOTUM by ELISA as well as it binds human NOTUM, and also inhibited both proteins in the OPTS assay as well as it inhibited human NOTUM.
  • 6.12. Antibody Sequencing and Humanization
  • Heavy and light chain variable regions were sequenced by specific RT-PCR using total RNA from the relevant hybridoma cell line followed by sequencing of the PCR product. The heavy and light chain variable regions from four Campaign 1 antibodies: 1.731, 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846, and three Campaign 2 antibodies: 2.1029, 2.55, and 2.78, were sequenced. The variable region sequences, without signal sequences, for each of those antibodies are shown in Section 7 (Table of Sequences), below. Section 7 also shows the sequences for the heavy and light chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 for each of those antibodies. The following table shows the SEQ ID NOs corresponding to the heavy and light chain variable regions, and to CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, for each of those antibodies.
  • TABLE 9
    SEQ ID NOs for heavy and light chain variable regions and CDRs
    Heavy chain variable Light chain variable
    region SEQ ID NO region SEQ ID NO
    (CDR1, CDR2, CDR3 (CDR1, CDR2, CDR3
    Mouse antibody SEQ ID NOs) SEQ ID NOs)
    1.731  7 (9, 10, 11)  8 (12, 13, 14)
    1.802 15 (17, 18, 19) 16 (20, 21, 22)
    1.815 23 (25, 26, 27) 24 (28, 29, 30)
    1.846 31 (33, 34, 35) 32 (36, 37, 38)
    2.1029 39 (41, 42, 43) 40 (44, 45, 46)
    2.55 47 (49, 50, 51) 48 (52, 53, 54)
    2.78 55 (57, 58, 59) 56 (60, 61, 62)
  • Certain heavy and light chain CDRs were found to have high homology among two or more of the sequenced antibodies. MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 share an identical heavy chain CDR1 (GFTFSDYGMH; SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 33), while heavy chain CDR1 of MAb 1.815 (GFTFSDFGMH; SEQ ID NO: 25) differs from MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 by only one conservative amino acid substitution (Phenylalanine (F) in place of Tyrosine (Y)). The consensus sequence for the heavy chain CDR1 for those antibodies is therefore GFTFSDX1GMH (SEQ ID NO: 90), wherein X1 is F or Y. Heavy chain CDR3 of MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 differ by only one conservative amino acid substitution (histidine (H) versus asparagine (N)). The consensus sequence for the heavy chain CDR3 for those antibodies is therefore KX2YNGGYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 91), wherein X2 is H or N. MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 share an identical light chain CDR2 (LASNLES; SEQ ID NOs: 21 and 37), while light chain CDR2 of MAb 1.815 (LASDLES; SEQ ID NO: 29) differs from MAbs 1.802 and 1.846 by only one conservative amino acid substitution (aspartic acid (D) in place of asparagine (N)). The consensus sequence for the light chain CDR2 for those antibodies is therefore LASX6LES (SEQ ID NO: 93), wherein X6 is D or N. Finally, a consensus sequence for the light chain CDR1 for the three antibodies from Campaign 1, 1.802, 1.846, and 1.815, is RASKX3VSX4SGYSYX5H (SEQ ID NO: 92), wherein X3 is I or S, X4 is T or E, and X5 is M or I.
  • BLAST searching was performed against public databases to identify the human germline variable region sequences with greatest similarity to each of the mouse heavy and light chain variable regions. Using the AbM definition, CDRs from the mouse variable regions were then grafted in silico into these human germline variable sequences in place of the human germline CDRs. The resulting humanized variable regions for five of the mouse antibodies (2.78, 2.1029, 1.802, 1.815, and 1.846) were synthesized with a 5′ leader sequence encoding an in-frame signal peptide and cloned upstream of sequence encoding human IgG2 constant regions in the case of the heavy chain variable sequences or human kappa constant region in the case of the light chain variable sequences. The sequences for each of the humanized variable regions are shown in Section 7 (Table of Sequences), below, along with the sequences for the full-length humanized heavy and light chains (without the signal peptide).
  • Coding sequences for full length humanized heavy and light chains were subcloned into mammalian expression vectors and corresponding heavy and light chain constructs were cotransfected into CHO-S cells. The resulting conditioned media were checked by Western blotting with an anti-human secondary antibody to confirm expression and secretion of intact humanized antibody. The conditioned media were then tested in ELISA format to determine whether the humanized antibodies retained the capacity to bind human NOTUM protein. Humanized MAbs 1.802, 1.815, 1.846, and 2.1029 bound human NOTUM while humanized MAb 2.78 exhibited little to no binding to either human or mouse NOTUM.
  • All references cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for any purpose.
  • 7. Table of Sequences
    SEQ
    ID
    NO Description Sequence
      1 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY DTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
      2 Mouse NOTUM MGGEVRVLLL LGLLHWVGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPQPPPPP PLPQRAEVEP
    GAGQPVESFP LDFTAVEGNM DSFMAQVKSL AQSLYPCSAQ QLNEDLRLHL
    LLNTSVTCND GSPAGYYLKE SKGSRRWLLF LEGGWYCFNR ENCDSRYSTM
    RRLMSSKDWP HTRTGTGILS SQPEENPHWW NANMVFIPYC SSDVWSGASP
    KSDKNEYAFM GSLIIQEVVR ELLGKGLSGA KVLLLAGSSA GGTGVLLNVD
    RVAELLEELG YPSIQVRGLA DSGWFLDNKQ YRRSDCIDTI NCAPTDAIRR
    GIRYWSGMVP ERCQRQFKEG EEWNCFFGYK VYPTLRCPVF VVQWLFDEAQ
    LTVDNVHLTG QPVQEGQWLY IQNLGRELRG TLKDVQASFA PACLSHEIII
    RSYWTDVQVK GTSLPRALHC WDRSFHDSHK ASKTPMKGCP FHLVDSCPWP
    HCNPSCPTIR DQFTGQEMNV AQFLMHMGFD VQTVAQQQGM EPSKLLGMLS
    NGN
      3 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    S232A SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY DTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SAAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
      4 Mouse NOTUM MGGEVRVLLL LGLLHWVGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPQPPPPP PLPQRAEVEP
    S239A mutant GAGQPVESFP LDFTAVEGNM DSFMAQVKSL AQSLYPCSAQ QLNEDLRLHL
    LLNTSVTCND GSPAGYYLKE SKGSRRWLLF LEGGWYCFNR ENCDSRYSTM
    RRLMSSKDWP HTRTGTGILS SQPEENPHWW NANMVFIPYC SSDVWSGASP
    KSDKNEYAFM GSLIIQEVVR ELLGKGLSGA KVLLLAGSAA GGTGVLLNVD
    RVAELLEELG YPSIQVRGLA DSGWFLDNKQ YRRSDCIDTI NCAPTDAIRR
    GIRYWSGMVP ERCQRQFKEG EEWNCFFGYK VYPTLRCPVF VVQWLFDEAQ
    LTVDNVHLTG QPVQEGQWLY IQNLGRELRG TLKDVQASFA PACLSHEIII
    RSYWTDVQVK GTSLPRALHC WDRSFHDSHK ASKTPMKGCP FHLVDSCPWP
    HCNPSCPTIR DQFTGQEMNV AQFLMHMGFD VQTVAQQQGM EPSKLLGMLS
    NGN
      5 Guinea pig NOTUM MGRGVRVLFL LGLLHWAGGG EGRKTWRRRG QQPAPAPLPP QRTEAAPGTG
    QPVESFPLDF TAVEGNMDSF MAQVKSLAQS LYPCSAQQLN EDLRLHLLLN
    TSVTCNDGSP AGYYLKESKG SRRWLLFLEG GWYCFSRENC DSRYDTMRRL
    MSSKDWPQTR TGTGILSSQP EENPYWWNAN MVFIPYCSSD VWSGASSKSE
    KNEYVFMGAL IIREVVQELL GRGLSGAKVL LLAGSSAGGT GVLLNVDRVA
    EQLEQLGYPA IQVRGLADSG WFLDNKQYRR TDCVDTVTCA PTEAIRRGIR
    YWNGMVPERC RSQFKEGEEW NCFLGYKVYP TLRCPVFVVQ WLFDEAQLTA
    DNAHLTGQPV QEGQWLYIQN LGHELRNTLK DVPASFAPAC LSHEIIIRSH
    WTDVQVKGTS LPRALHCWDR SLHDSHKASK TPLKGCPIHL VDSCPWPHCN
    PSCPTIRDQF TGQEMNVAQF LMHMGFDVQT VAQQQGLEPS KLLGMLSSGS
    Cynomolgus MGRGVRVLLL LGLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    monkey NOTUM SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY NTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    ELGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKIYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQESQ RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKTSKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDVQTVAQQ QGPEPSKLLG LPSDGS
      6 Rhesus macaque MGRGVRVLLL LGLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    NOTUM SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY NTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    ELGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKIYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQESQ RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKNSKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDVQTVAQQ QGPEPSKLLG LPSDGS
      7 MAb 1.731 heavy EVQLQQSGPE LVKPGASVKV SCKASGYPFT DYFIHWVKQT HGKSLEWIGY
    chain variable FFPKNGANGY NQKFEGKVTL TVDKSSSTAY MELRSLTSED SAVYYCARRY
    region GNYYSMDYWG QGTSVTVSSA KTTPP
      8 MAb 1.731 light SFVMTQTPKF LLVSAGDRVT ITCKASQSVG DDVAWYQQKP GQSPTLLIYR
    chain variable VSNRYTGVPD RFTGSGYGTD FTFTINTVQA EDLAVYFCQQ DYSSPYTFGG
    region GTQLEVKRAD AAP
      9 MAb 1.731 heavy GYPFTDYFIH
    chain CDR1
     10 MAb 1.731 heavy YFFPKNGANG
    chain CDR2
     11 MAb 1.731 heavy RYGNYYSMDY
    chain CDR3
     12 MAb 1.731 light KASQSVGDDVA
    chain CDR1
     13 MAb 1.731 light RVSNRYT
    chain CDR2
     14 MAb 1.731 light QQDYSSPYT
    chain CDR3
     15 MAb 1.802 heavy EVQLVESGGG LVKPGGSLKL SCAASGFTFS DYGMHWFRQA PEKGLEWVAY
    chain variable ISSGSRTVYY ADTVKGRFTI SRDNAKNTLS LQMTSLRSED TAMYYCARKH
    region YNGGYFDVWG TGTTVTVSSA KTTP
     16 MAb 1.802 light DIVLTQSPAS LAVSLGQRAT ISCRASKIVS TSGYSYMHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain variable LIYLASNLES GVPARFSGSG SGTDFTLNIH PVEEEDAATY YCQHSRELPP
    region TFGSGTKLEI KRADAAP
     17 MAb 1.802 heavy GFTFSDYGMH
    chain CDR1
     18 MAb 1.802 heavy YISSGSRTVY
    chain CDR2
     19 MAb 1.802 heavy KHYNGGYFDV
    chain CDR3
     20 MAb 1.802 light RASKIVSTSGYSYMH
    chain CDR1
     21 MAb 1.802 light LASNLES
    chain CDR2
     22 MAb 1.802 light QHSRELPPT
    chain CDR3
     23 MAb 1.815 heavy DVQLLESGGG LVQPGGSRKL SCAASGFTFS DFGMHWVRQA PEKGLEWVAY
    chain variable SSSGGTTVYY ADTVKGRLTL SRDNSKNTLF LEMTSLRSED TAMYYCARAS
    region YDGGYFDCWG QGTSLTVSSA KTTPP
     24 MAb 1.815 light DIVLTQSPAS LAVSLGQRAT ISCRASKSVS TSGYSYIHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain variable LIYLASDLES GVPARFSGSG SGAAFTLNIH PVEEEDAATY YCHHSRELPF
    region TFGSGTKLEI KRADAAP
     25 MAb 1.815 heavy GFTFSDFGMH
    chain CDR1
     26 MAb 1.815 heavy YSSSGGTTVY
    chain CDR2
     27 MAb 1.815 heavy ASYDGGYFDC
    chain CDR3
     28 MAb 1.815 light RASKSVSTSGYSYIH
    chain CDR1
     29 MAb 1.815 light LASDLES
    chain CDR2
     30 MAb 1.815 light HHSRELPFT
    chain CDR3
     31 MAb 1.846 heavy EVQLVESGGD LVKPGGSLKL SCAASGFTFS DYGMHWLRQA PEKGLEWVAY
    chain variable ISSGSTTLSY ANTMKGRFTI SRDNAKKTLS LQMTSLRSED TAIYYCARKN
    region YNGGYFDVWG TGTTVTVSSA KTTPP
     32 MAb 1.846 light DIVLTQSPAS LVVSLGQRAT ISCRASKSVS ESGYSYMHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain variable LIYLASNLES GVPARFSGSG SGTDFTLNIH PVEEGDATTY YCQHSRVLPP
    region TFGSGTKLEI KRADAAP
     33 MAb 1.846 heavy GFTFSDYGMH
    chain CDR1
     34 MAb 1.846 heavy YISSGSTTLS
    chain CDR2
     35 MAb 1.846 heavy KNYNGGYFDV
    chain CDR3
     36 MAb 1.846 light RASKSVSESGYSYMH
    chain CDR1
     37 MAb 1.846 light LASNLES
    chain CDR2
     38 MAb 1.846 light QHSRVLPPT
    chain CDR3
     39 MAb 2.1029 heavy QVQLKESGPG LVAPSQSLSI TCTVSGFSLT SYGVHWVRQP PGKGLEWLGV
    chain variable IWAGGSTNYN SALMSRLSIS KDNSKSQVFL KMNSLQTDDT AIYFCARDGD
    region YGTIYAMDYW GQGTSVTVSS AKTTAPS
     40 MAb 2.1029 light DIQMTQTTSS LSASLGDRVT ISCRASQDIS NYLNWYQQKP DGTVKLLIYY
    chain variable TSRLHSGVPS RFTGSGSGTD YSLTISNLEQ EDIATYFCQQ GKTLPRTFGG
    region GTMLEIKRAD AAP
     41 MAb 2.1029 heavy GFSLTSYGVH
    chain CDR1
     42 MAb 2.1029 heavy VIWAGGSTN
    chain CDR2
     43 MAb 2.1029 heavy DGDYGTIYAMDY
    chain CDR3
     44 MAb 2.1029 light RASQDISNYLN
    chain CDR1
     45 MAb 2.1029 light YTSRLHS
    chain CDR2
     46 MAb 2.1029 light QQGKTLPRT
    chain CDR3
     47 MAb 2.55 heavy EVQLQQSGTV LARPGALVKM SCKASGYTFT SYWMHWVKQR PGQGLEWIGA
    chain variable IYPGKSDTRY NQKFKDKAKL TAVTSTSTAY MDLSSLTDED SAVYYCSRRY
    region GNFYAMDYWG QGTSVTVSSA KTTAPS
     48 MAb 2.55 light SIVMTQTPKF LLVSAGDRVT MTCKASQSVS NDVAWYQQKP GQSPELLIYY
    chain variable ASDRYTGVPD RFTGSGYGTD FTLTISTVQA EDLAVYFCQQ DYSSPYTFGG
    region GTKLETKRAD AAP
     49 MAb 2.55 heavy GYTFTSYWMH
    chain CDR1
     50 MAb 2.55 heavy AIYPGKSDTR
    chain CDR2
     51 MAb 2.55 heavy RYGNFYAMDY
    chain CDR3
     52 MAb 2.55 light KASQSVSNDVA
    chain CDR1
     53 MAb 2.55 light YASDRYT
    chain CDR2
     54 MAb 2.55 light QQDYSSPYT
    chain CDR3
     55 MAb 2.78 heavy DVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSRKL SCAASGFTFS SFGMHWVRQA PEKGLEWVAY
    chain variable ITSGSGAIYY ADTVRGRFTI SRDTPKNTLF LQMTSLRSED TAMYYCARSA
    region DGLDYWGQGT SVTVSSAKTT PPS
     56 MAb 2.78 light DIQMTQSPAS LYVSVGETVT ITCRASENIY SNLAWYQQKQ GKSPQLLVYG
    chain variable ATNLADGVPS RFSGSGSGTQ YSLKINSLKS EDFGSYYCQH FWGTPFTFGS
    region GTKLEIKRAD AAP
     57 MAb 2.78 heavy GFTFSSFGMH
    chain CDR1
     58 MAb 2.78 heavy YITSGSGAIY
    chain CDR2
     59 MAb 2.78 heavy SADGLDY
    chain CDR3
     60 MAb 2.78 light RASENIYSNLA
    chain CDR1
     61 MAb 2.78 light GATNLAD
    chain CDR2
     62 MAb 2.78 light QHFWGTPFT
    chain CDR3
     63 Humanized Ab EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SFGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSY
    (HumAb) 2.78 ITSGSGAIYY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARSA
    heavy chain DGLDYWGQGT TVTVSS
    variable region
     64 HumAb 2.78 heavy EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SFGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSY
    chain ITSGSGAIYY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARSA
    DGLDYWGQGT TVTVSSDVWG QGTTVTVSSA STKGPSVFPL APCSRSTSES
    TAALGCLVKD YFPEPVTVSW NSGALTSGVH TFPAVLQSSG LYSLSSVVTV
    TSSNFGTQTY TCNVDHKPSN TKVDKTVERK CCVECPPCPA PPVAGPSVFL
    FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE VQFNWYVDGM EVHNAKTKPR
    EEQFNSTFRV VSVLTVVHQD WLNGKEYKCK VSNKGLPAPI EKTISKTKGQ
    PREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGF YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYK
    TTPPMLDSDG SFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS
    LSPGK
     65 HumAb 2.78 light DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASENIY SNLAWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYG
    chain variable ATNLADGVPS RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQH FWGTPFTFGQ
    region GTKVEI
     66 HumAb 2.78 light DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASENIY SNLAWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYG
    chain ATNLADGVPS RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQH FWGTPFTFGQ
    GTKVEIKRTV AAPSVFIFPP SDEQLKSGTA SVVCLLNNFY PREAKVQWKV
    DNALQSGNSQ ESVTEQDSKD STYSLSSTLT LSKADYEKHK VYACEVTHQG
    LSSPVTKSFN RGEC
     67 HumAb 2.1029 QVQLQESGPG LVKPSETLSL TCTVSGFSLT SYGVHWIRQP PGKGLEWIGV
    heavy chain IWAGGSTNYN PSLKSRVTIS VDTSKNQFSL KLSSVTAADT AVYYCARDGD
    variable region YGTIYAMDYW GQGTLVTVSS
     68 HumAb 2.1029 QVQLQESGPG LVKPSETLSL TCTVSGFSLT SYGVHWIRQP PGKGLEWIGV
    heavy chain IWAGGSTNYN PSLKSRVTIS VDTSKNQFSL KLSSVTAADT AVYYCARDGD
    YGTIYAMDYW GQGTLVTVSS DVWGQGTTVT VSSASTKGPS VFPLAPCSRS
    TSESTAALGC LVKDYFPEPV TVSWNSGALT SGVHTFPAVL QSSGLYSLSS
    VVTVTSSNFG TQTYTCNVDH KPSNTKVDKT VERKCCVECP PCPAPPVAGP
    SVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH EDPEVQFNWY VDGMEVHNAK
    TKPREEQFNS TFRVVSVLTV VHQDWLNGKE YKCKVSNKGL PAPIEKTISK
    TKGQPREPQV YTLPPSREEM TKNQVSLTCL VKGFYPSDIA VEWESNGQPE
    NNYKTTPPML DSDGSFFLYS KLTVDKSRWQ QGNVFSCSVM HEALHNHYTQ
    KSLSLSPGK
     69 HumAb 2.1029 light DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQDIS NYLNWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYY
    chain variable TSRLHSGVPS RFSGSGSGTD FTFTISSLQP EDIATYYCQQ GKTLPRTFGG
    region GTKVEI
     70 HumAb 2.1029 light DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQDIS NYLNWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYY
    chain TSRLHSGVPS RFSGSGSGTD FTFTISSLQP EDIATYYCQQ GKTLPRTFGG
    GTKVEIKRTV AAPSVFIFPP SDEQLKSGTA SVVCLLNNFY PREAKVQWKV
    DNALQSGNSQ ESVTEQDSKD STYSLSSTLT LSKADYEKHK VYACEVTHQG
    LSSPVTKSFN RGEC
     71 HumAb 1.802 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS DYGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSY
    heavy chain ISSGSRTVYY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRDED TAVYYCARKH
    variable region YNGGYFDVWG QGTLVTVSS
     72 HumAb 1.802 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS DYGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSY
    heavy chain ISSGSRTVYY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRDED TAVYYCARKH
    YNGGYFDVWG QGTLVTVSSD VWGQGTTVTV SSASTKGPSV FPLAPCSRST
    SESTAALGCL VKDYFPEPVT VSWNSGALTS GVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSV
    VTVTSSNFGT QTYTCNVDHK PSNTKVDKTV ERKCCVECPP CPAPPVAGPS
    VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVQFNWYV DGMEVHNAKT
    KPREEQFNST FRVVSVLTVV HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKGLP APIEKTISKT
    KGQPREPQVY TLPPSREEMT KNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN
    NYKTTPPMLD SDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK
    SLSLSPGK
     73 HumAb 1.802 light DIVMTQSPDS LAVSLGERAT INCRASKIVS TSGYSYMHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain variable LIYLASNLES GVPDRFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLQAEDVAVY YCQHSRELPP
    region TFGQGTKLEI
     74 HumAb 1.802 light DIVMTQSPDS LAVSLGERAT INCRASKIVS TSGYSYMHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain LIYLASNLES GVPDRFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLQAEDVAVY YCQHSRELPP
    TFGQGTKLEI KRTVAAPSVF IFPPSDEQLK SGTASVVCLL NNFYPREAKV
    QWKVDNALQS GNSQESVTEQ DSKDSTYSLS STLTLSKADY EKHKVYACEV
    THQGLSSPVT KSFNRGEC
     75 HumAb 1.815 QVQLVESGGG LVKPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS DFGMHWIRQA PGKGLEWVSY
    heavy chain SSSGGTTVYY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARAS
    variable region YDGGYFDCWG QGTTVTVSS
     76 HumAb 1.815 QVQLVESGGG LVKPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS DFGMHWIRQA PGKGLEWVSY
    heavy chain SSSGGTTVYY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARAS
    YDGGYFDCWG QGTTVTVSSD VWGQGTTVTV SSASTKGPSV FPLAPCSRST
    SESTAALGCL VKDYFPEPVT VSWNSGALTS GVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSV
    VTVTSSNFGT QTYTCNVDHK PSNTKVDKTV ERKCCVECPP CPAPPVAGPS
    VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVQFNWYV DGMEVHNAKT
    KPREEQFNST FRVVSVLTVV HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKGLP APIEKTISKT
    KGQPREPQVY TLPPSREEMT KNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN
    NYKTTPPMLD SDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK
    SLSLSPGK
     77 HumAb 1.815 light DIVMTQSPDS LAVSLGERAT INCRASKSVS TSGYSYIHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain variable LIYLASDLES GVPDRFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLQAEDVAVY YCHHSRELPF
    region TFGQGTKLEI
     78 HumAb 1.815 light DIVMTQSPDS LAVSLGERAT INCRASKSVS TSGYSYIHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain LIYLASDLES GVPDRFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLQAEDVAVY YCHHSRELPF
    TFGQGTKLEI KRTVAAPSVF IFPPSDEQLK SGTASVVCLL NNFYPREAKV
    QWKVDNALQS GNSQESVTEQ DSKDSTYSLS STLTLSKADY EKHKVYACEV
    THQGLSSPVT KSFNRGEC
     79 HumAb 1.846 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS DYGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSY
    heavy chain ISSGSTTLSY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRDED TAVYYCARKN
    variable region YNGGYFDVWG QGTLVTVSS
     80 HumAb 1.846 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS DYGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSY
    heavy chain ISSGSTTLSY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRDED TAVYYCARKN
    YNGGYFDVWG QGTLVTVSSD VWGQGTTVTV SSASTKGPSV FPLAPCSRST
    SESTAALGCL VKDYFPEPVT VSWNSGALTS GVHTFPAVLQ SSGLYSLSSV
    VTVTSSNFGT QTYTCNVDHK PSNTKVDKTV ERKCCVECPP CPAPPVAGPS
    VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVQFNWYV DGMEVHNAKT
    KPREEQFNST FRVVSVLTVV HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKGLP APIEKTISKT
    KGQPREPQVY TLPPSREEMT KNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN
    NYKTTPPMLD SDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK
    SLSLSPGK
     81 HumAb 1.846 light DIVMTQSPDS LAVSLGERAT INCRASKSVS ESGYSYMHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain variable LIYLASNLES GVPDRFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLQAEDVAVY YCQHSRVLPP
    region TFGQGTKLEI
     82 HumAb 1.846 light DIVMTQSPDS LAVSLGERAT INCRASKSVS ESGYSYMHWY QQKPGQPPKL
    chain LIYLASNLES GVPDRFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLQAEDVAVY YCQHSRVLPP
    TFGQGTKLEI KRTVAAPSVF IFPPSDEQLK SGTASVVCLL NNFYPREAKV
    QWKVDNALQS GNSQESVTEQ DSKDSTYSLS STLTLSKADY EKHKVYACEV
    THQGLSSPVT KSFNRGEC
     90 Campaign 1 heavy GFTFSDX1GMH
    chain CDR1
    consensus
     91 Campaign 1 heavy KX2YNGGYFDV
    chain CDR3
    consensus
     92 Campaign 1 light RASKX3VSX4SGYSYX5H
    chain CDR1
    consensus
     93 Campaign 1 light LASX6LES
    chain CDR2
    consensus
     83 Human-mouse MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    chimeric NOTUM SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY DTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRRSDCI DTINCAPTDA IRRGIRYWSG
    MVPERCQRQF KEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGQ WLYIQNLGRE LRGTLKDVQA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSYWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSFHD SHKASKTPMK GCPFHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TIRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDVQTVAQQ QGMEPSKLLG MLSNGN
     84 Mouse-human MGGEVRVLLL LGLLHWVGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPQPPPPP PLPQRAEVEP
    chimeric NOTUM GAGQPVESFP LDFTAVEGNM DSFMAQVKSL AQSLYPCSAQ QLNEDLRLHL
    LLNTSVTCND GSPAGYYLKE SKGSRRWLLF LEGGWYCFNR ENCDSRYSTM
    RRLMSSKDWP HTRTGTGILS SQPEENPHWW NANMVFIPYC SSDVWSGASP
    KSDKNEYAFM GSLIIQEVVR ELLGKGLSGA KVLLLAGSSA GGTGVLLNVD
    RVAELLEELG YPSIQVRGLA DSGWFLDNKQ YRHTDCVDTI TCAPTEAIRR
    GIRYWNGVVP ERCRRQFQEG EEWNCFFGYK VYPTLRCPVF VVQWLFDEAQ
    LTVDNVHLTG QPVQEGLRLY IQNLGRELRH TLKDVPASFA PACLSHEIII
    RSHWTDVQVK GTSLPRALHC WDRSLHDSHK ASKTPLKGCP VHLVDSCPWP
    HCNPSCPTVR DQFTGQEMNV AQFLMHMGFD MQTVAQPQGL EPSELLGMLS
    NGS
     85 Human-mouse- MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    human chimeric SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    NOTUM CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY DTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASPKSDKNEY
    AFMGSLIIQE VVRELLGKGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAELLE
    ELGYPSIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRRSDCI DTINCAPTDA IRRGIRYWSG
    MVPERCQRQF KEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
     86 Mouse-human- MGGEVRVLLL LGLLHWVGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPQPPPPP PLPQRAEVEP
    mouse chimeric GAGQPVESFP LDFTAVEGNM DSFMAQVKSL AQSLYPCSAQ QLNEDLRLHL
    NOTUM LLNTSVTCND GSPAGYYLKE SKGSRRWLLF LEGGWYCFNR ENCDSRYSTM
    RRLMSSKDWP HTRTGTGILS SQPEENPHWW NANMVFIPYC SSDVWSGASS
    KSEKNEYAFM GALIIQEVVR ELLGRGLSGA KVLLLAGSSA GGTGVLLNVD
    RVAEQLEKLG YPAIQVRGLA DSGWFLDNKQ YRHTDCVDTI TCAPTEAIRR
    GIRYWNGVVP ERCRRQFQEG EEWNCFFGYK VYPTLRCPVF VVQWLFDEAQ
    LTVDNVHLTG QPVQEGQWLY IQNLGRELRG TLKDVQASFA PACLSHEIII
    RSYWTDVQVK GTSLPRALHC WDRSFHDSHK ASKTPMKGCP FHLVDSCPWP
    HCNPSCPTIR DQFTGQEMNV AQFLMHMGFD VQTVAQQQGM EPSKLLGMLS
    NGN
     87 Human NOTUM MPLLLLLPLL WAGALAQPVE SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC
    (Δ1-46); CD33 SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC
    signal peptide FNRENCDSRY DTMRRLMSSR DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI
    in italics PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG
    SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV
    DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC
    PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA
    SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK
    GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP
    QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
     88 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    N96D SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLDTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY DTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
     89 Human NOTUM QPVE SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR
    Q47-M177 LHLLLNTSVT CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY
    DTMRRLMSSR DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANM
     94 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    D1415 SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY STMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
     95 Mouse NOTUM MGGEVRVLLL LGLLHWVGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPQPPPPP PLPQRAEVEP
    S148D GAGQPVESFP LDFTAVEGNM DSFMAQVKSL AQSLYPCSAQ QLNEDLRLHL
    LLNTSVTCND GSPAGYYLKE SKGSRRWLLF LEGGWYCFNR ENCDSRYDTM
    RRLMSSKDWP HTRTGTGILS SQPEENPHWW NANMVFIPYC SSDVWSGASP
    KSDKNEYAFM GSLIIQEVVR ELLGKGLSGA KVLLLAGSSA GGTGVLLNVD
    RVAELLEELG YPSIQVRGLA DSGWFLDNKQ YRRSDCIDTI NCAPTDAIRR
    GIRYWSGMVP ERCQRQFKEG EEWNCFFGYK VYPTLRCPVF VVQWLFDEAQ
    LTVDNVHLTG QPVQEGQWLY IQNLGRELRG TLKDVQASFA PACLSHEIII
    RSYWTDVQVK GTSLPRALHC WDRSFHDSHK ASKTPMKGCP FHLVDSCPWP
    HCNPSCPTIR DQFTGQEMNV AQFLMHMGFD VQTVAQQQGM EPSKLLGMLS
    NGN
     96 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    N132A/R133A SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FAAENCDSRY DTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
     97 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    E134A/N135A SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRAACDSRY DTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
     98 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    D137A/R139A SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCASAY DTMRRLMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
     99 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    R144A/R145A SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY DTMAALMSSR
    DWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
    100 Human NOTUM MGRGVRVLLL LSLLHCAGGS EGRKTWRRRG QQPPPPPRTE AAPAAGQPVE
    R150A/D151A SFPLDFTAVE GNMDSFMAQV KSLAQSLYPC SAQQLNEDLR LHLLLNTSVT
    CNDGSPAGYY LKESRGSRRW LLFLEGGWYC FNRENCDSRY DTMRRLMSSA
    AWPRTRTGTG ILSSQPEENP YWWNANMVFI PYCSSDVWSG ASSKSEKNEY
    AFMGALIIQE VVRELLGRGL SGAKVLLLAG SSAGGTGVLL NVDRVAEQLE
    KLGYPAIQVR GLADSGWFLD NKQYRHTDCV DTITCAPTEA IRRGIRYWNG
    VVPERCRRQF QEGEEWNCFF GYKVYPTLRC PVFVVQWLFD EAQLTVDNVH
    LTGQPVQEGL RLYIQNLGRE LRHTLKDVPA SFAPACLSHE IIIRSHWTDV
    QVKGTSLPRA LHCWDRSLHD SHKASKTPLK GCPVHLVDSC PWPHCNPSCP
    TVRDQFTGQE MNVAQFLMHM GFDMQTVAQP QGLEPSELLG MLSNGS
    101 1.802 heavy chain ATGGACTCCA GGCTCAATTT AGTTTTCCTT GTCCTTATTT TAAAAGGTGT
    variable region CCAGTGTGAG GTGCAGCTGG TGGAGTCTGG GGGAGGCTTA GTGAAGCCTG
    polynucleotide GAGGGTCCCT GAAACTCTCC TGTGCAGCCT CTGGATTCAC TTTCAGTGAC
    sequence TATGGAATGC ACTGGTTTCG TCAGGCTCCA GAGAAGGGGC TGGAGTGGGT
    TGCATATATT AGTAGTGGCA GTAGAACCGT CTACTATGCA GACACAGTGA
    AGGGCCGATT CACCATCTCC AGAGACAATG CCAAGAACAC CCTGTCCCTG
    CAAATGACCA GTCTGAGGTC TGAGGACACG GCCATGTATT ACTGTGCGAG
    GAAACATTAC AACGGTGGAT ACTTCGATGT CTGGGGCACA GGGACCACGG
    TCACCGTCTC CTCAGCCAAA ACGACACCCC CATCTGTCTA TCCACTGGCC
    CCTGGATCTG CTGCCCAAAC TAACTCCATG GTGACCCTGG GATGC
    102 1.802 light chain ATCCTCTCTT CCAGCTCTCA GAGATGGAGA CAGACACACT CCTGTTATGG
    variable region GTACTGCTGC TCTGGGTTCC AGGTTCCACT GGTGACATTG TGCTGACACA
    polynucleotide GTCTCCTGCT TCCTTAGCTG TATCTCTGGG GCAGAGGGCC ACCATCTCAT
    sequence GCAGGGCCAG CAAAATTGTC AGTACATCTG GCTATAGTTA TATGCACTGG
    TACCAACAGA AACCAGGACA GCCGCCCAAA CTCCTCATCT ATCTTGCATC
    CAACCTAGAA TCTGGGGTCC CTGCCAGGTT CAGTGGCAGT GGGTCTGGGA
    CAGACTTCAC CCTCAACATC CATCCTGTGG AGGAGGAGGA TGCTGCAACC
    TATTACTGTC AGCACAGTAG GGAGCTTCCT CCCACGTTCG GCTCGGGGAC
    AAAGTTGGAA ATAAAACGGG CTGATGCTGC ACCAACTGTA TCCATCTTCC
    CACCATCCAG TGAGCAGTTA ACATCTGGAG GT
    103 1.815 heavy chain TCTGACAGAG GAGCCAAGCC CTGGATTCCC AGGTCCTCAC ATTCAGTGAT
    variable region CAGCACTGAA CACAGACCAC TCACCATGGA CTCCAGGCTC AATTTAGTTT
    polynucleotide TCCTTGTCCT TATTTTAAAA GGTGTCCAGT GTGATGTGCA ACTGCTGGAA
    sequence TCTGGGGGAG GCTTAGTGCA GCCTGGAGGG TCCCGGAAAC TCTCCTGTGC
    AGCCTCTGGA TTCACTTTCA GTGACTTTGG AATGCACTGG GTTCGTCAGG
    CTCCAGAGAA GGGGCTGGAG TGGGTCGCAT ACAGTAGTAG TGGCGGTACT
    ACCGTCTACT ATGCAGACAC GGTGAAGGGC CGACTCACCC TCTCCAGAGA
    CAATTCCAAG AACACCCTGT TCCTGGAAAT GACCAGTCTA AGGTCTGAGG
    ACACGGCCAT GTATTACTGT GCAAGAGCGT CCTATGATGG AGGGTACTTT
    GACTGCTGGG GCCAAGGCAC CTCTCTCACA GTCTCCTCAG CCAAAACGAC
    ACCCCCATCT GTCTATCCAC TGGCCCCTGG ATCTGCTGCC CAAACTAACT
    CCATGGTGAC CCTGGGATGC
    104 1.815 1ight chain ATCCTCTCTT CCAGCTCTCA GAGATGGAGA CAGACACACT CCTGTTATGG
    variable region GTACTGCTGC TCTGGGTTCC AGGTTCCACT GGTGACATTG TGCTGACACA
    polynucleotide GTCTCCTGCT TCCTTAGCTG TATCTCTGGG GCAGAGGGCC ACCATCTCAT
    sequence GCAGGGCCAG CAAAAGTGTC AGTACATCTG GCTATAGTTA TATACACTGG
    TACCAACAGA AACCAGGACA GCCACCCAAA CTCCTCATCT ATCTTGCATC
    CGACCTAGAA TCTGGGGTCC CTGCCAGGTT CAGTGGCAGT GGATCTGGGG
    CAGCCTTCAC CCTCAACATC CATCCTGTGG AGGAGGAGGA TGCTGCAACC
    TATTACTGTC ACCACAGTAG GGAGCTTCCA TTCACGTTCG GCTCGGGGAC
    AAAGTTGGAA ATAAAACGGG CTGATGCTGC ACCAACTGTA TCCATCTTCC
    CACCATCCAG TGAGCAGTTA ACATCTGGAG GTGCCTCAGT CGTGTGC
    105 1.846 heavy chain AGAGGAGCCA AACCCTGGAT TCCCAGGTCC TCACATTCAG TGATCAGCAC
    variable region TGAACACAGA CCACTCACCA TGGACTCCAG GCTCAATTTA GTTTTCCTTG
    polynucleotide TCCTTATTTT AAAAGGTGTC CAGTGTGAGG TGCAGCTGGT GGAGTCTGGG
    sequence GGAGACTTAG TGAAGCCTGG AGGGTCCCTG AAACTCTCCT GTGCAGCCTC
    TGGATTCACT TTCAGTGACT ATGGAATGCA CTGGCTTCGT CAGGCTCCAG
    AGAAGGGGCT GGAGTGGGTT GCATATATTA GTAGTGGCAG TACTACCCTC
    TCCTATGCAA ACACAATGAA GGGCCGATTC ACCATCTCCA GAGACAATGC
    CAAGAAAACC CTGTCCCTGC AAATGACCAG TCTGAGGTCT GAGGACACGG
    CCATTTATTA CTGTGCGCGG AAAAATTACA ACGGTGGTTA CTTCGATGTC
    TGGGGCACAG GGACCACGGT CACCGTCTCC TCAGCCAAAA CAACACCCCC
    ATCAGTCTAT CCACTGGCCC CTGGGTGTGG AGATACAACT GGTTCCTCTG
    TGACTCTGGG ATGCCTGGTC AAGGG
    106 1.846 light chain ATCCTCTCTT CCAGCTCTCA GAGATGGAGA CAGACACACT CCTGTTATGG
    variable region GTACTGCTGC TCTGGGTTCC AGGTTCCACT GGTGACATTG TGCTGACACA
    polynucleotide GTCTCCTGCT TCCTTAGTTG TATCTCTGGG GCAGAGGGCC ACCATCTCAT
    sequence GCAGGGCCAG CAAAAGTGTC AGTGAATCTG GCTATAGTTA TATGCACTGG
    TACCAACAGA AACCAGGACA GCCACCCAAA CTCCTCATCT ATCTTGCATC
    CAACCTAGAG TCTGGGGTCC CTGCCAGGTT CAGTGGCAGT GGGTCTGGGA
    CAGACTTCAC CCTCAACATC CATCCTGTGG AGGAGGGGGA TGCTACAACC
    TATTACTGTC AGCACAGTAG GGTCCTTCCT CCCACGTTCG GCTCGGGGAC
    AAAGTTGGAA ATAAAACGGG CTGATGCTGC ACCAACTGTA TCCATCTTCC
    CACCATCCAG TGAGCAGTTA ACATCTGGAG GTGC
    107 2.78 heavy chain GACAGAGGAG CCAAGCCCTG GATTCCCAGG TCCTCACATT CAGTGATCAG
    variable region CACTGAACAC AGACCACTCA CCATGGACTC CAGGCTCAAT TTAGTTTTCC
    polynucleotide TTGTCCTTAT TTTAAAAGGT GTCCAGTGTG ATGTGCAGCT GGTGGAGTCT
    sequence GGGGGAGGCT TAGTGCAGCC TGGAGGGTCC CGGAAACTCT CCTGTGCAGC
    CTCTGGATTC ACTTTCAGTA GCTTTGGCAT GCACTGGGTT CGTCAGGCTC
    CAGAGAAGGG ACTGGAGTGG GTCGCATACA TTACTAGTGG CAGTGGTGCC
    ATCTACTATG CAGACACAGT GAGGGGCCGA TTCACCATCT CCAGAGACAC
    TCCCAAGAAC ACCCTGTTCC TGCAGATGAC CAGTCTAAGG TCTGAGGACA
    CGGCCATGTA TTACTGTGCA AGATCGGCTG ATGGTTTGGA CTACTGGGGT
    CAAGGAACCT CAGTCACCGT CTCCTCAGCC AAAACAACAC CCCCATCAGT
    CTATCCACTG GCCCCTGGGT GTGGAGATAC AACTG
    108 2.78 light chain CAGCCTCACA CTGATCACAC ACAGACATGA GTGTGGCCAC TCAGGTCCTG
    variable region GGGTTGCTGC TGCTGTGGCT TACAGATGCC AGATGTGACA TCCAGATGAC
    polynucleotide TCAGTCTCCA GCCTCCCTAT ATGTATCTGT GGGAGAAACT GTCACCATCA
    sequence CATGTCGAGC AAGTGAGAAT ATTTACAGTA ATTTAGCATG GTATCAGCAG
    AAACAGGGAA AATCTCCTCA GCTCCTGGTC TATGGTGCAA CAAACTTAGC
    AGATGGTGTG CCATCAAGGT TCAGTGGCAG TGGATCAGGC ACACAGTATT
    CCCTCAAGAT CAACAGCCTG AAGTCTGAAG ATTTTGGGAG TTATTACTGT
    CAACATTTTT GGGGTACTCC ATTCACGTTC GGCTCGGGGA CAAAGTTGGA
    AATAAAACGG GCTGATGCTG CACCAACTGT ATCCATCTTC CCACCATCCA
    GTGAGCAGTT AACATCTGGA GGTGCCTCAG TCGTGTGC
    109 2.1029 heavy chain ATCTCCTCAC TAGAGCCCCC ATCAGAGCAT GGCTGTCCTG GTGCTGTTCC
    variable region TCTGCCTGGT TGCATTTCCA AGCTGTGTCC TGTCCCAGGT GCAGCTGAAG
    polynucleotide GAGTCAGGAC CTGGCCTGGT GGCGCCCTCA CAGAGCCTGT CCATCACTTG
    sequence CACTGTCTCT GGGTTTTCAT TAACCAGCTA TGGTGTACAC TGGGTTCGCC
    AGCCTCCAGG AAAGGGTCTG GAGTGGCTGG GAGTAATATG GGCTGGTGGA
    AGCACAAATT ATAATTCGGC TCTCATGTCC AGACTGAGCA TCAGCAAAGA
    CAACTCCAAG AGCCAAGTTT TCTTAAAAAT GAACAGTCTG CAAACTGATG
    ACACAGCCAT CTACTTCTGT GCCAGAGATG GCGACTACGG TACTATCTAC
    GCTATGGACT ACTGGGGTCA AGGAACCTCA GTCACCGTCT CCTCAGCCAA
    AACAACAGCC CCATCGGTCT ATCCACTGGC CCCTGTGTGT GGAGATACAA
    CTGGCTCCTC GGTGACTCTA GGATGCCTGG TCAAGG
    110 2.1029 light chain ATTGAAGTCA AGACTCAGCC TGGACATGAT GTCCTCTGCT CAGTTCCTTG
    variable region GTCTCCTGTT GCTCTGTTTT CAAGGTACCA GATGTGATAT CCAGATGACA
    polynucleotide CAGACTACAT CCTCCCTGTC TGCCTCTCTG GGAGACAGAG TCACCATCAG
    sequence TTGCAGGGCA AGTCAGGACA TTAGCAATTA TTTAAACTGG TATCAGCAGA
    AACCAGATGG AACTGTTAAA CTCCTGATCT ACTACACATC AAGATTACAC
    TCAGGAGTCC CATCAAGGTT CACTGGCAGT GGGTCTGGAA CAGATTATTC
    TCTCACCATT AGCAACCTGG AGCAAGAAGA TATTGCCACT TACTTTTGCC
    AACAGGGTAA AACGCTTCCT CGGACGTTCG GTGGAGGCAC CATGCTGGAA
    ATCAAACGGG CTGATGCTGC ACCAACTGTA TCCATCTTCC CACCATCCAG
    TGAGCAGTTA ACATCTGGAG GTGCCTCAGT CGTGTGC
    111 Humanized Ab gaggtgcagc tggtggagag cggcggcggc ctggtgcagc ccggcggcag
    (HumAb) 2.78 cctgagactg agctgcgccg ccagcggctt caccttcagc agcttcggca
    heavy chain tgcactgggt gagacaggcc cccggcaagg gcctggagtg ggtgagctac
    variable region atcaccagcg gcagcggcgc catctactac gccgacagcg tgaagggcag
    polynucleotide attcaccatc agcagagaca acgccaagaa cagcctgtac ctgcagatga
    sequence acagcctgag agccgaggac accgccgtgt actactgcgc cagaagcgcc
    gacggcctgg actactgggg ccagggcacc accgtgaccg tgagcagc
    112 HumAb 2.78 heavy ATGCGTACTC TGGCTATCCT TGCAGCTATT CTGCTTGTTG CACTGCAGGC
    chain TCAAGCGGAG GTGCAGCTGG TGGAGAGCGG CGGCGGCCTG GTGCAGCCCG
    polynucleotide GCGGCAGCCT GAGACTGAGC TGCGCCGCCA GCGGCTTCAC CTTCAGCAGC
    sequence TTCGGCATGC ACTGGGTGAG ACAGGCCCCC GGCAAGGGCC TGGAGTGGGT
    GAGCTACATC ACCAGCGGCA GCGGCGCCAT CTACTACGCC GACAGCGTGA
    AGGGCAGATT CACCATCAGC AGAGACAACG CCAAGAACAG CCTGTACCTG
    CAGATGAACA GCCTGAGAGC CGAGGACACC GCCGTGTACT ACTGCGCCAG
    AAGCGCCGAC GGCCTGGACT ACTGGGGCCA GGGCACCACC GTGACCGTGA
    GCAGCGATGT GTGGGGCCAG GGCACCACCG TGACCGTGAG CAGCGCGTCG
    ACCAAGGGCC CATCGGTCTT CCCCCTGGCG CCCTGCTCCA GGAGCACCTC
    CGAGAGCACA GCGGCCCTGG GCTGCCTGGT CAAGGACTAC TTCCCCGAAC
    CGGTGACGGT GTCGTGGAAC TCAGGCGCTC TGACCAGCGG CGTGCACACC
    TTCCCGGCTG TCCTACAGTC CTCAGGACTC TACTCCCTCA GCAGCGTGGT
    GACCGTGACC TCCAGCAACT TCGGCACCCA GACCTACACC TGCAACGTAG
    ATCACAAGCC CAGCAACACC AAGGTGGACA AGACAGTTGA GCGCAAATGT
    TGTGTCGAGT GCCCACCGTG CCCAGCACCA CCTGTGGCAG GACCGTCAGT
    CTTCCTCTTC CCCCCAAAAC CCAAGGACAC CCTCATGATC TCCCGGACCC
    CTGAGGTCAC GTGCGTGGTG GTGGACGTGA GCCACGAAGA CCCCGAGGTC
    CAGTTCAACT GGTACGTGGA CGGCATGGAG GTGCATAATG CCAAGACAAA
    GCCGCGGGAG GAGCAGTTCA ACAGCACGTT CCGTGTGGTC AGCGTCCTCA
    CCGTCGTGCA CCAGGACTGG CTGAACGGCA AGGAGTACAA GTGCAAGGTC
    TCCAACAAAG GCCTCCCAGC CCCCATCGAG AAAACCATCT CCAAAACCAA
    AGGGCAGCCC CGAGAACCAC AGGTGTACAC CCTGCCCCCA TCCCGGGAGG
    AGATGACCAA GAACCAGGTC AGCCTGACCT GCCTGGTCAA AGGCTTCTAC
    CCCAGCGACA TCGCCGTGGA GTGGGAGAGC AATGGGCAGC CGGAGAACAA
    CTACAAGACC ACACCTCCCA TGCTGGACTC CGACGGCTCC TTCTTCCTCT
    ACAGCAAGCT CACCGTGGAC AAGAGCAGGT GGCAGCAGGG GAACGTCTTC
    TCATGCTCCG TGATGCATGA GGCTCTGCAC AACCACTACA CACAGAAGAG
    CCTCTCCCTG TCTCCGGGTA AATGA
    113 HumAb 2.78 light gacatccaga tgacccagag ccccagcagc ctgagcgcca gcgtgggcga
    chain variable cagagtgacc atcacctgca gagccagcga gaacatctac agcaacctgg
    region cctggtacca gcagaagccc ggcaaggccc ccaagctgct gatctacggc
    polynucleotide gccaccaacc tggccgacgg cgtgcccagc agattcagcg gcagcggcag
    sequence cggcaccgac ttcaccctga ccatcagcag cctgcagccc gaggacttcg
    ccacctacta ctgccagcac ttctggggca cccccttcac cttcggccag
    ggcaccaagg tggagatc
    114 HumAb 2.78 light ATGAAAATCC TGATTCTCGG TATCTTCCTG TTTCTCTGTT CTACTCCAGC
    chain TTGGGCAGAC ATCCAGATGA CCCAGAGCCC CAGCAGCCTG AGCGCCAGCG
    polynucleotide TGGGCGACAG AGTGACCATC ACCTGCAGAG CCAGCGAGAA CATCTACAGC
    sequence AACCTGGCCT GGTACCAGCA GAAGCCCGGC AAGGCCCCCA AGCTGCTGAT
    CTACGGCGCC ACCAACCTGG CCGACGGCGT GCCCAGCAGA TTCAGCGGCA
    GCGGCAGCGG CACCGACTTC ACCCTGACCA TCAGCAGCCT GCAGCCCGAG
    GACTTCGCCA CCTACTACTG CCAGCACTTC TGGGGCACCC CCTTCACCTT
    CGGCCAGGGC ACCAAGGTGG AGATCAAACG TACGGTGGCT GCACCATCTG
    TCTTCATCTT CCCGCCATCT GATGAGCAGT TGAAATCTGG AACTGCCTCT
    GTTGTGTGCC TGCTGAATAA CTTCTATCCC AGAGAGGCCA AAGTACAGTG
    GAAGGTGGAT AACGCCCTCC AATCGGGTAA CTCCCAGGAG AGTGTCACAG
    AGCAGGACAG CAAGGACAGC ACCTACAGCC TCAGCAGCAC CCTGACGCTG
    AGCAAAGCAG ACTACGAGAA ACACAAAGTC TACGCCTGCG AAGTCACCCA
    TCAGGGCCTG AGCTCGCCCG TCACAAAGAG CTTCAACAGG GGAGAGTGTT
    GA
    115 HumAb 2.1029 caggtgcagc tgcaggagag cggccccggc ctggtgaagc ccagcgagac
    heavy chain cctgagcctg acctgcaccg tgagcggctt cagcctgacc agctacggcg
    variable region tgcactggat cagacagccc cccggcaagg gcctggagtg gatcggcgtg
    polynucleotide atctgggccg gcggcagcac caactacaac cccagcctga agagcagagt
    sequence gaccatcagc gtggacacca gcaagaacca gttcagcctg aagctgagca
    gcgtgaccgc cgccgacacc gccgtgtact actgcgccag agacggcgac
    tacggcacca tctacgccat ggactactgg ggccagggca ccctggtgac
    cgtgagcagc
    116 HumAb 2.1029 ATGCGTACTC TGGCTATCCT TGCAGCTATT CTGCTTGTTG CACTGCAGGC
    heavy chain TCAAGCGCAG GTGCAGCTGC AGGAGAGCGG CCCCGGCCTG GTGAAGCCCA
    polynucleotide GCGAGACCCT GAGCCTGACC TGCACCGTGA GCGGCTTCAG CCTGACCAGC
    sequence TACGGCGTGC ACTGGATCAG ACAGCCCCCC GGCAAGGGCC TGGAGTGGAT
    CGGCGTGATC TGGGCCGGCG GCAGCACCAA CTACAACCCC AGCCTGAAGA
    GCAGAGTGAC CATCAGCGTG GACACCAGCA AGAACCAGTT CAGCCTGAAG
    CTGAGCAGCG TGACCGCCGC CGACACCGCC GTGTACTACT GCGCCAGAGA
    CGGCGACTAC GGCACCATCT ACGCCATGGA CTACTGGGGC CAGGGCACCC
    TGGTGACCGT GAGCAGCGAT GTGTGGGGCC AGGGCACCAC CGTGACCGTG
    AGCAGCGCGT CGACCAAGGG CCCATCGGTC TTCCCCCTGG CGCCCTGCTC
    CAGGAGCACC TCCGAGAGCA CAGCGGCCCT GGGCTGCCTG GTCAAGGACT
    ACTTCCCCGA ACCGGTGACG GTGTCGTGGA ACTCAGGCGC TCTGACCAGC
    GGCGTGCACA CCTTCCCGGC TGTCCTACAG TCCTCAGGAC TCTACTCCCT
    CAGCAGCGTG GTGACCGTGA CCTCCAGCAA CTTCGGCACC CAGACCTACA
    CCTGCAACGT AGATCACAAG CCCAGCAACA CCAAGGTGGA CAAGACAGTT
    GAGCGCAAAT GTTGTGTCGA GTGCCCACCG TGCCCAGCAC CACCTGTGGC
    AGGACCGTCA GTCTTCCTCT TCCCCCCAAA ACCCAAGGAC ACCCTCATGA
    TCTCCCGGAC CCCTGAGGTC ACGTGCGTGG TGGTGGACGT GAGCCACGAA
    GACCCCGAGG TCCAGTTCAA CTGGTACGTG GACGGCATGG AGGTGCATAA
    TGCCAAGACA AAGCCGCGGG AGGAGCAGTT CAACAGCACG TTCCGTGTGG
    TCAGCGTCCT CACCGTCGTG CACCAGGACT GGCTGAACGG CAAGGAGTAC
    AAGTGCAAGG TCTCCAACAA AGGCCTCCCA GCCCCCATCG AGAAAACCAT
    CTCCAAAACC AAAGGGCAGC CCCGAGAACC ACAGGTGTAC ACCCTGCCCC
    CATCCCGGGA GGAGATGACC AAGAACCAGG TCAGCCTGAC CTGCCTGGTC
    AAAGGCTTCT ACCCCAGCGA CATCGCCGTG GAGTGGGAGA GCAATGGGCA
    GCCGGAGAAC AACTACAAGA CCACACCTCC CATGCTGGAC TCCGACGGCT
    CCTTCTTCCT CTACAGCAAG CTCACCGTGG ACAAGAGCAG GTGGCAGCAG
    GGGAACGTCT TCTCATGCTC CGTGATGCAT GAGGCTCTGC ACAACCACTA
    CACACAGAAG AGCCTCTCCC TGTCTCCGGG TAAATGA
    117 HumAb 2.1029 light gacatccaga tgacccagag ccccagcagc ctgagcgcca gcgtgggcga
    chain variable cagagtgacc atcacctgca gagccagcca ggacatcagc aactacctga
    region actggtacca gcagaagccc ggcaaggccc ccaagctgct gatctactac
    polynucleotide accagcagac tgcacagcgg cgtgcccagc agattcagcg gcagcggcag
    sequence cggcaccgac ttcaccttca ccatcagcag cctgcagccc gaggacatcg
    ccacctacta ctgccagcag ggcaagaccc tgcccagaac cttcggcggc
    ggcaccaagg tggagatc
    118 HumAb 2.1029 light ATGAAAATCC TGATTCTCGG TATCTTCCTG TTTCTCTGTT CTACTCCAGC
    chain TTGGGCAGAC ATCCAGATGA CCCAGAGCCC CAGCAGCCTG AGCGCCAGCG
    polynucleotide TGGGCGACAG AGTGACCATC ACCTGCAGAG CCAGCCAGGA CATCAGCAAC
    sequence TACCTGAACT GGTACCAGCA GAAGCCCGGC AAGGCCCCCA AGCTGCTGAT
    CTACTACACC AGCAGACTGC ACAGCGGCGT GCCCAGCAGA TTCAGCGGCA
    GCGGCAGCGG CACCGACTTC ACCTTCACCA TCAGCAGCCT GCAGCCCGAG
    GACATCGCCA CCTACTACTG CCAGCAGGGC AAGACCCTGC CCAGAACCTT
    CGGCGGCGGC ACCAAGGTGG AGATCAAACG TACGGTGGCT GCACCATCTG
    TCTTCATCTT CCCGCCATCT GATGAGCAGT TGAAATCTGG AACTGCCTCT
    GTTGTGTGCC TGCTGAATAA CTTCTATCCC AGAGAGGCCA AAGTACAGTG
    GAAGGTGGAT AACGCCCTCC AATCGGGTAA CTCCCAGGAG AGTGTCACAG
    AGCAGGACAG CAAGGACAGC ACCTACAGCC TCAGCAGCAC CCTGACGCTG
    AGCAAAGCAG ACTACGAGAA ACACAAAGTC TACGCCTGCG AAGTCACCCA
    TCAGGGCCTG AGCTCGCCCG TCACAAAGAG CTTCAACAGG GGAGAGTGTT
    GA
    119 HumAb 1.802 gaggtgcagc tggtggagag cggcggcggc ctggtgcagc ccggcggcag
    heavy chain cctgagactg agctgcgccg ccagcggctt caccttcagc gactacggca
    variable region tgcactgggt gagacaggcc cccggcaagg gcctggagtg ggtgagctac
    polynucleotide atcagcagcg gcagcagaac cgtgtactac gccgacagcg tgaagggcag
    sequence attcaccatc agcagagaca acgccaagaa cagcctgtac ctgcagatga
    acagcctgag agacgaggac accgccgtgt actactgcgc cagaaagcac
    tacaacggcg gctacttcga cgtgtggggc cagggcaccc tggtgaccgt
    gagcagc
    120 HumAb 1.802 ATGCGTACTC TGGCTATCCT TGCAGCTATT CTGCTTGTTG CACTGCAGGC
    heavy chain TCAAGCGGAG GTGCAGCTGG TGGAGAGCGG CGGCGGCCTG GTGCAGCCCG
    polynucleotide GCGGCAGCCT GAGACTGAGC TGCGCCGCCA GCGGCTTCAC CTTCAGCGAC
    sequence TACGGCATGC ACTGGGTGAG ACAGGCCCCC GGCAAGGGCC TGGAGTGGGT
    GAGCTACATC AGCAGCGGCA GCAGAACCGT GTACTACGCC GACAGCGTGA
    AGGGCAGATT CACCATCAGC AGAGACAACG CCAAGAACAG CCTGTACCTG
    CAGATGAACA GCCTGAGAGA CGAGGACACC GCCGTGTACT ACTGCGCCAG
    AAAGCACTAC AACGGCGGCT ACTTCGACGT GTGGGGCCAG GGCACCCTGG
    TGACCGTGAG CAGCGATGTG TGGGGCCAGG GCACCACCGT GACCGTGAGC
    AGCGCGTCGA CCAAGGGCCC ATCGGTCTTC CCCCTGGCGC CCTGCTCCAG
    GAGCACCTCC GAGAGCACAG CGGCCCTGGG CTGCCTGGTC AAGGACTACT
    TCCCCGAACC GGTGACGGTG TCGTGGAACT CAGGCGCTCT GACCAGCGGC
    GTGCACACCT TCCCGGCTGT CCTACAGTCC TCAGGACTCT ACTCCCTCAG
    CAGCGTGGTG ACCGTGACCT CCAGCAACTT CGGCACCCAG ACCTACACCT
    GCAACGTAGA TCACAAGCCC AGCAACACCA AGGTGGACAA GACAGTTGAG
    CGCAAATGTT GTGTCGAGTG CCCACCGTGC CCAGCACCAC CTGTGGCAGG
    ACCGTCAGTC TTCCTCTTCC CCCCAAAACC CAAGGACACC CTCATGATCT
    CCCGGACCCC TGAGGTCACG TGCGTGGTGG TGGACGTGAG CCACGAAGAC
    CCCGAGGTCC AGTTCAACTG GTACGTGGAC GGCATGGAGG TGCATAATGC
    CAAGACAAAG CCGCGGGAGG AGCAGTTCAA CAGCACGTTC CGTGTGGTCA
    GCGTCCTCAC CGTCGTGCAC CAGGACTGGC TGAACGGCAA GGAGTACAAG
    TGCAAGGTCT CCAACAAAGG CCTCCCAGCC CCCATCGAGA AAACCATCTC
    CAAAACCAAA GGGCAGCCCC GAGAACCACA GGTGTACACC CTGCCCCCAT
    CCCGGGAGGA GATGACCAAG AACCAGGTCA GCCTGACCTG CCTGGTCAAA
    GGCTTCTACC CCAGCGACAT CGCCGTGGAG TGGGAGAGCA ATGGGCAGCC
    GGAGAACAAC TACAAGACCA CACCTCCCAT GCTGGACTCC GACGGCTCCT
    TCTTCCTCTA CAGCAAGCTC ACCGTGGACA AGAGCAGGTG GCAGCAGGGG
    AACGTCTTCT CATGCTCCGT GATGCATGAG GCTCTGCACA ACCACTACAC
    ACAGAAGAGC CTCTCCCTGT CTCCGGGTAA ATGA
    121 HumAb 1.802 light gacatcgtga tgacccagag ccccgacagc ctggccgtga gcctgggcga
    chain variable gagagccacc atcaactgca gagccagcaa gatcgtgagc accagcggct
    region acagctacat gcactggtac cagcagaagc ccggccagcc ccccaagctg
    polynucleotide ctgatctacc tggccagcaa cctggagagc ggcgtgcccg acagattcag
    sequence cggcagcggc agcggcaccg acttcaccct gaccatcagc agcctgcagg
    ccgaggacgt ggccgtgtac tactgccagc acagcagaga gctgcccccc
    accttcggcc agggcaccaa gctggagatc
    122 HumAb 1.802 light ATGAAAATCC TGATTCTCGG TATCTTCCTG TTTCTCTGTT CTACTCCAGC
    chain TTGGGCAGAC ATCGTGATGA CCCAGAGCCC CGACAGCCTG GCCGTGAGCC
    polynucleotide TGGGCGAGAG AGCCACCATC AACTGCAGAG CCAGCAAGAT CGTGAGCACC
    sequence AGCGGCTACA GCTACATGCA CTGGTACCAG CAGAAGCCCG GCCAGCCCCC
    CAAGCTGCTG ATCTACCTGG CCAGCAACCT GGAGAGCGGC GTGCCCGACA
    GATTCAGCGG CAGCGGCAGC GGCACCGACT TCACCCTGAC CATCAGCAGC
    CTGCAGGCCG AGGACGTGGC CGTGTACTAC TGCCAGCACA GCAGAGAGCT
    GCCCCCCACC TTCGGCCAGG GCACCAAGCT GGAGATCAAA CGTACGGTGG
    CTGCACCATC TGTCTTCATC TTCCCGCCAT CTGATGAGCA GTTGAAATCT
    GGAACTGCCT CTGTTGTGTG CCTGCTGAAT AACTTCTATC CCAGAGAGGC
    CAAAGTACAG TGGAAGGTGG ATAACGCCCT CCAATCGGGT AACTCCCAGG
    AGAGTGTCAC AGAGCAGGAC AGCAAGGACA GCACCTACAG CCTCAGCAGC
    ACCCTGACGC TGAGCAAAGC AGACTACGAG AAACACAAAG TCTACGCCTG
    CGAAGTCACC CATCAGGGCC TGAGCTCGCC CGTCACAAAG AGCTTCAACA
    GGGGAGAGTG TTGA
    123 HumAb 1.815 caggtgcagc tggtggagag cggcggcggc ctggtgaagc ccggcggcag
    heavy chain cctgagactg agctgcgccg ccagcggctt caccttcagc gacttcggca
    variable region tgcactggat cagacaggcc cccggcaagg gcctggagtg ggtgagctac
    polynucleotide agcagcagcg gcggcaccac cgtgtactac gccgacagcg tgaagggcag
    sequence attcaccatc agcagagaca acgccaagaa cagcctgtac ctgcagatga
    acagcctgag agccgaggac accgccgtgt actactgcgc cagagccagc
    tacaacggcg gctacttcga ctgctggggc cagggcacca ccgtgaccgt
    gagcagc
    124 HumAb 1.815 ATGCGTACTC TGGCTATCCT TGCAGCTATT CTGCTTGTTG CACTGCAGGC
    heavy chain TCAAGCGCAG GTGCAGCTGG TGGAGAGCGG CGGCGGCCTG GTGAAGCCCG
    polynucleotide GCGGCAGCCT GAGACTGAGC TGCGCCGCCA GCGGCTTCAC CTTCAGCGAC
    sequence TTCGGCATGC ACTGGATCAG ACAGGCCCCC GGCAAGGGCC TGGAGTGGGT
    GAGCTACAGC AGCAGCGGCG GCACCACCGT GTACTACGCC GACAGCGTGA
    AGGGCAGATT CACCATCAGC AGAGACAACG CCAAGAACAG CCTGTACCTG
    CAGATGAACA GCCTGAGAGC CGAGGACACC GCCGTGTACT ACTGCGCCAG
    AGCCAGCTAC GACGGCGGCT ACTTCGACTG CTGGGGCCAG GGCACCACCG
    TGACCGTGAG CAGCGATGTG TGGGGCCAGG GCACCACCGT GACCGTGAGC
    AGCGCGTCGA CCAAGGGCCC ATCGGTCTTC CCCCTGGCGC CCTGCTCCAG
    GAGCACCTCC GAGAGCACAG CGGCCCTGGG CTGCCTGGTC AAGGACTACT
    TCCCCGAACC GGTGACGGTG TCGTGGAACT CAGGCGCTCT GACCAGCGGC
    GTGCACACCT TCCCGGCTGT CCTACAGTCC TCAGGACTCT ACTCCCTCAG
    CAGCGTGGTG ACCGTGACCT CCAGCAACTT CGGCACCCAG ACCTACACCT
    GCAACGTAGA TCACAAGCCC AGCAACACCA AGGTGGACAA GACAGTTGAG
    CGCAAATGTT GTGTCGAGTG CCCACCGTGC CCAGCACCAC CTGTGGCAGG
    ACCGTCAGTC TTCCTCTTCC CCCCAAAACC CAAGGACACC CTCATGATCT
    CCCGGACCCC TGAGGTCACG TGCGTGGTGG TGGACGTGAG CCACGAAGAC
    CCCGAGGTCC AGTTCAACTG GTACGTGGAC GGCATGGAGG TGCATAATGC
    CAAGACAAAG CCGCGGGAGG AGCAGTTCAA CAGCACGTTC CGTGTGGTCA
    GCGTCCTCAC CGTCGTGCAC CAGGACTGGC TGAACGGCAA GGAGTACAAG
    TGCAAGGTCT CCAACAAAGG CCTCCCAGCC CCCATCGAGA AAACCATCTC
    CAAAACCAAA GGGCAGCCCC GAGAACCACA GGTGTACACC CTGCCCCCAT
    CCCGGGAGGA GATGACCAAG AACCAGGTCA GCCTGACCTG CCTGGTCAAA
    GGCTTCTACC CCAGCGACAT CGCCGTGGAG TGGGAGAGCA ATGGGCAGCC
    GGAGAACAAC TACAAGACCA CACCTCCCAT GCTGGACTCC GACGGCTCCT
    TCTTCCTCTA CAGCAAGCTC ACCGTGGACA AGAGCAGGTG GCAGCAGGGG
    AACGTCTTCT CATGCTCCGT GATGCATGAG GCTCTGCACA ACCACTACAC
    ACAGAAGAGC CTCTCCCTGT CTCCGGGTAA ATGA
    125 HumAb 1.815 light gacatcgtga tgacccagag ccccgacagc ctggccgtga gcctgggcga
    chain variable gagagccacc atcaactgca gagccagcaa gagcgtgagc accagcggct
    region acagctacat ccactggtac cagcagaagc ccggccagcc ccccaagctg
    polynucleotide ctgatctacc tggccagcga cctggagagc ggcgtgcccg acagattcag
    sequence cggcagcggc agcggcaccg acttcaccct gaccatcagc agcctgcagg
    ccgaggacgt ggccgtgtac tactgccacc acagcagaga gctgcccttc
    accttcggcc agggcaccaa gctggagatc
    126 HumAb 1.815 light ATGAAAATCC TGATTCTCGG TATCTTCCTG TTTCTCTGTT CTACTCCAGC
    chain TTGGGCAGAC ATCGTGATGA CCCAGAGCCC CGACAGCCTG GCCGTGAGCC
    polynucleotide TGGGCGAGAG AGCCACCATC AACTGCAGAG CCAGCAAGAG CGTGAGCACC
    sequence AGCGGCTACA GCTACATCCA CTGGTACCAG CAGAAGCCCG GCCAGCCCCC
    CAAGCTGCTG ATCTACCTGG CCAGCGACCT GGAGAGCGGC GTGCCCGACA
    GATTCAGCGG CAGCGGCAGC GGCACCGACT TCACCCTGAC CATCAGCAGC
    CTGCAGGCCG AGGACGTGGC CGTGTACTAC TGCCACCACA GCAGAGAGCT
    GCCCTTCACC TTCGGCCAGG GCACCAAGCT GGAGATCAAA CGTACGGTGG
    CTGCACCATC TGTCTTCATC TTCCCGCCAT CTGATGAGCA GTTGAAATCT
    GGAACTGCCT CTGTTGTGTG CCTGCTGAAT AACTTCTATC CCAGAGAGGC
    CAAAGTACAG TGGAAGGTGG ATAACGCCCT CCAATCGGGT AACTCCCAGG
    AGAGTGTCAC AGAGCAGGAC AGCAAGGACA GCACCTACAG CCTCAGCAGC
    ACCCTGACGC TGAGCAAAGC AGACTACGAG AAACACAAAG TCTACGCCTG
    CGAAGTCACC CATCAGGGCC TGAGCTCGCC CGTCACAAAG AGCTTCAACA
    GGGGAGAGTG TTGA
    127 HumAb 1.846 gaggtgcagc tggtggagag cggcggcggc ctggtgcagc ccggcggcag
    heavy chain cctgagactg agctgcgccg ccagcggctt caccttcagc gactacggca
    variable region tgcactgggt gagacaggcc cccggcaagg gcctggagtg ggtgagctac
    polynucleotide atcagcagcg gcagcaccac cctgagctac gccgacagcg tgaagggcag
    sequence attcaccatc agcagagaca acgccaagaa cagcctgtac ctgcagatga
    acagcctgag agacgaggac accgccgtgt actactgcgc cagaaagaac
    tacaacggcg gctacttcga cgtgtggggc cagggcaccc tggtgaccgt
    gagcagc
    128 HumAb 1.846 ATGCGTACTC TGGCTATCCT TGCAGCTATT CTGCTTGTTG CACTGCAGGC
    heavy chain TCAAGCGGAG GTGCAGCTGG TGGAGAGCGG CGGCGGCCTG GTGCAGCCCG
    polynucleotide GCGGCAGCCT GAGACTGAGC TGCGCCGCCA GCGGCTTCAC CTTCAGCGAC
    sequence TACGGCATGC ACTGGGTGAG ACAGGCCCCC GGCAAGGGCC TGGAGTGGGT
    GAGCTACATC AGCAGCGGCA GCACCACCCT GAGCTACGCC GACAGCGTGA
    AGGGCAGATT CACCATCAGC AGAGACAACG CCAAGAACAG CCTGTACCTG
    CAGATGAACA GCCTGAGAGA CGAGGACACC GCCGTGTACT ACTGCGCCAG
    AAAGAACTAC AACGGCGGCT ACTTCGACGT GTGGGGCCAG GGCACCCTGG
    TGACCGTGAG CAGCGATGTG TGGGGCCAGG GCACCACCGT GACCGTGAGC
    AGCGCGTCGA CCAAGGGCCC ATCGGTCTTC CCCCTGGCGC CCTGCTCCAG
    GAGCACCTCC GAGAGCACAG CGGCCCTGGG CTGCCTGGTC AAGGACTACT
    TCCCCGAACC GGTGACGGTG TCGTGGAACT CAGGCGCTCT GACCAGCGGC
    GTGCACACCT TCCCGGCTGT CCTACAGTCC TCAGGACTCT ACTCCCTCAG
    CAGCGTGGTG ACCGTGACCT CCAGCAACTT CGGCACCCAG ACCTACACCT
    GCAACGTAGA TCACAAGCCC AGCAACACCA AGGTGGACAA GACAGTTGAG
    CGCAAATGTT GTGTCGAGTG CCCACCGTGC CCAGCACCAC CTGTGGCAGG
    ACCGTCAGTC TTCCTCTTCC CCCCAAAACC CAAGGACACC CTCATGATCT
    CCCGGACCCC TGAGGTCACG TGCGTGGTGG TGGACGTGAG CCACGAAGAC
    CCCGAGGTCC AGTTCAACTG GTACGTGGAC GGCATGGAGG TGCATAATGC
    CAAGACAAAG CCGCGGGAGG AGCAGTTCAA CAGCACGTTC CGTGTGGTCA
    GCGTCCTCAC CGTCGTGCAC CAGGACTGGC TGAACGGCAA GGAGTACAAG
    TGCAAGGTCT CCAACAAAGG CCTCCCAGCC CCCATCGAGA AAACCATCTC
    CAAAACCAAA GGGCAGCCCC GAGAACCACA GGTGTACACC CTGCCCCCAT
    CCCGGGAGGA GATGACCAAG AACCAGGTCA GCCTGACCTG CCTGGTCAAA
    GGCTTCTACC CCAGCGACAT CGCCGTGGAG TGGGAGAGCA ATGGGCAGCC
    GGAGAACAAC TACAAGACCA CACCTCCCAT GCTGGACTCC GACGGCTCCT
    TCTTCCTCTA CAGCAAGCTC ACCGTGGACA AGAGCAGGTG GCAGCAGGGG
    AACGTCTTCT CATGCTCCGT GATGCATGAG GCTCTGCACA ACCACTACAC
    ACAGAAGAGC CTCTCCCTGT CTCCGGGTAA ATGA
    129 HumAb 1.846 light gacatcgtga tgacccagag ccccgacagc ctggccgtga gcctgggcga
    chain variable gagagccacc atcaactgca gagccagcaa gagcgtgagc gagagcggct
    region acagctacat gcactggtac cagcagaagc ccggccagcc ccccaagctg
    polynucleotide ctgatctacc tggccagcaa cctggagagc ggcgtgcccg acagattcag
    sequence cggcagcggc agcggcaccg acttcaccct gaccatcagc agcctgcagg
    ccgaggacgt ggccgtgtac tactgccagc acagcagagt gctgcccccc
    accttcggcc agggcaccaa gctggagatc
    130 HumAb 1.846 light ATGAAAATCC TGATTCTCGG TATCTTCCTG TTTCTCTGTT CTACTCCAGC
    chain TTGGGCAGAC ATCGTGATGA CCCAGAGCCC CGACAGCCTG GCCGTGAGCC
    polynucleotide TGGGCGAGAG AGCCACCATC AACTGCAGAG CCAGCAAGAG CGTGAGCGAG
    sequence AGCGGCTACA GCTACATGCA CTGGTACCAG CAGAAGCCCG GCCAGCCCCC
    CAAGCTGCTG ATCTACCTGG CCAGCAACCT GGAGAGCGGC GTGCCCGACA
    GATTCAGCGG CAGCGGCAGC GGCACCGACT TCACCCTGAC CATCAGCAGC
    CTGCAGGCCG AGGACGTGGC CGTGTACTAC TGCCAGCACA GCAGAGTGCT
    GCCCCCCACC TTCGGCCAGG GCACCAAGCT GGAGATCAAA CGTACGGTGG
    CTGCACCATC TGTCTTCATC TTCCCGCCAT CTGATGAGCA GTTGAAATCT
    GGAACTGCCT CTGTTGTGTG CCTGCTGAAT AACTTCTATC CCAGAGAGGC
    CAAAGTACAG TGGAAGGTGG ATAACGCCCT CCAATCGGGT AACTCCCAGG
    AGAGTGTCAC AGAGCAGGAC AGCAAGGACA GCACCTACAG CCTCAGCAGC
    ACCCTGACGC TGAGCAAAGC AGACTACGAG AAACACAAAG TCTACGCCTG
    CGAAGTCACC CATCAGGGCC TGAGCTCGCC CGTCACAAAG AGCTTCAACA
    GGGGAGAGTG TTGA

Claims (29)

1. A monoclonal antibody that binds human notum pectinacetylesterase (NOTUM) and neutralizes at least one activity of NOTUM.
2. The antibody of claim 1, wherein the antibody binds to a NOTUM selected from mouse NOTUM, guinea pig NOTUM, cynomolgus monkey NOTUM, and rhesus monkey NOTUM.
3. The antibody of claim 1, wherein the antibody reduces NOTUM activity in a trisodium 8-octanoyloxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonate (OPTS) assay in vitro, and/or reduces NOTUM activity in a Wnt signaling assay in vitro.
4. The antibody of claim 1, wherein upon administration to a subject the antibody increases serum PINP levels in vivo, increases bone mineral density in vivo, increases midshaft femur cortical thickness in vivo, increases midshaft femur bone area in vivo, increases midshaft humerus cortical thickness in vivo, increases endocortical bone formation in vivo, increases the proportion of cortical bone volume in the LV5 vertebral body in vivo, and/or increases the proportion of femoral neck bone volume to femoral neck total volume in vivo.
5. The antibody of claim 1, wherein the antibody binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with KD of less than 50 nM.
6. The antibody of claim 5, wherein the KD is less than 20 nM.
7. The antibody of claim 6, wherein the KD is less than 10 nM.
8. The antibody of claim 1, wherein the antibody has at least one binding characteristic selected from:
a) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 84;
b) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86;
c) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 94;
d) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 99;
e) binds to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 95 with a binding affinity that is at least 5-fold stronger than the binding affinity of the antibody for a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2;
f) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8;
g) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16;
h) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24;
i) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32;
j) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40;
k) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48; and
l) competes for binding to NOTUM with an antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55 and a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56.
9. The antibody of claim 1, wherein the antibody is selected from a mouse antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, and a human antibody.
10. The antibody of claim 1, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises at least one CDR selected from:
a) a CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 17, 25, 33, 41, 49, and 90;
b) a CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 18, 26, 34, 42, and 50; and
c) a CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 51, and 91.
11. The antibody of claim 10, wherein the heavy chain comprises a set comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3, wherein the set is selected from:
a) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11;
b) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91;
c) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19;
d) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27;
e) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27;
f) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91;
g) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35;
h) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43;
i) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51; and
j) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
12. The antibody of claim 11, wherein the heavy chain comprises a heavy chain variable regions comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 7, 15, 23, 31, 39, 47, 63, 67, 71, 75, and 79.
13. The antibody of claim 1, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain, wherein the light chain comprises at least one CDR selected from:
a) a CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12, 20, 28, 36, 44, 52, 60, and 92;
b) a CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 13, 21, 29, 37, 45, 53, 61, and 93; and
c) a CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 22, 30, 38, 46, 54, and 62.
14. The antibody of claim 13, wherein the light chain comprises a set comprising a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3, wherein the set is selected from:
a) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14;
b) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22;
c) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22;
d) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30;
e) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30;
f) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38;
g) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38;
h) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46;
i) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54; and
j) a set comprising a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62.
15. The antibody of claim 14, wherein the light chain comprises a light chain variable regions comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 65, 69, 73, 77, and 81.
16. The antibody of claim 1, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region, wherein:
a) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; or
b) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; or
c) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, and the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; or
d) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; or
e) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; or
f) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; or
g) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35, and the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; or
h) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46; or
i) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54; or
j) the heavy chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and wherein the light chain variable region comprises a CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, a CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62.
17. The antibody of claim 16, wherein:
a) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; or
b) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; or
c) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73; or
d) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74; or
e) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; or
f) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77; or
g) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78; or
h) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32; or
i) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 79 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81; or
j) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82; or
k) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; or
l) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69; or
m) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70; or
n) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48; or
o) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56; or
p) the heavy chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63 and the light chain variable region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65; or
q) the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66.
18. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody of claim 1.
19. A nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain or a light chain of the antibody of claim 1.
20. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 19, wherein the nucleic acid molecule comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain, and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes the light chain.
21. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 19, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is a vector.
22. A host cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 19.
23. The host cell of claim 22, wherein the host cell comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a heavy chain, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a light chain.
24. The host cell of claim 22, wherein the nucleic acid molecule comprises a first polynucleotide sequence that encodes the heavy chain, and a second polynucleotide sequence that encodes the light chain.
25. A method of producing an antibody comprising incubating the host cell of claim 23 under conditions sufficient to express the antibody.
26. A method of stimulating endocortical bone formation in a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 18.
27. A method of treating, managing, or preventing a disease or disorder characterized by bone loss in a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 18.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the disease or disorder is osteoporosis.
29. A single unit dosage form comprising the pharmaceutical composition of claim 18.
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