Cellmid records positive data in midkine antibody study in kidney disease

30-Jan-2013 - Australia

Cellmid Limited has completed its first in-life diabetic nephropathy study with the Company’s anti-midkine antibodies (MK-Ab) in a mouse model of the disease. Two of Cellmid’s proprietary MK-Ab’s were tested. Both antibodies reduced kidney damage significantly, as assessed by functional and histological analysis, with kidney structure largely preserved in the treated animals.

This study provides new information, as it is the first time the Company has used its own MK-Ab’s in a therapeutic setting in a kidney disease model.

Renal histological assessment showed that glomerular sclerosis was reduced from 48% in untreated animals to below 20% in both MK-Ab treated groups (p<0.01). Interstitial volume was also significantly reduced, from 35% in untreated animals to 12% in both antibody groups (p<0.01). MK-Ab treatment also maintained tubular cell height; untreated animals had mean cell heights below 2μm, compared to 4μm for treated animals (p<0.05).

Kidney function was also preserved, with MK-Ab treated animals showing reduced protein leakage into the urine compared to untreated controls. Protein casts in the kidney, indicating damage, were also significantly reduced in antibody treated animals (Figure 1). Importantly, the MK-Ab treated animals showed healthy weight gain and reduced mortality compared to untreated controls; only 6.3% of treated animals died before the end of the study, compared to 25% of the untreated animals.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous