Title of Invention

ANTIBODIES TO NERVE GROWTH FACTOR (NGF) USEFUL FOR MANAGEMENT OF PAIN

Abstract The invention concerns anti-NGF antibodies (such as anti-NGF antagonist antibodies), and polynucleotides encoding the same. The invention further concerns use of such antibodies and/or polynucleotides in the treatment and/or prevention of pain, including post-surgical pain, rheumataid arthritis pain, and osteoarthritis pain.
Full Text ANTIBODIES TO NERVE GROWTH FACTOR(NGF) USEFUL
FOR MANAGEMENT OF PAIN
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of provisional patent applications
U.S. Serial No. 60/436,905, filed December 24,2002; U.S. Serial No. 60/443,522, filed
January 28,2003; and U.S. Serial No. 60/510,006, filed October 8,2003 all of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention concerns anti-NGF antibodies (such as anti-NGF antagonist
antibodies). The invention further concerns use of such antibodies in the treatment and/or
prevention of pain, including post-surgical pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, and
osteoarthritis pain.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
DEVELOPMEN
[0003] This invention was made with TU.S. Government support under Contract No.
DAAD19-03-C-0006, awarded by DARPA. The U.S. Government may have certain rights
in this invention.
BACKGROUN D OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first neurotrophin to be identified, and
its role in the development and survival of both peripheral and central neurons has been
well characterized. NGF has been shown to be a critical survival and maintenance factor in
the development of peripheral sympathetic and embryonic sensory neurons and of basal
forebrain cholinergic neurons. Smeyne et al, Nature 368:246-249 (1994) and Crowley et
al., Cell 76:1001-1011 (1994). NGF up-regulates expression of neuropeptides in sensory
neurons (Lindsay and Harmer, Nature 337:362-364 (1989)) and its activity is mediated
through two different membrane-bound receptors, the TrkA receptor and the p75 common
neurotrophin receptor (sometimes termed 'high affinity" and "low affinity" NGF receptors,
respective). Chao et al., Science 232:518 -521 (1986). For review on NGF, see Huang et
al., Anni. Rev. Nevrosci. 24:677-736 (2001): Bibel et al., Genes Dev. 14:2919-2937 (2000).

The crystal structure of NGF and NGF in complex with the trkA receptor have been
determined. See Nature 254:411 (1991); Nature 401:184-188 (1996).
[0005] Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first neurotrophin to be identified, and
its role in the development and survival of both peripheral and central neurons has been
well characterized. NGF has been shown to be a critical survival and maintenance factor in
the developement of peripheral sympathetic and embryonic sensory neurons and of basal
forebrain cholinergic neurons (Smeyne, et al., Nature 368:246-249 (1994) and Crowley, et
al., Cell 76:1001-1011 (1994)). NGF upregulates expression of neuropeptides in sensory
neurons (Lindsay, et al., Nature 337:362-364 (1989)), and its activity is mediated through
two different membrane-bound receptors, the TrkA tyrosine kinase receptor and the p75
receptor which is structurally related to other members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor
family (Chao, et al., Science 232:518-521 (1986)).
[0006] In addition to its effec s in the nervous system, NGF has been increasingly
implicated in processes outside of the nervous system. For example, NGF has been shown
to enhance vascular permeability (Otien, et al., Eur J Pharmacol. 106:199-201 (1984)),
enhance T- and B-cell immune responses (Otten, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
86:10059-10063 (1989)), induce lymphocyte differentiation and mast cell proliferation and
cause the release of soluble biological signals from mast cells (Matsuda, et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA 85:6508-6512 (1988;; Pearce, et al., J. Physiol. 372:379-393 (1986);
Bischoff, et al., Blood 79:2662-2669 (1992); Horigome, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:14881-
14887 (1993)). Although exogenousjy added NGF has been shown to be capable of having
all of these effects, it is important to note that it has only rarely been shown that
endogenous NGF is important in any of these processes in vivo (Torcia, et al., Cell.
85(3):345-56 (1996)). Therefore, it is not clear what that effect might be, if any, of
inhibiting the bioactivity of endogenous NGF.
[0007] NGF is produced by a number of cell types including mast cells (Leon, et
al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:3739-3743 (1994)), B-lymphocytes (Torcia, et al., Cell
85:345-356 (1996), keratinocytes (Di Marco, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 268:22838-22846)),
smooth muscle cells (Ueyama, et al., /. Hypertens. 11:1061-1065 (1993)), fibroblasts
(Lindholm, el&.,Eur. J. Neurosci. 2 795-801 (1990)), bronchial epithelial cells (Kassel, et
al., Clin, Exp. Allergy 31:1432-40 (2(01)), renal mesangial cells (Steiner, et al., Am. J.
Physiol. 261 .F792-798 (1991)) and skeletal muscle myotubes (Schwartz, et al., J

Photochem. Photobiol B66:195-200 (2002)). NGF receptors have been found on a variety
of cell types outside of the nervous system. For example, TrkA has been found on human
monocytes, T- and B-lymphocytes and mast cells.
[0008] An association between increased NGF levels and a variety of inflammatory
conditions has been observed in hum an patients as well as in several animal models" These
include systemic lupus erythematosus (Bracci-Laudiero, et al., Neuroreport 4:563-565
(1993)), multiple sclerosis (Bracci-Laudiero, et al., Neurosci. Lett. 147:9-12 (1992)),
psoriasis (Raychaudhuri, et al., Acta Derm. Penereol 78:84-86 (1998)), arthritis (Falcim, et
al., Ann. Rheum. Dis. 55:745-748 (1996)), interstitital cystitis (Okragly, et al., J. Urology
161:438-441 (1999)) and asthma (Braun, et al., Eur. J Immunol. 28:3240-3251 (1998)).
[0009] Consistently, an elevated level of NGF in peripheral tissues is associated
with hyperalgesia and inflammation and has been observed in a number of forms of
arthritis. The synovium of patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis expresses high levels of
NGF while in non-inflamed synovium NGF has been reported to be undetectable (Aloe, et
al., Arch. Rheum. 35:351-355 (1992)) Similar results were seen in rats with
experimentally induced rheumatoid arthritis (Aloe, et al., Clin. Exp. Rheumatol. 10:203-204
(1992)). Elevated levels of NGF have been reported in transgenic arthritic mice along with
an increase in the number of mast cells (Aloe, el al., Int. J. Tissue Reactions-Exp. Clin.
Aspects 15:139-143 (1993)). PCT Publication No. WO 02/096458 discloses use of anti-
NGF antibodies of certain properties in treating various NGF related disorders such as
inflammatory condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). It has been reported that a purified
anti-NGF antibody injected into arthritic transgenic mice carrying the human tumor
necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) gene caused reduction in the number of mast cells, as well as a
decrease in histamine and substance P levels within the synovium of arthritis mice (Aloe et
al.,Rheumatol.Int.14:249-252 (1995)). It has been shown that exogenous administration
of a NGF antibody reduced the enhanced level of TNF-a occurring in arthritic mice (Manni
et al.,Rheumatol. Int. 18:97-102 (1993)).
[0010] Also, increased expression of NGF and high affinity NGF receptor (TrkA)
was observed in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes (lannone et al., Rheumatology 41:1413-
1418(2002)).
[0011] Rodent anti-NGF antagonist antibodies have been reported. See, e.g.,
Hongo et al, Hybridoma (200) 19(3):215-227; Ruberti et Al. (1993) Cell. Molec.

Neurobiol. 13(5): 559-568. However, when rodent antibodies are used therapeutically in
humans, a humar anti-murme antibody response develops in significant numbers of treated
individuals. In addition, effector functions of mouse antibodies have proven to be less
efficient in the human context Thus, there is a serious need for anti-NGF antagonist
antibodies, including humanized anti-NGF antagonist antibodies.

[0012] All references, pub ications, and patent applications disclosed herein are
hereby incorporated by reference i n their entirety.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention discilosed herein contibodies to nerve growth factor.
[0014] In another aspect, the invention is a humanized and affinity matured
antibody, E3, which specifically binds human and rodent nerve growth factor ("NGF").
The amino acid sequences of the heavy chain and light chain variable regions of E3 are
shown in Figures 1A (SEQ ID NO 1) and IB (SEQ ID NO:2), respectively. The CDR
portions of antibody E3 (including Chothia and Kabat CDRs) are diagrammatically
depicted in Figures 1A and 1B. The amino acid sequences of E3 heavy and light chains,
and of the individual extended CDRs are also shown below (See, "antibody sequences",
below).
[0015] In another aspect, the invention is an antibody comprising a fragment or a
region of the antibody E3 (interchangeably termed "E3" herein). In one embodiment, the
fragment is a light chain of the antibody E3 as shown in Figure 1B. In another
embodiment, the fragment is a heavy chain of the antibody E3 as shown in Figure 1A. In
yet another embodiment, the fragment contains one or more variable regions from a light
chain and/or a heavy chain of the antibody E3. In yet another embodiment, the fragment
contains one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from a light chain
and/or a heavy chain of the antibody E3 as shown in Figure 1A and 1B.
[0016] In another aspect, the invention is an antibody comprising a light chain that
is encoded by a polynucleotide that is produced by a host cell with a depojsit number of
ATCC No. PTA-4893 or ATCC N o. PTA-4894. In another aspect, the invention is an
antibody comprising a heavy chain that is encoded by a polynucleotide that is produced by
a host cell with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895. In another aspect, the invention

is an antibody comprising (a) alight chain that is encoded by a polynucleotide that is
produced by a host cell with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4894 or ATCC No.
PTA-4893; and (b) a heavy chain that is encoded by a polynucleotide that is produced by a
host cell with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895 (for convenience herein, the
polynucleotide(s) produced by a deposited host cell are referred to as having a deposit
number of ATCC NOs PTA-4894, PTA-4893 and PTA-4895). In another aspect, the
invention is an antibody comprising a light chain variable region of a light chain that is
encoded by a polynucleotide that is produced by a host cell with a deposit number of
ATCC No. PTA-4894 or ATCC No. PTA-4893. In another aspect, the invention is an
antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region of a heavy chain that that is encoded by
a polynucleotide that is produced by a host cell with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-
4895. In another aspect, the invention is an antibody comprising (a) a light chain variable
region of a light chain that is encoded by a polynucleotide that is produced by a host cell
with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4894 or ATCC No. PTA-4893, and (b) a heavy
chain variable region of a heavy chain that that is encoded by a polynucleotide that is
produced by a host cell with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895. In still another
aspect, the invention is an antibody comprising one or more CDR(s) encoded by.(a) a
polynucleotide that is produced by a host cell with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-
4894; and/or (b) a heavy chain that is encoded by a polynucleotide that is produced by a
host cell with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895.
[0017] In some embodiments, the antibody comprises the human heavy chain
IgG2a constant region. In some embodiments the antibody comprises the human light
chain kappa constant region. In seme embodiments, the antibody comprises a modified
constant region, such as a constant region that is immunologically inert, e.g., does not
trigger complement mediated lysis, or does not stimulate antibody-dependent cell mediated
cytotoxicity (ADCC). In other embodiments, the constant region is modified as described
in Eur. J. Immunol (1999) 29:2613-2624; PCT Application No. PCT/GB99/01441; and/or
UK Patent Application No. 9809951.8. In still other embodiments, the antibody comprises
a human heavy chain IgG2a constant region comprising the following mutations:
A330P331 to S330S331 (amino acd numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2a
sequence). Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624.

[0018] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (which may or may
not be an antibody) comprising any one or more of the following: a) one or more CDR(s)
of antibody E3 shown in Figures 1A and 1B; b) CDR H3 from the heavy chain of antibody
E3 shown in figure 1 A; c) CDR L3 from the light chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure
IB; d) three CDRs from the light chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure 1B; e) three CDRs
from the heavy chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure 1A; and f) three CDRs from the light
chain and three CDRs from the heavy chain, of antibody E3 shown in Figures 1A and 1B.
The invention further provides polypeptides (which may or may not be an antibody)
comprising any one or more of the following: a) one or more (one, two, three, four, five, or
six) CDR(s) derived from antibody E 3 shown in Figures 1A and 1B; b) a CDR derived
from CDR H3 from the heavy chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure 1 A; and/or c) a CDR
derived from CDR L3 from the light chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure 1B. In some
embodiments, the CDRs may be Kabat CDRs, Chothia CDRs, or a combination of Kabat
and Chothia CDRs (termed "extended" or "combined" CDRs herein). In some
embodiments, polypeptides (such as am antibody) bind NGF (such as human NGF). In
some embodiments, the polypeptides comprise any of the CDF configurations (including
combinations, variants, etc.) described herein.
[0019] In one aspect, the inve ntion provides polypeptides (such as an antibody),
which comprise a heavy chain variab e region comprising SEQ ID NO:9, wherein 134 is S,
L, V A, or I; and N35 is substituted with N, T or S. For convenience herein, "substituted"
or "is" in this context or reference to an amino acid refers to choices of amino acid(s) for a
given position. As is clear, the substitution, or choice, may be the amino acid depicted in a
SEQ ID or Figure.
[0020] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise a heavy chain variab e region comprising SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein M50 is
M, I, G, Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S; and L63 is L or V.
[0021] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Y100
is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or
S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F;
wherein F108 is F or W; wherein D109 is D, N, or G; and wherein Yl 10 is Y, K, S, R or T.

[10022] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO:l 1, wherein Y100 is
Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W wherein Gl03 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S;
wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F;
wherein F108 is F or W; wherein D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or G; and wherein Yl 10 is
any amino acid.
[0023] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein G98 is
G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or T; wherein G99 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or T; wherein Y100 is Y, L,
or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S;
wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Yl 07 is Y or F;
wherein F108 is F or W; wherein D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or G; and wherein Yl 10 is
any amino acid.
[0024] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise a light chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein S26 is S
or F; D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and H32 is H, N, or Q.
[0025] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise a light chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein 151 is I,
T, V or A; and S56 is S or T.
[0026] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise a light chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein S91 is S
or E; K92 is K, H, R, or S; and wherein Y96 is Y or R.
[0027] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise a light chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein S91 is S
or E; K92 is any amino acid; T93 is any amino acid; and wherein Y96 is Y or R.
[0028] In one aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody),
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:9, wherein 134 is S, L, V A,
or I;and N35 is N,TorS.
[0029] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein M50 is M, I, G,
Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S; and L63 is L or V.

[0030] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Y100 is Y, L,
or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S;
wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F;
wherein F108 is F or W; wherein Dl 09 is D, N, or G; and wherein Yl 10 is Y, K, S, R or T.
[0031] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Y100 is Y, L,
or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S;
wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F;
wherein F108 is F or W; wherein Dl00 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or G; and wherein Yl 10 is
any amino acid.
[0032] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l 1, wherein G98 is G, S, A,
C, V, N, D, or T; wherein G99 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or T; wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R;
wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein Gl03 is G, A, or S; wherein Tl04 is T or S; wherein
S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Yl07 is Y or F; wherein F108
is F or W; wherein D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or G; and wherein Yl 10 is any amino acid.
[0033] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:12, wherein S26 is S or F;
D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and H32 is H, N, or Q.
[0034] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein 151 is I, T, V
or A; and S56 is S or T.
[0035] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:14, wherein S91 is S or E;
K92 is K, H, R, or S; and wherein Y96 is Y or R.
[0036] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:14, wherein S91 is S or E;
K92 is any amino acid; T93 is any amino acid; and wherein Y96 is Y or R.
[0037] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such an antibodies,
including humanized antibodies) which comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising
the CDR1 region of SEQ ID NO:9, wherein 134 is S, L, V A, or 1; and N35 is N, T or S; the

CDR2 region of SEQ ID NO:10, wherein M50 is M, I, G, Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S; and
L63 is L or V; and the CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R;
wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein
S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108
is F or W; wherein D109 is D, N, on G; wherein Yl10 is Y, K, S, R or T. In some
emoodiments, the heavy cham variable region comprises the CDR3 region of SEQ ID
NO:l 1, wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S;
wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M;
wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein Fl08 is F or W; wherein D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or
G; wherein Yl 10 is any amino acid. In other embodiments, the heavy chain variable
region comprises the CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO:l 1, wherein G98 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D,
or T; wherein G99 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or T; wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein
Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S,
A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108 is F or W;
wherein D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T. or G; and wherein Yl 10 is any amino acid. In some
embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) further comprises an antibody light
chain variable region.
[0038] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise a light chain variable region comprising the CDR1 region of SEQ ID
NO:12, wherein S26 is S or F; D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and H32 is H, N, or Q; the CDR2
region of SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein 151 is I, T, V or A; and S56 is S or T; and the CDR3
region of SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is K, H, R, or S; and wherein Y96 is
Y or R. In some embodiments, the light chain variable region comprises the CDR3 region
of SEQ ID NO:14, wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is any amino acid; T93 is any amino acid;
and wherein Y96 is Y or R. In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody)
further comprises an antibody heavy chain.
[0039] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising the CDR1 region of SEQ ID
NO:9, wherein 134 is S, L, V A, or I; and N35 is N, T or S; the CDR2 region of SEQ ID
NO:10, wherein M50 is M, I, G, Q, S or L; A62 is A, or S; and L63 is L or V; and the
CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO:l1, wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Yl 01 is Y or W;
wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein

Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Yl07 is Y or F; wherein Fl 08 is F or W; wherein D109 is
D, N, or G; wherein Yl 10 is Y, K, S, R or T; and (b) a light chain variable region
comprising the CDR1 region of SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein S26 is S or F; D28 is D, S, A, or
Y; and H32 is H, N, or Q; the CDR region of SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein 151 is I, T, V or A;
and S56 is S or T; and the CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is
K, H, R, or S; and wherein Y96 is Y or R. In some embodiments, the light chain variable
region comprises the CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO:14, wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is any
amino acid; T93 is any amino acid; and wherein Y96 is Y or R. In some embodiments, the
heavy chain variable region comprises the CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Yl 00
is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or
S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F;
wherein F108 is F or W; wherein D09 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or G; wherein Y110 is any
amino acid. In other embodiments, the heavy chain variable region comprises the CDR3
region of SEQ ID NO:l 1, wherein G98 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or T; wherein G99 is G, S,
A, C, V, N, D, or T; wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103
is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T,
or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108 is F or W; wherein D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N,
T, or G; and wherein Yl 10 is any amino acid. In some embodiments, the polypeptide
further comprises an antibody light chain.
[00401 In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such an antibody,
including a humanized antibody) which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ
ID NO:9, wherein 134 is S, L, V A, or I; and N35 is N, T or S; an amino acid sequence
shown in SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein M 50 is M, I, G, Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S; and L63 is L
or V; and an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R;
wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein
S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108
is F or W; wherein D109 is D, N, or G; wherein Yl10 is Y, K, S, R or T. In some
embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l 1,
wherein YI00 is Y, L, or R; and wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S;
wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M;
wherein Yl07 is Y or F; wherein Fl08 is F or W; wherein D 109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or
G; and wherein Yl 10 is any amino acid. In other embodiments, the polypeptide comprises

an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l 1, wherein G98 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or
T; wherein G99 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or T; wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is
Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T;
wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108 is F or W; wherein
D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or G; and wherein Yl10 is any amino acid. In some
embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) further comprises an antibody light
chain variable region.
[0041] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein S26 is S or F;
D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and H32 is H, N. or Q; an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID
NO:13, wherein 151 is I, T, V or A; and S56 is S or T; and an amino acid sequence shown
in SEQ ID N0.14, wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is K, H, R, or S; and wherein Y96 is Y or R.
In some embodiments, thepolypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID
NO: 14, wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is any amino acid; T93 is any amino acid; and wherein
Y96 is Y or R. In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) further
comprises an antibody heavy chain variable region.
[0042] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody)
which comprise (a) an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:9, wherein 134 is S, L, V
A, or I; and N35 is N, T or S; an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein
M50 is M, I, G, Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S; and L63 is L or V; and an amino acid sequence
shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein
G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is
Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108 is F or W; wherein D109 is D, N, or
G; and wherein Yl 10 is Y, K, S, R or T; and (b) an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID
NO: 12, wherein S26 is S or F; D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and H32 is H, N, or Q; an amino acid
sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein 151 is I, T, V or A; and S56 is S or T; and an
amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is K, H, R, or S;
and wherein Y96 is Y or R. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l 4, wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is any amino acid; T93
is any amino acid; and wherein Y96 is Y or R. In some embodiments, the polypeptide
comprises an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l 1, wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R;
wherein Y101 is Y or W; Avherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein

S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108
is F or W; wherein D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or G; wherein Yl10 is any amino acid. In
other embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID
NO;l 1, wherein G98 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or T; wherein G99 is G, S, A, C, V, N, D, or
T; wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S;
wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M;
wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein Fl 38 is F or W; wherein D109 is S, A, C, G, D, N, T, or
G; and wherein Yl 10 is any amino acid. In some embodiments, the polypeptide further
comprises an antibody light chain variable region.
[0043] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptide (such as antibodies)
comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising: (a) a CDR1 region of SEQ ID NO:9,
wherein 134 is S, L, V A, or I; and N35 is substituted with N, T or S; (b) a CDR2 region of
SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein M50 is I, G Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S; and L63 is L or V; and (c)
a CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Y 100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Yl01 is Y or W;
wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T; wherein
Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108 is F or W; wherein D109 is
D, N, or G; and wherein Yl 10 is Y, K, S, R or T; wherein the antibody binds NGF.
[0044] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as antibodies)
comprising a light chain variable region comprising: (a) a CDR1 region of SEQ ID NO:12,
wherein S26 is S or F; D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and H32 is H, N, or Q; (b) a CDR2 region of
SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein 151 is I, T, V or A; and S56 is S or T; and (c) a CDR3 region of
SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein K92 is K, H, R, or S; and wherein Y96 is Y or R;
wherein the antibody binds NGF.
(00451 In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as antibodies)
comprising (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising: (i) a CDR1 region of SEQ ID
NO:9, wherein 134 is substituted with S, L, V A, or I; and N35 is substituted with N, T or
S; (ii) a CDR2 region of SEQ ID NO 10, wherein M50 is I, G, Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S;
and L63 is L or V; and (iii) a CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R;
wherein Yl 01 is Y or W; wherein Gl03 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein
S105 is S, A, or T; wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108
is F or W; wherein D109 is D, N, or G; wherein Yl10 is Y, K, S, R or T; and (b) a light

chain variable region comprising: (i) a CDR1 region of SEQ ID NO: 12, wherein S26 is S
or F; D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and H32 is H, N, or Q; (ii) a CDR2 region of SEQ ID NO: 13,
wherein 153 is I, T, V or A; and S56 is S or T; and (iii) a CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 14,
wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is K, H, R, or S; and wherein Y96 is Y or R; wherein the
antibody binds NGF.
[0046] Unless otherwise noted, choice (e.g., substitution) of an amino acid in one
location is independently selected from selection of an amino acid in any other location.
[0047] In some embodiments, polynucleotides (such as an antibody) bind NGF
(such as human NGF). In some embodiments, the polypeptides comprise any of the CDR
configurations (including combinations, variations, etc.) described herein.
[0048] As is evident from the description herein, the variable region numbering
used herein is sequential numbering. One of skill in the art readily understands that a
number of antibody numbering systems exist (such as Kabat and Chothia numbering), and
how to convert sequential numbering into another numbering system, such as Kabat
numbering or Chothia numbering.
[0049] In another aspect, the nvention provides a polypeptide (such as an antibody)
comprising an amino acid sequence (such as a CDR3 sequence) selected from SEQ ID
NO:46 or 50. In still other embodiments, the polypeptide further comprises one or more of
the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3,4, 5, 6,7, and 8. In still other
embodiments, the polypeptide further comprises one of more of the amino acid sequences
shown in SEQ ID NOS:9,10,11,12,13, 14, and 15.
[0050] In another aspect, the invention provides a polypeptide (such as an antibody)
comprising an amino acid sequence (such as a CDR region, such as a CDRH1 and/or CDR
H2 region) selected from (a) SEQ ID NOS:28 and/or 29; (b) SEQ ID NOS:30 and/or 31; (c)
SEQ ID NOS-.32 and/or 33; (d) SEQ ID NOS:34 and/or 35; (e) SEQ ID NOS:36 and/or 37;
(f) SEQ ID NOS:38 and/or 39; and (g) SEQ ID NOS:40 and 41. In some embodiments, the
polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence (such as a CDR HI region) selected from
SEQ ID NOS-.28,30,32,34, 36, 38, and 40. In some embodiments, the polypeptide
comprises an amino acid sequence (such as a CDR H2 region) selected from SEQ ID
NOS.29, 31, 33, 35, 37,39 and 41. In still other embodiments, the polypeptide further
comprises one or more of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3,4, 5, 6, 7,

and 8. In still other embodiments, the polypeptide further comprises one of more of the
amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:9,10,11,12,13,14, and 15.
[0051] In another aspect, the invention provides a polypeptide (such as an antibody)
comprising an amino acid sequence (such as a CDR region, such as a CDRL1 and/or CDR
L2 region) selected from (a) SEQ ID NOS:18 and/or 19; (b) SEQ ID NOS:20 and/or 21;
and (c) SEQ ID NOS:22 and/or 23. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an
amino acid sequence (such as a CDR LI region) selected from SEQ ID NOS:18,20, and
22. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence (such as a
CDR L2 region) selected from SEQ ID NOS:19,21, and 23. In still other embodiments,
the polypeptide further comprises one or more of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ
ID NOS:3,4,5,6,7,8. In still other embodiments, the polypeptide further comprises one
of more of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:9,10,11,12,13,14, and 15.
[0052] In another aspect, the invention provides a polypeptide (such as an antibody)
comprising an amino acid sequence (such as a CDR region, such as a CDRL3 and/or CDR
H3 region) selected from (a) SEQ ID NOS:51 and/or 52; (b) SEQ ID NOS:55 and/or 56; (c)
SEQ ID NOS-.57 and/or 58; (c) SEQ ID NOS:59 and/or 60; (d) SEQ ID NOS:61 and/or 62;
(e) SEQ ID NOS:63 and/or C4. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino.
acid sequence (such as a CD R L3 region) selected from SEQ ID NOS:51,55, 57, 59, 61,
and 63. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence (such
as a CDR H3 region) selected from SEQ ID NOS:52,56,58,60,62, and 64. In still other
embodiments, the polypeptide further comprises an amino acid sequence shown in one or
more of SEQ ID NOS:18,19, 30 and 31. In still other embodiments, the polypeptide further
comprises one or more of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3,4, 5,6, 7,
and 8. In still other embodiments, the polypeptide further comprises one of more of the
amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:9,10,11,12,13,14, and 15.
[0053] In another as sect, the invention provides a polypeptide (such as an antibody)
comprising one or more of an amino acid sequence (such as a CDR region) shown in SEQ
ID NOS-.61, 63,18,19,30 and 31.
[0054] In one asped, the invention provides an anti-NGF antibody (such as an
antagonist antibody) that binds NGF (such as human NGF) with a high affinity. In some
embodiments, high affinity is (a) binding NGF with a KD of less than about 2 nM (such as
any of about 1 nM, 800 pM 600 pM, 400 pM, 200 pM, 100 pM, 90 pM, 80 pM, 70 pM, 60

pM, 50 pM, or less), and/or a kof of slower than about 6xl0-5 s-1); and/or (b) inhibiting
(reducing, and/or blocking) human NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal
neurons with an IC50 (in the presence of about 15 pM of NGF) of about any of 200 pM,
150 pM, 100 pM, 80 pM, 60 pM, 40 pM, 20 pM, 10 pM, or less; and/or (c) inhibiting
(reducing, and/or blocking) human NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal
neurons with an IC50 (in the presence of about 1.5 pM of NGF) of about any of 50 pM, 40
pM, 30 pM, 10 pM, 20 pM, 10 pM, 5 pM, 2 pM, 1 pM, or less; and/or (d) inhibiting
(reducing, and/or blocking) NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal neurons
with an IC50 (in the presence of about 15 pM of NGF) of about any of 150 pM, 125 pM,
100 pM, 80 pM, 60 pM, 40 pM, 30 pM, 20 pM, 10 pM, 5 pM, or less; and/or (e) inhibiting
(reducing, and/or blocking) rat NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal neurons
with an IC50 (in the presence of about 1.5 pM of NGF) of about any of 30 pM, 25 pM, 20
pM, 15 pM, 10 pM, 5 pM, 4 pM, 3 pM, 2 pM, 1 pM, or less; and/or (f) and/or bind NGF
with higher affinity than does the trkA receptor.
[0055] In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (such as an antibody),
wherein the polypeptides (a) bind NGF (such as human NGF) with a KD of less than about
2 nM (such as any of about 1 nM,.800 pM, 600 pM, 400 pM, 200 pM, l00pM, 90 pM, 80 .
pM, 70 pM, 60 pM, 50 pM, or less), and/or a k0ff of slower than about 6xl0-5 s-1); and/or (b)
inhibit human NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal neurons with an IC50
(in the presence of about 15 pM of NGF) of about any of 200 pM, 150 pM, 100 pM, 80
pM, 60 pM, 40 pM, 20 pM, .0 pM, or less; and/or (c) inhibit human NGF-dependent
survival of mouse El 3.5 trigeminal neurons with an IC50 (in the presence of about 1.5 pM
of NGF) of about any of 50 pM, 40 pM, 30 pM, 10 pM, 20 pM, 10 pM, 5 pM, 2 pM, 1 pM,
or less; and/or bind NGF with higher affinity than does the trkA receptor. In some
embodiments, the polypeptides (a) bind NGF with a KD of less than about 2 nM; and/or (b)
inhibit human NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal neurons with an IC50 of
about 100 pM or less, wherein the IC50 is measured in the presence of about 15 pM NGF;
and/or (c) inhibit human NC F-dependent survival of mouse El3.5 trigeminal neurons with
an IC50 of about 10 pM or less, wherein the IC50 is measured in the presence of about 1.5
pM of NGF, wherein the IC 50 is measured in the presence of about 15 pM NGF. In some
embodiments, the polypeptides (a) bind NGF with a KD of less than about 100 pM; and/or
(b) inhibit human NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal neurons with an

IC50 of about 20 pM or less, wherein the IC50 is measured in the presence of about 15 pM
NGF; and/or (c) inhibit human NGF dependent survival of mouse El3.5 trigeminal neurons
with an IC50 of about 2 pM or less, wherein the IC50 is measured in the presence of about
1.5 pM of NGF.
[0056] As is evident from the description herein, specifically excluded from the
invention are polypeptide embodiments consisting of the identical amino acid sequence to
an amino acid sequence of mouse monoclonal antibody, 911. The extended CDR
sequences of Mab 911 are shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and in SEQ ID NOS:9-14.
[0057J In some embodiments, the invention provides any of the above polypeptides
or antibodies, further wherein the polypeptide (such as an antibody) is isolated. In some
embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) is substantially purified. In still other
embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) is affinity matured. In other
embodiments, the antibody is an antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, the
polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises human framework sequences. In still other
embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises one or more non-human
framework residues. In some embod merits, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) binds
NGF (such as human NGF) with a KD of 2nM or less. In some embodiments, the
polypeptide comprises one or more (such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more) human amino acid
substitutions relative to a non-humar amino acid sequence (such as a variable region
sequence, such as a CDR sequence, such as a framework sequence). In some
embodiments, the polypeptide comprises at least 1, at least 2, or more such as at least 3, 4,
5, 6, or more amino acid substitutions relative to a parent polypeptide amino acid sequence
(such as an antibody 911 amino acid sequence, such as any one or more of SED ID NOs 9-
14). In some embodiments, the binding affinity of the antibody has been altered (in some
embodiments, increased) relative to a parent antibody (such as Mab 911) affinity. In still
other embodiments, the binding affinity of the antibody is lower than the binding affinity of
trkA receptor for NGF (such as human NGF). In some embodiments, the polypeptides may
be antibodies. In some embodiments, the antibodies are human antibodies. In other
embodiments, the antibodies are humanized antibodies. In still other embodiments, the
antibodies are monoclonal antibodies. In some embodiments, the antibody is an affinity
matured antibody.

[0058] The invention provides polynucleotides (including isolated polynucleotide)
comprising polynucleotides encoding any of the embodiments above.
[0059] In another aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide
comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fragment or a region of the antibody E3
(interchangeably termed "E3" herein). In one embodiment, the fragment is a light chain of
the antibody E3 as shown in Figure 1B. In another embodiment, the fragment is a heavy
chain of the antibody E3 as shown in Figure 1 A. In yet another embodiment, the fragment
contains one or more variable regions from a light chain and/or a heavy chain of the
antibody E3. In yet another embodiment, the fragment contains one or more
complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from a light chain and/or a heavy chain of
the antibody E3 as shown in Figures 1A and 1B.
[0060] In another aspect, the invention is an isolated polynucleotide comprising a
polynucleotide that encodes for antibody E3. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide
comprises either or both of the polynucleotide shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0061] In another aspect, the nvention is an isolated polynucleotide that encodes
for an E3 light chain with a deposit n amber of ATCC No. PTA-4893 or ATCC No. PTA-
4894. In another aspect, the invention is an isolated polynucleotide that encodes for an E3
heavy chain with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895. In yet another aspect, the
invention is an isolated polynucleotide comprising (a) a variable region encoded in the
polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4893 or PTA-4894 and (b) a
variable region encoded in the polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-
4895. In another aspect, the invention is an isolated polynucleotide comprising (a) one or
more CDR encoded in the polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4893
or PTA-4894; and/or (b) one or more CDR encoded in the polynucleotide with a deposit
number of ATCC No. PTA-4895.
[0062] In another aspect, the invention provides polynucleotides encoding any of
the antibodies (including antibody fragments) or polypeptides described herein.
[0063] In another aspect, the invention provides vectors (including expression and
cloning vectors) and host cells comprising any of the polynucleotide disclosed herein.
[0064] As is evident from the description herein, specifically included from the
invention are polynucleotide embodiments consisting of the identical polynucleotide

sequence to a polynucleotide sequence of mouse monoclonal antibody, 911. The extended
CDR sequences of Mab 911 are shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and in SEQ ID NOS:9-14.
[0065] In another aspect, the invention is a host cell comprising a polynucleotide
encoding E3 light chain and a polynucleotide encoding E3 heavy chain, wherein the
polynucleotide(s) encoding E3 light chain has a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4893
and/or ATCC No. PTA-4894, and the polynucleotide encoding E3 heavy chain has a
deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895. In some embodiments, the host cell comprises
polynucleotide comprising (a) a variable region encoded in the polynucleotide with a
deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4893 or PTA-4894 and/or (b) a variable region encoded
in the polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895. In some
embodiments, the host cell comprise; a polynucleotide encoding (a) one or more CDR
encoded in the polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4893 or PTA-
4894; and/or (b) one or more CDR encoded in the polynucleotide with a deposit number of
ATCC No. PTA-4895. In some embodiments, the host cell is a mammalian cell.
[0066] In another aspect, the invention is a complex of NGF bound by antibody E3.
In another aspect, the complex is iso ated. In another aspect, the complex is substantially
purified.
[0067] In another aspect, the invention is a complex of NGF bound by any of the
antibodies or polypeptides described herein. In another aspect, the complex is isolated. In
another aspect, the complex is substantially purified.
[0068] In another aspect, the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising
any of the polypeptides (including antibodies such as antibody E3) or polynucleotides
described herein, such as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibody E3 or an
antibody comprising a fragment of the antibody E3, and a pharmaceutically acceptable
excipient.
[0069] In another aspect, the invention is a method of generating antibody E3
comprising preparing a host cell comprising an expression vector that encodes for antibody
E3; culturing the host cell or progeny thereof under conditions that allow production of
antibody E3; and purifying the antibody E3. In some embodiments, the expression vector
comprises one or both of the polynucleotide sequences shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0070] In another aspect, the invention is a method of generating antibody E3
comprising expressing a polynucleotide encoding E3 light chain and a polynucleotide

encoding E3 heavy chain in a suitable cell, wherein the polynucleotide encoding E3 light
chain has a deposit number of ATC C No. PTA-4893 and/or ATCC No. PTA-4894, and the
polynucleotide encoding E3 heavy chain has a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895;
generally followed by recovering and/or isolating the antibody.
[0071] In another aspect, the invention provides methods of generating any of the
polypeptides (such as antibodies) described herein by expressing one or more
polynucleotides encoding the antibody (which may be separately expressed as a single light
or heavy chain, or both a light and a heavy chain may be expressed from one vector) in a
suitable cell, generally followed by ecovering and/or isolating the antibody or polypeptides
of interest.
[0072] In another aspect, the invention is a method of antagonizing NGF (such as
human NGF) biological activity using any of the polypeptides (including antibodies such as
antibody E3) disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting
human nerve growth factor with any of the polypeptides (including antibody E3) described
herein, whereby NGF activity (such as human nerve growth factor activity) is antagonized,
reduced, blocked, or suppressed.
[0073] In another aspect, the invention is a method of detecting NGF using any of
the polypeptides (including antibodies, such as the antibody E3) described herein. The
presence of NGF is detected by detecting a complex between NGF and any of the
polypeptides described herein (such as antibody E3). The term "detection" as used herein
includes qualitative and/or quantitative detection (measuring levels) with or without
reference to a control.
[0074] In another aspect, the invention is a method of treating pain by
administering an effective amount oi a composition comprising the antibody E3 or any of
the polypeptide (including antibody) or polynucleotide embodiments described herein. In
some embodiments, the pain is post-surgical pain.
[0075] In another aspect, the invention is a method for preventing or treating
rheumatoid arthritis pain in an individual by administering an effective amount of anti-NGF
antagonist antibody to the individual It has been shown in accordance with the invention
that an anti-NGF antagonist antibody is capable of inhibiting or blocking the pain
associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In some embodiments, the pain is alleviated within
about 24 hours after administering the anti-NGF antagonist antibody. In some

embodiments, the pain is alleviatec within about 4 days after administering the anti-NGF
antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, the pain is alleviated before observing or in the
absence of an indication of improvement of the inflammatory condition in the individual.
[0076] In another aspect, the invention provides methods for reducing incidence of
rheumatoid arthritis pain, ameliorating rheumatoid arthritis pain, suppressing rheumatoid
arthritis pain, palliating rheumatoid arthritis pain, and/or delaying the onset, development,
or progression of rheumatoid arthritis pain in an individual, said method comprising
administering an effective amount of anti-NGF antagonist antibody to the individual.
[0077] In another aspect, the invention is a method for preventing or treating
osteoarthritis pain in an individual by administering an effective amount of anti-NGF
antagonist antibody to the individual.
[0078] In another aspect, he invention provides methods for treating inflammatory
cachexia (weight loss) associated with rheumatoid arthritis in an individual comprising
administering an effective amount of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody. In another aspect,
the invention provides methods for reducing incidence of osteoarthritis pain, ameliorating
osteoarthritis pain, suppressing osteoarthritis pain, palliating osteoarthritis pain, and/or
delaying the onset, development, or progression of osteoarthritis pain in an individual, said
method comprising administering an effective amount of anti-NGF antagonist antibody to
the individual.
[0079] In another aspect, the invention provides kits and compositions comprising
any one or more of the compositions described herein. These kits, generally in suitable
packaging and provided with aporopriate instructions, are useful for any of the methods
described herein.
[0080] The invention also provides any of the compositions and kits described for
any use described herein whether in the context of use as medicament and/or use for
manufacture of a medicament.
ACCOMPANYING
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE/FIGURES
[0081] FIGURE 1A: shows the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain variable
region of the E3 antibody (labe ed "6" and "5 + affinity maturation H3). The Chothia
CDRs and Kabat CDRs are depicted by underlined text and bold and italicized text,
respectively. Figure 1A also shows the alignment of the following heavy chain variable

region amino acid sequences; (2) YH4-59 human germline acceptor sequence (labeled
"VH4-59" or "2"); (3) the acceptor sequences grafted with the extended CDRs of the mouse
antibody 911 (labeled "CDR grafted" or "3"); (4) the CDR grafted acceptor sequences
including the V71K substitution (labeled ""3+one framework mutation" or "4"); (5) the
clone containing affinity matured CDRs H1 and H2 (labeled "5" or "4+ affinity maturation
H1, H2"); and antibody E3 (as described above).
[0082] FIGURE 1B: shows the amino acid sequence of the light chain variable
region of the E3 antibody (labeled "5" or "4 + affinity maturation L3). The Chothia CDRs
and Kabat CDRs are depicted by underlined text and bold and italicized text, respectively.
Figure 1B also shows the alignment of the following light chain variable region amino acid
sequences: (2) 08 human germline acceptor sequence (labeled "08" or "2"); (3) the
acceptor sequences grafted with the extended CDRs of the mouse antibody 911 (labeled
"CDR grafted" or "3"); (4) the CDR grafted acceptor sequences (labeled ""3+ affinity
maturation L1, L2" or "4"); (5) the clone containing affinity matured CDRs L1 and L2
(labeled "5" or "4+ affinity maturation L3"); and antibody E3 (as described above).
[0083] FIGURE 2: shows a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide sequence
encoding the heavy chain variable region of antibody E3.
[0084] FIGURE 3: shows a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide sequence
encoding the light chain variable region of antibody E3.
[0085] FIGURE 4: is a graph depicting NGF-dependent survival of E13.5 neurons
in the presence of varying concentration of human and rat NGF. The X axis corresponds to
NGF concentration (ng/ml) and the Y axis corresponds to counted neurons.
[0086] FIGURE 5: is a graph comparing the NGF blocking effect of various Fabs
in the presence of either 0.04 ng/ml of human NGF (approximately 1.5 pM; shown in lower
panel) or 0.4 ng/ml human NGF (approximately 15 pM; shown in upper panel). Survival
of E13.5 mouse trigeminal neurons in various concentrations of Fab E3; murine 911 Fab;
and Fab H19-L129 and Fab 8L2-6D5 was assessed. The IC50 (in pM) was calculated for
each Fab at each NGF concentration, and is shown in Table 9. Fab E3 strongly blocked
human NGF-dependent trigeminal neuron survival, with an 1C50 of approximately 21 pM
in the presence of 15 pM human NGF, and an IC50 of approximately 1.2 pM in the
presence of 1.5 pM human NGF. Fabs 3C and H19-L129 also strongly blocked human
NGF-dependent trigeminal neuror survival. In both panels, the X axis corresponds to

antibody concentration (nM) and the Y axis corresponds to counted neurons. 1.5 pM of
NGF was around the IC50, while 15 pM represented a saturating concentration of NGF.
[0087J FIGURE 6: is a graph comparing the NGF blocking effect of various Fabs
in the presence of either 0.04 ng/ml of rat NGF (approximately 1.5 pM; shown in lower
panel) or 0.4 ng/ml rat NGF (approximately 15 pM; shown in upper panel). Survival of
E13.5 mouse trigeminal neurons in various concentrations of Fab E3; murine Fab 911; and
Fab H19-L129 and 8L2-6D5 was assessed as described above. The IC50 (in pM) was
calculated for each Fab at each NGF concentration, and is shown in Table 9. Fab E3
strongly blocked human NGF-dependent trigeminal neuron survival, with an IC50 of
approximately 31.6 pM in the presence of 15 pM rat NGF, and an IC50 of approximately
1.3 pM in the presence of 1.5 pM rat NGF. Fabs 3C and H19-L129 also strongly blocked
rat NGF-dependent trigeminal nenron survival. 1.5 pM of NGF was around the IC50,
while 15 pM represented a satura ing conceutration of NGF. In both panels, the X axis
corresponds to antibody concentration (nM) and the Y axis corresponds to counted
neurons.
[0088] FIGURE 7: is a graph depicting resting pain assessed 24 hours after surgery
and showing that treatment with 0.02 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, or 1 mg/kg of anti-
NGF antibody E3 reduced pain. "*" indicates a statistically significant difference (p from the negative control.
[10089] FIGURE 8: is a graph depicting resting pain assessed 24 hours after surgery
and showing that treatment with 0.5 mg/kg of anti-NGF antibody E3 significantly
(p [0090] FIGURE 9: is a graph showing the results of BIAcore analysis of the
binding affinity to human NGF of mouse antibody 911 (Fab). Mouse antibody 911 bound
NGF with a KD of 3.7 nM, koff of 8.4x10-5V-1 and k0n of 2.2x104Ms-1.
[0091] FIGURE 10: is a graph showing the results of BIAcore analysis of the
binding affinity to human NGF of antibody E3 (Fab) (referred to as "3E Fab"). E3 bound
human NGF with a KD of approximately 0.07 nM (and with a kon of about 6.0 x 105 M'V
1, and a koff of about 4.2x10-5 s-1 )
[0092] FIGURE 11: is a graph depicting that antibody E3 blocks the interaction of
NGF with its receptors, trkA ard p75, as assessed by percent binding detected between
NGF and trkA (shown in black circles) and NGF and p75 (shown as hollow squares). The

X axis corresponds to concentration of antibody 3E (Fab) and the Y axis corresponds to
NGF binding (percent maximum RU). Increased concentrations of Fab E3 blocked the
interaction of NGF with both p75 and trkA, as shown by decreased signal (measured in
RU). When antibody E3 (Fab) concentration equaled NGF concentration, no NGF binding
was observed (as shown by a signal of zero).
[0093] FIGURE 12: is a graph depicting the human NGF blocking ability of full
antibody E3 and Fab E3. Survival of El3.5 mouse trigeminal neurons in the presence of
human NGF and various concentrations of Fab E3 and antibody E3 was assessed. The X
axis corresponds to NGF binding sites (nM) and the Y axis corresponds to normalized
count of trigeminal (TG) neurons. Full antibody E3 and Fab 3E showed similar levels of
inhibition of NGF-dependent survival of trigeminal neurons when the concentration of
whole antibody and Fab were normalized to the number of NGF binding sites (Fab has one
binding site and whole antibody has two binding sites).
[0094] FIGURE 13: is a graph depicting the ability of various concentrations (20,
4, 0.8, 0.16, 0.032,0.0064, 0.00128, and 0.0 nM) of antibody E3 (solid triangles; referred
to as "3E"), antibody 911 (solid cicles), and a trkA receptor immunoadhesin (shaded
squares; referred as "trkA-Fc) to inhibit NGF-dependent survival of E13.5 trigeminal
neurons in the presence of 0.4 ng/ml human NGF (saturating conditions). The X axis
corresponds to concentration of artibody (nM) and the Y concentration corresponds to
counted neurons. These results demonstrated that antibody E3 blocked NGF significantly
better than either mouse monoclonal anti-NGF antibody 911 or the trkA immunoadhesin.
[0095] FIGURE 14: is a graph depicting that anti-NGF antagonist antibody E3
(termed "3E in the figure") or Fab 911 did not inhibit the neuronal survival promoted by
NT3, NT4/5 and MSP, even at anibody concentrations as high as 200 nM. The data
represented mean percent surviva after 48 hours in culture (±standard error of mean, n=3
for each data point) relative to the survival observed in the positive control for each
experiment (100% survival of trigeminal neurons grown in the presence of saturating NGF
concentration). Various concentrations (20 nM, 2 nM, or 0.2 nM) of E3 Fab (termed "3E"
in the figure) and mouse antibod) 911 Fab were used in the presence of no added
neurotrophin (termed "control"), 400 pM NGF (termed "NGF-400pM), 10 nM NT3
(termed "NT3-10nM) or 600 pM MSP (termed "MSP-600 pM).

[0096] FIGURE 15: is a graph depicting that anti-NGF antagonist antibody E3
(Fab or full antibody) (termed "3E in the figure") or mouse antibody 911 (Fab or full
antibody) did not inhibit the neuronal survival promoted by NT3, NT4/5 and MSP, even at
antibody concentrations as high as 200 nM Various concentrations (200 nM and 80 nM) of
E3 Fab and full antibody and mouse antibody 911 full antibody and Fab were used in the
presence of no added neurotrophins (termed "no factor"), 400 pMNGF (termed "NGF-
400pM), 10 nM NT3 (termed "M3-10nM) or 600 pM MSP (termed "MSP-600 pM).
[0097] FIGURE 16: is a graph depicting that anti-NGF antagonist antibody E3 or
Fab E3 did not inhibit survival of El7 nodose neurons promoted by BDNF, NT4/5 or LIF.
Mouse anti-NGF antagonist antibody 911 was also tested, and similar results were
observed. Various concentrations (2.00 nM or 80 nM) of full antibody E3 (termed "3E in
die figure"), Fab E3, full antibody 911, or Fab 911 were tested in the presence of no added
neurotrophins (termed "no factors"), 400 pM BDNF (termed "BDNF-400pM), 400 pM
NT4/5 (termed "NT4/5-400pM), or 2.5 nM LIF (termed "LIF-2.5 nM).
[0098] FIGURE 17: is a graph depicting that anti-NGF antagonist antibody E3 or
Fab E3 did not inhibit survival of El7 nodose neurons promoted by BDNF, NT4/5 or LIF.
Various concentrations (200 nM, 20 nM, 2nM) of Fab E3 (termed "3E in the figure"), or
Fab 911 were tested in the presence of no added neurotrophins (termed "control"), 400 pM
BDNF (termed "BDNF-400pM, 400 pM NT4/5 (termed "NT4/5-400pM), or 2.5 nM LIF
(termed "LIP-2.5 nM).
[0099] FIGURE 18: is a graph demonstrating nociceptive response in arthritic rats
(rheumatoid arthritis model) after administration of anti-NGF antibodies (E3 and 911) on
D14 and D19. E3 (lmg/kg, i.v. on day 14 and day 19), 911 (10 mg/kg, i.v. on day 14 and
day 19), or indo (indomethacin 3 mg/kg, p.o. daily over 10 days) were administered to
arthritic mice. Vocalization intensity values are expressed in mV as means ± s.e.m.
[0100] FIGURE 19: is a graph demonstrating effects of anti-NGF antibodies on
body weight in arthritis in rats (rheumatoid arthritis model) after administration of anti-
NGF antibodies on D14 and D3 9. E3 (lmg/kg, i.v. on day 14 and day 19), 911 (10 mg/kg,
i.v. on day 14 and day 19), or indo (indomethacin 3 mg/kg, p.o. daily over 10 days) were
administered to arthritic mice. Body weight values are expressed in grams as mean ±
s.e.m.

[0101] FIGURE 20: is a gaph demonstrating nociceptive response in arthritic rats
(rheumatoid arthritis model) after administration of different doses of anti-NGF antibody
E3 (0.003 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.3 mag/kg, and 5 mg/kg) on D14 and D18. Vocalization
intensity values are expressed in mV as means ± s.e.m.
[0102] FIGURE 21: is a graph demonstrating effects of anti-NGF antibody E3 on
percentage of weight on Day 14 (normalized to Day 14) in arthritic rats (rheumatoid
arthritis model) after administration of different doses of anti-NGF antibody E3 (0.03
mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg) on DI4 and D18.
[0103] FIGURE 22: is a graph demonstrating effects of anti-NGF antibody E3 on
weight loss in arthritic rats (rheumatoid arthritis model) after administration of different
doses of anti-NGF antibody E3 (C.03 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg) on D14 and D18.
Body weight values were normalized to Day 0.
[0104] FIGURE 23: depic ts the E3 heavy chain variable region amino acid
sequence (Fig. 23A) and light chain variable region amino acid sequence (Fig. 23B), as
numbered using sequential numbering, Kabat numbering, and Chothia numbering.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0105] The invention disclosed herein provides anti-NGF antagonist antibodies that
bind NGF (such as human NGF) with high affinity. The invention further provides
antibodies and polypeptides derived from E3 that bind NGF, and methods of making and
using these antibodies. In some embodiments, the invention provides a humanized
antibody, E3, which binds to nerve growth factor ("NGF"), and methods of making and
using this antibody. The invention also provides E3 polypeptides (including antibodies)
that bind NGF, and polynucleotides encoding E3 antibody and/or polypeptide.
[0106] The invention dis dosed herein also provides methods for preventing and/or
treating rheumatoid arthritis pair in an individual by administration of a therapeutically
effective amount of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody.
[0107] The invention disclosed herein also provides methods for preventing and/or
treating osteoarthritis pain in an individual by administration of a therapeutically effective
amount of an anti-NGF antagonist: antibody.
[0108] The invention also provides methods for adjusting the affinity of an
antibody and methods for characterizing a CDR region.

General Techniques
[0109] The practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise
indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology (including recombinant
techniques), microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry and immunology, which are within
the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature, such as, Molecular
Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, second edition (Sambrook et al., 1989) Cold Spring
Harbor Press; Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M.J. Gait, ed., 1984); Methods in Molecular
Biology, Humana Press; Cell Biology: A Laboratory Notebook (J.E. Cellis, ed., 1998)
Academic Press; Animal Cell Culture (R.I. Freshney, ed., 1987); Introduction to Cell and
Tissue Culture (J.P. Mather and P.E. Roberts, 1998) Plenum Press; Cell and Tissue
Culture: Laboratoiy Procedures A. Doyle, J.B. Griffiths, and D.G. Newell, eds., 1993-
1998) J. Wiley and Sons; Methods in Enzymology (Academic Press, Inc.); Handbook of
Experimental Immunology (D.M. Weir and C.C. Blackwell, eds.); Gene Transfer Vectors
for Mammalian Cells (J.M. Mille and M.P. Calos, eds., 1987); Current Protocols in
Molecular Biology (F.M. Ausubel et al., eds., 1987); PCR: The Polymerase Chain
Reaction, (Mullis et al., eds., 1994); Current Protocols in Immunology (J.E. Coligan et al.,
eds., 1991); Short Protocols in Molecular Biolog (Wiley and Sons, 1999); Immunobiology
(C.A. Janeway and P. Travers, 1997); Antibodies (P. Finch, 1997); Antibodies: a practical
approach (D. Catty., ed., IRL Press, 1988-1989); Monoclonal antibodies: a practical
approach (P. Shepherd and C. Dt;an, eds., Oxford University Press, 2000); Using
antibodies: a laboratory manual (E. Harlow and D. Lane (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Press, 1999); The Antibodies (M. Zanetti and J.D. Capra, eds., Harwood Academic
Publishers, 1995); and Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology) (V.T. DeVita et al.,
eds., J.B. Lippincott Company, 1993).
Definitions
[0110] An "antibody" is an immunoglobulin molecule capable of specific binding
to a target, such as a carbohydrate, polynucleotide, lipid, polypeptide, etc., through at least
one antigen recognition site, located in the variable region of the immunoglobulin
molecule. As used herein, the term encompasses not only intact polyclonal or monoclonal
antibodies, but also fragments thereof (such as Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv), single chain (ScFv),

mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising an antibody portion, and any other modified
configuration of the immunoglobulin molecule that comprises an antigen recognition site.
An antibody includes an antibody of any class, such as IgG, IgA, or IgM (or sub-class
thereof), and the antibody need not be of any particular class. Depending on the antibody
amino acid sequence of the constant domain of its heavy chains, immunoglobulins can be
assigned to different classes. Then: are five major classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD,
IgE, IgG, and IgM, and several of these may be further divided into subclasses (isotypes),
e.g., IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgAl and IgA2:. The heavy-chain constant domains that
correspond to the different classes of immunoglobulins are called alpha, delta, epsilon,
gamma, and mu, respectively. The subunit structures and three-dimensional configurations
of different classes of immunoglobalins are well known
[0111] "Fv" is an antibody fragment that contains a complete antigen-recognition
and -binding site. In a two-chain F v species, this region consists of a dimer of one heavy
and one light chain variable domain in tight, non-covalent association. In a single-chain Fv
species, one heavy and one light chain variable domain can be covalently linked by a
flexible peptide linker such that the light and heavy chains can associate in a dimeric
structure analogous to that in a two -chain Fv species. It is in this configuration that the
three CDRs of each variable domain interact to define an antigen-binding specificity on the
surface of the VH-VL dimer. However, even a single variable domain (or half of a Fv
comprising only 3 CDRs specific for an antigen) has the ability to recognize and bind
antigen, although generally at a lover affinity than the entire binding site.
[0112] The Fab fragment also contains the constant domain of the light chain and
the first constant domain (CH1) of the heavy chain. Fab' fragments differ from Fab
fragments by the addition of a few residues at the carboxy terminus of the heavy chain CH1
domain including one or more cysteines from the antibody hinge regions.
[0113] A "monoclonal antibody" refers to a homogeneous antibody population
wherein the monoclonal antibody is comprised of amino acids (naturally occurring and
non-naturally occurring) that are involved in the selective binding of an antigen. A
population of monoclonal antibodies is highly specific, being directed against a single
antigenic site. The term "monoclonal antibody" encompasses not only intact monoclonal
antibodies and full-length monoclonal antibodies, but also fragments thereof (such as Fab,
Fab', F(ab')2, Fv), single chain (ScFv), mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising an

antibody portion, and any other modified configuration of the immunoglobulin molecule
that comprises an antigen recognition site of the required specificity and the ability to bind
to an antigen. It is not intended to be limited as regards to the source of the antibody or the
manner in which it is made (e.g., by hybridoma, phage selection, recombinant expression,
transgenic animals, etc.).
[0114] As used herein, "human antibody" means an antibody having an amino acid
sequence corresponding to that of an antibody produced by a human and/or has been made
using any of the techniques for mating human antibodies known in the art or disclosed
herein. This definition of a human antibody includes antibodies comprising at least one
human heavy chain polypeptide or at least one human light chain polypeptide. One such
example is an antibody comprising murine light chain and human heavy chain
polypeptides. Human antibodies can be produced using various techniques known in the
art. In one embodiment, the human antibody is selected from a phage library, where that
phage library expresses human antibodies (Vaughan et al., 1996, Nature Biotechnology,
14:309-314; Sheets et al., 1998, PNAS, (USA) 95:6157-6162; Hoogenboom and Winter,
1991, J. Mol. Biol, 227:381; Marks et al., 1991, J. Mol. Biol, 222:581). Human antibodies
can also be made by introducing human immunoglobulin loci into transgenic animals, e.g.,
mice in which the endogenous immnuioglobulin genes have been partially or completely
inactivated. This approach is desc ibed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,545,807; 5,545,806;
5,569,825; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; and 5,661,016. Alternatively, the human antibody may
be prepared by immortalizing human B lymphocytes that produce an antibody directed
against a target antigen (such B lymphocytes may be recovered from an individual or may
have been immunized in vitro). See, e.g., Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer
Therapy, Alan R. Liss, p. 77 (1985); Boerner et al., 1991, J. Immunol., 147 (l):86-95; and
U.S. Patent No. 5,750,373.
[0115] "Chimeric antibodies" refers to those antibodies wherein one portion of each
of the amino acid sequences of heavy and light chains is homologous to corresponding
sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular class,
while the remaining segment of the chains is homologous to corresponding sequences in
another. Typically, in these chimeric antibodies, the variable region of both light and heavy
chains mimics the variable regions of antibodies derived from one species of mammals,
while the constant portions are homologous to the sequences in antibodies derived from

another. One clear advantage to such chimeric forms is that, for example, the variable
regions can conveniently be derived from presently known sources using readily available
hybridomas or B cells from non human host organisms in combination with constant
regions derived from, for example, human cell preparations. While the variable region has
the advantage of ease of preparation, and the specificity is not affected by its source, the
constant region being human, is less likely to elicit an immune response from a human
subject when the antibodies are injected than would the constant region from a non-human
source. However, the definition is not limited to this particular example.
[0116] A "functional Fc region" possesses at least one effector function of a native
sequence Fc region. Exemplary "eifector functions" include Clq binding; complement
dependent cytotoxicity (CDC); Fc roceptor binding; antibody-dependent cell-mediated
cytotoxicity (ADCC); phagocytosis down-regulation of cell surface receptors (e.g. B cell
receptor; BCR), etc. Such effector Junctions generally require the Fc region to be
combined with a binding domain (e g. an antibody variable domain) and can be assessed
using various assays known in the art for evaluating such antibody effector functions.
[0117] A "native sequence I c region" comprises an amino acid sequence identical
to the amino acid sequence of an Fc region found in nature. A "variant Fc region"
comprises an amino acid sequence which differs from that of a native sequence Fc region
by virtue of at least one amino acid modification, yet retains at least one effector function
of the native sequence Fc region. Preferably, the variant Fc region has at least one amino
acid substitution compared to a native sequence Fc region or to the Fc region of a parent
polypeptide, e.g. from about one to about ten amino acid substitutions, and preferably from
about one to about five amino acid substitutions in a native sequence Fc region or in the Fc
region of the parent polypeptide. The variant Fc region herein will preferably possess at
least about 80% sequence identity with a native sequence Fc region and/or with an Fc
region of a parent polypeptide, and most preferably at least about 90% sequence identity
therewith, more preferably at least about 95% sequence identity therewith.
[0118] As used herein "antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity" and
"ADCC" refer to a cell-mediated retction in which nonspecific cytotoxic cells that express
Fc receptors (FcRs) (e.g. natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and macrophages) recognize
bound antibody on a target cell and subsequently cause lysis of the target cell. ADCC
activity of a molecule of interest can be assessed using an in vitro ADCC assay, such as

that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,500,362 or 5,821,337. Useful effector cells for such
assays include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and NK cells. Alternatively, or
additionally, ADCC activity of the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g., in a
animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes et al., 1998, PNAS (USA), 95:652-656.
[0119] As used herein, "Fc receptor" and "FcR" describe a receptor that binds to the
Fc region of an antibody. The preferred FcR is a native sequence human FcR. Moreover, a
preferred FcR is one which binds an lgG antibody (a gamma receptor) and includes
receptors of the FcyRI, FcyRII, and FcyRIII subclasses, including allelic variants and
alternatively spliced forms of these receptors. FcyRII receptors include FcyRII A (an
"activating receptor") and FcγRIIB (an "inhibiting receptor"), which have similar amino
acid sequences that differ primarily n the cytoplasmic domains thereof. FcRs are reviewed
in Ravetch and Kinet, 1991, Ann. Rev. Immunol., 9:457-92; Capel et al., 1994,
Immunomethods, 4:25-34; and de Haas et al., 1995, J. Lab. Clin. Med., 126:330-41. "FcR"
also includes the neonatal receptor, FcRn, which is responsible for the transfer of maternal
IgGs to the fetus (Guyer et al., 1976: J. Immunol, 117:587; and Kim et al., 1994, J.
Immunol, 24:249).
[0120] "Complement depend ent cytotoxicity" and "CDC" refer to the lysing of a
target in the presence of complemem. The complement activation pathway is initiated by
the binding of the first component of the complement system (Clq) to a molecule (e.g. an
antibody) complexed with a cognate antigen. To assess complement activation, a CDC
assay, e.g. as described in Gazzano-Santoro et al, J. Immunol. Methods, 202:163 (1996),
may be performed.
[0121] As used herein, the te ms "E3", "3E", and "antibody E3" are used
interchangeably to refer to an antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of the heavy
chain and light chain variable regions shown in Figures 1A (SEQ ID NO:l) and 1B (SEQ
ID NO:2), respectively. The CDR portions of antibody E3 (including Chothia and Kabat
CDRs) are diagrammatically depicted in Figures 1A and 1B. Figures 2 and 3 show
polynucleotides encoding heavy and light chains, respectively, comprising the heavy and
light chain variable regions shown in Figures 1A and 1B, respectively. The generation and
characterization of E3 is described in the Examples. Different biological functions are
associated with E3, including, but not limited to, ability to bind to NGF and inhibit NGF
biological activity and/or downstream pathway(s) mediated by NGF signaling; and ability

to inhibit NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal neurons. As discussed
herein, antibodies of the invention nay have any one or more of these characteristics. In
some embodiments, the term "E3" refers to immunoglobulin encoded by (a) a
polynucleotide encoding E3 light c lain that has a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4893
or ATCC No. PTA-4894, and (b) a polynucleotide encoding E3 heavy chain that has a
deposit number of ATCC No. PTA 4895.
[0122] As used herein, "immunospecific" binding of antibodies refers to the antigen
specific binding interaction that ocours between the antigen-combining site of an antibody
and the specific antigen recognized by that antibody (i.e., the antibody reacts with the
protein in an ELISA or other immunoassay, and does not react detectably with unrelated
proteins).
[0123] An epitope that "specifically binds", or "preferentially binds" (used
interchangeably herein) to an antibody or a polypeptide is a term well understood in the art,
and methods to determine such specific or preferential binding are also well known in the
art. A molecule is said to exhibit "specific binding" or "preferential binding" if it reacts or
associates more frequently, more rapidly, with greater duration and/or with greater affinity
with a particular cell or substance than it does with alternative cells or substances. An
antibody "specifically binds" or "preferentially binds" to a target if it binds with greater
affinity, avidity, more readily, and/or with greater duration than it binds to other
substances. For example, an antibody that specifically or preferentially binds to an NGF
epitope is an antibody that binds this epitope with greater affinity, avidity, more readily,
and/or with greater duration than it binds to other NGF epitopes or non-NGF epitopes. It is
also understood by reading this defir ition that, for example, an antibody (or moiety or
epitope) that specifically or preferen ially binds to a first target may or may not specifically
or preferentially bind to a second target As such, "specific binding" or "preferential
binding" does not necessarily require (although it can include) exclusive binding.
Generally, but not necessarily, reference to binding means preferential binding.
[0124] The terms "polypeptide", "oligopeptide", "peptide" and "protein" are used
interchangeably herein to refer to polymers of amino acids of any length. The polymer
may be linear or branched, it may comprise modified amino acids, and it may be
interrupted by non-amino acids. The terms also encompass an amino acid polymer that has
been modified naturally or by intervention; for example, disulfide bond formation,

glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation or
modification, such as conjugation vith a labeling component. Also included within the
definition are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogs of an amino acid
(including, for example, unnatural amino acids, etc.), as well as other modifications known
in the art. It is understood that, because the polypeptides of this invention are based upon
an antibody, the polypeptides can occur as single chains or associated chains.
[0125] "Polynucleotide," or "nucleic acid," as used interchangeably herein, refer to
polymers of nucleotides of any length, and include DNA and RNA. The nucleotides can be
deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, modified nucleotides or bases, and/or their analogs,
or any substrate that can be incorporated into a polymer by DNA or RNA polymerase. A
polynucleotide may comprise modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and
their analogs. If present, modification to the nucleotide structure may be imparted before
or after assembly of the polymer. The sequence of nucleotides may be interrupted by non-
nucleotide components. A polynucleotide may be further modified after polymerization,
such as by conjugation with a labehng component. Other types of modifications include,
for example, "caps", substitution of one or more of the naturally occurring nucleotides with
an analog, internucleotide modifications such as, for example, those with uncharged
linkages (e.g., methyl phosphorates, phosphotriesters, phosphoamidates, cabamates, etc.)
and with charged linkages (e.g., phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, etc.), those
containing pendant moieties, such as for example, proteins (e.g., nucleases, toxins,
antibodies, signal peptides, ply-L-lysine, etc.), those with intercalators (e.g., acridine,
psoralen, etc.), those containing chelators (e.g., metals, radioactive metals, boron, oxidative
metals, etc.), those containing alkylators, those with modified linkages (e.g., alpha
anomeric nucleic acids, etc.), as well as unmodified forms of the polynucleotide(s).
Further, any of the hydroxyl groups ordinarily present in the sugars may be replaced, for
example, by phosphonate groups, phosphate groups, protected by standard protecting
groups, or activated to prepare additional linkages to additional nucleotides, or may be
conjugated to solid supports. The f' and 3' terminal OH can be phosphorylated or
substituted with amines or organic capping groups moieties of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
Other hydroxyls may also be derivatized to standard protecting groups. Polynucleotides
can also contain analogous forms of ribose or deoxyribose sugars that are generally known
in the art, including, for example, 2'--O-methyl-, 2'-0-allyl, 2'-fluoro- or 2'-azido-ribose,

carbocyclic sugar analogs, α-anomeric sugars, epimeric sugars such as arabinose, xyloses
or lyxoses, pyranose sugars, furanose sugars, sedoheptuloses, acyclic analogs and abasic
nucleoside analogs such as methyl iboside. One or more phosphodiester linkages may be
replaced by alternative linking groups. These alternative linking groups include, but are
not limited to, embodiments wherein phosphate is replaced by P(0)S("thioate"), P(S)S
("dithioate"), "(0)NR2 ("amidate") P(0)R, P(O)OR, CO or CH2 ("formacetal"), in which
each R or R' is independently H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (1-20 C) optionally
containing an ether (-O-) linkage, aryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or araldyl. Not all
linkages in a polynucleotide need be identical. The preceding description applies to all
polynucleotides referred to herein, including RNA and DNA.
[0126] A "variable region" of an antibody refers to the variable region of the
antibody light chain or the variable region of the antibody heavy chain, either alone or in
combination. The variable regions of the heavy and light chain each consist of four
framework regions (FR) connected by three complementarity determining regions (CDRs)
also known as hypervariable regions. The CDRs in each chain are held together in close
proximity by the FRs and, with the CDRs from the other chain, contribute to the formation
of the antigen-binding site of antibodies. There are at least two techniques for determining
CDRs: (1) an approach based on cross-species sequence variability (i.e., Kabat et al.
Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, (5th ed., 1991, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda MD)); and (2) an approach based on crystallographic studies of antigen-
antibody complexes (Chothia et al. (1989) Nature 342:877; Al-lazikani et al (1997) J.
Molec. Biol. 273:927-948)). As used herein, a CDR may refer to CDRs defined by either
approach or by a combination of both approaches.
[0127] A "constant region" c f an antibody refers to the constant region of the
antibody light chain or the constant legion of the antibody heavy chain, either alone or in
combination.
[0128] As used herein, the term "nerve growth factor" and "NGF" refers to nerve
growth factor and variants thereof that retain at least part of the biological activity of NGF.
As used herein, NGF includes all mammalian species of native sequence NGF, including
human, canine, feline, equine, or bovine.

[0129] "NGF receptor" refers to a polypeptide that is bound by or activated by
NGF. NGF receptors include the TrkA receptor and the p75 receptor of any mammalian
species, including, but are not limited to, human, canine, feline, equine, primate, or bovine.
[0130] As used herein, an " anti-NGF antagonist antibody" (interchangeably termed
"anti-NGF antibody") refers to an antibody which is able to bind to NGF and inhibit NGF
biological activity and/or downstream pathway(s) mediated by NGF signaling. An anti-
NGF antagonist antibody encompasses antibodies that block, antagonize, suppress or
reduce (including significantly) NGF biological activity, including downstream pathways
mediated by NGF signaling, such as receptor binding and/or elicitation of a cellular
response to NGF. For purpose of the present invention, it will be explicitly understood that
the term "anti-NGF antagonist antibody" encompass all the previously identified terms,
titles, and functional states and characteristics whereby the NGF itself, an NGF biological
activity (including but not limited to its ability to ability to mediate any aspect of post-
surgical pain), or the consequences of the biological activity, are substantially nullified,
decreased, or neutralized in any n eaningful degree. In some embodiments, an anti-NGF
antagonist antibody binds NGF and prevent NGF dimerization and/or binding to an NGF
receptor (such as p75 and/or trkA). In other embodiments, an anti-NGF antibody binds
NGF and prevents trkA receptor dimerization and/or trkA autophosphorylation. Examples
of anti-NGF antagonist antibodies are provided herein.
[0131] "Biological activit y' of NGF generally refers to the ability to bind NGF
receptors and/or activate NGF receptor signaling pathways. Without limitation, a
biological activity includes any one or more of the following: the ability to bind an NGF
receptor (such as p75 and/or trkA); the ability to promote trkA receptor dimerization and/or
autophosphorylation; the ability to activate an NGF receptor signaling pathway; the ability
to promote cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, growth and other changes in cell
physiology, including (in the case of neurons, including peripheral and central neuron)
change in neuronal morphology, synaptogenesis, synaptic function, neurotransmitter and/or
neuropeptide release and regeneration following damage; the ability to promote survival of
mouse El3.5 trigeminal neurons; and the ability to mediate pain, including post-surgical
pain.

[0132] As used herein, "substantially pure" refers to material which is at least 50%
pure (i.e., free from contaminants), more preferably at least 90 % pure, more preferably at
least 95% pure, more preferably at least 98% pure, more preferably at least 99% pure.
[10133] A "host cell" includes an individual cell or cell culture that can be or has
been a recipient for vector(s) for incorporation of polynucleotide inserts. Host cells include
progeny of a single host cell, and the progeny may not necessarily be completely identical
(in morphology or in genomic DNA complement) to the original parent cell due to natural,
accidental, or deliberate mutation. A host cell includes cells transfected in vivo with a
polynucleotide(s) of this invention.
[0134] As used herein, "treatment" is an approach for obtaining beneficial or
desired clinical results. For purposes of this invention, beneficial or desired clinical results
include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: improvement or alleviation of
any aspect of pain, including acute chronic, inflammatory, neuropathic, post-surgical pain,
rheumatoid arthritis pain, or osteoarthritis pain. For purposes of this invention, beneficial
or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:
including lessening severity, alleviation of one or more symptoms associated with pain
including any aspect of pain (such as shortening duration of pain, reduction of pain
sensitivity or sensation).
[0135] An "effective amount" of drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition
is an amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results including clinical results such
as alleviation or reduction in pain sensation. An effective amount can be administered in
one or more administrations. For purposes of this invention, an effective amount of drug,
compound, or pharmaceutical composition is an amount sufficient to treat, ameliorate,
reduce the intensity of and/or prevent pain, including post-surgical pain, rheumatoid
arthritis pain, and/or osteoarthritis pain. In some embodiments, the "effective amount" may
reduce pain at rest (resting pain) or mechanically-induced pain (including pain following
movement), or both, and it may be administered before, during or after an incision, cut, tear
or injury and/or before, during or after painful stimulus. As is understood in the clinical
context, an effective amount of a drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition may or
may not be achieved in conjunc ion with another drug, compound, or pharmaceutical
composition. Thus, an "effective amount" may be considered in the context of
administering one or more therapeutic agents, and a single agent may be considered to be

given in an effective amount if, in conjunction with one or more other agents, a desirable
result may be or is achieved.
[0136] "Reducing incidence" of pain means any of reducing severity (which can
include reducing need for and/or amount of (e.g., exposure to) other drugs and/or therapies
generally used for this conditions, including, for example, opiates), duration, and/or
frequency (including, for example delaying or increasing time to post-surgical pain in an
individual). As is understood by those skilled in the art, individuals may vary in terms of
their response to treatment, and, as such, for example, a "method of reducing incidence of
rheumatoid arthritis pain or osteoarthritis pain in an individual" reflects administering the
anti-NGF antagonist antibody based on a reasonable expectation that such administration
may likely cause such a reduction in incidence in that particular individual.
[0137] "Ameliorating" a pam or one or more symptoms of a pain (such as
rheumatoid arthritis pain or osteoarthritis pain) means a lessening or improvement of one or
more symptoms of a pain as compared to not administering an anti-NGF antagonist
antibody. "Ameliorating" also includes shortening or reduction in duration of a symptom.
[0138] "Palliating" a pain or one or more symptoms of a pain (such as rheumatoid
arthritis pain or osteoarthritis pain) means lessening the extent of one or more undesirable
clinical manifestations of post-surgical pain in an individual or population of individuals
treated with an anti-NGF antagon ist antibody in accordance with the invention.
[0139] As used therein, "» lelaying" the development of pain means to defer, hinder,
slow, retard, stabilize, and/or postpone progression of pain, such as post-surgical pain,
rheumatoid arthritis pain, or osteoarthritis pain. This delay can be of varying lengths of
time, depending on the history oi the disease and/or individuals being treated. As is
evident to one skilled in the art, a sufficient or significant delay can, in effect, encompass
prevention, in that the individual does not develop pain. A method that "delays"
development of the symptom is a method that reduces probability of developing the
symptom in a given time frame and/or reduces extent of the symptoms in a given time
frame, when compared to not using the method. Such comparisons are typically based on
clinical studies, using a statistically significant number of subjects.
[0140] "Pain" as used he ein refers to pain of any etiology, including acute and
chronic pain, and any pain with an inflammatory component. Examples of pain include
post-surgical pain, post-operative pain (including dental pain), migraine, headache and

trigeminal neuralgia, pain associated with burn, wound or kidney stone, pain associated
with trauma (including traumatic head injury), neuropathic pain, pain associated with
musculo-skeletal disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing
spondylitis, sero-negative (non-rheumatoid) arthropathies, non-articular rheumatism and
peri-articular disorders, and pain associated with cancer (including "break-through pain"
and pain associated with terminal cancer), peripheral neuropathy and post-herpetic
neuralgia. Examples of pain with an inflammatory component (in addition to some of
those described above) include rheumatic pain, pain associated with mucositis, and
dysmenorrhea.
[0141] "Post-surgical pain' (interchangeably termed "post-incisional" or "post-
traumatic pain") refers to pain aris ng or resulting from an external trauma such as a cut,
puncture, incision, tear, or wound nto tissue of an individual (including that that arises
from all surgical procedures, whether invasive or non-invasive). As used herein, post-
surgical pain does not include pain that occurs (arises or originates) without an external
physical trauma. In some embodiments, post-surgical pain is internal or external (including
peripheral) pain, and the wound, out, trauma, tear or incision may occur accidentally (as
with a traumatic wound) or deliberately (as with a surgical incision). As used herein,
"pain" includes nociception and the sensation of pain, and pain can be assessed objectively
and subjectively, using pain score s and other methods well-known in the art. Post-surgical
pain, as used herein, includes allodynia (i.e., increased response to a normally non-noxious
stimulus) and hyperalgesia (i.e., increased response to a normally noxious or unpleasant
stimulus), which can in turn, be thermal or mechanical (tactile) in nature. In some
embodiments, the pain is characterized by thermal sensitivity, mechanical sensitivity and/or
resting pain. In some embodiments, the post-surgical pain comprises mechanically-induced
pain or resting pain. In other embodiments, the post-surgical pain comprises resting pain.
The pain can be primary or secondary pain, as is well-known in the art.
[0142] A "biological sample" encompasses a variety of sample types obtained from
an individual and can be used in a diagnostic or monitoring assay. The definition
encompasses blood and other liquid samples of biological origin, solid tissue samples such
as a biopsy specimen or tissue cultures or cells derived therefrom, and the progeny thereof.
The definition also includes samples that have been manipulated in any way after their
procurement, such as by treatment with re agents, solubilization, or enrichment for certain

components, such as proteins or polynucleotides, or embedding in a semi-solid or solid
matrix for sectioning purposes. The term "biological sample" encompasses a clinical
sample, and also includes cells in culture, cell supernatants, cell lysates, serum, plasma,
biological fluid, and tissue samples.
[0143] An "individual" is a vertebrate, preferably a mammal, more preferably a
human. Mammals include, but arc not limited to, farm animals (such as cows), sport
animals, pets (such as cats, dogs and horses), primates, mice and rats.
[0144] As used herein, "vector" means a construct, which is capable of delivering,
and preferably expressing, one or more gene(s) or sequence(s) of interest in a host cell.
Examples of vectors include, but are not limited to, viral vectors, naked DNA or RNA
expression vectors, plasmid, cosnaid or phage vectors, DNA or RNA expression vectors
associated with cationic condensing agents, DNA or RNA expression vectors encapsulated
in liposomes, and certain eukaryctic cells, such as producer cells.
[0145] As used herein, "expression control sequence" means a nucleic acid
sequence that directs transcription of a nucleic acid. An expression control sequence can
be a promoter, such as a constitu ive or an inducible promoter, or an enhancer. The
expression control sequence is operably linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be
transcribed.
[0146] As used herein, "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" includes any material
which, when combined with an active ingredient, allows the ingredient to retain biological
activity and is non-reactive with the subject's immune system. Examples include, but are
not limited to, any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers such as a phosphate buffered
saline solution, water, emulsions such as oil/water emulsion, and various types of wetting
agents. Preferred diluents for aerosol or parenteral administration are phosphate buffered
saline or normal (0.9%) saline. Compositions comprising such carriers are formulated by
well known conventional methods (see, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical
Sciences, 18th edition, A. Gennaro, ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1990; and
Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing, 2000).
[0147] The term "Koff", as used herein, is intended to refer to the off rate constant
for dissociation of an antibody from the antibody/antigen complex.
[0148] The term "Kd", as used herein, is intended to refer to the dissociation
constant of an antibody-antigen interaction.

ANTIBODY E3, E3 - DERIVED ANTIBODIES, COMPOSITIONS, AND
METHODS OF USE
E3 Compositions, E3 Derived Compositions, and Methods of Making the Compositions
[0149] This invention encompasses compositions, including pharmaceutical
compositions, comprising an E3 antibody or polypeptide; and polynucleotides comprising
sequences encoding an E3 antibody or polypeptide. As used herein, compositions comprise
one or more antibodies or polypeptides (which may or may not be an antibody) that bind to
NGF, and/or one or more polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding one or more
antibodies or polypeptides that bind to NGF. These compositions may further comprise
suitable excipients, such as pharrr aceutically acceptable excipients including buffers,
which are well known in the art.
[0150] The invention also encompasses isolated antibody, polypeptide and
polynucleotide embodiments. The invention also encompasses substantially pure antibody,
polypeptide and polynucleotide embodiments.
[0151] The antibodies and polypeptides of the invention are characterized by any
(one or more) of the following characteristics: (a) ability to bind to NGF; (b) ability to
reduce and/or inhibit NGF biological activity and/or downstream pathway(s) mediated by
NGF signaling; (c) ability to reduce and/or inhibit NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5
trigeminal neurons; (d) absence of any significant cross-reactivity to NT3, NT4/5, and/or
BDNF; (e) ability to treat and/or prevent pain (including post-surgical pain); (f) ability to
increase clearance of NGF; (g) ability to reduce or inhibit activation of trkA receptor, as
detected, for example, using kinase receptor activation assay (KIRA) (see U.S. Patent No.
6,027,927).
[0152] The binding properties of antibody E3, which binds human NGF with high
affinity and slow dissociation kinetics, compared with parent murine anti-NGF monoclonal
antibody 911, are summarized below. E3 binds human NGF with an approximately 50-fold
higher binding affinity than pare at mouse antibody 911.



[0153] The E3 antibody and related antibodies also exhibit a strong capacity to
antagonize human NGF, as assessed by in vitro assays (see Examples 2 and 3). For
example, antibody E3 antagonizes the NGF-dependent survival of mouse El3 trigeminal
neurons at an IC50 of about 21 pM in the presence of 15 pM of human NGF, and about 1.2
pM in the presence of 1.5 pM of human NGF.
[0154] Accordingly, in another aspect, the antibodies and polypeptides of the
invention are further identified and characterized by: (h) high affinity binding to human
NGF with low dissociation kinetics (in some embodiments, with a KD of less than about 2
nM, and/or a koff of slower than about 6x10-5 s-1) and/or (i) ability to inhibit (block)
NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal neurons with an IC50 of about 100 pM
or less at about 15 pM of NGF (in some embodiments, human NGF) and/or an IC50 of
about 20 pM or less at about 1.5 pM of NGF.
[0155] In some embodiments, the antibody binds human NGF, and does not
significantly bind an NGF from another vertebrate species (in some embodiment,
mammalian). In some embodiments, the antibody binds human NGF as well as one or
more NGF from another vertebrate species (in some embodiments, mammalian). In still
other embodiments, the antibody binds NGF and does not significantly cross-react with
other neurotrophins (such as the related neurotrophins, NT3, NT4/5, and/or BDNF). In
some embodiments, the antibody binds NGF as well as at least one other neurotrophin. In
some embodiments, the antibody binds to a mammalian species of NGF, such as horse or
dog, but does not significantly bind to NGF from anther mammalian species.
[0156] In some embodir rents, the invention is an antibody comprising a light chain
that is encoded by a polynucleotide that is produced by a host cell with a deposit number of
ATCC No. PTA-4893 or ATCC No. PTA-4894. In another aspect, the invention is an
antibody comprising a heavy chain that is encoded by a polynucleotide that is produced by
a host cell with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895. The present invention also
encompasses various formulations of E3 and equivalent antibody fragments (e.g., Fab,

Fab', F(ab')2, Fv, Fc, etc.), single chain (ScFv), mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising
an antibody portion, and any other modified configuration of E3 that comprises an antigen
(NGF) recognition site of the required specificity. The equivalent antibodies of E3,
including antibody and polypeptide fragments (which may or may not be antibodies) of E3,
and polypeptides comprising polypeptide fragments of E3 are identified and characterized
by any (one or more) of the criteria described above.
[0157] Accordingly, the invention provides any of the following, or compositions
(including pharmaceutical compositions) comprising any of the following: (a) antibody E3;
(b) a fragment or a region of the antibody E3; (c) a light chain of the antibody E3 as shown
in Figures 1B; (c) a heavy chain of the antibody E3 as shown in Figures 1 A; (d) one or
more variable region(s) from a lignt chain and/or a heavy chain of the antibody E3; (e) one
or more CDR(s) (one, two, three, tour, five or six CDRs) of antibody E3 shown in Figures
1A and 1B; (f) CDR H3 from the heavy chain of antibody E3 shown in figure 1 A; (g)
CDR L3 from the light chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure 1B; (h) three CDRs from the
light chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure 1B; (i) three CDRs from the heavy chain of
antibody E3 shown in Figure 1 A; (j) three CDRs from the light chain and three CDRs from
the heavy chain, of antibody E3 snown in Figures 1A and 1B; and (k) an antibody
comprising any one of (b) through (j). As is evident from the description herein,
specifically excluded from the invention are polypeptide embodiments consisting of the
identical amino acid sequence to an amino acid sequence of mouse monoclonal antibody,
911. The extended CDR sequences of Mab 911 are shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and in
SEQ ID NOS:9-14.
[0158] The CDR portions of antibody E3 (including Chothia and Kabat CDRs) are
diagrammatically depicted in Figures 1A and 1B, and consist of the following amino acid
sequences: (a) heavy chain CDR 1 ("CDR H1") GFSLIGYDLN (SEQ ID NO:3); (b) heavy
chain CDR 2 ("CDR H2") IIWGDTTDYNSAVKS (SEQ ID NO:4); (c) heavy chain CDR
3 ("CDR H3") GGYWYATSYYFDY (SEQ ID NO:5); (d) light chain CDR 1 ("CDR L1")
RASQSISNNLN (SEQ ID NO:6); (e) light chain CDR 2 ("CDR L2") YTSRFHS (SEQ ID
NO:7); and (f) light chain CDR3 ("CDR L3") QQEHTLPYT (SEQ ID NO:8).
Determination of CDR regions is well within the skill of the art. It is understood that in
some embodiments, CDRs can be a combination of the Kabat and Chothia CDR (also

termed "combined CDRs" or "extended CDRs"). In some embodiments, the CDRs
comprise the Kabat CDR. In other embodiments, the CDRs are the Chothia CDR.
[0159] In some embodiments, the invention provides an antibody which comprises
at least one CDR that is substantially homologous to at least one CDR, at least two, at least
three, at least four, at least 5 CDRs of E3 (or, in some embodiments substantially
homologous to all 6 CDRs of E3, or derived from E3). Other embodiments include
antibodies which have at least two, three, four, five, or six CDR(s) that are substantially
homologous to at least two, three, four, five or six CDRs of E3 or derived from E3. It is
understood that, for purposes of this invention, binding specificity and/or overall activity
(which may be in terms of treating and/or preventing pain or inhibiting NGF-dependent
survival of E13.5 mouse trigeminal neurons) is generally retained, although the extent of
activity may vary compared to E3 (may be greater or lesser).
[0160] The invention also provides a polypeptide (which may or may not be an
antibody) which comprises an amino acid sequence of E3 (shown in Figures 1A and 1B)
that has any of the following: at least 5 contiguous amino acids, at least 8 contiguous amino
acids, at least about 10 contiguous amino acids, at least about 15 contiguous amino acids, at
least about 20 contiguous amino acids, at least about 25 contiguous amino acids, at least
about 30 contiguous amino acids of a sequence of E3, wherein at least 3 of the amino acids
are from a variable region of E3, with the understanding that embodiments that consist of
the identical amino acid sequence to an amino acid sequence of mouse monoclonal
antibody, 911, are specifically excluded. The extended CDR sequences of Mab 911 are
shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and in SEQ 1D NOS:9-14. In one embodiment, the variable
region is from a light chain of E3 In another embodiment, the variable region is from a
heavy chain of E3. In another embodiment, the 5 (or more) contiguous amino acids are
from a complementarity determining region (CDR) of E3 shown in Figures 1A and 1B.
[0161] In another embodiment, the invention provides a polypeptide which
comprises an amino acid sequence of E3 that has any of the following: at least 5 contiguous
amino acids, at least 8 contiguous amino acids, at least about 10 contiguous amino acids, at
least about 15 contiguous amino acids, at least about 20 contiguous amino acids, at least
about 25 contiguous amino acids, at least about 30 contiguous amino acids of a sequence of
E3, wherein the E3 sequence comprises any one or more of: amino acid residue L29 of
CDRH1,150 of CDRH2, W101 of CDRH3, and/or A103 of CDRH3; and/or amino acid

residue S28 of CDRL1.N32 of CERL1, T51 of CDRL2,91E of CDRL3 and/or H92 of
CDRL3, with the understanding thAt embodiments that consist of the identical amino acid
sequence to an amino acid sequenc e of mouse monoclonal antibody, 911, are specifically
excluded.
[0162] As is evident, throughout this disclosure, a sequential amino acid numbering
scheme is used to refer to amino acid residues in the variable regions (that is, the amino
acid residues in each variable region are numbered in sequence). As is well known in the
art, the Kabat and/or Chothia numbering systems are useful when comparing two
antibodies or polypeptides, such as an E3 antibody and an E3 variant (or polypeptide
suspected of being an E3 variant). It is well understood in the art how to convert sequential
numbering to Chothia and/or Kab it numbering, if desired, for example, for use in making
comparisons between E3 and anoher polypeptide. Figure 23 depicts the E3 variable
regions numbered using sequential. Chothia and Kabat numbering. In addition, to facilitate
comparison, generally it is understood that framework residues generally, but not always,
have approximately the same number of residues. However, the CDRs may vary in size
(i.e., it is possible to have insertions and/or (deletions of one or more amino acid residues).
When comparing an E3 antibody and a candidate E3 variant (for example, in the case of a
CDR region from a candidate sequence which is longer in the sequence in antibody E3 to
which is is aligned), one may follow the following steps (though other methods are known
in the art). The candidate antibody sequence is aligned with E3 antibody heavy chain and
light chain variable regions. Alignment may be done by hand, or by computer using
commonly accepted computer programs. Alignment may be facilitated by using some
amino acid residues which are common to most Fab sequences. For example, the light and
heavy chains each typically have two cysteines, which are often found at a conserved
position. It is understood tht the amino acid sequence of a candidate variant antibody may
be longer (i.e. have inserted amir aci residues) or shorter (have deleted amino acid
residues). Suffixes may be added to the residue number to indicate the insertion of
additional residues, e.g., residue 34 abc. For candidate sequences which, for example, align
with a E3 sequence for, e.g., residues 33 and 35, but have no residue between them to align
with residue 35, the residue 35 is simply not assigned to a residue. In another approach, it
is generally well known that comparison may be made between structural equivalent (e.g.,
same position in the antigen-antibody complex) amino acids when comparing CDRs of

different lengths. For example, tht; Chothia numbering (Al-Lazikani et al, supra) generally
(but not in all cases), places insertions and deletions at the structurally corresct positions.
Structural equivalence may also be deduced or demonstrated using X-ray crystallography
or double mutant cycle analysis (see Pons et al. (1999) Prot. Sci. 8:958-968).
[0163] The binding affinity of an anti-NGF antibody to NGF (such as hNGF) can
be about 0.10 to about 0.80 nM, about 0.15 to about 0.75 nM and about 0.18 to about 0.72
nM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is about 2 pM, about 5 pM, about 10 pM,
about 15 pM, about 20 pM, about 40 pM, or greater than about 40 pM. In one
embodiment, the binding affinity is between about 2 pM and 22 pM. In other
embodiments, the binding affinity is less than about 10 nM, about 5 nM, about 4 nnM,
about 3.5 nM, about 3 nM, about 2.5 nM, about 2 nM, about 1.5 nM, about 1 nM, about
900 pM, about 800 pM, about 703 pM, about 600 pM, about 500 pM, about 400 pM, about
300 pM, about 200 pM, about 150 pM, about 100 pM, about 90 pM, about 80 pM, about 70
pM, about 60 pM, about 50 pM, about 40 pM, about 30 pM, about 10 pM. In some
embodiments, the binding affinity is about 10 nM. In other embodiments, the binding
affinity is less than about 10 nM In other embodiments, the binding affinity is about 0.1
nM or about 0.07 nM. In other embodiments, the binding affinity is less than about 0.1 nM
or less than about 0.07 nM. In other embodiments, the binding affinity is any of about 10
nM, about 5 nM, about 4 nnM, about 3.5 nM, about 3 nM, about 2.5 nM, about 2 nM, about
1.5 nM, about 1 nM, about 900 pM, about 800 pM, bout 700 pM, about 600 pM, about 500
pM, about 400 pM, about 300 pM, about 200 pM, about 150 pM, about 100 pM, about 90
pM, about 80 pM, about 70 pM, about 60 pM, about 50 pM, about 40 pM, about 30 pM,
about 10 pM to any of about 2 pM, about 5 pM, about 10 pM, about 15 pM, about 20 pM,
or about 40 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is any of about 10 nM, about 5
nM, about 4 nnM, about 3.5 nM, about 3 nM, about 2.5 nM, about 2 nM, about 1.5 nM,
about 1 nM, about 900 pM, about 800 pM, bout 700 pM, about 600 pM, about 500 pM,
about 400 pM, about 300 pM, about 200 pM, about 150 pM, about 100 pM, about 90 pM,
about 80 pM, about 70 pM, about 60 pM, about 50 pM, about 40 pM, about 30 pM, about
10 pM. In still other embodiments, the binding affinity is about 2 pM, about 5 pM, about
10 pM, about 15 pM, about 20 pM, about 40 pM, or greater than about 40 pM.
[0164] The binding affinity of the antibody to NGF can be determined using
methods well known in the art. One way of determining binding affinity of antibodies to

NGF is by measuring affinity of monofunctional Fab fragments of the antibody, as
described in the Examples. To obtain monofunctional Fab fragments, an antibody (for
example, IgG) can be cleaved with papain or expressed recombinantly. The affinity of an
anti-NGF Fab fragment of an antibody can be determined by surface plasmon resonance
(BlAcore3000™ surface plasmon esonance (SPR) system, BIAcore, INC, Piscaway NJ),
as described in the Examples. This protocol is suitable for use in determining binding
affinity of an antibody to NGF of any species, including human NGF, NGF of another
vertebrate (in some embodiments, mammalian) (such as mouse NGF, rat NGF, primate
NGF), as well as for use with other neurotrophins, such as the related neurotrophins NT3,
NT4/5, and/or BDNF.
[0165] In some embodiments, the antibodies or peptides of the invention may
inhibit (reduce, and/or block) human NGF-dependent survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal
neurons with an IC50 (in the presence of about 15 pM of NGF) of about any of 200 pM,
150 pM, 100 pM, 80 pM, 60 pM, 40 pM, 20 pM, 10 pM, or less. In some embodiments,
the antibodies or peptides of the invention may inhibit (reduce, and/or block) human NGF-
dependent survival of mouse El35 trigeminal neurons with an IC50 (in the presence of
about 1.5 pM of NGF) of about any of 50 pM, 40 pM, 30 pM, 10 pM, 20 pM, 10 pM, 5
pM; 2 pM, 1 pM, or less. In some embodiments, the antibodies or peptides of the invention
may inhibit (reduce, and/or block) rat NGF-dependent survival of mouse El3.5 trigeminal
neurons with an IC50 (in the presence of about 15 pM of NGF) of about any of 150 pM,
125 pM, 100 pM, 80 pM, 60 pM, 40 pM, 30 pM, 20 pM, 10 pM, 5 pM, or less. In some
embodiments, the antibodies or peptides of the invention may inhibit (reduce, and/or block)
rat NGF-dependent survival of mouse El3.5 trigeminal neurons with an IC50 (in the
presence of about 1.5 pM of NGF) of about any of 30 pM, 25 pM, 20 pM, 15 pM, 10 pM, 5
pM, 4 pM, 3 pM, 2 pM, 1 pM, or less. Methods for measurement of the NGF-dependent
survival of mouse El3 trigeminal neurons are known in the art, and described, e.g., in
Example 2.
[0166] The invention also provides methods of making any of these antibodies or
polypeptides. The antibodies of this invention can be made by procedures known in the art,
some of which are illustrated in the Examples. The polypeptides can be produced by
proteolytic or other degradation of the antibodies, by recombinant methods (i.e., single or
fusion polypeptides) as described above or by chemical synthesis. Polypeptides of the

antibodies, especially shorter polypeptides up to about 50 amino acids, are conveniently
made by chemical synthesis. Methods of chemical synthesis are known in the art and are
commercially available. For example, a E3 antibody could be produced by an automated
polypeptide synthesizer employing the solid phase method. See also, U.S. Patent Nos.
5,807,715; 4,816,567; and 6,331,4 .5. Chimeric or hybrid antibodies also may be prepared
in vitro using known methods of synthetic protein chemistry, including those involving
cross-linking agents. For example, Immunotoxins may be constructed using a disulfide
exchange reaction or by forming a thioether bond. Examples of suitable reagents for this
purpose include iminothiolate and methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate.
[0167] In another alternati ve, the antibodies can be made recombinantly using
procedures that are well known ir the art. In one embodiment, a polynucleotide comprising
a sequence encoding the variable and light chain regions of antibody E3 (shown in Figures
1A and IB) is cloned into a vector for expression or propagation in a host cell (e.g., CHO
cells). In another embodiment, the polynucleotide sequences shown in Figures 2 and 3 are
cloned into one or more vectors for expression or propagation. The sequence encoding the
antibody of interest may be maintained in a vector in a host cell and the host cell can then
be expanded and frozen for future use. Vectors (including expression vectors) and host
cells are further described herein. Methods for expressing antibodies recombinantly in
plants or milk have been disclosed. See, for example, Peeters et al. (2001) Vaccine
19:2756; Lonberg, N. and D. Hnszar (1995) Int.Rev.Immunol 13:65; and Pollock et al.
(1999) J Immunol Methods 231 147. Methods for making derivatives of antibodies, e.g.,
humanized, single chain, etc. are known in the art.
[0168] The invention also encompasses single chain variable region fragments
("scFv") of antibodies of this invention, such as E3. Single chain variable region fragments
are made by linking light and/or heavy chain variable regions by using a short linking
peptide. Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426. An example of a linking peptide is
(GGGGS)3 (SEQ ID NO:l5), which bridges approximately 3.5 nm between the carboxy
terminus of one variable region and the amino terminus of the other variable region.
Linkers of other sequences have been designed and used (Bird et al. (1988). Linkers can
in turn be modified for additional functions, such as attachment of drugs or attachment to
solid supports. The single chain variants can be produced either recombinantly or
synthetically. For synthetic production of scFv, an automated synthesizer can be used. For

recombinant production of scFv, a suitable plasmid containing polynucleotide that encodes
the scFv can be introduced into a suitable host cell, either eukaryotic, such as yeast, plant,
insect or mammalian cells, or profoiryotic, such as E. coli. Polynucleotides encoding the
scFv of interest can be made by routine manipulations such as ligation of polynucleotides.
The resultant scFv can be isolated using standard protein purification techniques known in
the art.
[01691 Other forms of single chain antibodies, such as diabodies are also
encompassed. Diabodies are bivalent, bispecific antibodies in which VH and VL domains
are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but using a linker that is too short to allow for
pairing between the two domains on the same chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair
with complementary domains of another chain and creating two antigen binding sites (see
e.g., Holliger, P., et al. (1993) Proc Natl. Acad Sci. USA 90:6444-6448; Poljak, R. J., et al.
(1994) Structure 2:1121-1123).
[0170] The antibody may be a bispecific antibody, a monoclonal antibody that has
binding specificities for at least two different antigens. A bisecific antibody can be
prepared using the antibodies disclosed herein. Methods for making bispecific antibodies
are known in the art (see, e.g., Stresh et al., 1986, Methods in Enzymology 121:210).
Traditionally, the recombinant production of bispecific antibodies was based on the
coexpression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs, with the two heavy
chains having different specificities (Millstein and Cuello, 1983, Nature 305, 537-539).
[0171] According to one approach to making bispecific antibodies, antibody
variable domains with the desired binding specificities (antibody-antigen combining sites)
are fused to immunoglobulin constant domain sequences. The fusion preferably is with an
immunoglobulin heavy chain constant domain, comprising at least part of the hinge, CH2
and CH3 regions. It is preferrec to have the first heavy chain constant region (CH1),
containing the site necessary for light chain binding, present in at least one of the fusions.
DNAs encoding the immunoglobulin heavy chain fusions and, if desired, the
immunoglobulin light chain, arc inserted into separate expression vectors, and are
cotransfected into a suitable host organism. This provides for great flexibility in adjusting
the mutual proportions of the three polypeptide fragments in embodiments when unequal
ratios of the three polypeptide chains used in the construction provide the optimum yields.
It is, however, possible to insert the coding sequences for two or all three polypeptide

chains in one expression vector when the expression of at least two polypeptide chains in
equal ratios results in high yields or when the ratios are of no particular significance.
[0172] In one approach, the bispecific antibodies are composed of a hybrid
immunoglobulin heavy chain with a first binding specificity in one arm, and a hybrid
immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pair (providing a second binding specificity) in
the other arm. This asymmetric structure, with an immunoglobulin light chain in only one
half of the bispecific molecule, facilitates the separation of the desired bispecific compound
from unwanted immunoglobulin chain combinations. This approach is described in PCT
Publication No. WO 94/04690, published March 3,1994.
[0173] Heteroconjugate antibodies, comprising two covalently joined antibodies,
are also within the scope of the irvention. Such antibodies have been used to target
immune system cells to unwanted cells (U.S. Patent No. 4,676,980), and for treatment of
HIV infection (PCT application publication Nos. WO 91/00360 and WO 92/200373; EP
03089). Heteroconjugate antibodies may be made using any convenient cross-linking
methods. Suitable cross-linking agents and techniques are well known in the art, and are
described in U.S. Patent No. 4,676,980.
[0174] The antibody may be a humanized antibody, for example, as known in the
art, and as described herein.
[0175] Antibodies may be modified as described in PCT Publication No. WO
99/58572, published November 18,1999. These antibodies comprise, in addition to a
binding domain directed at the target molecule, an effector domain having an amino acid
sequence substantially homologous to all or part of a constant domain of a human
immunoglobulin heavy chain. These antibodies are capable of binding the target molecule
without triggering significant complement dependent lysis, or cell-mediated destruction of
the target. Preferably, the effector domain is capable of specifically binding FcRn and/or
FcγRIIb. These are typically based on chimeric domains derived from two or more human
immunoglobulin heavy chain CH2 domains. Antibodies modified in this manner are
preferred for use in chronic anibody therapy, to avoid inflammatory and other adverse
reactions to conventional antibody therapy.
[0176] The invention encompasses modifications to antibody E3, including
functionally equivalent antibodies which do not significantly affect their properties and
variants which have enhanced or decreased activity. Modification of polypeptides is

routine practice in the art and is further exemplified in the Examples. Examples of
modified polypeptides include polypeptides with substitutions (including conservative
substitutions) of amino acid residues, one or more deletions or additions of amino acids
which do not significantly deleteriously change the functional activity, or use of chemical
analogs.
[0177] A polypeptide "variant," as used herein, is a polypeptide that differs from a
native protein in one or more substitutions, deletions, additions and/or insertions, such that
the immunoreactivity of the polypep ide is not substantially diminished. In other words,
the ability of a variant to specifically bind antigen may be enhanced or unchanged, relative
to the native protein, or may be diminished by Hess than 50%, and preferably less than 20%,
relative to the native protein. Polype ptide variants preferably exhibit at least about 80%,
more preferably at least about 90% and most preferably at least about 95% identity
(determined as described herein) to the identified polypeptides.
[0178] Amino acid sequence variants of the antibodies may be prepared by
introducing appropriate nucleotide changes into the antibody DNA, or by peptide synthesis.
Such variants include, for example, c eletions from, and/or insertions into and/or
substitutions of, residues within the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:l or 2 described
herein. Any combination of deletion, insertion., and substitution is made to arrive at the
final construct, provided that the final construct possesses the desired characteristics. The
amino acid changes also may alter post-translational processes of the antibody, such as
changing the number or position of glycosylation sites.
[0179] A useful method for identification of certain residues or regions of the
antibody that are preferred locations for mutagenesis or modification is called "alanine
scanning mutagenesis," and is described by Cunningham and Wells, 1989, Science,
244:1081-1085. A residue or group of target residues is identified (e.g., charged residues
such as arg, asp, his, lys, and glu) and replaced by a neutral or negatively charged amino
acid (most preferably alanine or poly alanine) to affect the interaction of the amino acids
with antigen. Those amino acid locations demonstrating functional sensitivity to the
substitutions then are refined by introducing further or other variants at, or for, the sites of
substitution. Thus, while the site for introducing an amino acid sequence variation is
predetermined, the nature of the mutation per se need not be predetermined. For example,
to analyze the performance of a mutation at a given site, ala scanning or random

mutagenesis is conducted at the target codon or region and the expressed antibody variants
are screened for the desired activity. Library scanning mutagenesis, as described herein,
may also be used to identify locations in an antibody that are suitable for mutagenesis or
modification.
[0180] Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminal
fusions ranging in length from one tsidue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more
residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues.
Examples of terminal insertions include an antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue
or the antibody fused to an epitope [ag. Other insertional variants of the antibody molecule
include the fusion to the N- or C-te minus of the antibody of an enzyme or a polypeptide
which increases the serum half-life of the antibody.
[0181] Substitution variants have at least one amino acid residue in the antibody
molecule removed and a different tesidue inserted in its place. The sites of greatest interest
for substitutional mutagenesis include the hypervariable regions, but FR alterations are also
contemplated. Conservative subst tutions are shown in Table 1 under the heading of
"conservative substitutions". If such substitutions result in a change in biological activity,
then more substantial changes, denominated "exemplary substitutions" in Table 1, or as
further described below in reference to amino acid classes, may be introduced and the
products screened.



[0182] Substantial modifications in the biological properties of the antibody are
accomplished by selecting substitutions that differ significantly in their effect on
maintaining (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for
example, as a sheet or helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the
molecule at the target site, or (c) the bulk of the side chain. Naturally occurring residues
are divided into groups based on common side-chain properties:
(1) Hydrophobic: Norleucine, Met, Ala. Val, Leu, IIe;
(2) Neutral hydrophilic: CyS, Ser, Thr;
(3) Acidic: Asp, Glu;
(4) Basic: Asn, GIn, His, L>s, Arg;
(5) Residues that influence Chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and
(6) Aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe
[0183] Non-conservative substitutions; are made by exchanging a member of one of
these classes for another class.
[0184] Any cysteine residue not involved in maintaining the proper conformation of
the antibody also may be substituted, generally with serine, to improve the oxidative

stability of the molecule and prevent aberrant cross-linking. Conversely, cysteine bond(s)
may be added to the antibody to improve its stability, particularly where the antibody is an
antibody fragment such as an Fv fragment.
[0185] Amino acid modifications can range from changing or modifying one or
more amino acids to complete redesign of a region, such as the variable region. Changes in
the variable region can alter binding affinity and/or specificity. In some embodiment, no
more than one to five conservative amino acid substitutions are made within a CDR
domain. In other embodiments, no more than one to three conservative amino acid
substitutions are made within a CDR3 domain. In still other embodiments, the CDR
domain is CDRH3 and/or CDR L3.
[0186] Modifications also include glycosylated and nonglycosylated polypeptides,
as well as polypeptides with other post-translational modifications, such as, for example,
glycosylation with different sugars, acetylation, and phosphorylation. Antibodies are
glycosylated at conserved positions in their constant regions (Jefferis and Lund, 1997,
Chem. Immunol. 65:111-128; Wright and Morrison, 1997, TibTECH 15:26-32). The
oligosaccharide side chains of the in munoglobulins affect the protein's function (Boyd et
al., 1996, Mol. Immunol. 32:1311-1818; Wittwe and Howard, 1990, Biochem. 29:4175-
4180) and the intramolecular interaction between portions of the glycoprotein, which can
affect the conformation and presented three-dimensional surface of the glycoprotein
(Hefferis and Lund, supra; Wyss and Wagner, 1996, Current Opin. Biotech. 7:409-416).
Oligosaccharides may also serve to target a given glycoprotein to certain molecules based
upon specific recognition structures. Glycosylation of antibodies has also been reported to
affect antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In particular, CHO cells with
tetracycline-regulated expression of β(l,4)-N-acetyl glucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII), a
glycosyltransferase catalyzing formation of bisecting GlcNAc, was reported to have
improved ADCC activity (Umana et al, 1999, Mature Biotech. 17:176-180).
[0187] Glycosylation of antibodies is typically either N-linked or O-linked. N-
linked refers to the attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the side chain of an
asparagine residue. The tripeptide sequences asparagine-X-serine and asparagine-X-
threonine, where X is any amino acid except proline, are the recognition sequences for
enzymatic attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain. Thus, the
presence of either of these tripeptide sequences in a polypeptide creates a potential

glycosylation site. O-linked glycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the sugars N-
acetylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid, most commonly serine
or threonine, although 5-hydroxyprc line or 5-hydroxylysine may also be used.
[0188] Addition of glycosylation sites to the antibody is conveniently accomplished
by altering the amino acid sequence such that it contains one or more of the above-
described tripeptide sequences (for N-linked glycosylation sites). The alteration may also
be made by the addition of, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonine residues to
the sequence of the original antibody (for O-linked glycosylation sites).
[0189] The glycosylation pattern of antibodies may also be altered without altering
the underlying nucleotide sequence. Glycosylation largely depends on the host cell used to
express the antibody. Since the cell type used for expression of recombinant glycoproteins,
e.g. antibodies, as potential therapeutics is rarely the native cell, variations in the
glycosylation pattern of the antibod es can be expected (see, e.g. Hse et al., 1997, J. Biol.
Chem. 272:9062-9070).
[0190] In addition to the choice of host cells, factors that affect glycosylation
during recombinant production of antibodies include growth mode, media formulation,
culture density, oxygenation, pH, purification schemes and the like. Various methods have
been proposed to alter the glycosyh tion pattern achieved in a particular host organism
including introducing or overexpressing certain enzymes involved in oligosaccharide
production (U. S. Patent Nos. 5,047,335; 5,510,261 and 5,278,299). Glycosylation, or
certain types of glycosylation, can be enzymatically removed from the glycoprotein, for
example using endoglycosidase H (Endo H). In addition, the recombinant host cell can be
genetically engineered to be defective in processing certain types of polysaccharides.
These and similar techniques are well known in the art.
[0191] Other methods of modification include using coupling techniques known in
the art, including, but not limited to, enzymatic means, oxidative substitution and chelation.
Modifications can be used, for exarnple, for attachment of labels for immunoassay.
Modified E3 polypeptides are made using established procedures in the art and can be
screened using standard assays known in the art, some of which are described below and in
the Examples.
[0192] Other antibody mod fications include antibodies that have been modified as
described in PCT Publication No. VO 99/58572, published November 18, 1999. These

antibodies comprise, in addition to a binding domain directed at the target molecule, an
effector domain having an amino acid sequence substantially homologous to all or part of a
constant domain of a human immunoglobulin heavy chain. These antibodies are capable of
binding the target molecule without triggering significant complement dependent lysis, or
cell-mediated destruction of the target. In some embodiments, the effector domain is
capable of specifically binding FcRn and/or FcγRIIb. These are typically based on
chimeric domains derived from two or more human immunoglobulin heavy chain CH2
domains. Antibodies modified in this manner are particularly suitable for use in chronic
antibody therapy, to avoid inflammatory and other adverse reactions to conventional
antibody therapy.
[10193] The invention also encompasses fusion proteins comprising one or more
fragments or regions from the antibodies (such as E3) or polypeptides of this invention. In
one embodiment, a fusion polypeptide is provided that comprises at least 10 contiguous
amino acids of the variable light chain region shown in Figure 1B and/or at least 10 amino
acids of the variable heavy chain region shown in Figure 1 A. In another embodiment, the
fusion polypeptide comprises a lignt chain variable region and/or a heavy chain variable
region of E3, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In another embodiment, the fusion
polypeptide comprises one or more CDR(s) of E3. In still other embodiments, the fusion
polypeptide comprises CDR H3 and/or CDR L3 of antibody E3. In another embodiment,
the fusion polypeptide comprises any one or more of: amino acid residue L29 of CDRH1,
I50 of CDRH2, W101 of CDRH3, and/or A103 of CDRH3; and/or amino acid residue S28
ofCDRLl,N32 of CDRLl, T51 Of CDRL2, 91E of CDRL3 and/or H92 of CDRL3. For
purposes of this invention, a E3 fusion protein contains one or more E3 antibodies and
another amino acid sequence to which it is not attached in the native molecule, for
example, a heterologous sequenc e or a homologous sequence from another region.
Exemplary heterologous sequences include, but are not limited to a "tag" such as a FLAG
tag or a 6His tag. Tags are well known in the art.
[0194] A E3 fusion polypeptide can be created by methods known in the art, for
example, synthetically or recombinantly. Typically, the E3 fusion proteins of this
invention are made by preparing an expressing a polynucleotide encoding them using
recombinant methods described herein, although they may also be prepared by other means
known in the art, including, for example, chemical synthesis.

[0195] This invention also provides compositions comprising E3 antibodies or
polypeptides conjugated (for example, linked) to an agent that facilitate coupling to a solid
support (such as biotin or avidin). I or simplicity, reference will be made generally to E3 or
antibodies with the understanding that these methods apply to any of the NGF binding
embodiments described herein. Conjugation generally refers to linking these components
as described herein. The linking (which is generally fixing these components in proximate
association at least for administration) can be achieved in any number of ways. For
example, a direct reaction between an agent and an antibody is possible when each
possesses a substituent capable of reacting with the other. For example, a nucleophilic
group, such as an amino or sulfhydryl group, on one may be capable of reacting with a
carbonyl-containing group, such as an anhydride or an acid halide, or with an alkyl group
containing a good leaving group (e.g., a halide) on the other.
[0196] An antibody or polypeptide of this invention may be linked to a labeling
agent (alternatively termed "label") such as a fluorescent molecule, a radioactive molecule.
or any others labels known in the an. Labels are known in the art which generally provide
(either directly or indirectly) a signa . Accordingly, the invention includes labeled
antibodies and polypeptides.
[0197] The ability of the antibodies and polypeptides of this invention, such as
binding NGF; reducing or inhibiting a NGF biological activity; reducing and/or blocking
NGF-induced survival of E13.5 mouse trigeminal neurons, may be tested using methods
known in the art, some of which are described in the Examples.
[0198] The invention also provides compositions (including pharmaceutical
compositions) and kits comprising antibody E3, and, as this disclosure makes clear, any or
all of the antibodies and/or polypeptides described herein.
Polynucleotides, vectors and host ce ',ls
[0199] The invention also provides isolated polynucleotides encoding the
antibodies and polypeptides of the invention (including an antibody comprising the
polypeptide sequences of the light chain and heavy chain variable regions shown in Figures
1A and 1B), and vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide.
[0200] Accordingly, the invention provides polynucleotides (or compositions,
including pharmaceutical compositions), comprising polynucleotides encoding any of the

following: (a) antibody E3; (b) a fragment or a region of the antibody E3; (c) a light chain
of the antibody E3 as shown in Figures 1B; (d) a heavy chain of the antibody E3 as shown
in Figures 1A; (e) one or more variable region(s) from a light chain and/or a heavy chain of
the antibody E3; (f) one or more CDR(s) (one, two, three, four, five or six CDRs) of
antibody E3 shown in Figures 1A and 1B; (g) COR H3 from the heavy chain of antibody
E3 shown in figure 1A; (h) CDR L3 from the light chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure
1B; (i) three CDRs from the light chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure IB; (j) three CDRs
from the heavy chain of antibody E3 shown in Figure 1 A; (k) three CDRs from the light
chain and three CDRs from the heavy chain, of antibody E3 shown in Figures 1A and 1B;
or (1) an antibody comprising any of (b) to (k). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide
comprises either or both of the polynucleotide(s) shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0201] In another aspect, the invention is an isolated polynucleotide that encodes
for an E3 light chain with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4893 or ATCC No. PTA-
4894. In another aspect, the invention is an isolated polynucleotide that encodes for an E3
heavy chain with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895. In yet another aspect, the
invention is an isolated polynucleotide comprising (a) a variable region encoded in the
polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4894 and (b) a variable region
encoded in the polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4895. In another
aspect, the invention is an isolated polynucleotide comprising (a) one or more CDR
encoded in the polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-4894; and/or (b)
one or more CDR encoded in the polynucleotide with a deposit number of ATCC No. PTA-
4895.
[0202] In another aspect, the invention provides polynucleotides encoding any of
the antibodies (including antibody 1 ragments) and polypeptides described herein.
Polynucleotides can be made by procedures known in the art
[0203] In another aspect, the invention provides compositions (such as a
pharmaceutical compositions) comprising any of the polynucleotides of the invention. In
some embodiments, the compositic n comprises an expression vector comprising a
polynucleotide encoding the E3 amibody as described herein. In other embodiment, the
composition comprises an expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding any of
the antibodies or polypeptides described herein. In still other embodiments, the
composition comprises either or both of the polynucleotides shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Expression vectors, and administration of polynucleotide compositions are further
described herein.
[0204] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making any of the
polynucleotides described herein.
[0205] Polynucleotides comp lementary to any such sequences are also
encompassed by the present invention Polynucleotides may be single-stranded (coding or
antisense) or double-stranded, and may be DNA (genomic, cDNA or synthetic) or RNA
molecules. RNA molecules include HnRNA molecules, which contain introns and
correspond to a DNA molecule in a one-to-one manner, and mRNA molecules, which do
not contain introns. Additional coding or non-coding sequences may, but need not, be
present within a polynucleotide of the present invention, and a polynucleotide may, but
need not, be linked to other molecules and/or support materials.
[0206] Polynucleotides may comprise a native sequence (i.e., an endogenous
sequence that encodes an antibody or a portion thereof) or may comprise a variant of such a
sequence. Polynucleotide variants contain one or more substitutions, additions, deletions
and/or insertions such that the immunoreactivity of the encoded polypeptide is not
diminished, relative to a native immunoreactive molecule. The effect on the
immunoreactivity of the encoded po ypeptide may generally be assessed as described
herein. Variants preferably exhibit at least about 70% identity, more preferably at least
about 80% identity and most preferably at least about 90% identity to a polynucleotide
sequence that encodes a native antibody or a portion thereof.
[0207] Two polynucleotide or polypeptide sequences are said to be "identical" if the
sequence of nucleotides or amino acids in the two sequences is the same when aligned for
maximum correspondence as described below. Comparisons between two sequences are
typically performed by comparing the sequences over a comparison window to identify and
compare local regions of sequence similarity. A "comparison window" as used herein,
refers to a segment of at least about 20 contiguous positions, usually 30 to about 75, 40 to
about 50, in which a sequence may be compared to a reference sequence of the same
number of contiguous positions afte the two sequences are optimally aligned.
[0208] Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison may be conducted using the
Megalign program in the Lasergene suite of bioinformatics software (DNASTAR, Inc.,
Madison, WI), using default parameters. This program embodies several alignment

schemes described in the following references: Dayhoff, MO. (1978) A model of
evolutionary change in proteins - Mairices for detecting distant relationships. In Dayhoff,
M.O. (ed.) Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, National Biomedical Research
Foundation, Washington DC Vol. 5, ;Suppl. 3, pp. 345-358; Hein J., 1990, Unified
Approach to Alignment and Phylogenes pp. 626-645 Methods in Enzymology vol. 183,
Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, CA; Higgins, D.G. and Sharp, P.M., 1989, CABIOS
5:151-153; Myers, E.W. and Muller W., 1988, CABIOS 4:11-17; Robinson, E.D., 1971,
Comb. Theor. 11:105; Santou,N., Nes, M., 1987, Mol. Biol. Evol. 4:406-425; Sneath,
P.H.A. and Sokal, R.R., 1973, Numerical Taxonomy the Principles and Practice of
Numerical Taxonomy, Freeman Press, San Francisco, CA; Wilbur, W.J. and Lipman, D.J.,
1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:726-730.
[0209] Preferably, the "percentage of sequence identity" is determined by
comparing two optimally aligned sequences over a window of comparison of at least 20
positions, wherein the portion of the polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence in the
comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e. gaps) of 20 percent or less,
usually 5 to 15 percent, or 10 to 12 percent, as compared to the reference sequences (which
does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The
percentage is calculated by determining the number of positions at which the identical
nucleic acid bases or amino acid resicue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of
matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of
positions in the reference sequence (i.e.. the window size) and multiplying the results by
100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity.
[0210] Variants may also, or alternatively, be substantially homologous to a native
gene; or a portion or complement thereof. Such polynucleotide variants are capable of
hybridizing under moderately stringent conditions to a naturally occurring DNA sequence
encoding a native antibody (or a complementary sequence).
[0211] Suitable "moderately stringent conditions" include prewashing in a solution
of 5 X SSC, 0.5% SDS, 1.0 mM EDTA (pH 8.0); hybridizing at 50°C-65°C, 5 X SSC,
overnight; followed by washing twice at 65°C for 20 minutes with each of 2X, 0.5X and
0.2X SSC containing 0. 1 % SDS.
[0212] As used herein, "highly stringent conditions" or "high stringency conditions"
are those that: (1) employ low ionic strength and high temperature for washing, for

example 0.015 M sodium chloride/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate at
50°C; (2) employ during hybridization a denaturing agent, such as formamide, for example,
50% (v/v) formamide with 0.1% bov ne serum albumin/0.1% Ficoll/0.1%
polyvinylpyrrolidone/50mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6.5 with 750 mM sodium
chloride, 75 mM sodium citrate at 42oC; or (3) employ 50% formamide, 5 x SSC (0.75 M
NaCl, 0.075 M sodium citrate), 50 mM sodium phosphate (pH 6.8), 0.1% sodium
pyrophosphate, 5 x Denhardt's solution, sonicated salmon sperm DNA (50 µg/ml), 0.1%
SDS, and 10% dextran sulfate at 42°0, with washes at 42°C in 0.2 x SSC (sodium
chloride/sodium citrate) and 50% formamide at 55°C, followed by a high-stringency wash
consisting of 0.1 x SSC containing EDTA at 55°C. The skilled artisan will recognize how
to adjust the temperature, ionic strength, etc. as necessary to accommodate factors such as
probe length and the like.
[0213] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that, as a result of
the degeneracy of the genetic code, there are many nucleotide sequences that encode a
polypeptide as described herein. Some of these polynucleotides bear minimal homology to
the nucleotide sequence of any native gene. Nonetheless, polynucleotides that vary due to
differences in codon usage are specif cally contemplated by the present invention. Further,
alleles of the genes comprising the polynucleotide sequences provided herein are within the
scope of the present invention. Alleles are endogenous genes that are altered as a result of
one or more mutations, such as deletions, additions and/or substitutions of nucleotides. The
resulting mRNA and protein may, butneed not, have an altered structure or function.
Alleles may be identified using standard techniques (such as hybridization, amplification
and/or database sequence comparisor).
[0214] The polynucleotides of this invention can be obtained using chemical
synthesis, recombinant methods, or PCR. Methods of chemical polynucleotide synthesis
are well known in the art and need not be described in detail herein. One of skill in the art
can use the sequences provided herein and a commercial DNA synthesizer to produce a
desired DNA sequence.
[0215] For preparing polynuc leotides using recombinant methods, a polynucleotide
comprising a desired sequence can be inserted into a suitable vector, and the vector in turn
can be introduced into a suitable host cell for replication and amplification, as further
discussed herein. Polynucleotides may be inserted into host cells by any means known in

the art. Cells are transformed by introducing an exogenous polynucleotide by direct
uptake, endocytosis, transfection, F- mating or electroporation. Once introduced, the
exogenous polynucleotide can be maintained within the cell as a non-integrated vector
(such as a plasmid) or integrated into the host cell genome. The polynucleotide so
amplified can be isolated from the host cell by methods well known within the art. See,
e.g., Sambrook et al. (1989).
[02161 Alternatively, PCR allows reproduction of DNA sequences, PCR
technology is well known in the arc and is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,683,195,
4,800,159,4,754,065 and 4,683,202, as well as PCR: The Polymerase Chain Reaction,
Muilis et al. eds., Birkauswer Press, Boston (1994).
[0217] RNA can be obtaired by using the isolated DNA in an appropriate vector
and inserting it into a suitable host cell. When the cell replicates and the DNA is
transcribed into RNA, the RNA can then be isolated using methods well known to those of
skill in the art, as set forth in Sambrook et al., (1989), for example.
[0218] Suitable cloning vectors may be constructed according to standard
techniques, or may be selected from a large number of cloning vectors available in the art.
While the cloning vector selected may vary according to the host cell intended to be used,
useful cloning vectors will generally have the ability to self-replicate, may possess a single
target for a particular restriction endonuclease, and/or may carry genes for a marker that
can be used in selecting clones containing the vector. Suitable examples include plasmids
and bacterial viruses, e.g., pUC 18, pUC19, Bluescript (e.g., pBS SK+) and its derivatives,
mpl8, mpl9, pBR322, pMB9, ColEl, pCRl, RP4, phage DNAs, and shuttle vectors such
as pSA3 and pAT28. These and many other cloning vectors are available from commercial
vendors such as BioRad, Strategene, and Invitrogen.
[0219] Expression vectors generally are replicable polynucleotide constructs that
contain a polynucleotide according to the invention. It is implied that an expression vector
must be replicable in the host cells either as episomes or as an integral part of the
chromosomal DNA. Suitable expression vectors include but are not limited to plasmids,
viral vectors, including adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, retroviruses, cosmids, and
expression vector(s) disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 87/04462. Vector components
may generally include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a signal
sequence; an origin of replication; one or more marker genes; suitable transcriptional

[0223] Any of a variety of known methods can be used for detection, including, but
not limited to, immunoassay, using antibody that binds the polypeptide, e.g. by enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay (RIA) and the like; and
functional assay for the encoded poly peptide, e.g. binding activity or enzymatic assay. In
some embodiments, the antibody is detectably labeled.
Diagnostic Uses of the E3 and Derivatives
[0224] Antibodies and polypeptides of the invention can be used in the detection,
diagnosis and monitoring of a disease, condition, or disorder associated with altered or
aberrant NGF expression (in some embodiments, increased or decreased NGF expression
(relative to a normal sample), and/or inappropriate expression, such as presence of
expression in tissue(s) and/or cell(s) that normally lack NGF expression, or absence of
NGF expression in tissue(s) or cell(s) that normally possess NGF expression). The
antibodies and polypeptides of the invention are further useful for detection of NGF
expression, for example, in a disease associated with altered or aberrant sensitivity or
responsiveness to NGF. In some embodiments, NGF expression is detected in a sample
from an individual suspected of having a disease, disorder featuring or associated with an
altered or aberrant sensitivity or responsiveness to NGF expression (e.g., a cancer in which
NGF promotes growth and/or metastasis).
[0225] Thus, in some embodiments, the invention provides methods comprising
contacting a specimen (sample) of an individual suspected of having altered or aberrant
NGF expression with an antibody or polypeptide of the invention and determining whether
the level of NGF differs from that of a control or comparison specimen. In some
embodiments, the individual has a cardiac arrhythmia, Alzheimer's disease, and/or
autonomic dysfunction.
[0226] In other embodiments, the invention provides methods comprises contacting
a specimen (sample) of an individual and determining level of NGF expression. In some
embodiments, the individual is suspected of having a disease, disorder featuring or
associated with an altered or aberrant sensitivity or responsiveness to NGF expression. In
some embodiments, the individual has small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic
cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, or melanoma.

[0227] For diagnostic applications, the antibody typically will be labeled with a
detectable moiety including but not limited to radioisotopes, fluorescent labels, and various
enzyme-substrate labels. Methods oi conjugating labels to an antibody are known in the
art. In other embodiment of the invention, antibodies of the invention need not be labeled,
and the presence thereof can be detected using a labeled antibody which binds to the
antibodies of the invention.
[0228] The antibodies of the present invention may be employed in any known
assay method, such competitive binding assays, direct and indirect sandwich assays, and
immunoprecipitation assays. Zola, Monoclonal Antibodies: A Manual of Techniques,
pp.147-158 (CRC Press, Inc. 1987).
[0229] The antibodies may also be used for in vivo diagnostic assays, such as in
vivo imaging. Generally, the antibody is labeled with a radionuclide (such as 111In, 99Tc,
14C, 1311,125I, or 3H) so that the cells or tissue of interest can be localized using
immunoscintiography.
[0230] The antibody may also be used as staining reagent in pathology, following
techniques well known in the art.
Methods of using E3 and derivatives for therapeutic purposes
[0231] Antibody E3 is useful for reducing and/or blocking the biological activity of
NGF. This antagonistic activity is believed to be useful in the treatment of pathological
conditions associated with endogenous NGF production, such as pain. Generally, in these
embodiments an effective amount is administered to an individual. Accordingly, in one
aspect, the invention provides a method of antagonizing human NGF biological activity
using any of the polypeptides (includ ng antibodies such as antibody E3) disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting human nerve growth factor with any
of the polypeptides (including antibody E3) described herein, whereby human nerve growth
factor activity is antagonized, reduced, blocked, or suppressed. In yet another embodiment,
an individual with pain (such as post-surgical pain, or rheumatoid arthritis pain) is given
treatment with E3.
[0232] For simplicity, reference will be made generally to E3 or antibody with the
understanding that these methods apply to any of the E3 variant antibodies and
polypeptides described herein.

[0233] Various formulations of E3 or fragments of E3 (e.g., Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv,
Fc, etc.), such as single chain (ScFv), mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising an
antibody portion, and any other modified configuration of E3 that comprises an antigen
NGF recognition site of the required specificity, may be used for administration. In some
embodiments, E3 antibodies or various formulations of E3 thereof may be administered
neat. In other embodiments, E3 or various formulations of E3 (including any composition
embodiment described herein) thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are
administered, and may be in various formulations. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients
are known in the art, and are relatively inert substances that facilitate administration of a
pharmacologically effective substance. For example, an excipient can give form or
consistency, or act as a diluent. Suitable excipients include but are not limited to
stabilizing agents, wetting and emulsifying agents, salts for varying osmolality,
encapsulating agents, buffers, and skin penetration enhancers. Excipients as well as
formulations for parenteral and nonparenteral drug delivery are set forth in Remington, The
Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing (2000).
[0234] In some embodiments, these agents are formulated for administration by
injection (e.g., intraperitoneally, intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, etc.),
although other forms of administration (e.g., oral, mucosal, via inhalation, sublingually,
etc) can be also used. Accordingly, E3 antibody and equivalents thereof are preferably
combined with pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles such as saline, Ringer's solution,
dextrose solution, and the like. The particular dosage regimen, i.e., dose, timing and
repetition, will depend on the particular individual and that individual's medical history.
Generally, any of the following doses may be used: a dose of at least about 50 mg/kg body
weight; at least about 10 mg/kg body weight; at least about 3 mg/kg body weight; at least
about 1 mg/kg body weight; at least about 750 µg/kg body weight; at least about 500 µg/kg
body weight; at least about 250 ug/kg body weight; at least about 100 µg /kg body weight;
at least about 50 µg /kg body weight; at least about 10 ug /kg body weight; at least about 1
µg/kg body weight, or less, is administered. For repeated administrations over several days
or longer, depending on the conditior, the treatment is sustained until a desired suppression
of disease symptoms occurs. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an
initial dose of about 2 mg/kg, followed by a weekly maintenance dose of about 1 mg/kg of
the anti-NGF antibody, or followed by a maintenance dose of about 1 mg/kg every other

week. However, other dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of
pharmacokinetic decay that the pract tioner wishes to achieve. Empirical considerations,
such as the half- life, generally will contribute to determination of the dosage. The
progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional techniques and assays.
[02351 In some individuals, n tore than one dose may be required. Frequency of
administration may be determined and adjusted over the course of therapy. For example,
frequency of administration may be cetermined or adjusted based on the type and severity
of the pain to be treated, whether the agent is administered for preventive or therapeutic
purposes, previous therapy, the patient's clinical history and response to the agent, and the
discretion of the attending physician. Typically the clinician will administer an anti-NGF
antagonist antibody (such as E3), unti1 a dosage is reached that achieves the desired result.
In some cases, sustained continuous release formulations of E3 antibodies may be
appropriate. Various formulations and devices for achieving sustained release are known
in the art.
[0236] In one embodiment, d( sages for E3 antibodies (or polypeptides) may be
determined empirically in individuals who have been given one or more administration(s).
Individuals are given incremental dosages of E3. To assess efficacy of E3 or other
equivalent antibody, markers of the disease symptoms (such as pain) can be monitored.
[0237] Administration of an antibody (such as E3) or polypeptide in accordance
with the method in the present inventi an can be continuous or intermittent, depending, for
example, upon the recipient's physiological condition, whether the purpose of the
administration is therapeutic or prophylactic, and other factors known to skilled
practitioners. The administration of an antibody may be essentially continuous over a
preselected period of time or may be in a series of spaced dose, e.g., either before, during,
or after developing pain, before, during. before and after, during and after, or before,
during, and after developing pain. Administration can be before, during and/or after
wound, incision, trauma, surgery, and any other event likely to give rise to post-surgical
pain.
[0238] Other formulations include suitable delivery forms known in the art
including, but not limited to, carriers suach as liposomes. See, for example, Mahato et al.
(1997) Pharm. Res. 14:853-859. Liposomal preparations include, but are not limited to,
cytofectins, multilamellar vesicles and unilamellar vesicles.

[0239] In some embodiments, more than one antibody or polypeptide may be
present. The antibodies can be monoclonal or polyclonal. Such compositions may contain
at least one, at least two, at least thre, at least four, at least five different antibodies. A
mixture of antibodies, as they are often denoted in the art, may be particularly useful in
treating a broader range of population of individuals.
[0240] A polynucleotide encoding any of the antibodies or polypeptides of the
invention (such as antibody E3) may also be used for delivery and expression of any of the
antibodies or polypeptides of the invention (such as antibody E3) in a desired cell. It is
apparent that an expression vector can be used to direct expression of an E3 antibody or
polypeptide. The expression vector can be administered by any means known in the art,
such as intraperitoneally, intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intrathecally,
intraventricularly, orally, enterally, parenterally, intranasally, dermally, sublingually, or by
inhalation. For example, administration of expression vectors includes local or systemic
administration, including injection, oial administration, particle gun or catheterized
administration, and topical administration. One skilled in the art is familiar with
administration of expression vectors to obtain expression of an exogenous protein in vivo.
See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 6,436,908; 6,413,942; and 6,376,471.
[0241] Targeted delivery of therapeutic compositions comprising a polynucleotide
encoding any of the antibodies or polypeptides of the invention (such as antibody E3) can
also be used. Receptor-mediated DNA delivery techniques are described in, for example,
Findeis et al., Trends Biotechnol. (1993) 11:202; Chiou et al.. Gene Therapeutics: Methods
And Applications Of Direct Gene Transfer (J.A. Wolff, ed.) (1994); Wu et al., J. Biol.
Chem. (1988) 263:621; Wu et al., J. Biol Chem. (1994) 269:542; Zenke et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad Sci. (USA) (1990) 87:3655; Wu et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1991) 266:338. Therapeutic
compositions containing a polynuclectide are aolministered in a range of about 100 ng to
about 200 mg of DNA for local administration in a gene therapy protocol. Concentration
ranges of about 500 ng to about 50 mg, about 1 µg to about 2 mg, about 5 µg to about 500
µg, and about 20 µg to about 100 µg of DNA can also be used during a gene therapy
protocol. The therapeutic polynucleo ides and polypeptides of the present invention can be
delivered using gene delivery vehicles. The gene delivery vehicle can be of viral or non-
viral origin (see generally, Jolly, Cancer Gene Therapy (1994) 1:51; Kimura, Human Gene
Therapy (1994) 5:845; Connelly, Human Gene Therapy (1995) 1:185; and Kaplitt, Nature

Genetics (1994) 6:148). Expression of such coding sequences can be induced using
endogenous mammalian or heterologous promoters. Expression of the coding sequence
can be either constitutive or regulited.
[0242] Viral-based vectors for delivery of a desired polynucleotide and expression
in a desired cell are well known in the art. Exemplary viral-based vehicles include, but are
not limited to, recombinant retroviruses (see, e.g., PCT Publication Nos. WO 90/07936;
WO 94/03622; WO 93/25698; WO 93/25234; WO 93/11230; WO 93/10218; WO
91/02805; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,215,740; 4,777,127; GB Patent No. 2,200,651; and EP Patent
No. 0 345 242), alphavirus-based vectors (e.g., Sindbis virus vectors, Semliki forest virus
(ATCC VR-67; ATCC VR-1247) Ross River virus (ATCC VR-373; ATCC VR-1246) and
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (ATCC VR-923; ATCC VR-1250; ATCC VR 1249;
ATCC VR-532)), and adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors (see, e.g., PCT Publication
Nos. WO 94/12649, WO 93/0376'); WO 93/19191; WO 94/28938; WO 95/11984 and WO
95/00655). Administration of DNA linked to killed adenovirus as described in Curiel,
Hum. Gene Ther. (1992) 3:147 can also be employed.
[0243] Non-viral delivery vehicles and methods can also be employed, including,
but not limited to, polycationic condensed DNA linked or unlinked to killed adenovirus
alone (see, e.g., Curiel, Hum. Gene. Ther. (1S>92) 3:147); ligand-linked DNA(see, e.g., Wu,
J. Biol. Chem. (1989) 264:16985); eukaryotic cell delivery vehicles cells (see, e.g., U.S.
Patent No. 5,814,482; PCT Publication Nos. WO 95/07994; WO 96/17072; WO 95/30763;
and WO 97/42338) and nucleic charge neutralization or fusion with cell membranes.
Naked DNA can also be employed. Exemplary naked DNA introduction methods are
described in PCT Publication No. WO 90/11092 and U.S. Patent No. 5,580,859.
Liposomes that can act as gene dehvery vehicles are described in U.S. Patent No.
5,422,120; PCT Publication Nos. WO 95/13796; WO 94/23697; WO 91/14445; and EP
Patent NO. 0 524 968. Additional approaches are described in Philip, Mol. Cell Biol.
(1994) 14:2411 and in Woffendin, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. (1994) 91:1581.
[0244] With respect to all methods described herein, reference to anti-NGF
antagonist antibodies also include compositions comprising one or more of these agents.
These compositions may further co uprise suitable excipients, such as pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients including buffers, which are well known in the art. The present

invention can be used alone or in combination with other conventional methods of
treatment.
METHODS OF USING ANTI-NGF ANTAGONIST ANTIBODY FOR TREATING
OR PREVENTING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PAIN
[0245] In some aspects, the invention provides methods for treating and/or
preventing rheumatoid arthritis painan individutals including mammals, both human and
non-human. Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides methods of treating
rheumatoid arthritis pain in an individual comprising administering an effective amount of
an anti-NGF antagonist antibody. Anti-NGF antagonist antibodies are known in the art and
described herein.
[0246] In another aspect, the invention provides methods for reducing incidence of,
ameliorating, suppressing, palliating and/or delaying the onset, the development or the
progression of rheumatoid arthritis pain in an individual. Thus, in some embodiments, the
anti-NGF antagonist antibody is administered prior to development of pain or a pain
episode in an individual having rheumatoid arthritis.
[0247] In another aspect, the invention provides methods for treating inflammatory
cachexia (weight loss) associated with rheumatoid arthritis in an individual comprising
administering an effective amount of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody (Roubenoff et al.,
Arthritis Rheum. 40(3): 534-9 (1997): Roubenoff et al., J. Clin. Invest. 93(6):2379-86
(1994)).
[0248] Diagnosis or assessment of rheumatoid arthritis pain is well-established in
the art. Assessment may be performed based on measures known in the art, such as patient
characterization of pain using various pain scales. See, e.g., Katz et al, Surg Clin North
Am. (1999) 79 (2):231-52; Caraceni et al. J Pain Symptom Manage (2002) 23(3):239-55.
There are also commonly used scales to measure disease state such as the American
College of Rheumatology (ACR) (pelson, et al., Arthritis and Rheumatism (1993)
36(6):729-740), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (Fries, et al., (1982) J.
Rheumatol. 9: 789-793), the Paulus Scale (Paulus, et al., Arthritis and Rheumatism (1990)
33: 477-484), and the Arthritis Impact Measure Scale (AIMS) (Meenam, et al., Arthritis
and Rheumatology (1982) 25: 1048-1053). Anti-NGF antagonist antibody may be

administered to an individual via any suitable route. Examples of different administration
route are described herein.
[0249] Pain relief may be characterized by time course of relief. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, pain relief is observed wthin about 24 hours after administration of
anti-NGF antagonist antibody. In other embodiments, pain relief is observed within about
36,48,60,72 hours or 4 days after administration of anti-NGF antagonist antibody. In still
other embodiments, pain relief is observed before observing an indication of improvement
of the inflammatory condition associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In some embodiments,
frequency and/or intensity of pain as diminished, and/or quality of life of those suffering the
the disease is increased.
[0250] Making and using anti-NGF antibodies for these methods is described in
sections below ("Anti-NGF antagonist antibody"; "Identification of anti-NGF antagonist
antibodies"; "Administration of an mti-NGF antagonist antibody").
METHODS OF USING ANTI-NGF ANTAGONIST ANTIBODY FOR TREATING
OR PREVENTING OSTEOARTHRITIS FAIN
[0251] In some aspects, the invention provides methods for treating and/or
preventing osteoarthritis pain in indviduals including mammals, both human and non-
human. Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides methods of treating
osteoarthritis pain in an individual comprising administering an effective amount of an anti-
NGF antagonist antibody. Anti-NG F antagonist antibodies are known in the art and
described herein.
[0252] In another aspect, the invention provides methods for reducing incidence of,
ameliorating, suppressing, palliating and/or delaying the onset, the development or the
progression of osteoarthritis pain in an individual. Thus, in some embodiments, the anti-
NGF antagonist antibody is administered prior to development of pain or a pain episode in
an individual having osteoarthritis.
[0253] Diagnosis or assessment of osteoarthritis pain is well-established in the art.
Assessment may be performed based on measures known in the art, such as patient
characterization of pain using various pain scales. See, e.g., Katz et al, Surg Clin North
Am. (1999) 79 (2):231-52; Caraceni et al. J Pain Symptom Manage (2002) 23(3):239-55.
For example, WOMAC Ambulation Pain Scale (including pain, stiffness, and physical

function) and 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) may be employed to assess pain and
evaluate response to the treatment.
[0254] Anti-NGF antagonist antibody may be administered to an individual via any
suitable route. Examples of different administration route are described herein.
[0255] Pain relief may be characterized by time course of relief. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, pain relief is observed within about 24 hours after administration of
anti-NGF antagonist antibody. In other embodiments, pain relief is observed within about
36,48,60,72 hours or 4 days after administration of anti-NGF antagonist antibody. In
some embodiments, frequency and/or intensity of pain is diminished, and/or quality of life
of those suffering the the disease is increased.
[0256] Making and using anti-NGF antibodies for these methods is described in
sections below ("Anti-NGF antagonist antibody"; "Identification of anti-NGF antagonist
antibodies"; "Administration of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody").
Anti-NGF antagonist antibody
[0257] The methods of the invention (pertaining to rheumatoid arthritis pain and
osteoarthritis pain) use an anti-NGF antagonis t antibody, which refers to any antibody
molecule that blocks, suppresses or reduces (including significantly) NGF biological
activity, including downstream pathways mediated by NGF signaling, such as receptor
binding and/or elicitation of a cellular response to NGF.
[0258] An anti-NGF antagonist antibody should exhibit any one or more of the
following characteristics: (a) bind to NGF and inhibit NGF biological activity or
downstream pathways mediated by NGF signaling function; (b) prevent, ameliorate, or
treat any aspect of rheumatoid arthrtis pain or osteoarthritis pain; (c) block or decrease
NGF receptor activation (including TrkA receptor dimerization and/or
autophosphorylation); (d) increase elearance of NGF; (e) inhibit (reduce) NGF synthesis,
production or release. Anti-NGF antagonist antibodies are known in the art, see, e.g., PCT
Publication Nos. WO 01/78698, WO 01/64247, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,844,092, 5,877,016, and
6,153,189; Hongo et al., Hybridoma, 19:215-227 (2000); Cell. Molec. Biol. 13:559-568
(1993); GenBank Accession Nos. U39608, U39609, L17078, or L17077.
[0259] For purposes of this invention, the antibody reacts with NGF in a manner
that inhibits NGF and/or downstream pathways mediated by the NGF signaling function.

In some embodiments, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody recognizes human NGF. In yet
other embodiments, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody specifically binds human NGF. In
some embodiment, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody does not significantly bind to related
neurotrophins, such as NT-3, NT4/5, and/or BDNF. In still other embodiments, the anti-
NGF antibody is capable of bindir g NGF and effectively inhibiting the binding of NGF to
its TrkA and/or p75 receptor in vivo and/or effectively inhibiting NGF from activating its
TrkA and/or p75 receptor. In still other embodiment, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody is a
monoclonal antibody. In still other embodiments, the anti-NGF antibody is humanized
(such as antibody E3 described herein). In some embodiments, the anti-NGF antibody is
human. In one embodiment, the antibody is a human antibody which recognizes one or
more epitopes on human NGF. In another embodiment, the antibody is a mouse or rat
antibody which recognizes one or more epitopes on human NGF. In another embodiment,
the antibody recognizes one or more epitopes on an NGF selected from the group
consisting of: primate, canine, feline, equine, and bovine. In still further embodiments, the
anti-NGF antagonist antibody bincs essentially the same NGF epitope 6 as an antibody
selected from any one or more of the following: MAb 911, MAb 912 and MAb 938 (See
Hongo, et al., Hybridoma 19:215-227 (2000)). In other embodiments, the antibody binds
the same epitope as Mab 911. In another embodiment, the antibody comprises a constant
region that is immunologically inert (e.g., does not trigger complement mediated lysis or
antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)). ADCC activity can be assessed
using methods disclosed in U.S. Patent NO. 5, 500, 362. In some embodiments, the
constant region is modified as described in Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624; PCT
Application No. PCT/GB99/01441; and/or UK Patent Application No. 9809951.8.
[0260] In some embodiments, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody is a humanized
mouse anti-NGF monoclonal antibody termed antibody "E3", any of the E3 related
antibodies described herein, or any fragments: thereof, which are NGF antagonists.
(02611 The antibodies useful in the present invention can encompass monoclonal
antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody fragments (e.g., Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv, Fc,
etc.), chimeric antibodies, bispecific antibodies, heteroconjugate antibodies, single chain
(ScFv), mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising an antibody portion, humanized
antibodies, and any other modified configuration of the immunoglobulin molecule that
comprises an antigen recognition site of the required specificity, including glycosylation

variants of antibodies, amino acid sequence variants of antibodies, and covalently modified
antibodies. The antibodies may be rnurine, rat, human, or any other origin (including
chimeric or humanized antibodies).
[0262] The binding affinity of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody to NGF (such as
hNGF) can be about 0.10 to about 0.80 nM, about 0.15 to about 0.75 nM and about 0.18 to
about 0.72 nM. In one embodiment, the binding affinity is between about 2 pM and 22
pM. In some embodiment, the binding affinity is about 10 nM. In other embodiments, the
binding affinity is less than about 10 nM. In other embodiments, the binding affinity is
about 0.1 nM or about 0.07 nM. In other embodiments, the binding affinity is less than
about 0.1 nM or less than about 0.0 7 nM. In other embodiments, the binding affinity is any
of about 100 nM, about 50 nM, abcut 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, or
about 50 pM to any of about 2 pM, about 5 pM, about 10 pM, about 15 pM, about 20 pM,
or about 40 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is any of about 100 nM, about
50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, or about 50 pM, or less
than about 50 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is less than any of about 100
nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, or about 50
pM. In still other embodiments, the binding affinity is about 2 pM, about 5 pM, about 10
pM, about 15 pM, about 20 pM, about 40 pM, or greater than about 40 pM.
[0263] One way of determ ning binding affinity of antibodies to NGF is by
measuring binding affinity of monofunctional Fab fragments of the antibody. To obtain
monofunctional Fab fragments, an antibody (for example, IgG) can be cleaved with papain
or expressed recombinantly. The iffinity of an anti-NGF Fab fragment of an antibody can
be determined by surface plasmon resonance (BlAcore3000™ surface plasmon resonance
(SPR) system, BIAcore, INC, Piscaway NJ). CM5 chips can be activated with N-ethyl-N'-
(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodi nide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide
(NHS) according to the supplier's instructions. Human NGF (or any other NGF) can be
diluted into 10 mM sodium acetate pH 4.0 and injected over the activated chip at a
concentration of 0.005 mg/mL. Using variable flow time across the individual chip
channels, two ranges of antigen density can be achieved: 100-200 response units (RU) for
detailed kinetic studies and 500-630 RU for screening assays. The chip can be blocked
with ethanolamine. Regeneration studies have shown that a mixture of Pierce elution
buffer (Product No. 21004, Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford IL) and 4 M NaCl (2:1)

effectively removes the bound Fab while keeping the activity of hNGF on the chip for over
200 injections. HBS-EP buffer (0 01M HEPES, pH 7.4,0.15 NaCl, 3mM EDTA, 0.005%
Surfactant P29) is used as running buffer for the BIAcore assays. Serial dilutions (0.1-1 ox
estimated KD) of purified Fab samples are injected for 1 min at 100 µL/min and
dissociation times of up to 2h are allowed. The concentrations of the Fab proteins are
determined by ELISA and/or SDS-PAGE electrophoresis using a Fab of known
concentration (as determined by amino acid analysis) as a standard. Kinetic association
rates (kon) and dissociation rates (toff) are obtained simultaneously by fitting the data to a
1:1 Langmuir binding model (KarLsson, R. Roos, H. Fagerstam, L. Petersson, B. (1994).
Methods Enzymologv 6. 99-110) tsing the BIAevaluation program. Equilibrium
dissociation constant (KD) values are calculated as koff/kon. This protocol is suitable for use
in determining binding affinity of an antibody to any NGF, including human NGF, NGF of
another vertebrate (in some embodiments, mammalian) (such as mouse NGF, rat NGF,
primate NGF), as well as for use with other neurotrophins, such as the related
neurotrophins NT3, NT4/5, and/or BDNF.
[0264] In some embodiments, the antibody binds human NGF, and does not
significantly bind an NGF from another vertebrate species (in some embodiment,
mammalian). In some embodimen s, the antibody binds human NGF as well as one or
more NGF from another vertebrate species (in some embodiments, mammalian). In still
other embodiments, the antibody binds NGF and does not significantly cross-react with
other neurotrophins (such as the related neurotrophins, NT3, NT4/5, and/or BDNF). In
some embodiments, the antibody binds NGF as well as at least one other neurotrophin. In
some embodiments, the antibody binds to a mammalian species of NGF, such as horse or
dog, but does not significantly bind to NGF from anther mammalian species.
[0265] The epitope(s) can be continuous or discontinuous. In one embodiment, the
antibody binds essentially the same hNGF epitopes as an antibody selected from the group
consisting of MAb 911, MAb 912, and MAb 938 as described in Hongo et al., Hybridoma,
19:215-227 (2000). In another embodiment, the antibody binds essentially the same hNGF
epitope as MAb 911. In still another embodiment, the antibody binds essentially the same
epitope as MAb 909. Hongo et al., supra. For example, the epitope may comprise one or
more of: residues K32, K34 and E35 within variable region 1 (amino acids 23-35) of
hNGF; residues F79 and T81 within variable region 4 (amino acids 81-88) of hNGF;

residues H84 and K88 within variable region 4; residue R103 between variable region 5
(amino acids 94-98) of hNGF and the C-terminus (amino acids 111-118) of hNGF; residue
El 1 within pre-variable region 1 (amino acids 10-23) of hNGF; Y52 between variable
region 2 (amino acids 40-49) of hNGF and variable region 3 (amino acids 59-66) of hNGF;
residues L112 and S113 within the C-terminus of hNGF; residues R59 and R69 within
variable region 3 of hNGF; or residues V18, V20, and G23 within pre-variable region 1 of
hNGF. In addition, an epitope can comprise one or more of the variable region 1, variable
region 3, variable region 4, variable region 5, the N-terminus region, and /or the C-terminus
of hNGF. In still another embodiment, the antibody significantly reduces the solvent
accessibility of residue R103 of hNGF. It is understood that although the epitopes
described above relate to human NGF, one of ordinary skill can align the structures of
human NGF with the NGF of other species and identify likely counterparts to these
epitopes.
[0266] In one aspect, antibodies (e.g., human, humanized, mouse, chimeric) that
can inhibit NGF may be made by using immunogens that express full length or partial
sequence of NGF. In another aspect, an immunogen comprising a cell that overexpresses
NGF may be used. Another example of an immunogen that can be used is NGF protein
that contains full-length NGF or a portion of the NGF protein.
[0267] The anti-NGF antagonist antibodies may be made by any method known in
the art. The route and schedule of immunization of the host animal are generally in
keeping with established and conventional techniques for antibody stimulation and
production, as further described herein. General techniques for production of human and
mouse antibodies are known in the art and are described herein.
[0268] It is contemplated that any mammalian subject including humans or
antibody producing cells therefrom can be manipulated to serve as the basis for production
of mammalian, including human, hybridoma cell lines. Typically, the host animal is
inoculated intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, orally, subcutaneously, intraplantar, and/or
intradermally with an amount of inununogen, including as described herein.
[0269] Hybridomas can be prepared from the lymphocytes and immortalized
myeloma cells using the general somatic cell hybridization technique of Kohler, B. and
Milstein, C. (1975) Nature 256:495-497 or as modified by Buck, D. W., et al., In Vitro,
18:377-381 (1982). Available myeloma lines, including but not limited to X63-Ag8.653

and those from the Salk Institute, Cell Distribution Center, San Diego, Calif., USA, may be
used in the hybridization. Generally, the technique involves fusing myeloma cells and
lymphoid cells using a fusogen such as polyethylene glycol, or by electrical means well
known to those skilled in the art. After the fusion, the cells are separated from the fusion
medium and grown in a selective growth medium, such as hypoxanthine-aminopterin-
thymidine (HAT) medium, to eliminate unhybridized parent cells. Any of the media
described herein, supplemented with or without serum, can be used for culturing
hybridomas that secrete monoclor al antibodies. As another alternative to the cell fusion
technique, EBV immortalized B cells may be used to produce the anti-NGF monoclonal
antibodies of the subject invention. The hybridomas are expanded and subcloned, if
desired, and supernatants are assayed for anti-immunogen activity by conventional
immunoassay procedures (e.g., radioimmunoassay, enzyme immunoassay, or fluorescence
immunoassay).
[0270] Hybridomas that may be used as source of antibodies encompass all
derivatives, progeny cells of the parent hybridomas that produce monoclonal antibodies
specific for NGF, or a portion thereof.
[0271] Hybridomas that produce such antibodies may be grown in vitro or in vivo
using known procedures. The monoclonal antibodies may be isolated from the culture
media or body fluids, by conventional immunoglobulin purification procedures such as
ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, chromatography, and
ultrafiltration, if desired. Undesired activity if present, can be removed, for example, by
running the preparation over adsorbents made of the immunogen attached to a solid phase
and eluting or releasing the desired antibodies off the immunogen. Immunization of a host
animal with a human NGF, or a fragment containing the target amino acid sequence
conjugated to a protein that is immunogenic in the species to be immunized, e.g., keyhole
limpet hemocyanin, serum albumin, bovine thyroglobulin, or soybean trypsin inhibitor
using a bifunctional or derivatizing agent, for example maleimidobenzoyl sulfosuccinimide
ester (conjugation through cysteine residues), N-hydroxysuccinimide (through lysine
residues), glytaradehyde, succinic anhydride, SOC12, or R1N=C=NR, where R and Rl are
different alkyl groups, can yield a population of antibodies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies).
[0272] If desired, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody (monoclonal or polyclonal) of
interest may be sequenced and the polynucleotide sequence may then be cloned into a

vector for expression or propagation. The sequence encoding the antibody of interest may
be maintained in vector in a host ce 1 and the host cell can then be expanded and frozen for
future use. In an alternative, the polynucleotide sequence may be used for genetic
manipulation to "humanize" the antibody or to improve the affinity, or other characteristics
of the antibody. For example, the constant region may be engineered to more resemble
human constant regions to avoid immune response if the antibody is used in clinical trials
and treatments in humans. It may be desirable to genetically manipulate the antibody
sequence to obtain greater affinity to NGF and greater efficacy in inhibiting NGF. It will
be apparent to one of skill in the art that one or more polynucleotide changes can be made
to the anti-NGF antagonist antibody and still maintain its binding ability to NGF.
[02731] There are four general steps to humanize a monoclonal antibody. These are:
(1) determining the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence of the starting antibody
light and heavy variable domains (2) designing the humanized antibody, i.e., deciding
which antibody framework region to use during the humanizing process (3) the actual
humanizing methodologies/techniques and (4) the transfection and expression of the
humanized antibody. See, for example, U.S Patent Nos. 4,816,567; 5,807,715; 5,866,692;
6,331,415; 5,530,101; 5,693,761; 5,693,762; 5,585,089; and 6,180,370.
[0274] A number of "humamzed" antibody molecules comprising an antigen-
binding site derived from a non-human immunoglobulin have been described, including
chimeric antibodies having rodem or modified rodent V regions and their associated
complementarity determining reg ons (CDFs) fused to human constant domains. See, for
example, Winter et al. Nature 34S :293-299 (1991), Lobuglio et al. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci.
USA 86:4220-4224 (1989), Shaw et al. J Immunol. 138:4534-4538 (1987), and Brown et
al. Cancer Res. 47:3577-3583 (1987). Other references describe rodent CDRs grafted into
a human supporting framework region (FR) prior to fusion with an appropriate human
antibody constant domain. See, lor example, Riechmann et al. Nature 332:323-327 (1988),
Verhoeyen et al. Science 239:1534-1536 (1988), and Jones et al. Nature 321:522-525
(1986). Another reference describes rodent CDRs supported by recombinantly veneered
rodent framework regions. See, or example, European Patent Publication No. 0519596.
These "humanized" molecules are designed to minimize unwanted immunological response
toward rodent anti-human antibody molecules which limits the duration and effectiveness
of therapeutic applications of those moieties in human recipients. For example, the

antibody constant region can be engineered such that it is immunologically inert (e.g., does
not trigger complement lysis). See; e.g. PCT Publication No. PCT/GB99/01441; UK
Patent Application No. 9809951.8. Other methods of humanizing antibodies that may also
be utilized are disclosed by Daugherty et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 19:2471-2476 (1991) and in
U.S. Patent Nos. 6,180,377; 6,054,297; 5,997,867; 5,866,692; 6,210,671; and 6,350,861;
and in PCT Publication No. WO 01 /27160.
[0275] In yet another alternative, fully human antibodies may be obtained by using
commercially available mice that have been engineered to express specific human
immunoglobulin proteins. Transgenic animals that are designed to produce a more
desirable (e.g., fully human antibodies) or more robust immune response may also be used
for generation of humanized or human antibodies. Examples of such technology are
Xenomouse ™ from Abgenix, Inc. (Fremont, CA) and HuMAb-Mouse® and TC Mouse™
from Medarex, Inc. (Princeton, NJ .
[0276] In an alternative, antibodies may be made recombinantly and expressed
using any method known in the art. In another alternative, antibodies may be made
recombinantly by phage display technology. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,565,332;
5,580,717; 5,733,743; and 6,265,150; and Winter et al., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 12:433-455
(1994). Alternatively, the phage display technology (McCafferty et al, Nature 348:552-
553 (1990)) can be used to produce human antibodies and antibody fragments in vitro,
from immunoglobulin variable (V domain gene repertoires from unimmunized donors.
According to this technique, antibody V domain genes are cloned in-frame into either a
major or minor coat protein gene of a filamentous bacteriophage, such as Ml3 or fd, and
displayed as functional antibody fragments on the surface of the phage particle. Because
the filamentous particle contains a single-stranded DNA copy of the phage genome,
selections based on the functional properties of the antibody also result in selection of the
gene encoding the antibody exhibiting those properties. Thus, the phage mimics some of
the properties of the B cell. Phage display can be performed in a variety of formats; for
review see, e.g., Johnson, Kevin S. and Chiswell, David J., Current Opinion in Structural
Biology 3:564-571 (1993). Several sources of V-gene segments can be used for phage
display. Clackson et al, Nature 352:624-628 (1991) isolated a diverse array of anti-
oxazolone antibodies from a smal random combinatorial library of V genes derived from
the spleens of immunized mice. A repertoire of V genes from unimmunized human donors

can be constructed and antibodies o a diverse array of antigens (including self-antigens)
can be isolated essentially following the techniques described by Mark et al, J. Mol Biol.
222:581-597 (1991), or Griffith et al, EMBO J. 12:725-734 (1993). In a natural immune
response, antibody genes accumulate mutations at a high rate (somatic hypermutation).
Some of the changes introduced will confer higher affinity, and B cells displaying high-
affinity surface immunoglobulin are preferentially replicated and differentiated during
subsequent antigen challenge. This natural process can be mimicked by employing the
technique known as "chain shuffliig." Marks, et al, Bio/Technol'. 10:779-783(1992)). In
this method, the affinity of "prima ry" human antibodies obtained by phage display can be
improved by sequentially replacing the heavy and light chain V region genes with
repertoires of naturally occurring variants (repertoires) of V domain genes obtained from
unimmunized donors. This technique allows the production of antibodies and antibody
fragments with affinities in the pM-nM range. A strategy for making very large phage
antibody repertoires (also known as "the mother-of-all libraries") has been described by
Waterhouse et al, Nucl Acids Re:. 21:2265-2266 (1993). Gene shuffling can also be used
to derive human antibodies from rodent antibodies, where the human antibody has similar
affinities and specificities to the starting rodent antibody. According to this method, which
is also referred to as "epitope imprinting", the heavy or light chain V domain gene of
rodent antibodies obtained by phage display technique is replaced with a repertoire of
human V domain genes, creating rodent-human chimeras. Selection on antigen results in
isolation of human variable regions capable of restoring a functional antigen-binding site,
i.e., the epitope governs (imprints) the choice of partner. When the process is repeated in
order to replace the remaining rodent V domain, a human antibody is obtained (see PCT
Publication No. WO 93/06213, published April 1, 1993). Unlike traditional humanization
of rodent antibodies by CDR graf ing, this technique provides completely human
antibodies, which have no framework or CDR residues of rodent origin.
[0277] It is apparent that although the above discussion pertains to humanized
antibodies, the general principles discussed are applicable to customizing antibodies for
use, for example, in dogs, cats, pramate, equines and bovines. It is further apparent that one
or more aspects of humanizing an antibody described herein may be combined, e.g., CDR
grafting, framework mutation and CDR mutation.

[02781] Antibodies may be made recombinantly by first isolating the antibodies and
antibody producing cells from host animals, obtaining the gene sequence, and using the
gene sequence to express the antibody recombinantly in host cells (e.g., CHO cells).
Another method which may be employed is to express the antibody sequence in plants
(e.g., tobacco) or transgenic milk. Methods for expressing antibodies recombinantly in
plants or milk have been disclosed. See, for example, Peeters, et al. Vaccine 19:2756
(2001); Lonberg, N. and D. Huszar Int.Rev.Immunol 13:65 (1995); and Pollock, et al., J
Immunol Methods 231:147(1999). Methods for making derivatives of antibodies, e.g.,
humanized, single chain, etc. are known in the art.
[0279] Immunoassays and flow cytometry sorting techniques such as fluorescence
activated cell sorting (FACS) can also be employed to isolate antibodies that are specific
for NGF.
[0280] The antibodies can be bound to many different carriers. Carriers can be
active and/or inert. Examples of well-known carriers include polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyethylene, dextran, nylon, amylases, glass, natural and modified celluloses,
polyacrylamides, agaroses and magnetite. The nature of the carrier can be either soluble or
insoluble for purposes of the invention. Those skilled in the art will know of other suitable
carriers for binding antibodies, or will be able to ascertain such, using routine
experimentation. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a moiety that targets the
myocardium.
[0281] DNA encoding the monoclonal antibodies is readily isolated and sequenced
using conventional procedures (e.g; by using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of
binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of the monoclonal
antibodies). The hybridoma cells serve as a preferred source of such DNA. Once isolated,
the DNA may be placed into expression vectors (such as expression vectors disclosed in
PCT Publication No. WO 87/04462), which are then transfected into host cells such as E.
coli cells, simian COS cells, Chine se hamster ovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells that do
not otherwise produce immunoglobulin protein, to obtain the synthesis of monoclonal
antibodies in the recombinant host cells. See;, e.g., PCT Publication No. WO 87/04462.
The DNA also may be modified, for example, by substituting the coding sequence for
human heavy and light chain constant domains in place of the homologous murine
sequences, Morrison et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 81:6851 (1984), or by covalently joining

to the immunoglobulin coding sequence all or part of the coding sequence for a non-
immunoglobulin polypeptide. In that manner, "chimeric" or "hybrid" antibodies are
prepared that have the binding specificity of an anti-NGF monoclonal antibody herein.
[0282] Anti-NGF antagonist antibodies may be characterized using methods well
known in the art. For example, one method is to identify the epitope to which it binds, or
"epitope mapping." There are many methods known in the art for mapping and
characterizing the location of epitopes on proteins, including solving the crystal structure of
an antibody-antigen complex, competition assays, gene fragment expression assays, and
synthetic peptide-based assays, as described, for example, in Chapter 11 of Harlow and
Lane, Using Antibodies, a Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold
Spring Harbor, New York, 1999. in an additional example, epitope mapping can be used to
determine the sequence to which an anti-NGF antagonist antibody binds. Epitope mapping
is commercially available from various sources, for example, Pepscan Systems
(Edelhertweg 15, 8219 PH Lelystad, The Netherlands).. The epitope can be a linear
epitope, i.e., contained in a single stretch of amino acids, or a conformational epitope
formed by a three-dimensional interaction of amino acids that may not necessarily be
contained in a single stretch. Peptides of varying lengths (e.g., at least 4-6 amino acids
long) can be isolated or synthesized (e.g., rscombinantly) and used for binding assays with
an anti-NGF antagonist antibody. In another example, the epitope to which the anti-NGF
antagonist antibody binds can be determined in a systematic screening by using
overlapping peptides derived from the NGF sequence and determining binding by the anti-
NGF antagonist antibody. According to the gene fragment expression assays, the open
reading frame encoding NGF is fragmented either randomly or by specific genetic
constructions and the reactivity of the expressed fragments of NGF with the antibody to be
tested is determined. The gene fragments may, for example, be produced by PCR and then
transcribed and translated into protein in vitro, in the presence of radioactive amino acids.
The binding of the antibody to the radioactively labeled NGF fragments is then determined
by immunoprecipitation and ge1 electrophoresis. Certain epitopes can also be identified by
using large libraries of random peptide sequences displayed on the surface of phage
particles (phage libraries). Alternatively, a defined library of overlapping peptide
fragments can be tested for binding to the test antibody in simple binding assays. In an
additional example, mutagenesis of an antigen binding domain, domain swapping

experiments and alanine scanning mutagenesis can be performed to identify residues
required, sufficient, and/or necessary for epitope binding. For example, domain swapping
experiments can be performed using a mutant NGF in which various fragments of the NGF
polypeptide have been replaced (swapped) with sequences from a closely related, but
antigenically distinct protein (such as another member of the neurotrophin protein family).
By assessing binding of the antibody to the mutant NGF, the importance of the particular
NGF fragment to antibody binding can be assessed.
[02S3] Yet another method which can be used to characterize an anti-NGF
antagonist antibody is to use competition assays with other antibodies known to bind to the
same antigen, i.e., various fragments on NGF, to determine if the anti-NGF antagonist
antibody binds to the same epitope as other antibodies. Competition assays are well known
to those of skill in the art. Example of antibodies that can be used in the competition assays
for the present invention include MAb 911,912-, 938, as described in Hongo, et al.,
Hybridoma 19:215-227 (2000).
[02841 An expression vector can be used to direct expression of an anti-NGF
antagonist antibody. One skilled in the art is familiar with administration of expression
vectors to obtain expression of an exogenous protein in vivo. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos.
6,436,908; 6,413,942; and 6,376,471 Administration of expression vectors includes local
or systemic administration, including injection, oral administration, particle gun or
catheterized administration, and topical administration. In another embodiment, the
expression vector is administered directly to the sympathetic trunk or ganglion, or into a
coronary artery, atrium, ventricle, or pericardium.
[0285] Targeted delivery of therapeutic compositions containing an expression
vector, or subgenomic polynucleotide s can also be used. Receptor-mediated DNA delivery
techniques are described in, for example, Findeis et al., Trends Biotechnol. (1993) 11:202;
Chiou et al., Gene Therapeutics: Methods And Applications Of Direct Gene Transfer (J.A.
Wolff, ed.) (1994); Wu et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1988) 263:621; Wu et al., J. Biol. Chem.
(1994) 269:542; Zenke et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1990) 87:3655; Wu et al., J.
Biol. Chem. (1991) 266:338. Therapeutic compositions containing a polynucleotide are
administered in a range of about 100 ng to about 200 mg of DNA for local administration
in a gene therapy protocol. Concentration ranges of about 500 ng to about 50 mg, about 1
ug to about 2 mg, about 5 ug to about 500 µg, and about 20 ug to about 100 µg of DNA

can also be used during a gene therapy protocol. The therapeutic polynucleotides and
polypeptides can be delivered using gene delivery vehicles. The gene delivery vehicle can
be of viral or non-viral origin (see generally, Jolly, Cancer Gene Therapy (1994) 1:51;
Kimura, Human Gene Therapy (1994) 5:845; Connelly, Human Gene Therapy (1995)
1:185; and Kaplitt, Nature Genetics (1994) 6:148). Expression of such coding sequences
can be induced using endogenous mammalian or heterologous promoters. Expression of
the coding sequence can be either constitutive or regulated.
[0286] Viral-based vectors for delivery of a desired polynucleotide and expression
in a desired cell are well known in the art. Exemplary viral-based vehicles include, but are
not limited to, recombinant retroviruses (see, e.g., PCT Publication Nos. WO 90/07936;
WO 94/03622; WO 93/25698; WO 93/25234; WO 93/11230; WO 93/10218; WO
91/02805; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,219,743 and 4,777,127; GB Patent No. 2,200,651; and EP
Patent No. 0 345 242), alphavirus-based vectors (e.g., Sindbis virus vectors, Semliki forest
virus (ATCC VR-67; ATCC VR-1247), Ross River virus (ATCC VR-373; ATCC VR-
1246) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (ATCC VR-923; ATCC VR-1250; ATCC
VR 1249; ATCC VR-532)), and adeno -associated virus (AAV) vectors (see, e.g., PCT
Publication Nos. WO 94/12649, WO 93/03769; WO 93/19191; WO 94/28938; WO
95/11984 and WO 95/00655). Administration of DNA linked to killed adenovirus as
described in Curiel, Hum. Gene Ther. (1992) 3:147 can also be employed.
[0287] Non-viral delivery vehicles and methods can also be employed, including,
but not limited to, polycationic condensed DNA linked or unlinked to killed adenovirus
alone (see, e.g., Curiel, Hum. Gene Ther. (1992) 3:147); ligand-linked DNA (see, e.g., Wu,
J. Biol. Chem. (1989) 264:16985); eukaryotic cell delivery vehicles cells (see, e.g., U.S.
Patent No. 5,814,482; PCT Publication Nos. WO 95/07994; WO 96/17072; WO 95/30763;
and WO 97/42338) and nucleic charge neutralization or fusion with cell membranes.
Naked DNA can also be employed. Exemplary naked DNA introduction methods are
described in PCT Publication No. WO 90/11092 and U.S. Patent No. 5,580,859.
Liposomes that can act as gene delivery vehicles are described in U.S. Patent No.
5,422,120; PCT Publication Nos. WO 95/13796; WO 94/23697; WO 91/14445; and
EP 0524968. Additional approaches are described in Philip, Mol. Cell Biol. (1994)
14:2411, and in Woffendin, Proc. Not. Acad. Sci. (1994) 91:1581.

Identification of anti-NGF antagonist antibodies
[0288] Anti-NGF antagonist antibodies can be identified or characterized using
methods known in the art, whereby reduction, amelioration, or neutralization of an NGF
biological activity is detected and/or measured. For example, a kinase receptor activation
(KIRA) assay described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,766,863 and 5,891,650, can be used to
identify anti-NGF agents. This ELLSA-type assay is suitable for qualitative or quantitative
measurement of kinase activation by measuring the autophosphorylation of the kinase
domain of a receptor protein tyrosine kinase (hereinafter "rPTK"), e.g. TrkA receptor, as
well as for identification and characterization of potential antagonists of a selected rPTK,
e.g., TrkA. The first stage of the assay involves phosphorylation of the kinase domain of a
kinase receptor, for example, a TrkA receptor, wherein the receptor is present in the cell
membrane of an eukaryotic cell. The receptor may be an endogenous receptor or nucleic
acid encoding the receptor, or a receptor construct, may be transformed into the cell.
Typically, a first solid phase (e.g., a well of a first assay plate) is coated with a substantially
homogeneous population of such cells (usually a mammalian cell line) so that the cells
adhere to the solid phase. Often, the cells are adherent and thereby adhere naturally to the
first solid phase. If a "receptor construct" is used, it usually comprises a fusion of a kinase
receptor and a flag polypeptide. The lag polypeptide is recognized by the capture agent,
often a capture antibody, in the ELISA part of the assay. An analyte, such as a candidate
anti-NGF antagonist antibody is then added together with NGF to the wells having the
adherent cells, such that the tyrosine kinase receptor (e.g. TrkA receptor) is exposed to (or
contacted with) NGF and the analyte. This assay enables identification of antibodies that
inhibit activation of TrkA by its liganc NGF. Following exposure to NGF and the analyte,
the adhering cells are solubilized using a lysis buffer (which has a solubilizing detergent
therein) and gentle agitation, thereby releasing cell lysate which can be subjected to the
ELISA part of the assay directly, without the need for concentration or clarification of the
cell lysate.
[0289] The cell lysate thus prepared is then ready to be subjected to the ELISA
stage of the assay. As a first step in the ELISA stage, a second solid phase (usually a well
of an ELISA microtiter plate) is coated with a capture agent (often a capture antibody)
which binds specifically to the tyrosine kinase receptor, or, in the case of a receptor
construct, to the flag polypeptide. Coaling of the second solid phase is carried out so that

the capture agent adheres to the second solid phase. The capture agent is generally a
monoclonal antibody, but, as is described in the examples herein, polyclonal antibodies
may also be used. The cell lysate obtained is then exposed to, or contacted with, the
adhering capture agent so that the receptor or receptor construct adheres to (or is captured
in) the second solid phase. A washing step is then carried out, so as to remove unbound
cell lysate, leaving the captured receptor or receptor construct. The adhering or captured
receptor or receptor construct is then exposed to or contacted with, an anti-
phosphotyrosine antibody which identifies phosphorylated tyrosine residues in the tyrosine
kinase receptor. In one embodiment, the anti-phosphotyrosine antibody is conjugated
(directly or indirectly) to an enzyme which catalyses a color change of a non-radioactive
color reagent. Accordingly, phosphorylation of the receptor can be measured by a
subsequent color change of the reagent. The enzyme can be bound to the anti-
phosphotyrosine antibody directly, or a conjugating molecule (e.g., biotin) can be
conjugated to the anti-phosphotyrosine antibody and the enzyme can be subsequently
bound to the anti-phosphotyrosine antibody via the conjugating molecule. Finally, binding
of the anti-phosphotyrosine antibody to the captured receptor or receptor construct is
measured, e.g., by a color change in the color reagent.
[0290] The anti-NGF antagonist antibody can also be identified by incubating a
candidate agent with NGF and monitoring any one or more of the following characteristics:
(a) binding to NGF and inhibiting NGF biological activity or downstream pathways
mediated by NGF signaling function; (b) inhibiting, blocking or decreasing NGF receptor
activation (including TrkA dimerization and/or autophosphorylation); (c) increasing
clearance of NGF; (d) treating or preventing any aspect of rheumatoid arthritis pain or
osteoarthritis pain; (e) inhibiting (reducing) NGF synthesis, production or release. In some
embodiments, an anti-NGF antagonist antibody is identified by incubating an candidate
agent with NGF and monitoring binding and/or attendant reduction or neutralization of a
biological activity of NGF. The binding assay may be performed with purified NGF
polypeptide(s), or with cells naturally expressing, or transfected to express, NGF
polypeptide(s). In one embodiment, the binding assay is a competitive binding assay,
where the ability of a candidate antibcdy to compete with a known anti-NGF antagonist for
NGF binding is evaluated. The assay may be performed in various formats, including the
ELISA format. In other embodiments, an anti-NGF antagonist antibody is identified by

incubating a candidate agent with NGF and monitoring binding and attendant inhibition of
trkA receptor dimerization and/or autophosphorylation.
[0291] Following initial identification, the activity of a candidate anti-NGF
antagonist antibody can be further confirmed and refined by bioassays, known to test the
targeted biological activities. Alternatively, bioassays can be used to screen candidates
directly. For example, NGF promotes a number of morphologically recognizable changes
in responsive cells. These include, but are not limited to, promoting the differentiation of
PC 12 cells and enhancing the growth of neurites from these cells (Greene et al., Proc Natl
Acad Sci USA. 73(7):2424-8,1976, promoting neurite outgrowth from explants of
responsive sensory and sympathetic ganglia (Levi-Montalcini, R. and Angeletti, P. Nerve
growth factor. Physiol. Rev. 48:534-f 69,1968) and promoting the survival of NGF
dependent neurons such as embryonic dorsal root ganglion, trigeminal ganglion, or
sympathetic ganglion neurons (e.g., Chun & Patterson, Dev. Biol. 75:705-711, (1977);
Buchman & Davies, Development 118:989-1001 (1993). Thus, the assay for inhibition of
NGF biological activity entail culturing NGF responsive cells with NGF plus an analyte,
such as a candidate anti-NGF antagonist antibody. After an appropriate time the cell
response will be assayed (cell differer tiation, neurite outgrowth or cell survival).
[0292] The ability of a candidate anti-NGF antagonist antibody to block or
neutralize a biological activity of NGF can also be assessed by monitoring the ability of the
candidate agent to inhibit NGF mediated survival in the embryonic rat dorsal root ganglia
survival bioassay as described in Hongo et al, Hybridoma 19:215-227 (2000).
Administration of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody
[0293] The anti-NGF antagonist antibody can be administered to an individual (for
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) via any suitable route. It should be apparent to a
person skilled in the art that the examples described herein are not intended to be limiting
but to be illustrative of the techniques available. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the
anti-NGF antagonist antibody is admir istered to a individual in accord with known
methods, such as intravenous administ ation, e.g., as a bolus or by continuous infusion over
a period of time, by intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracerebrospinal, subcutaneous, intra-
articular, sublingually, intrasynovial, v a insufflation, intrathecal, oral, inhalation or topical
routes. Administration can be systemic, e.g., intravenous administration, or localized.

Commercially available nebulizers for liquid formulations, including jet nebulizers and
ultrasonic nebulizers are useful for administration. Liquid formulations can be directly
nebulized and lyophilized powder can be nebulized after reconstitution. Alternatively, anti-
NGF antagonist antibody can be aerosolized using a fluorocarbon formulation and a
metered dose inhaler, or inhaled as a yophilized and milled powder.
[0294] In one embodiment, an anti-NGF antagonist antibody is administered via
site-specific or targeted local delivery techniques. Examples of site-specific or targeted
local delivery techniques include various implantable depot sources of the anti-NGF
antagonist antibody or local delivery catheters, such as infusion catheters, an indwelling
catheter, or a needle catheter, synthetic grafts, adventitial wraps, shunts and stents or other
implantable devices, site specific carriers, direct injection, or direct application. See, e.g.,
PCT Publication No. WO 00/53211 and U.S. Patent No. 5,981,568.
[02951 Various formulations of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody may be used for
administration. In some embodiments, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody may be
administered neat. In some embodiments, anti-NGF antagonist antibody and a
pharmaceutically acceptable excipienc may be in various formulations. Pharmaceutically
acceptable excipients are known in the art, and are relatively inert substances that facilitate
administration of a pharmacologically effective substance. For example, an excipient can
give form or consistency, or act as a diluent. Suitable excipients include but are not limited
to stabilizing agents, wetting and emulsifying agents, salts for varying osmolarity,
encapsulating agents, buffers, and skin penetration enhancers. Excipients as well as
formulations for parenteral and nonparenteral drug delivery are set forth in Remington, The
Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20 h Ed. Mack Publishing (2000).
[0296] In some embodiments these agents are formulated for administration by
injection (e.g., intraperitoneally, intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, etc.).
Accordingly, these agents can be combined with pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles such
as saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, and the like. The particular dosage regimen,
i.e., dose, timing and repetition, will depend on the particular individual and that
individual's medical history.
[0297] An anti-NGF antibod) can be administered using any suitable method,
including by injection (e.g., intraperitoneally, intravenously, subcutaneously,
intramuscularly, etc.). Anti-NGF ant bodies can also be administered via inhalation, as

described herein. Generally, for administration of anti-NGF antibodies, an initial candidate
dosage can be about 2 mg/kg. For the purpose, of the present invention, a typical daily
dosage might range from about any of 1 µg/kg to 3 µg/kg to 30 µg/kg to 300 µg/kg to 3
mg/kg, to 30 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. For
example, an anti-NGF antibody may be administered at about 1 µg/kg, about 10 µg/kg,
about 20 µg/kg, about 50 µg/kg, about 100 fig/kg, about 200 µg/kg, about 500 µg/kg, about
1 mg/kg, or about 2 mg/kg. For repeated administrations over several days or longer,
depending on the condition, the treatment is sustained until a desired suppression of
symptoms occurs or until sufficient therapeutic levels are achieved to reduce pain. An
exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering an initial dose of about 2 mg/kg,
followed by a weekly maintenance dose of about 1 mg/kg of the anti-NGF antibody, or
followed by a maintenance dose of atout 1 mg/kg every other week. However, other
dosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern of pharmacokinetic decay that the
practitioner wishes to achieve. For example, in some embodiments, dosing from one-four
times a week is contemplated. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored by
conventional techniques and assays. The dosing regimen (including the NGF antagonist(s)
used) can vary over time.
[0298] For the purpose of the present invention, the appropriate dosage of an anti-
NGF antagonist antibody will depend on the anti-NGF antagonist antibody (or
compositions thereof) employed, the type and severity of the pain to be treated, whether the
agent is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the patient's
clinical history and response to the agent, and the discretion of the attending physician.
Typically the clinician will administer an anti-NGF antagonist antibody, until a dosage is
reached that achieves the desired result. Dose arid/or frequency can vary over course of
treatment.
[02991 Empirical considerations, such as the half-life, generally will contribute to
the determination of the dosage. For ekample, antibodies that are compatible with the
human immune system, such as human bed antibodies or fully human antibodies, may be
used to prolong half-life of the antibody and to prevent the antibody being attacked by the
host's immune system. Frequency of administration may be determined and adjusted over
the course of therapy, and is generally, out not necessarily, based on treatment and/or
suppression and/or amelioration and/or delay of pain. Alternatively, sustained continuous

release formulations of anti-NGF antagonist antibodies may be appropriate. Various
formulations and devices for achieving sustained release are known in the art.
[0300] In one embodiment, dosages for an anti-NGF antagonist antibody may be
determined empirically in individuals who have been given one or more administration(s)
of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody. Individuals are given incremental dosages of an anti-
NGF antagonist antibody. To assess efficacy of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody, an
indicator of pain can be followed.
[0301] Administration of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody in accordance with the
method in the present invention can be continuous or intermittent, depending, for example,
upon the recipient's physiological condition, whether the purpose of the administration is
therapeutic or prophylactic, and other factors known to skilled practitioners. The
administration of an anti-NGF antagonist antibody may be essentially continuous over a
preselected period of time or may be in a series of spaced dose, e.g., either before, during,
or after developing pain; before; during; before and after; during and after; before and
during; or before, during, and after developing pain.
[0302] In some embodiments, more than one anti-NGF antagonist antibody may be
present. At least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five different, or more
anti-NGF antagonist antibody can be present. Generally, those anti-NGF antagonist
antibodies have complementary activities that do not adversely affect each other.
[0303] Therapeutic formulaticns of the anti-NGF antagonist antibody used in
accordance with the present invention are prepared for storage by mixing an antibody
having the desired degree of purity with optional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers,
excipients or stabilizers (Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack
Publishing (2000)), in the form of lyo philized formulations or aqueous solutions.
Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and
concentrations employed, and may co uprise buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other
organic acids; salts such as sodium chloride; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and
methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride;
hexamethonium chloride; benzalkoninum chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or
benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens, such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol;
cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10
residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins;

hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine,
glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosacchandes, disaccharides, and
other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as
EDTA; sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions
such as sodium; metal complexes (e g. Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants
such as TWEENTM, PLURONICSTM or polyethylene glycol (PEG).
[0304] Liposomes containing the anti-NGF antagonist antibody are prepared by
methods known in the art, such as described in Epstein, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
82:3688 (1985); Hwang, et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 77:4030 (1980); and U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545. Liposomes with enhanced circulation time are disclosed in
U.S. Patent No. 5,013,556. Particularly useful liposomes can be generated by the reverse
phase evaporation method with a lipid composition comprising phosphatidylcholine,
cholesterol and PEG-derivatized phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE). Liposomes are
extruded through filters of defined pore size to yield liposomes with the desired diameter.
[0305] The active ingredients may also be entrapped in microcapsules prepared, for
example, by coacervation techniques or by interfacial polymerization, for example,
hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatin-microcapsules and poly-(methylmethacylate)
microcapsules, respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example, liposomes,
albumin microspheres, microemulsiors, nano-particles and nanocapsules) or in
macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed in Remington, The Science and Practice of
Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing (2000).
[0306] Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable examples of
sustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic
polymers containing the antibody, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g.
films, or microcapsules. Examples of sustained-release matrices include polyesters,
hydrogels (for example, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), or 'poly(v nylalcohol)),
polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and 7 ethyl-L-
glutamate, non-degradable ethylene-vinyl acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid
copolymers such as the LUPRON DEPOT TM (injectable microspheres composed of lactic
acid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolde acetate), sucrose acetate isobutyrate, and poly-
D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid.

[0307] The formulations to be used for in vivo administration must be sterile. This
is readily accomplished by, for example, filtration through sterile filtration membranes.
Therapeutic anti-NGF antagonist antibody compositions are generally 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.
[0308] The compositions according to the present invention may be in unit dosage
forms such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, solutions or suspensions, or
suppositories, for oral, parenteral or rectal administration, or administration by inhalation or
insufflation.
[0309] For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active
ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g. conventional tableting ingredients
such as corn starch, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate,
dicalcium phosphate or gums, and other pharmaceutical diluents, e.g. water, to form a solid
preformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of the
present invention, or a non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. When referring
to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient
is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily
subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules. This
solid preformulation composition is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type
described above containing from 0.1 to about 500 mg of the active ingredient of the present
invention. The tablets or pills of the novel composition can be coated or otherwise
compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action. For
example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component,
the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can be
separated by an enteric layer that serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permits
the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety
of materials can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a
number of polymeric acids and mixtures of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac,
cetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate.
[0310] Suitable surface-active agents include, in particular, non-ionic agents, such
as polyoxyethylenesorbitans (e.g. TweenTM 20, 40, 60, 80 or 85) and other sorbitans (e.g.
SpanTM 20,40, 60, 80 or 85). Compositions with a surface-active agent will conveniently

comprise between 0.05 and 5% sunace-active agent, and can be between 0.1 and 2.5%. It
will be appreciated that other ingredients may be added, for example mannitol or other
pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles, if necessary.
[0311] Suitable emulsions may be prepared using commercially available fat
emulsions, such as IntralipidTM, LiposynTM, InfonutrolTM, LipofundinTM and
LipiphysanTM. The active ingredient may be either dissolved in a pre-mixed emulsion
composition or alternatively it may be dissolved in an oil (e.g. soybean oil, safflower oil,
cottonseed oil, sesame oil, com oil or almond oil) and an emulsion formed upon mixing
with a phospholipid (e.g. egg phospholipids, soybean phospholipids or soybean lecithin)
and water. It will be appreciated that other ingredients may be added, for example gylcerol
or glucose, to adjust the tonicity of the emulsion. Suitable emulsions will typically contain
up to 20% oil, for example, between 5 and 20%. The fat emulsion can comprise fat
droplets between 0.1 and 1.0 .µm, particularly 0.1 and 0.5 .µm, and have a pH in the range
of5.5to8.0.
[0312] The emulsion composi tions can be those prepared by mixing a nerve growth
factor antibody with IntralipidTM.or the components thereof (soybean oil, egg
phospholipids, glycerol and water).
[0313] Compositions for inhalation or insufflation include solutions and
suspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous or organic solvents, or mixtures
thereof, and powders. The liquid or sclid compositions may contain suitable
pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as set out above. In some embodiments, the
compositions are administered by the cral or nasal respiratory route for local or systemic
effect. Compositions in preferably sterile pharmaceutically acceptable solvents may be
nebulised by use of gases. Nebulised solutions may be breathed directly from the
nebulising device or the nebulising device may be attached to a face mask, tent or
intermittent positive pressure breathing machine. Solution, suspension or powder
compositions may be administered, pre ferably orally or nasally, from devices which deliver
the formulation in an appropriate manner
[0314] Treatment efficacy can be assessed by methods well-known in the art.
KITS COMPRISING ANTIBODIES AND POLYNUCLEOTIDES OF THE
INVENTION

[0315] The invention also provides kits comprising antibodies or polypeptides for
use in detection and/or therapy. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the kits comprise an
antibody E3. In some embodiments, the kit comprises any antibody or polypeptide
described herein.
[0316] In other aspects, the kits may be used for any of the methods described
herein, including, for example, to treat an individual with pain (including post-surgical
pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, and osteoarthritis pain). The kits of this invention are in
suitable packaging, and may optionahy provide additional components such as, buffers and
instructions for use of the antibody in any of the methods described herein. In some
embodiments, the kits include instrucrions for treating pain. In some embodiments, the kit
comprises an anti-NGF antagonist amibody described herein and instructions for treating
and/or preventing rheumatoid arthritis, pain in an individual. In other embodiments, the kit
comprises an anti-NGF antagonist antibody described herein and instructions for treating
and/or preventing osteoarthritis pain in an individual. In some of the embodiments, the
anti-NGF antagonist antibody is antibody E3.
[0317] In another aspect, the invention provides kits comprising a polynucleotide
encoding an E3 polypeptide as described herein, In some embodiments, the kits further
comprise instructions for use of the polynucleotide in any of the methods described herein.
METHODS FOR ADJUSTING THE AFFINITY OF AN ANTIBODY AND
METHODS FOR CHARACTERIZING A CDR
[0318] We have developed a novel method for characterizing a CDR of an antibody
and/or altering (such as improving) the binding affinity of a polypeptide, such as an
antibody, termed "library scanning mutagenesis". Generally, library scanning mutagenesis
works as follows. One or more amino acid positions in the CDR are replaced with two or
more (such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18, 19, or 20) amino acids
using art recognized methods. This generates small libraries of clones (in some
embodiments, one for every amino acid position that is analyzed), each with a complexity
of two or more members (if two or more amino acids are substituted at every position).
Generally, the library also includes a elone comprising the native (unsubstituted) amino
acid. A small number of clones, e.g., about 20-80 clones (depending on the complexity of
the library), from each library are screened for binding affinity to the target polypeptide,

and candidates with increased, the same, decreased or no binding are identified. Methods
for determining binding affinity are well-known in the art. In some embodiments, binding
affinity is determined using BIAcore surface plasmon resonance analysis, which detects
differences in binding affinity of about 2-fold or greater. BIAcore is particularly useful
when the starting antibody already binds with a relatively high affinity, for example a KD of
about 10 nM or lower. Screening using BIAcore surface plasmon resonance is described in
the Examples, herein.
[0319] In other embodiments, binding affinity is determined using Kinexa
Biocensor, scintillation proximity assays, ELISA, ORIGEN immunoassay (IGEN),
fluorescence quenching, fluorescence transfer, and/or yeast display. In other embodiments,
binding affinity is screened using a suitable bioassay.
[0320] In some embodiments, every amino acid position in a CDR is replaced (in
some embodiments, one at a time) with all 20 natural amino acids using art recognized
mutagenesis methods (some of which are described herein). This generates small libraries
of clones (in some embodiments, one for every amino acid position that is analyzed), each
with a complexity of 20 members (if all 20 amino acids are substituted at every position).
[0321J In some embodiments, the library to be screened comprises substitutions in
two or more positions, which may be in the same CDR or in two or more CDRs. Thus, in
some embodiments, the library comprises substitutions in two or more positions in one
CDR. In other embodiments, the library comprises substitution in two or more positions in
two or more CDRs. In still other em x)diments, the library comprises substitution in 3, 4, 5,
or more positions, said positions found in two, three, four, five or six CDRs. In some
embodiments, the substitution is prepared using low redundancy codons. See, e.g., Table 2
of Balint et al., (1993) Gene 137(1): 109-18).
[0322] In some embodiments, the CDR is CDRH3 and/or CDRL3. In other
embodiments, the CDR is one or more of CDRL1, CDRL2, CDRL3, CDRH1, CDRH2,
and/or CDRH3. In some embodimente, the CDR is a Kabat CDR, a Chothia CDR, or an
extended CDR.
[0323] Candidates with improved binding may be sequenced, thereby identifying a
CDR substitution mutant which resuks in improved affinity (also termed an "improved"
substitution). For example, as demor strated in Example 1, use of this method permitted
identification of a single substitution which improved binding, even when an estimated 18

other substitutions at the same amino acid position resulted in no binding (i.e., loss of
antibody function). Candidates that bind may also be sequenced, thereby identifying a
CDR substitution which retains binding.
[0324] In some embodiments, multiple rounds of screening are conducted. For
example, candidates (each comprising an amino acid substitution at one or more position of
one or more CDR) with improved binding are also useful for the design of a second library
containing at least the original and substituted amino acid at each improved CDR position
(i.e., amino acid position in the CDR at which a substitution mutant showed improved
binding). Preparation, and screening or selection of this library is discussed further below.
[0325] Library scanning rr utageneis also provides a means for characterizing a
CDR, in so far as the frequency of clones with improved binding, the same binding,
decreased binding or no binding also provide information relating to the importance of each
amino acid position for the stability of the antibody-antigen complex. For example, if a
position of the CDR retains binding when changed to all 20 amino acids, that position is
identified as a position that is unhkely to be required for antigen binding. Conversely, if a
position of CDR retains binding in only a small percentage of substitutions, that position is
identified as a position that is important to CDR function. Thus, the library scanning
mutagenesis methods generate information regarding positions in the CDRs that can be
changed to many different amino acid (including all 20 amino acids), and positions in the
CDRs which cannot be changed or which can only be changed to a few amino acids. This
aspect is discussed and exemplified in Example 1.
[0326] In some embodiments, candidates with improved affinity are combined in a
second library, which includes the improved amino acid, the original amino acid at that
position, and may further include additional substitutions at that position, depending on the
complexity of the library that is desired, or permitted using the desired screening or
selection method. In addition, if desired, adjacent amino acid position can be randomized
to at least two or more amino ac ds. Randomization of adjacent amino acids may permit
additional conformational flexibility in the mutant CDR, which may in turn, permit or
facilitate the introduction of a la ger number of improving mutations. In some
embodiments, the library also comprises substitution at positions that did not show
improved affinity in the first round of screening.

[0327] The second library is screened or selected for library members with
improved and/or altered binding affinity using any method known in the art, including
screening using BIAcore surface plasmon resonance analysis, and selection using any
method known in the art for selection including phage display, yeast display, and ribosome
display.
Advantages of the methods for adjusting the affinity of an antibody and characterizing a
CDR
[0328] The methods are userul for pre-screening CDR amino acid positions in order
to identify amino acid substitutions that improve binding or retain binding. Pre-
identification of important residues, substitution that improve binding and/or substitutions
that retain antibody function permits efficient design and screening of an affinity
maturation library.
[0329] The present method is also useful for characterizing a CDR, and provides
comprehensive information regarding the importance of each amino acid position in a CDR
for binding to antigen. The present method may also be used to identify substitutions that
improve binding.
[0330] The use of small libratis, in which each position may be randomized (in
some embodiments, one at a time), permits screening of substitution mutants using
sensitive methods such as BIAcore which provide detailed kinetic information. Screening
methods are generally impractical when larger libraries are screened. Instead, selection
methods, such as phage display, yeas display, and ribosome display, are commonly used to
identify clones that retain binding. Phage display and ELISA assays may depend heavily
on the concentration of the protein sample prepared from the clone, and thus tend to be
heavily biased towards clones that have increased expression, increased stability, or
decreased toxicity, rather than identifying clones with increased binding affinity. In
addition, differences in expression level of the clones may mask small improvements in
binding affinity. These disadvantages are particularly acute when an antibody with high
binding affinity is used as the starting material, because very low levels of antigen must be
used in order for screening to be sufficiently stringent.
[0331] By contrast, the methods of the invention, such as randomization at each
position (in some embodiments, one position at a time), permits introduction and

characterization of the effect of the substitution of, for example, all 20 amino acids at a
given position. This analysis provides information as to how many substitutions at a given
position are tolerated (i.e., retain antibody binding), which in turn, provides information
relating to the importance of each amino acid for antibody function. Further, substitutions
that result in improved binding can be identified, even under circumstances in which many
or most of the substitutions at a giver position yield non-functional (non-binding)
antibodies. By contrast, alanine-scanning mutagenesis, which is commonly used to identify
important CDR positions, provides ir formation relating to whether the substitution of
alanine permits or prevents binding. Generally, positions at which an alanine substitution
prevents binding are removed from the affinity maturation library. In many cases,
however, alanine may be a poor substitute at the CDR position.
[0332] The present methods also permit identification and characterization of the
effect of single GDR mutations. By contrast, methods such as phage display introduce and
select many mutations simultaneously, and thus potentially increase the risk that positive
mutations will be masked by the presence of a detrimental mutation present in a particular
clone.
[0333] The present methods are also useful for improving affinity while retaining
the binding specificity of the original (starting) antibody, insofar as the present methods
permit identification of small numbers of mutations (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, or 5 mutations in a
single CDR) that result in improved binding affinity. By contrast, methods such as phage
display typically improve binding aff nity using multiple mutations at once, which may
result in shifting specificity of the antibody and/or increasing undesirable cross-reactivity.
[0334] The following examples are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, the
invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1: Humanization and affinity maturation of mouse antagonist anti-NGF
antibody 911
A. General methods
[0335] The following general methods were used in this example.

Library generation
[0336] Libraries were generate d by PCR cassette mutagenesis with degenerate
oligonucleotides as described in Kay et al. (1996), Phage display of peptides and proteins :
a laboratory manual, San Diego, Academic Press (see, pages pg 277-291). The doping
codon NNK was used to randomize one amino acid position to include 20 possible amino
acids. To randomize one amino acid position to include only a subset of amino acids with
specific properties, doping codons we e used as described in Balint et al, (1993) Gene
137(1):109-18). Site directed mutagenesis was performed using recombinant PCR as
described in Innis et al, (1990) PCR p otocols: A guide to methods and applications (see,
pp. 177-183).
Small scale Fab preparation
[0337] Small scale expression in 96 wells plates was optimized for screening Fab
libraries. Starting from E. coli transformed with a Fab library, colonies were picked to
inoculate both a master plate (agar LB + Ampicillin (50 ug/ml) + 2% Glucose) and a
working plate (2 ml/well, 96 well/plate containing 1.5 mL- of LB + Ampicillin (50 µg/ml) +
2% Glucose). Both plates were grown at 30°C for 8-12 hours. The master plate was stored
at 4°C and the cells from the working plate were pelleted at 5000 rpm and resuspended
with 1 mL of LB+Ampicillin (50 µg/mi)+ 1 mM IPTG to induce expression of Fabs. Cells
were harvested by centrifugation after 5 h expression time at 30°C, then resuspended in 500
µL of buffer HBS-EP (100 mM HEPES buffer pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 0.005% P20, 3 mM
EDTA). Lysis of HBS-EP resuspended cells was attained by one cycle of freezing (-80°C)
then thawing at 37°C. Cell lysates were centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 30 min to separate cell
debris from supernatants containing Fabs. The supernatants were then injected into the
BIAcore plasmon resonance apparatus to obtain affinity information for each Fab. Clones
expressing Fabs were rescued from the master plate to sequence the DNA and for large
scale Fab production and detailed characterization as described below.
Large Scale Fab preparation
[0338] To obtain detailed kinetic parameters, Fabs were expressed and purified
from large cultures. Erlenmeyer flasks containing 200 mL of LB+Ampicillin (50 µg/ml) +
2% Glucose were inoculated with 5 mL of over night culture from a selected Fab-

expressing E coli clone. Clones were incubated at 30°C until an OD500nm of 1.0 was
attained and then induced by replacing the media for 200 ml, of LB+Ampicillin (50 µg/ml)
+ 1 mM DPTG. After 5h expression time at 30°C, cells were pelleted by centrifugation,
then resuspended in 10 mL PBS (pH 8). Lysis of the cells was obtained by two cycles of
freeze/thaw (at -80°C and 37°C, respectively). Supernatant of the cell lysates were loaded
onto Ni-NTA superflow sepharose (Qiagen, Valencia. CA) columns equilibrated with PBS,
pH 8, then washed with 5 column volumes of PBS, pH 8. Individual Fabs eluted in
different fractions with PBS (pH 8) 4 300 mM Imidazol. Fractions containing Fabs were
pooled and dialized in PBS, then quantified by ELISA prior to affinity characterization.
Full antibody preparation
[0339] For expression of full antibodies, heavy and light chain variable regions
were cloned in 2 mammalian expression vectors (Eb.911 .E3 or u1.3E for light
chain and Db.911.3E for heavy chain; described herein) and transfected using
lipofectemine into HEK 293 cells for transient expression. Antibodies were purified using
protein A using standard methods.
Biacore Assay
[0340] Affinities of anti-NGF Fabs and monoclonal antibodies were determined
using the BlAcore3000™ surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system (BIAcore, INC,
PiscawayNJ). CM5 chips were activated with N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-
carbodiinide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) according to the
supplier's instructions. Human NGF was diluted into 10 mM sodium acetate pH 4.0 and
injected over the activated chip at a concentration of 0.005 mg/mL. Using variable flow
time across the individual chip channels, two ranges of antigen density were achieved: 100-
200 response units (RU) for detailed kinetic studies and 500-600 RU for screening assays.
The chip was blocked with ethanolamine. Regeneration studies showed that a mixture of
Pierce elution buffer (Product No. 21004, Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, IL) and 4 M
NaCl (2:1) effectively removed the bound Fab while keeping the activity of hNGF on the
chip for over 200 injections. HBS-EP buffer (0..01M HEPES, pH 7.4, 0.15 NaCl, 3 mM
EDTA, 0.005% Surfactant P29) was used as running buffer for all the BIAcore assays.
Screening assay

[0341] A screening BIAcore assay was optimized to determine the affinity of Fab
clones from libraries. Supernatants of small culture lysates were injected at 50 µl/min for 2
min. Dissociation times of 10 to 15 minutes were used for determination of a single
exponential dissociation rate (koff) using BIAevaluation software. Samples that showed koff
rates in the same range as the template used to create the library
(clone 8L2-6D5, koff lxlO-3 s-1) were injected for confirmation and dissociation times of up
to 45 min were allowed to obtain better koff values. Clones showing improved (slower) koff
values were expressed at large scale and full kinetic parameters, kon and koff, were
determined on purified protein. The assay was capable of detecting differences in affinity
that were approximately 2-fold or larger.
Affinity determination assay,
[0342] Serial dilutions (0.1 -10 x estimated KD) of purified Fab samples were
injected for 1 min at 100 µL/min and dissociation times of up to 2h were allowed. The
concentrations of the Fab proteins were determined by ELISA and/or SDS-PAGE
electrophoresis using as a standard a Fab of known concentration (as determined by amino
acid analysis). Kinetic association rales (kon) and dissociation rates (koff) were obtained
simultaneously by fitting the data to a 1:1 Langmuir binding model (Karlsson, R. Roos, H.
Fagerstam, L. Petersson, B. (1994). Methods Enzymology 6. 99-110) using the
BlAevaluation program. Equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) values were calculated as
koff/Kon-
B. Humanization and affinity naturation of mouse antagonist anti-NGF antibody
911
[0343] The mouse antagonist anti-NGF antibody, 911 (see Hongo et al, (2000)
Hybridoma 19(3):215-227) was selected for humanization and affinity maturation. Mab
911 binds human and rat NGF with high affinity and exhibits no significant cross-reactivity
with the neurotrophins NT3, NT4/5 ( or BDNF. See Hongo, id. The affinity of the papain-
cleaved Fab fragment of mouse Mab 911 was determined using BIAcore analysis as
described above. The papain-cleaved Fab fragment of mouse Mab 911 bound human NGF
with a KD of approximately 10 nM.
[0344] Humanization and affinity maturation was conducted in several steps, as
follows:

[0345] (1) Preparation of CDR-grafted template. The light chain extended CDRs
of antibody 911 (i.e., including both the Kabat and Chothia CDR regions) were grafted into
the human germline acceptor sequences 08 with JK2 and the heavy chain extended CDRs
of antibody 911 were grafted in to human germline acceptor sequence VH4-59 with JH4.
The amino acid sequences of the human germline acceptor sequences are shown in Figures
1A and 1B. Amino acid numbering is sequential. Using the protein frameworks noted
above, DNA sequences were designed for synthetic genes encoding human framework with
the murine CDRs. These humanized heavy and light variable domains were termed hVH
and hVL respectively. Codons were optimized for E. coli and hamster usage. Several
overlapping oligonucleotides (69-90 bases in length) extending the full length of the hVL
and hVH with two short flanking primers for each chain were used to separately synthesize
the two genes by recursive PCR essentially as described in Prodromou et al, (1992) Protein
Eng 5(8): 827-9. Resulting DNA fragments of the correct length were gel purified and then
cloned into an E. coli bicistronic expression plasmid (ampicillin resistant). Expression of
the antibodies was under control of an IPTG inducible IacZ promoter similar to that
described in Barbas (2001) Phage dis play: a laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor, NY,
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (see Vector pComb3X, at pg 2.10), however,
modifications included addition and expression of the following additional domains: the
human Kappa light chain constant domain (see GenBank Accession No. CAA09181) and
the CHI constant domain of IgG2a human immunoglobulin (GenBank Accession No.
P01859).
[0346] The amino acid sequernces of the variable regions of the CDR-grafted
antibody (also termed the "template") termed 8L2-4D5, are also shown in Figures 1A and
1B. The affinity of 8L2-4D5 was determined using BIAcore analysis as described above.
8L2-4D5 bound human NGF with a KD of approximately 38 nM.
[03471 (2) Introduction of a point mutation into the framework sequence. The
V71K substitution was introduced into me CDR-grafted heavy chain using recombinant
PCR site directed mutagenesis as described in Innis et al, (1995) PCR strategies, San
Diego, Academic Press. This substitu ion replaced the human framework residue with the
corresponding mouse framework residue. The resulting antibody was termed 8L2-6D5,
and the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain variable region of 8L2-6D5 is shown in
Figure 1 A. The affinity of 8L2-6D5 was determined using BIAcore analysis as described

above. The Fab fragment of 8L2-6D5 bound human NGF with a Kd of approximately 15
nM. 8L2-6D5 was chosen as template for affinity maturation.
[0348] (3) Humanization and affinity maturation of CDRs L1, L2, H1 and H2.
CDRs L1, L2, H1 and H2 were subjected to humanization and affinity maturation. Amino
acid positions in CDRs L1, L2, H1, and H2 were identified that are not essential for the
structure of the CDRs based on the Chothia canonical structure (see Al-Lazikani et al
(1997)./. Mol Biol 273(4):927-48) and subjected to randomization as follows. Two
libraries were prepared containing the light chain mutations or heavy chain mutations
shown in Table 2, and the grafted (mouse) CDR L3 or CDR H3, respectively, using PCR
cassette mutagenesis with degenerate oligonucleotides as described in Kay et al. (1996),
Phage display of peptides and proteins : a laboratory manual. San Diego, Academic Press,
using doping codons as described in Balint et al, (1993) Gene 137(1): 109-18). Generally,
the amino acid residues were altered to residues that are more common in human
antibodies, based on alignments of antibody 911 light chain and heavy chain amino acid
sequences with human germline antibody sequences. The wildtype (unsubstituted) amino
acid residue was also represented in the library with the exception of CDR H2 residue 50, a
methionine, in which the wildtype methionine was not represented in the library.
Methionine residues are subject to oxidation; thus, replacement of that residue was
expected to improve stability of the lesulting antibody. The libraries of Fabs were cloned
into vector pComb3X plus the human CH1 and CK regions, as described above.



[0349] For affinity screening experiments, each library was further paired with the
corresponding CDR-grafted light or heavy chain (for example, the H1/H2 library was
paired with CDR-grafted light chain), the antibody was expressed, and affinity to human
NGF of the individual clones was screened using the BIACORE surface plasmon resonance
(SPR) system (BIAcore, Inc. Piscataway, NJ) according to the manufacturer's instructions
and as described above, koff, kon and KD were determined. Antibody clones were ranked
based on koff rates, since generally most variation in affinity is seen in koff rates, and further
because koff rates are independent of mtibody concentration.
[0350] The sequence of clones that bound was determined and the sequence of
clones that bound is shown in table 3.
Table 3: L1 and L2 amino acid sequences, H1 and H2 amino acid sequences, and
kinetic data for clones that bound following affinity screening of H1/H2 or L1/L2 library
clones.






CDR-L1: S26S (no change); D28S; H32N
CDR-L2: Y50Y (no change); I51T; F54F (no change); S56S (no change)
[0353] These mutations were combined (by amplifying the H and L chains by PCR,
cutting the PCR products and vector (pRN8) with restriction enzyme and performing a 3
fragment ligation) into a single clone, termed H19-L129, which also included the grafted
H3 and L3 CDRs. The sequence of the heavy chain and light chain variable regions of
H19-L129 is shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and Table 4 shows the amino acid sequence of
CDRs L1, L2, H1 and H2. H19-L129 bound NGF with a KD of approximately 1 nM, as
determined using BIAcore analysis as described herein.

[03541 (4) Affinity maturation of H3 and L3 CDRs. Affinity maturation of the
H3 and L3 CDRs was carried out in two steps. First, in a process termed "library scanning
mutagenesis", each amino acid residae in H3 and L3 was individually prescreened in order
to identify amino acid positions at which a mutation resulted in increased binding affinity
to human NGF. Based on the result; of the library scanning mutagenesis (also termed
"small library randomization analysi'), a subset of amino acid positions in H3 and L3 were
selected for preparation of the affinity maturation library, and the affinity maturation
library was screened for affinity to human NGF using BIAcore analysis as described
herein. It is appreciated that these techniques can be generally applied.

(a) Library scanning muta genesis
[03551 Each amino acid position in the H3 and L3 CDRs was individually pre-
screened for substitutions which resulted in increased binding affinity to human NGF. The
frequency of amino acid substitutions at any given position that resulted in improved
binding, the same binding, worse binding or no binding provided information relating to
relating to positions in the CDRs that can be changed to many different amino acid
(including all 20 amino acids), and positions in the CDRs which cannot be changed or
which can only be changed to a few amino acids. Amino acid substitutions resulting in
increased binding affinity were also identified. Based on the results of this screening, a
subset of amino acid positions in CDRs H3 and L3 were selected for preparation of an
affinity maturation library.
[0356] Individual Fab librar es were prepared in which each amino acid of L3 and
H3 CDRs was randomized to all 20 amino acids, one at a time, resulting in several (5
libraries for the light chain and 13 libraries for the heavy chain) small libraries, each with a
complexity of 20 amino acid possib lities at each amino acid position. In all cases, the
native (i.e., unchanged) amino acid was represented in the library. Libraries were prepared
by PCR cassette mutagenesis with degenerate oligonucleotides as described in Kay et al.
(1996), Phage display of Peptides and Proteins: a laboratory manual, San Diego,
Academic Press, using the doping codon NNK to randomize one amino acid position to
include 20 possible amino acids. The 8L2-6D5 (the CDR grafted antibody, having the
framework mutation V71K) served as the template for library construction because the
lower affinity of the CDR grafted ar tibody peimitted easier detection of differences in
affinity in H3 and L3 mutants during screening. Thus, each member of a library contained
a CDR3 (either H3 or L3) with one amino acid substitution, and 5 grafted CDRs.
[0357] 20-80 clones from each small library were screened using BIAcore analysis
as described herein. Samples were simultaneously analyzed by BIAcore for binding
affinity to NGF in one channel of the BIAcore chip and for presence of Fab by binding to a
penta-histag antibody in another channel of the sensor chip, to detect the his tag at the C
terminus of the heavy chain. Clones that expressed protein were classified as having the
same affinity, worse affinity, better. affinity or no binding, using koff to classify: The
results of this analysis are shown in Table 5.


[0358] The sequence of all clones with improved affinity was determined, revealing
the frequency and identity of amino acid substitutions that resulted in increased affinity. In
addition, a few clones that retained an affinity similar to the 812-6D5 clone were selected
from each library, in order to ascertain amino acid sequence substitutions that were
permitted at a given position, even though the substitution did not necessarily increase
binding affinity. The results of this analysis are summarized in Table 6.




[0359] Several mutations resulted in increased binding affinity. At least the
following mutations resulted in significantly increased binding affinity as compared with
the 8L2-6D5 template: (H_Y10 W (CDR sequence GGYWYGTSYYFDY (SEQ ID
NO:46)); H_S105A (CDR sequence GGYYYGTAYYFDY (SEQ ID NO:47)); H_S105T
(CDR sequence GGYYYGTTY Y FDY (SEQ ID NO:48)); H_G103A (CDR sequence
GGYYYATSYYFDY (SEQ ID NO:49); and L_S91E (CDR sequence QQEKTLPYT
(SEQ ID NO:50)).
[0360] The results of this experiment were used to guide selection of amino acid
positions for generation of the affinity maturation libraries.

[0361] This experiment also provided information regarding the frequency of
amino acid substitutions at any given position that resulted in improved binding, the same
binding, worse binding or no binding, as shown in Table 5. This information permitted
identification of amino acid positions in the CDRs that could be changed to many different
amino acid (including all 20 amino acids), and positions in the CDRs which could be
changed to a few amino acids or a very few amino acids (in some embodiments, no amino
acids). These results also demorstrated amino acid substitutions that increased binding
affinity.
(b) Affinity maturation
[0362] Next, the results of the small library randomization analysis (above) were
used to select residues for production of the H3 and L3 libraries for affinity maturation of
the H3 and L3 CDRs. Residues Y101 and G103 of CDR H3 and residues S91 and K92 of
CDRL3 were selected for production of the H3 and L3 libraries for affinity maturation of
the H3 and L3 CDRs.
[0363] This library combined mutations in H3 and L3 at the same time in CDR-
graftcd clone 8L2-6D5, and separately in the background of H19-L129, and had a diversity
of 80 different clones. Table 7 shows the amino acid residues selected for substitution and
the amino acids that were substituted at each position.
Table 7. Amino acid residues in H3 and L3 selected for substitution and the amino
acids that were substituted at eacn position
CDR-H3:
Y101 was changed to Y and W, C. (Note that C was included because use of
codon TRS in one degenerated oligonucleotide also generated codon C).
G103 was changed to A ,P, S
CDR-L3:
S91was changed 10 E.
K92 was changed to all twenty amino acids. A, R, K, and H bound.
[0364] Each polypeptide was expressed as a Fab, and affinity to human NGF of 96
individual clones was screened for each library using BIACORE analysis according to the




[0365] Based on binding affinity, the best clones, E3 (interchangeably termed "3E")
and 3C, were selected for further characterization. E3 comprised the following CDR
substitutions: CDR-H3: Y101W, G103A; and CDR-L3: S91E, K92H, which were
combined into a single clone which also included the following L1, L2, H1 and H2
mutations:
CDR-H1:I34L:
CDR-H2: M50I: L63V:
CDR-L1:D28S:H32N:
CDR-L2: I51T.
The sequence of the heavy chain and light chain variable regions of E3 is shown in Figures
1A and 1B. 3C comprised the following CDR substitutions: CDR-L3: S91E; K92R;
CDRH3: Y101W; G103A, which were combined into a single clone which also included
the LI, L2, H1 and H2 mutations described for clone 3E.
[0366] 3E and 3C sequenc es were cloned into mammalian expression vectors for
production of Fab and full antiboc y, and expressed in HEK293 cells and purified using Ni-
NTA or protein A chromatographv. Pure protein was accurately quantified by amino acid
analysis.
[0367] The binding affinit es to human NGF of Fabs E3 and 3C were measured
using BIAcore analysis according to the manufacturer's instructions and as described
above, except that 100 RU NGF was used on chip to prevent a rebinding effect. Briefly,
several concentrations of antibodies (Fabs) were injected for 2 minutes onto a CM5 chip
with 100 RU of immobilized human NGF on it, and permitted to dissociate for 1800

seconds. Mouse antibody 911 (Fab) was analyzed as a control. Data was analyzed using
BIAevaluation software following the manufacturer's instructions. The results of the
analysis of antibody E3 and 911 are shown in Figures 9 and 10. E3 bound human NGF
with a KD of approximately 0.07 nM (and with a kon of about 6.0e5 M-ls-1, and a koff of
about 4.2e-5 s-1). 3C bound human NGF with a KD of approximately 0.35 nM (with a koff
of about 1.4E-5). By contrast, mouse antibody 911 bound NGF with a KD of 3.7 nM, koff
of 8.4x10V and kon of 2.2xl04Ms-1.
[0368] Antibody E3 (interchangeably termed 3E) was selected for further analysis
based on the high binding affinity. To test the ability of E3 to prevent the interaction of
NGF with the NGF receptors trkA and p75,2.5 nM of human NGF was premixed and
incubated for one hour with 0 to 50 oM of antibody E3 (Fab). After the incubation,
samples were injected at 10 ul/minute on a BIAcore CM5 chip containing 260 RU of p75
(channel 2) and 600 RU of trkA (channel 3), and percent binding was determined. The
results of this analysis are shown in Figure 11. Increased concentrations of Fab E3 blocked
the interaction of NGF with both p75 and trkA, as shown by decreased signal (measured in
RU), indicating that Fab E3 blocks the interaction of human NGF with both trkA and p75.
When antibody E3 (Fab) concent ation equaled NGF concentration (at about 2.5 nM NGF
concentration), no NGF binding was observed (as shown by a signal of zero). The fact that
zero percent NGF-receptor binding occurred when concentration of NGF was equal to
antibody 3E concentration suggested that 2.5 nM NGF was at least ten-fold higher than the
kD of E3 for NGF and at equilibtium.
Example 2: evaluation of NGF-blocking ability of anti-NGF antibodies using mouse
El3.5 trigeminal neuron survival assay
[0369] The ability of Fat H3 or full antibody E3 to block NGF activity was
evaluated by measurement of the capacity of the antibody to inhibit NGF-dependent
survival of mouse E13.5 trigeminal neurons in vitro. The trigeminal ganglion is comprised
of cutaneous sensory neurons that innervate the facial region. The survival of mouse El 3.5
trigeminal neurons is a sensitive assay to evaluate the NGF-blocking activity of anti-NGF
antagonist antibodies because NGF is required to support survival of these neurons. For
example, at saturating concentrations of NGF, the survival is close to 100% by 48 hours in
culture. By contrast, less than 5% of the meurons survive by 48 hours in absence of NGF.

[0370] The survival assay was conducted as follows: time-mated pregnant Swiss
Webster female mice were euthanised by C02 inhalation. The uterine horns were removed
and the embryos at embryonic stage El 3.5 were extracted and decapitated. The trigeminal
ganglia were dissected using electrolytically sharpened tungsten needles. The ganglia were
then trypsinized, mechanically dissociated and plated at a density of 200-300 cells per well
in defined, serum-free medium in 96-well plates coated with poly-L-ornithine and laminin.
[0371] The blocking actvity of anti -NGF Fabs or antibodies was assessed by
adding to the trigeminal neurons varying doses of anti-NGF antibodies Mab 911 (Fab),
8L2-6D5; H19-L129; E3 and 3C: and human or rat NGF at the following concentrations:
0.4 ng/ml (~15 pM; this concentration represented a saturating concentration of NGF for
survival) and 0.04 ng/ml (~1.5 pM; this concentration is around the IC50). After 48 hours
in culture, the cells were subjected to an automated immunocytochemistry protocol
performed on a Biomek FX liquid handling workstation (Beckman Coulter) as follows:
fixation using 4% formaldehyde, 5% sucrose, and PBS; permeabilization using 0.3% Triton
X-100 in PBS); blocking of unspecific binding sites using 5% normal goat serum, 0.11%
BSA in PBS; and sequential incu ration with a primary and secondary antibodies to detect
neurons. The primary antibody vas rabbit polyclonal antibody against the protein gene
product 89.5 (PGP9.5, Chemicon), an established neuronal phenotypic marker. The
secondary antibody was Alexa Flaor 488 goat anti-rabbit (Molecular Probes), together with
the nuclear dye Hoechst 33342 (Molecular Probes) to label the nuclei of all the cells
present in the culture. Image acquisition and image analysis were performed on a
Discovery-I/GenII Imager (Unive rsal Imaging Corporation). Images were automatically
acquired at two wavelengths for Aexa Fluor 488 and Hoechst 33342, with the nuclear
staining being used as reference point for the image-based auto-focus system of the Imager,
since nuclear staining is present in all of the wells. Appropriate objectives and number of
sites imaged per well were selected to cover the entire surface of each well. Automated
image analysis was set up to count the number of neurons present in each well after 48
hours in culture based on their specific staining with the anti-PGP9.5 antibody. Careful
thresholding of the image and application of morphology and fluorescence intensity based
selectivity filter resulted in an accurate count of neurons per well.
[0372] The results of this experiment demonstrated that Fab E3 blocked NGF
activity with a high affinity. The results are shown in Figures 4-6, and Table 9.

[0373] Figure 4 is a graph showing NGF-dependent survival of E13.5 neurons in
the presence of varying concentration of human and rat NGF.
[0374] Figure 5 is a graph comparing the NGF blocking effect of various Fabs in
the presence of either 0.04 ng/ml of human NGF (approximately 1.5 pM; shown in the
lower panel) or 0.4 ng/ml human NGF (approximately 15 pM; shown in the upper panel).
1.5 pM of NGF was around the EC 50 of NGF promoting survival, while 15 pM represented
a saturating concentration of NGF. Survival of E13.5 mouse trigeminal neurons in various
concentrations of Fab E3; murine 011 Fab; and Fab H19-L129 and Fab 8L2-6D5 was
assessed as described above. The [C50 (in pM) was calculated for each Fab at each NGF
concentration, and is shown in Table 9. Fab E3 strongly blocked human NGF-dependent
trigeminal neuron survival, with an IC50 of approximately 21 pM in the presence of 15 pM
human NGF, and an IC50 of approximately 1.2 pM in the presence of 1.5 pM human NGF.
Fabs 3C and H19-L129 also strongly blocked human NGF-dependent trigeminal neuron
survival.
[0375] Figure 6 is a graph comparing the NGF blocking effect of various Fabs in
the presence of either 0.04 ng/ml of rat NGF (approximately 1.5 pM; shown in the lower
panel) or 0.4 ng/ml rat NGF (app oximately 15 pM; shown in the upper panel). 1.5 pM of
NGF was around the EC50, while 15 pM represented a saturating concentration of NGF.
Survival of E13.5 mouse trigeminal neurons in various concentrations of Fab E3; murine
Fab 911; and Fab H19-L129 and 8L2-6D5 was assessed as described above. The EC50 (in
pM) was calculated for each Fab at each NGF concentration, and is shown in Table 9. Fab
E3 strongly blocked human NGF -dependent trigeminal neuron survival, with an IC50 of
approximately 31.6 pM in the presence of 15 pM ratNGF, and an IC50 of approximately
1.3 pM in the presence of 1.5 pM rat NGF. Fabs 3 C and H19-L129 also strongly blocked
rat NGF-dependent trigeminal n neuron survival.



[0376] In a different experiment, we compared the ability of full antibody E3 and
Fab 3E to inhibit NGF-dependent survival of E13.5 neurons in the presence of 0.4 ng/ml
(saturating concentration) of human NGF. The results of the analysis are shown in Figure
12. Full antibody E3 and Fab 3E showed similar levels of inhibition of NGF-dependent
survival when the concentration of whole antibody and Fab were normalized to the number
of NGF binding sites (Fab has one binding site and whole antibody has two binding sites).
These results demonstrated that there was no avidity effect due to the binding of a full
antibody to the NGF dimer.
[0377] In another experimer ts, we compared the ability of various concentrations
(20,4,0.8, 0.16, 0.032, 0.0064, 0.0C 128, and 0.0 nM) of antibody E3, antibody 911, and a
trkA receptor immunadhesin (consisting of the extracellular domain of the NGF receptor
trkA fused with the immunoglobulin Fc domain, CH2-CH3) to inhibit NGF-dependent
survival of El 3.5 neurons in the presence of 0.4 ng/ml (saturating conditions). These
results are shown in Figure 13. These results demonstrated that antibody E3 blocked NGF
better than either antibody 911 or the trkA immunoadhesin.
Example 3: Evaluation of the specificity of anti-NGF antibody E3 using mouse trigeminal
and nodose neuron survival assays

[0378] The ability of antibody E3 to specifically block NGF activity was evaluated
by measurement of the capacity of the antibody to inhibit survival of mouse E17/18
trigeminal neurons in vitro in the presence of saturating concentrations of NGF, the NGF-
related neurotrophin NT3, or the NGF- Inrelated neurotrophic factor, macrophage
stimulating protein (MSP). The survival of mouse El7/18 trigeminal neurons is a sensitive
assay to evaluate the NGF-blocking activity of anti-NGF antagonist antibodies because
NGF is required to support survival of these neurons at higher concentrations than the level'
of NGF required to support survival of El3.5 TG neurons). Survival of these neurons is
also supported by NT3 or MSP; therefore, the survival of these neurons is also a sensitive
assay to evaluate whether the anti-NGF antagonist antibody also blocked NT3 or MSP.
[0379] The ability of antibody E3 to specifically block NGF activity was also
evaluated by measurement of the capacity of the antibody to inhibit survival of mouse
nodose El7 neurons in the presence of saturating concentrations of BDNF or NT4/5.
Survival of nodose neurons is supported by BDNF or NT4/5; therefore, survival of these
neurons is a sensitive assay to evaluate the BDNF or NT4/5-blocking ability of the anti-
NGF antagonist antibody..
[0380] The survival assay was conducted as follows: time mated pregnant Swiss
Webster female mice were euthanised by C02 inhalation. The uterine horns were removed
and the embryos (at embryonic day 17 or 18) were extracted and decapitated. The
trigeminal and nodose ganglia were dissected and cleaned. The ganglia were then
trypsinised, mechanically dissociatec and plated at a density of 100-300 cells per well in
defined, serum-free medium in 4-well plates (Greiner) coated with poly-L-ornithine and
laminin.
[0381] E17/18 trigeminal neurons wen; grown either without added neurotrophic
factors (negative control) or in the presence of saturating concentrations of human NGF
(400pM and 15pM) (positive control); NT3 (400 pM); or MSP (600pM). Duplicate
cultures were set up that included varying concentrations of E3 and 911 Fabs and full
antibodies. Concentration of Fab and full antibodies was indicated per binding site (e.g., a
full antibody contains two binding sites, while: a Fab contains one binding site).
[0382] El7 nodose neurons were grown either in the absence of added neurotrophic
factors (negative control), or with s lturating concentrations of BDNF (400pM) (positive
control) or NT4/5 (400pM) or NGP unrelated growth factor ILF (interleukin inhibitory

factor). High concentrations of neurotrophins were used, as the goal of this experiment
was to test specificity of the antibodies. Duplicate cultures were set up that included
varying again with and without the addition of antibodies E3 and 911. After 48 hours in
culture the total number of neurons surviving in each well under each condition was
ascertained by manual counting using a phase-contrast microscope.
[03831 The results of these experiments demonstrated that E3 and 911 antibodies
completely blocked the survival promoting effects of NGF on El8 trigeminal neurons. By
contrast, E3 and 911 antibodies had no effect on survival of trigeminal neurons promoted
by NT3 or MSP, or survival of nodose neurons promoted by BDNF or NT4/5 or LIF.
These results demonstrated that antibody E3 possessed selective specificity for NGF, as
there was no detected interaction between these antibodies and other NGF related
neurotrophins (NT3, NT4/5, BDNF) at concentrations 1000-fold to 10,000-fold higher than
effective concentration for NGF blc eking. Further, these results demonstrated that the
neuronal death seen in NGF-supplemented cultures of NGF-dependent neurons on addition
of antibody or Fab E3 was due to a specific interaction between these antibodies and NGF
and was not due to a generalized toxic effect. Mouse anti-NGF antagonist antibody 911
was also tested, and similar results were observed. Note that due to the high concentrations
of neurotrophins used, both antibodi E3 and 911 are very close to their titration conditions
and were expected to bind NGF at similar levels because the differences in binding affinity
of these antibodies to NGF would to be less apparent under these conditions.
[0384] The results of these experiments are shown in figures 14, 15,16, and 17.
The data showed mean percent survival after 48 hours in culture (±standard error of mean,
n=3 for each data point) relative to the survival seen in the positive control for each
experiment (e.g., 100% survival of rigeminal neurons grown in the presence of saturating
NGF concentration, and 100 % survival of nodose neurons grown in the presence of
saturating BDNF concentration, respectively). Figures 14-15 are graphs showing that anti-
NGF antagonist antibody E3 or Fab E3 did not inhibit the survival promoted by NT3, and
MSP, even at antibody concentrations as high as 200 nM. By contrast, 20 nM of antibody
E3 or Fab 3E and Fab 911 totally blocked NGF-elicited survival. Mouse anti-NGF
antagonist antibody 911 was also tested, and similar results were observed. Specifically,
Figure 14 is a graph showing comparison of the effect of various concentrations (20 nM, 2
nM, or 0.2 nM) of E3 Fab (termed "3E" in the figure) and mouse antibody 911 Fab on

survival of El 8 trigeminal neurons in the presence of no added neurotrophin (termed
"control"), 400 pMNGF (termed "NGF-400pM), 10 nMNT3 (termed "NT3-10nM) or 600
pM MSP (termed "MSP-600 pM). Figure 15 is a graph depicting comparison of the effect
of various concentrations (200 nM and 80 nM) of E3 Fab and full antibody and mouse
antibody 911 full antibody and Fab of survival of E17 trigeminal neurons in the presence of
no added neurotrophins (termed "no factor"), 400 pM NGF (termed "NGF-400pM), 10 nM
NT3 (termed "NT3-10nM) or 600 pM MSP (termed "MSP-600 pM).
[0385] Figure 16-17 are graphs showing that anti-NGF antagonist antibody E3 or
Fab E3 did not inhibit survival of E 7 nodose neurons promoted by BDNF, NT4/5 or LIF.
Mouse anti-NGF antagonist antibody 911 was also tested, and similar results were
observed. Specifically, Figure 16 is a graph showing comparison of the effect of various
concentrations (200 nM or 80 nM) of full antibody E3 (termed "3E in the figure"), Fab E3,
full antibody 911, or Fab 911 on the survival of El7 nodose neurons in the presence of no
added neurotrophins (termed "no factors"), 400 pM BDNF (termed "BDNF-400pM), 400
pM NT4/5 (termed "NT4/5-400pM), or 2.5 nM LIF (termed "LIP-2.5 nM). Figure 17 is a
graph showing comparison of the effect of various concentrations (200 nM, 20 nM, 2nM)
of Fab E3 (termed "3E in the figure"), or Fab 911 on the survival of E17 nodose neurons in
the presence of no added neurotrophins (termed "control"), 400 pM BDNF (termed
'BDNF-400pM), 400 pMNT4/5 termed "NT4/5-400pM), or 2.5 nM LIF (termed "LIP-2.5
nM).
Example 5: Preparation of mammtalian expression vectors and expression of antibody E3
in mammalian cells
[0386] Three mammaliar expression vectors were designed and constructed for use
in the expression of antibody E3 in mammalian cells.
[0387] Vector Db.911.3E is an expression vector comprising the heavy chain
variable region of the E3 antibody and the human IgG2a constant region, and is suitable for
transient or stable expression of the heavy chain. Db.911.3E consists of nucleotide
sequences corresponding to the following regions: the murine cytomegalovirus promoter
region (nucleotides 1-612); a synthetic intron (nucleotides 619-1507); the DHFR coding
region (nucleotides 707-1267); human growth hormone signal peptide (nucleotides 1525-
1602); antibody 3E heavy chain variable region (nucleotides 1603-1965); human heavy

chain IgG2a constant region containing the following mutations:A330P331 to S330S331
(amino acid numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2a sequence; see Eur. J.
Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624); SV40 late polyadenylation signal (nucleotides 2974-
3217); SV40 enhancer region (nucleotides 3218-3463); phage fl region (nucleotides 3551-
4006) and beta lactamase (AmpR) coding region (nucleotides 4443-5300). Db.911.3E was
deposited at the ATCC on January 8,2003, and was assigned ATCC Accession No. PTA-
4895.
[0388] Vector Eb.911.3E is an expression vector comprising the light chain variable
region of the E3 antibody and the human kappa chain constant region, and is suitable for
transient expression of the light chain. Eb.911.3E consists of nucleotide sequences
corresponding to the following regions: the murine cytomegalovirus promoter region
(nucleotides 1-612); human EF-1 intron (nucleotides 619-1142); human growth hormone
signal peptide (nucleotides 1173- 150); antibody E3 light chain variable region
(nucleotides 1251-1571); human kappa chain constant region (nucleotides 1572-1892);
SV40 late polyadenylation signal (nucleotides 1910-2153); SV40 enhancer region
(nucleotides 2154-2399); phage (nucleotides 2487-2942) and beta lactamase
(AmpR) coding region (nucleotid as 3379-4236). Eb.911.3E was deposited at the ATCC on
January 8,2003, and was assigned ATCC Accession No. PTA-4893.
[0389] Vector Eb.pur.911 3E is an expression vector comprising the light chain
variable region of the E3 antibody and the human kappa constant region, and is suitable for
stable expression of the light chain. Eb.pur 911.3E consists of nucleotide sequences
corresponding to the following regions: the murine cytomegalovirus promoter region
(nucleotides 1-612); human EF-1 intron (nucleotides 619-1758); pac gene (puromycinR)
coding region (nucleotides 739-1235); human hsp70 5TJTR region (nucleotides 1771-
1973); human growth hormone signal peptide (nucleotides 1985-2062); antibody E3 light
chain variable region (nucleotide: 2063-2383); human kappa chain constant region
(nucleotides 2384-2704); SV40 l;.te polyadenylation signal (nucleotides 2722-2965); SV40
enhancer region (nucleotides 296 5-3211); phage fl region (nucleotides 3299-3654) and
beta lactamase (AmpR) coding region (nucleotides 4191-5048). Eb.pur.911 .E3 was
deposited at the ATCC on January 8, 2003, and was assigned ATCC Accession No. PTA-
4894.

[0390] Transient cell expression was perfomed as follows: CHO and HEK293T
cells in 150 mm dishes were transiently co-transfected with 25 ug of each plasmid (i.e., one
plasmid containing the heavy chain and one plasmid containing the light chain). DNA was
mixed with 100 ul lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen) according to the manufacturer's
instructions. The DNA-lipid complexes were allowed to contact the cells in DMEM/F12
medium without serum or antibiotics for 5 hours. Following this incubation, the media was
changed for expression to Opti-MEM (Invitrogen) without any additives for two days. Cell
supernatants containing antibody were harvested sequentially up to four times with
subsequent media replacement. Supernatants were purified by affinity chromatography
using MapSelect Protein A resin (Amersham biosciences 17-5199-02). Antibody was
bound to the protein A resin in 0.3M glycine, 0.6M NaCl buffer at pH 8, then eluted with
0.1 M citrate buffer at pH 3. Fractions containing antibody were immediately neutralized
with 1M Tris byffer at pH 8.0, An ibody fractions were then dialyzed and concentrated in
PBS.
Example 6: Anti-NGF ant body E3 is effective in treating post-surgical pain
[0391] We used a pain model that mimics post surgical pain to assess the efficacy
of treatment with antibody E3. Antibody E3 comprised the human heavy chain IgG2a
constant region containing the following mutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (amino acid
numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2a sequence; see Eur. J. Immunol. (1999)
29:2613-2624); the human light chain kappa constant region; and the heavy and light chain
variable regions shown in Tables 1A and 1B.
[0392] Animals. Male Sprague Dawley rats weighting between 220-240 grams
were purchased from Harlan (Wisconsin) and acclimated to the animal facility for one
week prior to surgery.
[0393] Surgery. The surgery was based on the procedure described by Brennan, et
al. Pain 64:493-501 (1996). Animals were anesthetized with a 2% isoflurane in air mixture
that was maintained during surgery via amose cone. The plantar surface of the right hind
paw was prepared with a povidone-iodine pad, and a 1-cm central longitudinal incision was
made through skin and fascia, starting 0.5 cm from the edge of the heel and extending
toward the toes. Measurements were made with a ruler with the foot held in a flexed
position. The plantaris muscle was elevated using curved forceps and incised

longitudinally. The muscle was incised through its full depth, between the origin and
insertion. Bleeding was controlled throughout surgery by pressure applied through a gauze
pad. The wound was closed with two mattress sutures (5-0 ethilon black monofilament).
These sutures were knotted 5-6 tin tes, with the first knot loosely tied. The wound site was
swabbed with bacitracin solution. Animals were allowed to recover and rest in clean cages
for two hours or more before behavioral testing began.
[0394] Evaluating resting pain. A cumulative pain score was used to assess pain
related to weight bearing. Animal s were placed on a plastic mesh (grid: 8mm ) in clear
plastic cages that were elevated on a platform (h: 18") allowing inspection of the underside
of their paws. After a 20 minute acclimation period, weight bearing was assessed on a
scale of 0 to 2. A score of 0 was given if the; paw was blanched or pressed against the
mesh, indicating full weight bearing. A score of 1 was given if the paw was favored with
the skin just touching the mesh, with no blanching or indentation of the skin. A score of 2
was given if the paw was held completely off the mesh. Flinching the paw was considered
a 2 if the rat was still at rest. Each animal was observed for 1 minute every 5 minutes for
30 minutes. The sum of 6 scores (0-12) obtained during 1/2-hour was used to assess pain
in the incised foot. Frequency of scores of 2 was also calculated and used to assess the
incidence of severe pain or total guarding of the paw by the animal. Each animal was
tested 24 hours before surgery (baseline), and 2h, 24h, 48h, and 72h postoperatively. The
results of this experiment are shown in Figure 1, which depicts the cumulative resting pain
score observed in animals treated with 35 mg/kg of anti-NGF mouse antibody 911. These
results demonstrated that treatment with anti-NGF antibody significantly reduced post-
surgical resting pain. Weight bearing was a good correlate of how willing the animal was
to use the limb, and therefore was an effective measure of pain relief.
[0395] The E3 antibody was injected intra peritoneal (i.p.) at various concentrations
of the antibody (0.004, 0.01, 0.02 0.1, 0.6, and 1 mg per kilogram of animal weight) at 15
hours pre-incision. The negative control group received no antibody but was injected i.p.
with a saline solution. Fentanyl a: 0.01 mg/kg was injected i.p. as a positive control 30
minutes before testing at 24 hours post-surgery. Each experiment involved 8 animals (n=8
per group) for each condition, anc the control group had 56 animals. Surgery was
performed and a cumulative pain score was measured as described above. Resting pain
was evaluated twenty-four hours after the surgery.

[0396] As shown in Figure 7, humanized anti-NGF antibody E3 significantly
reduced resting pain (p dosage. A "*" denotes a significantly significant difference from control (p Treatment with 0.02 mg/kg alleviate. 1 pain behavior at least as effectively as treatment with
0.01 mg/kg fentanyl. This dose of fentanyl is 10 times the normal human dose of this
potent opioid.
[0397] In another experiment, the efficacy of the E3 antibody in reducing post-
surgical pain when administered post-surgically was tested. Antibody E3 (0.5 mg/kg) were
injected intravenously (i.v.) two hours after surgery. The control group received no
antibody but was injected i.v. with a saline solution. Surgery was performed and resting
pain expressed as a cumulative pain score was assessed 24 hours after surgery. As shown
in Figure 8, treatment with anti-NGF antibody significantly (p at twenty-four hours after incision when the antibody was administered 2 hours post-
incision. These results demonstrated that E3 antibody effectively alleviated post-surgical
pain when administered after surgery.
Example 7: Assessment of analgesic effects of anti-NGF antagonist antibody 911 in a rat
model of rheumatoid arthritis
[0398] The analgesic effects of anti-NGF antibody, 911 (see Hongo et al.,
Hybridoma 19(3):215-227 (20000) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic
arthritis in rats were investigated using the vocalization test, in comparison with
indomethacine used as reference substance.
[0399] Fifty (50) male Lewis rats (LEWIS LEW / Crl Ico) (Charles River Belgium)
weighing 150 g to 220 g at the beginning of the experimental phase were included in this
study. All animals were kept for at least 5 days before the experiment, and were housed in
a temperature (19.5-24.5 °C), relative humidity (45-65 %) and 12-h light/dark cycle-
controlled room with ad libitum access to filtered tap-water and standard pelleted
laboratory chow (U.A.R., France) throughout the study. Animals were individually
identified on the tail.
[0400] On day 0 (DO),arthritis was induced in rats by intradermal injection into the
tail of 0.05 ml of a Mycobacterium butyricum (Difco, USA) suspension in mineral oil (10
mg/ml). On day 14 (D14), arthritic rats were included in the study according to their ability

to vocalize upon gentle flexion of the hindpaw and by their arthritis index, evaluated using
an inflammation score for each hind and forepaw (see Kuzuna et al., Chem. Pharm.
Bull.(Tokyo) 23:1184-1191 (1975); Pearson et al., Arthritis Rheum. 2:440-459 (1959)).
Animals were scored based on the following criteria: Score 0: normal aspect; Score 1:
erythema; Score 2: erythema with slight edema; Score 3: strong inflammation without
ankylosis; Score 4: ankylosis. Only animals able to vocalize upon gentle flexion and
presenting a score of 2 or 3 were included in. the study.
[0401] Four groups of 10: yats each were included in the study. For group 1
(vehicle), on day 14 (D14), after selection, rats were intravenously administered by vehicle
(saline). On day 18 (D18), the not iceptive intensity was evaluated by gentle flexion of the
hindpaw and the intensity of the level of vocalization was recorded for each animal. For
group 2 (4 days), on D14, after selection, rats were intravenously administered 911 (10
mg/kg). On day 18 (D18), the nociceptive intensity was evaluated by gentle flexion of the
hindpaw and the intensity of the 1 level of vocalization was recorded for each animal. For
group 3 (24 hours), on day 17 after injection of CFA, rats were intravenously administered
911 (10 mg/kg). The nociceptive intensity Avas evaluated by gentle flexion of the hindpaw
24 hours later, and the intensity of the level of vocalization was recorded for each animal.
For group 4 (indomethacin), on day 18 (D18), the nociceptive intensity was evaluated by
gentle flexion of the hindpaw one hour after oral administration of indomethacin (10
mg/kg). The intensity of the level of vocalization was also recorded for each animal. The
test substances were administerec in a blind and random manner by intravenous route
under a volume of 5 ml/kg, whereas indomethacin was administered by oral route under a
volume of 10 ml/kg.
[0402] The analgesic effects of anti-NGF antibody 911 are shown in Table 10. The
results were expressed for each group as the: nociceptive intensity evaluated the intensity of
the level of vocalization recorded for each animal in mV (mean ± SEM), and the
percentage of variation of the nociceptive intensity calculated from the mean value of the
vehicle-treated group. Statistical significance between the treated groups and the vehicle
group was determined with a Dunnett's test using the residual variance after a one-way
analysis of variance (P

Results are expressed as mean ± sem
n=10 rats per group
Day 0 (DO): Induction of Chronic arthtitis by administration of CFA
Vehicle: saline
911 (10 mg/kg) was intravenously administered at D14 or D17 and pain measurement was performed at D18.
Indomethacin (10 mg/kg) was orally g iven at Dl 8 and pain measurement was performed one hour after dosing.
Dunnett's test: * indicates a significant difference in comparison with the vehicle-treated group for P [0403] As shown in Table 10, anti-NGF antibody 911 significantly reduced pain in
a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis 24 hours or 4 days after a single administration of the
antibody.
Example 8: Pharmacological effects of anti-NGF antagonist antibody E3 and 911 in a rat
model of rheumatoid arthritis
[0404] Pharmacological > effects (anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects) of anti-
NGF antagonist antibody E3 and 911 were investigated in a model of complete Freund's
adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic arthritis in rats in comparison with indomethacin used as
an internal positive control substance. Analgesic effects of E3 and 911 were evaluated by
the measurement of nociceptive response. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by
paw volume, arthritis index (inflanimation score), body and hindpaws weight. Paw
cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-lβ, TUF-α and TGF-βl), circulating TGF-βl in serum, E3 and
911 plasma concentrations, bio ogical parameters and X-ray radiographics were performed
at the end of experiment.
Experimental protocol
1. Study design

[04051 80 male Lewis rats (LEWIS Lew / Ico) (Charles River Laboratories-
Belgium) 5-weeks old were included in this study. They were housed in a temperature
(19.5-24.5°C) and relative humidity (45-65%) controlled room with a 12-h light/dark cycle,
with ad libitum access to filtered tap-water and standard pelleted laboratory chow (SAFE,
France) throughout the study. Upon receipt at animal facilities, they were housed 5 per
cage and a 10-day acclimatization period were observed before any testing. Animals were
individually identified on the tail.
[0406] Five groups of 10 animals (5-weeks old male Lewis rats -LEWIS Lew/Ico,
from Charles River Laboratories. Belgium) each were included in this study: Group 1:
non arthritic rats / saline (vehicle), i.v. bolus,n=10; Group 2: arthritic rats / saline (vehicle),
i.v. bolus, n=10; Group 3: arthritic rats / Indomethacin 3 mg/kg, p.o daily over 10 days,
n=10; Group 4 : arthritic rats / E3,1 mg/kg , i.v. bolus, n=10; Group 5 :
arthritic rats / 911,10 mg/kg, i.v. bolus, n=10. The doses were expressed in terms of free
active substance (mg/kg). E3 ant, 911 were extemporaneously prepared in saline from the
stock solution to the desired concentration. E3 1 mg/kg: 3.41 mL of the stock solution
(0.88 mg/ml) q.s.p. 15 mL of saline. 911 10 mg/kg: 12 mL of the stock solution (2.5
mg/ml) q.s.p. 15 mL of saline. All diluted solutions (before i.v. injection) were sterilized
using a sterile filter unit of 0.20 (µm. pH and osmolarity values of diluted solutions were
measured before each i.v. injection. Before the first i.v., osmolarity (mosm/L) for saline,
E3, and 911 were 278,269, and 308 respectively; pH for saline, E3, and 911 were 5.93,
6.76, 6.71 respectively. Before the second i.v., osmolarity (mosm/L) for saline, E3, and
911 were 280,270, and 309 respectively; pH for saline, E3, and 911 were 5.86, 6.72, and
6.59 respectively.
[0407] E3 or 911 or saline were administered by i.v. bolus injection on Day 14 and
Day 19 after arthritis induction in a coded end random order with a volume of 5 mL/kg.
The non arthritic group was given by i.v. bolus injection of saline on Day 14 and Day 19
with a volume of 5 mL/kg. Indomethacin was extemporaneously prepared in 1%
methylcellulose. Indomethacin was administered by oral route (p.o.) once daily over 10
days from Day 14 to Day 23 after arthritis induction in a coded and random order with a
volume of 10 mL/kg.
2. Induction of arthritis

[0408] On Day 0 (D 0), arthritis was induced in 70 rats by intradermal injection into
the tail of 0.05 ml of a Mycobacterium butyricum suspension. A group of 10 rats did not
receive any intradermal injection (non arthritic rats). On Day 14 (D 14), the arthritic rats
were included in the study using the following criteria: all included rats displayed an
increase of mean paw volume (mean of the left and right paw volume) of at least 0.30 ml
compared to the mean paw volume (mean of the left and right paw volume) in the non
arthritic group (paw volume measurement as described below); all included rats displayed a
vocalization upon gentle flexion (ncciceptive response measurement as described below);
and all included rats displayed a score of arthritis index of 2-3 on each hindpaw (arthritis
index measurement as described be(ow) (the (animals with a score of 0,1 or 4 were
discarded).
3. Body weight
[0409] The animals were weighed once daily from Day 0 to Day 24 (except during
the week-end days before the treatment: D 1, D 2, D 8, D 9, D10). All measurements were
performed between 9:00 and 12:00 am except at D 14 (7:30 - 9:00 am) and D 24 (7:30 -
8:00 am).
3. Paw volume measurement
[0410] The right and left hindpaw volume of each rat (arthritic and non arthritic
rats) was measured using a plethysmometer. The measurements were performed at the
following times (after induction of arthritis): Day 14 (before i.v. bolus or p.o.
administration); and Day 24 (5 days after the last i.v. bolus injection or 24 h after the last
p.o. administration). All measurements were performed between 9:00 and 12:00 am. All
the data were collected and stored by the WinDas software.
4. Arthritis index
[0411] Arthritis index was evaluated using an inflammation score for each hind and
forepaw (arthritic rats): Score 0 normal aspect; Score 1: erythema; Score 2: erythema with
slight edema; Score 3: strong inflammation without ankylosis; Score 4: ankylosis. This
evaluation was performed at the following times (after induction of arthritis): Day 14
(before i.v. bolus or p.o. admin stration); and Day 24 (5 days after the last i.v. bolus
injection or 24 h after the last p .o. administration). All measurements were performed
between 2:00 and 3:00 pm (D 4), 8:00 and 9:00 am (D 24). All the data were collected
and stored by the WinDas software.

5. Measurement of nociceptive response (Vocalization test)
[0412] The nociceptive response was evaluated by gentle flexion of the right and
left hindpaw repeatedly 2 times an intervals of 4 to 5 sec with a finger of the operator
(arthritic rats). The intensity of the level of vocalization was recorded for each animal for
each hindpaw (2 times: on right hindpaw: s1 and s3; 2 times: on left hindpaw: s2 and s4).
This evaluation was performed at the following times (after induction of arthritis): Day 14
(before i.v. bolus or p.o. administration); Day 18 (before the second i.v. bolus injection or 1
hr after p.o. administration); and Day 24 (5 days after the last i.v. bolus injection or 24 h
after the last p.o. administration). All measurements were performed between 9:00 and
12:00 am except at D 14 (7:30 - S :()0 am) and D 24 (7:30 - 9: 00 am).
6. Blood collection for measurement of E3 or 911 concentration and circulating TGF-βl
and hematological parameters
[0413] On Day 24 (after paw volume and arthritis index measurements and test
vocalization), under general anaesthesia using isoflurane (in a mixture of oxygen and
nitrous oxide), the blood samples (about 800-1000 µl) was collected by capillary action
with a micropipette from retroorbilal sinus.
[0414] Measurement of E 3 or 911 concentration (groups 2,4 and 5): A part of
blood sample was collected in tubes containing Li-Heparin (maintained on ice) and
centrifuged at 2500-3000 g for 10 min. Plasma samples (at least 100 µL) were obtained,
frozen in liquid nitrogen, stored at -80°C. One sample was slightly hemolyzed (vehicle-
treated arthritic rat # 36).
[0415] Measurement ofc rculating TGF-βI (groups 1-2-3-4-5): A part of blood
sample was collected in micro tubes for serum preparation at ambient temperature.
Following sample collection, blood was mixed and allowed to clot for 30 minutes prior to
the centrifugation. The tubes were centrifuged at about 6000 g for 3 minutes. Each serum
sample (at least 100 µL, except for rat # 52 and #53) was aliquoted and stored at -20°C
until sample activation for TGF-β1analysis;. These aliquots (50 vials) were kept for a
period of 6 months starting from the end of the study. Some samples were slightly
hemolyzed (vehicle-treated non arthritic rat: # 2, # 5, # 9, # 10; vehicle treated arthritic rat:
# 53, # 63; E3-treated arthritic rai #31, #51; 911 -treated arthritic rat: # 52, 62, #64). TGF-
pl levels were measured using human TGF-βl ELISA kit (ref. DB100, Batch 212258 and
213610, R&D Systems - France).

[0416] Blood collection for hematological parameters (groups 1-2-3-4-5: 50 vials):
A part of blood sample was collected in tubes containing K3 - EDTA (at least 100 µL). The
determination of parameters were parformed on the day of the collection and the samples
were not stored. The hematological parametersi including red blood cells, white blood cells,
platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit were measured with a hematology cell counter (D 24).
Some hematological parameters were not measured due to the clotted samples (vehicle-
treated non arthritic rat: # 10; E3-treated arthritic rats: # 59, # 67; 911-treated arthritic rats:
#16).
7. Paw cytokines levels
[0417] On Day 24 (5 days after the last i.v. bolus injection or 24 hours after the last
p.o. administration) (after X-rays radiographies), each animal hindpaw (arthritic and non
arthritic rats) was weighed and was collected in a labelled polyethylene vial. Tissue
samples were frozen in liquid nitregen and stored at -80°C.
[0418] Preparation of join t homogenates: Frozen hind paws were pulverized using .
a Bio-Pulverizer. The powdered hind paws were then placed into a 50 ml conical centrifuge
tube containing 3 ml PBS supplernented with 50 µl of anti-protease cocktail and
homogenized on ice using Ultra-Turrax homogenizer (50% of the maximal speed).
Homogenates were then centringed at 2000 x g for 15 minutes at 4°C and supernatants
were filtered through 0.2 µm Sar onus filters, aliquoted and stored at -80°C until use.
[0419] Cytokine levels measurement: Cytokine levels of TNF-a(Rat TNF-a ELISA
kit, ref. RTA00, Batch 213718, R&D Systems, France) , IL-lβRat IL-1β ELISA kit, ref.
RLB00, Batch 212435, R&D Systems, France), IL-6 Rat IL-6 ELISA kit, ref. R6000, Batch
211773,214008 and 214362, R&D Systems, France), and TGF-βlHuman TGF-β1 ELISA
kit, ref. DB100, Batch212258 and 213610, R&D Systems, France) were determined in
duplicate, according to the manufacturer's procedure. Aliquots of hind paw homogenates
were stored at -80°C
8. X-ray analysis
[0420] On Day 24, afte r blood collecting the animals were sacrificed and X-ray
radiographies (hindpaws) were obtained for assessment of joint lesions. X-ray analysis was
focused on articular erosions, articular space, periosteum abnormalities on both hindpaws.

All the radiographics were analyzed by looking at seven different items: the soft tissue
damage, deformity, demineralization, joint space, erosions, osteogenesis and periostal
reaction. For each animal, the first six items were analyzed independently by looking at the
worse hind foot. The periostal reaction was analyzed by looking at the tail. For each item,
the score goes from 0 (normal) to 4 (maximal damage). Therefore the total score goes from
0 to 28. The radiographic interpretation was done by the same reader without knowing
anything about the animals (treated or not treated).
9. Observations
[0421] One animal (# 65) died at D 23 after indomethacin administration (before
the administration at D 23) due to an unknown cause.
10. Analysis and expression of results
[0422] All results were re ported as Mean ± S.E.M. of 10 rats in each group at each
time point. Paw volume was expressed in ml calculated from the mean value of the right
and left paw volume. Arthritis ir dex was calculated from the sum of the score obtained for
each of the 4 paws. The nocicepive response was evaluated by the intensity of the level of
vocalization recorded for each arimal (mean of 4 values: 2 times/paw) in mV. The
percentage inhibition of the nociceptive response was calculated from the mean value of
the vehicle-treated arthritic group> [(mean value of vehicle-treated arthritic group- mean
value of treated arthritic group/ mean value of vehicle-treated arthritic group)* 100]. Body
weight was expressed in grams. Hindpaws (left and right) weight was expressed in grams.
Cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-lβ, TKF-a and TGF-βl) of each hind paw was expressed in
pg/ml. Circulating levels of TGIF-β1 was expressed in pg/ml. Radiological index for each
parameter (demineralization, erosions, periostal reaction, soft tissue damage, space joint,
osteogenesis deformity) and tota radiological index (total score) were calculated from the
sum of the scores obtained for each parameter. The inter-group significances of the
deviations between the values of vehicle-treated group (arthritic rats) and vehicle-treated
group (non arthritic rats) were as jessed by the Student / test or Mann-Whitney Rank Sum
Test when equal variance or nonrrnality test failed. The inter-group significances of the
deviations between the values of vehicle-treated group (arthritic rats) and E3- and 911- and
Indomethacin-treated groups were assessed by the 1-way analysis of variance ANOVA
followed by the non-paired Dunr ett / test. A probability of P≥0.05 was considered as
significant. All statistical analys s was performed by the Sigmastat™ software.

Results
1. Nociceptive response (vocalization test)
[0423] As shown in Table 11 and Figure 18, on D 14, the nociceptive response was
4147 ±331,4386 ± 235,4644 ± 367 and 4468 ± 143 in vehicle-, indomethacin-, E3-, and
911-treated arthritic groups, respectively. Indomethacin strongly and significantly
decreased the nociceptive response after 3 mgfcg/day p.o. (for 10 days) by about -3768 mV
(% inhibition: 71 %) and -4353 mV (% inhibition: 74 %) at D 18 and D 24, respectively
compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (D 18: 1511 ± 398 vs 5279 ± 326 mV; D 24:
1552 ± 508 vs 5905 ± 345 mV). E J (1 mg/kg i.v. at D 14 and D 19) strongly and
significantly decreased the nociceptive response by about -4167 mV (% inhibition : 79 %)
and -5905 mV (% inhibition: 100 %) at D 18 and D 24, respectively compared to the
vehicle-treated arthritic group (D : 8:1112 ± 401 vs 5279 ± 326 mV; D 24: 0 ± 0 vs 5905 ±
345 mV). 911 (10 mg/kg i.v. 2 days at D 14 and D 19) strongly and significantly decreased
the nociceptive response by about -3932 (% inhibition: 74 %) and -5358 mV (% inhibition:
91 %) at D 18 and D 24, respectively compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (D 18:
1347 ± 492 vs 5279 ± 326 mV; E 24: 547 ± 307 vs 5905 ± 345 mV).


Values are expressed in mV as Mean:: S.E.M.
n=10 animals per group except at D 24 for Indomethacin (n=9)
Dunnett t test: * P 2. Body weight
[0424] As shown in Table 12 and Figure 19, a marked decrease in the body weight
gain was observed in arthritic rats in comparison to non arthritic rats from D 0 to D 14 due
to arthritis establishment. At D 14 (selection day) the arthritic rats displayed a significant
decrease in weight compared to the non arthritic rats (289 ±2vs217±4g) (Student / test
P groups (Dunnett / test P> 0.05). The body weight moderately and significantly increased in
Indomethacin-treated group (3 mg/kg/day for 10 days) from D 17 to D 24 with a maximum
of about 43 g at D 24 compared tc the vehicle-treated arthritic group (261 ± 5 vs 218 ± 3 g).
After E3 treatment (1 mg/kg i.v. at D 14 and D 19), the body weight moderately and
significantly increased from D 17 to D 24 with a maximum of about 46 g at D 24 compared
to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (264 ± 5 g vs 218 ± 3 g). After 911 treatment (10
mg/kg i.v. at D 14 and D 19), the body weight moderately and significantly increased from
D 18 to D 24 with a maximum of about 47g; at D 24 compared to the vehicle-treated
arthritic (265 ± 7 vs 218 ± 3 g).



[0425] On D 14, a randomi zation was performed in order to obtain homogenous
groups in terms of paw volume. As shown in Table 13, on D 14, the hindpaw volume
(mean of the right and left paw volume) was significantly greater in arthritic group than
that in non arthritic group (2.10 ± 0.05 vs 1.44 ± 0.02 mL (Student / test P Indomethacin (3 mg/kg/day p.o. for 10 days) significantly decreased the paw volume by
about -0.75 mL (D 24) compared 10 the vehicle-treated arthritic group (1.59 ± 0.03 mL vs
2.34 ± 0.08 mL). E3 (1 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19) slightly and significantly increased
the paw volume by about 0.37 mI compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (2.71 ±
0.09 mL vs 2.34 ± 0.08 mL). 911(10 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19) slightly and
significantly increased the paw volume by about 0.36 mL compared to the vehicle-treated
arthritic group (2.70 ± 0.11 mL vs 2.34 ± 0.08 mL).


Values are expressed in mL as Mean ± S.E.M.
n=10 animals per group except at D 24 for Indomethacin (n=9)
Dunnett / test: * P 4. Arthritis index
[0426] As shown in Table 14, on D 14, the arthritis index was 10.1 ± 0.8, 8.7 ± 0.6,
10.2 ± 0.4 and 9.4 ± 0.7 and in vehicle- indomethacin-, E3-, and 911- treated arthritic
groups, respectively. Indomethacin strongly and significantly decreased the arthritis index
after 3 mg/kg/day p.o. (for 10 days) by a maximum of about -8.0 compared to the vehicle-
treated arthritic group (2.7 ± 0.7 vs 10.7 ± 0.6). E3 (1 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19) did not
affect the arthritis index compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (11.4 ± 0.4 vs 10.7
± 0.6). 911 (10 mg/kg i.v. on 1) 14 and D 19) did not affect the arthritis index compared to
the vehicle-treated arthritic group (10.9 ± 0.7 vs 10.7 ± 0.6).


Values are expressed as Mean ± S.E.M. (score)
n=10 animals per group except for Indomethacin (n=9)
Dunnett / test: * P ≤ 0.05 vs vehicle-treated arthritic rats
5. Paw cytokines levels
[0427] As shown in Table 15, on D 24, the left and right paws cytokine levels were
increased in arthritic vehicle-treaed group by a maximum of about 3.5 (IL-lβ), 4 (TNF-α)
and 1.8 (TGF-βi) fold compared to the non-arthritic vehicle-treated group. No significant
difference was observed for IL-6 levels, in right and left paw, between the two groups.
The cytokines levels of arthritic group were similar in left and right paw: 259.7 ± 38.5 vs
219.2 ± 32.4, 4802.8 ± 365.5 vs 1219.8 vs 9161.4 ± 846.1 pg/ml lor IL-6, IL-ip, TNF-α and TGF-β1 respectively.
Indomethacin slightly, but significantly, decreased the TGF-β1 level in right paw after 3
mg/kg/day p.o. (for 10 days) by about 1.3 times, compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic
group (7057.4 ± 335.6 vs 9161.4 ± 846.1), whereas it did not modify IL-6, TNF-a or 1L-1 β
levels. A similar but not signific mt effect was observed in the left paw. E3 (1 mg/kg i.v.

on D 14 and D 19) did not affect the IL-6, IL-lβ, TNF-a or TGF-βl levels, in both paws,
compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group. 911 (10 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19)
increased the IL-1β level in right paw compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group
(6215.3 ± 666.7 vs 4007.1 ± 380.4) It had no effect on others cytokine levels in both
paws.



Values are expressed in pg/ml, as Mean ± S.E.M.
n=10 animals per group except fo Non-arthritic/vehicle (Right paw), Arthritic/vehicle (Left paw)
and Indomethacin (n=9)
Dunnett / test: * P 6. Measurement of circulating TGF-β1
[0428] As shown in Table 16, on D 24, the serum TGF-β1 level was increased in
arthritic vehicle-treated group compared to the non arthritic vehicle-treated group (81715.7
± 1984.1 vs 60269.9 ± 2142.8). [ndomethacin significantly decreased the serum TGF-β1
level after 3 mg/kg/day p.o. (for 10 days) by about 1.5 times, compared to the vehicle-
treated arthritic group (57222.2:: 3194.1 vs 81715.7 ± 1984.1). E3 (1 mg/kg i.v. on D 14
and D 19) and 911 (10 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19) significantly decreased the serum
TGF-βl level so that the cytokir e level in E3- and 911-treated groups were comparable
with those observed in vehicle-treated non arthritic group (69408.8 ± 3926.7 and 67214.5 ±
3649.4 respectively, vs 60269.9 ± 2142.8).
Table 16. Effect of E3 and 911 liter i.v. injection (2 days on D 14 and D 19) on serum
TGF- β1 levels in rheumatoid arthritic rats


Values are expressed in pg/ml, as Mean ± S.E.M.
n=10 animals per group except for Non-arthritic/vehicle (Right paw), Arthritic/vehicle
(Left paw) and Indomethacin (n=9)
Dunnett t test: * P ±β≤0.05 vs vehicle-treated arthritic rats
7. Hematological parameters;
[04291 As shown in Table 17, the hematological parameters such as white blood
cells and platelets were greater in vehicle-treated arthritic rats in comparison to vehicle-
treated non arthritic rats (Student t test P and hematocrit (Student t test P> 0.05) were unchanged. Indomethacin did not affect the
blood parameters after 3 mg/kg/day p.o. (for 10 days) compared to the vehicle-treated
arthritic group. E3 (1 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19) did not affect the blood parameters
compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group. 911 (10 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19) did
not affect the blood parameters compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group.
Table 17. Effects of E3 and 91 , after i.v. injection (2 days on D 14 and D 19) on blood
parameters in rheumatoid arthritis in rats (Measurement at D 24)


Values are expressed as Mean ± S.E .M.
Anova: P> 0.05 vs vehicle-treated a thritic rats
7. Hindpaw weignt
[0430] As shown in Table 18, the left and right hindpaw weight was greater in
vehicle-treated arthritic rats than in vehicle-treated non arthritic rats (3.43 ± 0.11 vs 1.98 ±
0.01 and 3.32 ± 0.12 vs 1.99 ± 0.02 g, respectively) (Student t test or Mann-Withney
P (for 10 days) compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (left hindpaw: 2.23 ± 0.04 vs
3.43 ± 0.11 g; right hindpaw: 2.20 ± 0.05 vs 3.32 ± 0.12 g). E3 (1 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and
D 19) only significantly increased the left hindpaw weight compared to the vehicle-treated
arthritic group (left hindpaw: 3.86 ± 0.14 vs 3.43 ± 0.11 g; right hindpaw: 3.72 ± 0.13 vs
3.32 ± 0.12 g). 911 (10 mg/kg i v. on D 14 and D 19) only significantly increased the right
hindpaw weight compared to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (left hindpaw: 3.73 ± 0.12
vs 3.43 ± 0.11 g; right hindpaw: 3.83 ± 0.15 vs 3.32 ± 0.12 g).


Values are expressed in grams as Mean ± S.E.M.
n=10 animals per group except for Indomethacin (n=9)
Dunnett t test: * P 8. X-ray analysis
[0431] As shown in Table 19, a total score of 0.0 ± 0.0 was observed in the vehicle-
treated non arthritic rats. The vehic le-treated arthritic rats have a total score of 15.1 ±1.3
with high scores for demineralization (2.4 ± 0.3), erosions (2.7 ± 0.3), soft tissue damage
(3.1 ± 0.2) and space joint (3.3 ± 0 2), a moderate score for periostal reaction (1.0 ± 0.3),
osteogenesis (0.8 ± 0.2) and defomity (1.8 ± 0.2). Indomethacin (3 mg/kg/day p.o. for 10
days) strongly and significantly de ;i eased the total score by about 10.7 in comparison to
vehicle-treated arthritic rats (4.4 ± 0 9 vs 15.1 ± 1.3). E3 (1 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19)
did not affect the total score comp* red to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (14.2 ± 1.3 vs
15.1 ± 1.3). 911 (10 mg/kg i.v. on D 14 and D 19) did not affect the total score compared
to the vehicle-treated arthritic group (15.4 ± 1.0 vs 15.1 ± 1.3).


Values are expressed as Mean ± S.E.M (score).
n=10 animals per group except for lndomethacin (n=9)
Dunnett / test: * P ≤0.05 vs vehicle-treated arthritic rats
Conclusion
[0432] Under experimental conditions described above, E3 (1 mg/kg i.v. 2 days: D
14 - D 19) and 911 (10 mg/kg i.v. 2 days: D 14 - D 19) showed strong analgesic effects, but
did not show significant anti-inflammatory effects in this arthritis model.
Example 9 Effects of different doses of anti-NGF antibody E3 in a rat model of rheumatoid
arthritis
[0433] The ability of E3 to produce reduction in pain in arthritic rats was further
investigated by examining the dose response relationship between E3 administration and
pain reduction. Rats were treated with adjuvant to induce arthritis as described above. Ten
rats not injected with adjuvant were used as non-arthritic controls. Fourteen days after
adjuvant injection, animals were qualif ed into the study based on the criteria stated above,

randomized into eight groups of ten rats and tested for the intensity of their vocalization
response. They were then dosed on day 14 with saline, or 0.003 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.03
mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg of E3 antibody as described above.
Animals were tested for their vocalization response on days 16,18,20, and 24. Animals
were redosed with saline or the same dose of E3 on day 18 after the vocalization testing.
Animals were also weighed each day, starting at day 14. Thus, animals were dosed twice
with a given dose of antibody or saline on days 14 and 18, and assessed for pain five times,
on days 14,16,18,20 and 24. Data are shown in Tables 20-22 and in Figures 20-22.


[0434] The effect of treating animals with various doses of anti-NGF antibody E3
on pain induced vocalization (data shown in Table 20) was statistically analyzed by using
two-way AN OVA to compare the results obtained pairwise between arthritic animals
treated with vehicle with those treated with a given dose of antibody E3. There was a
highly significant effect at all levels of E3 tested (p tested (0.003 mg/kg of E3), the difference in vocalization was significant (p [0435] As shown in Table 20 and Figure 20, in agreement with the above
experiments, treatment with antibody E3 at 1 mg/kg showed a rapid and robust relief of
pain. Within two days (the earliest time point tested) the vocalization intensity fell by 90%.
Treatment with lower concentrations c f E3 also provided robust pain relief, although at
lower doses the pain relief took somewhat longer to manifest. It is likely that the apparent
decrease in efficacy on day 24 of all but the highest doses tested is due to a decrease in the
actual level of plasma E3 level secondary to an immune response by the subject rats. It is
apparent that doses as low as 0.003 mg/kg provide at least partial pain relief in this model.




[0436] The effect of treating animals with various doses of anti-NGF antibody E3
on body weight was statistically analyzed by using two-way ANOVA to compare the
results obtained pairwise between arthr tic animals treated with vehicle with those treated

with a given dose of antibody E3. Using data normalized to weight on day 14 (Table 21),
doses of 0.03 mg/kg of E3 resulted in a significant change in body weight (p higher dose of E3, the difference between treated and untreated arthritic animals was
significant (p=or 0.03 mg/kg of E3 resulted in a signi Scant change in body weight (p dose of E3, the difference between treated and untreated arthritic animals was significant
(p [0437] Again in agreement with earlier studies, rats treated with E3 showed less
apparent weight loss than saline treared arthritic rats (Table 22 and Figure 22). In fact, rats
treated with high doses of antibody E3 were recovering the earlier weight loss, and actually
gaining weight faster than their non- arthritic cohorts (Table 21 and Figure 21).
Deposit of Biological Material
10438] The following materials have been deposited with the American Type
Culture Collection, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Virginia, USA (ATCC):
Material ATCC Accession No. Date of Deposit
Eb.911.3E E3 1ight chain PTA-4893 January 8,2003
Eb.pur.911.3E E3 light chain PTA-4894 January 8,2003
Db.911.3E E3 heavy chain PTA-4895 January 8,2003
[0439] Vector Eb.911.3E is a polynucleotide encoding the E3 light chain variable
region; vector Eb.pur.911.3E is a polynucleotide encoding E3 light chain variable region,
and vector Db.911.3E is a polynucleotide encoding the E3 heavy chain variable region.
[0440] This deposit was made under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the
International Recognition of the Depc sit of Microorganisms for the Purpose of Patent
Procedure and the Regulations thereunder (Budapest Treaty). This assures maintenance of
a viable culture of the deposit for 30 years from the date of deposit. The deposit will be
made available by ATCC under the terms of the Budapest Treaty, and subject to an
agreement between Rinat Neuroscience Corp. and ATCC, which assures permanent and
unrestricted availability of the progeny of the culture of the deposit to the public upon
issuance of the pertinent U.S. patent of upon laying open to the public of any U.S. or
foreign patent application, whichever. comes first, and assures availability of the progeny to

one determined by the U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitled thereto
according to 35 USC Section 122 and the Commissioner's rules pursuant thereto (including
37 CFR Section 1.14 with particular reference to 886 OG 638).
[0441] The assignee of the present application has agreed that if a culture of the
materials on deposit should die or be lost or destroyed when cultivated under suitable
conditions, the materials will be promptly replaced on notification with another of the
same. Availability of the deposited material is not to be construed as a license to practice
the invention in contravention of the rights granted under the authority of any government
in accordance with its patent laws.
Antibody sequences
Heavy chain variable region (Kabat CDRs are underlined; Chothia CDRs are
BOLD AND ITALICIZED)
QVQLQESGPGLVKPSETLSLTCTVSGFSLIGYDLNWIRQPPGKGLEWIGIIWGDTTD
YNSAVKSRRTISKDTSKNQFSLKLSSVTAADTAVYYCARGGYATATSYYFDYWGQG
TLVTVS (SEQ ID NO: 1)
Light chain variable region (Kabat CDRs are underlined; Chothia CDRs are BOLD
AND ITALICIZED)
niOMTOSPSSTJSASVGDRVTITCRASQSISNNLNWQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSRFHSG
VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDI ATYYCQQEHTLPYTFGQGTKLElKRJ (SEQ ID
NO:2)
E3 heavy chain extended CDRs
CDRH1: GFSL1GYDLN (SEQID NO:3)
CDRH2: IIWGDGTTE YNSAVKS (SEQ ID NO:4)
CDRH3: GGYWYATSYYFDY (SEQ ID NO:5)
E3 light chain extended CDRs
CDRL1: RASQSISNNL (SEQ ID NO:6
CDRL2: YTSRFHS (S EQ ID NO:7)

CDRL3: QQEHTLPYT SEQ ID NO:8)
Mouse monoclonal antibody 911 extended CDRs

911 heavy chain extended CDRs
CDRH1 : GFSLIGYDIN (SEQ ID N0:9)
CDRH2 : MIWGDGTTDYNSALKS (SEQ ID NO:10)
CDRH3: GGYYYGTSYYFDY (SEQ ID NO: 11)
911 light chain extended CDRs
CDRL1: RASQDISNHLN (SEQ ID NO: 12)
CDRL2: YISRFHS (SEQIDNO:13)
CDRL3: QQSKTLP YT (SEQ ID NO:14)
E3 heavy chain amino acid sequence (full)
QVQLQESGPGLVKPSETLSLTCIVSGFSLIGYDLNWIRQPPGKGLEWIGIIWGDGTT
DYNSAVKSRVTISKDTSKNQFSIKLSSVTAADTAVYYCARGGYWYATSYYFDYW
GQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGAL
TSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKC
CVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKRKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYV
DGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPSSIEK
TISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENN
YKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP
GK(SEQ IDNO :16)
3E light chain amino acid sequence (full antibody)
DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASVSQSISNNLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSRFHSG
VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQEHTLPYTFGQGTKLEIKRTVAAPSV
FIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNN1YPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDS
TYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHXVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC(SEQ ID NO:17)
3E heavy chain nucleotide sequence (full antibody)

CAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAGTCTGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCCGAGACCCT
GTCCCTCACCGTGCACTGTCTCTCGGGTTCTCACTTATCGGCTATGATCTTAACTGG
ATCCGACAGCCTCCAGGGAAGGGGACTCGGAGTGGATTGGGATTATCTGGGGTG
ATGGAACCACAGACTATAATTCAGCTGTCAAATCCCGCGTCACCATCTCAAAAGA
CACCTCCAAGAACCAGTTCTCCCTGAAGCTGAGCTCTGTGACCGCCGCGGACAC
GGCCGTGTATTACTGTGCGAGAGGAGGTTATTGGTACGCCACTAGCTACTACTT
TGACTACTGGGGCCAGGGCACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCTCCACCAAGGG
CCCATCTGTCTTCCCACTGGCCCCATGCTCCCGCAGCACCTCCGAGAGCACAGCC
GCCCTGGGCTGCCTGGTCAAGGACTACrTCCCAGAACCTGTGACCGTGTCCTGG
AACTCTGGCGCTCTGACCAGCCGCGTGCACCTTCCCAGCTGTCCTGCAGTCC
TCAGGTCTCTACTCCCTCAGCAGGGTGGTGACCGTGCCATCCAGCAACTTCGGC
ACCCAGACCTACACCTGCAACGTAGATCACAAGCCAAGCAACACCAAGGTCGAC
AAGACCGTGGAGAGAAAGTGTrGTGTGGAGTGTCCACCTTGTCCAGCCCCTCCA
GTGGCCGGACCATCCGTGTTCCTGTTCCCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGACACCCTGATG
ATCTCCAGAACCCCAGAGGTGACCTGTGTGGTGGTGGACGTGTCCCACGAGGA
CCCAGAGGTGCAGTTCAACTGC TATGTG GACGGAGTGGAGGTGCACAACGCCA
AGACCAAGCCAAGAGAGGAGCAGTTCAACTCCACCTTCAGAGTGGTGAGCGTG
CTGACCGTGGTGCACCAGGACTGGCTGAACGGAAAGGAGTATAAGTGTAAGGT
GTCCAACAAGGGACTGCCATCCAGGATCGAGAAGACCATCTCCAAGACCAAGGG
ACAGCCAAGAGAGCCACAGGTCTATACCCTGCCACCATCCAGAGAGGAGATGA
CCAAGAACCAGGTGTCCCTGACCTGTCTGGTGAAGGGATTCTATCCATCCGACA
TCGCCGTGGAGTGGGAGTCCACGGACAGCCAGAGAACAACTATAAGACCACC
CCTCCAATGCTGGACTCCGACGGATCCTTCTTCCTGTATTCCAAGCTGACCGTGG
ACAAGTCCAGATGGCAGCAGGCAAACGTGTTCTCTTGTTCCGTGATGCACGAG
GCCCTGCACAACCACTATACCCAGAAGAGCCTGTCCCTGTCTCCAGGAAAGTAA(
SEQ ID NO: 65)
3E heavy chain variable domain nucleotide sequence
CAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAGTCTGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCCGAGACCCT
GTCCCTCACCTGCACTGTCTCTGGGTTCTCACTTATCGGCTATGATCTTAACTGG
ATCCGACAGCCTCCAGGGAAGGGACTGGAGTGGATTGGGATTATCTGGGGTG

ATGGAACCACAGACTATAATTCAGCTGTCAAATCCCGCGTCACCATCTCAAAAGA
CACCTCCAAGAACCAGTTCTCCCTGAAGCTGAGCTCTGTGACCGCCGCGGACAC
GGCCGTGTATTACTGTGCGAGAGGAGGTTATTGGTACGCCACTAGCTACTACTT
TGACTACTGGGGCCAGGGCACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA(SEQ ID NO:66)
3E light chain nucleotide sequence (full antibody)
GATATCCAGATGACACAGTCCCCATCCTCCCTGTCTGCCTCTGTGGGTGACCGC
GTCACCATCACCTGCCGCGCATCTCAGTCCATTAGCAATAATCTGAACTGGTATC
AGCAGAAGCCAGGCAAAGCCCCAAAACTCCTGATCTACTACACCTCACGCTTCCA
CTCAGGTGTCCCATCACGCTTCAGTGGCAGTGGCTCTGGTACAGATTTCACCTTC
ACCATTAGCAGCCTGCAACCAGAAGATATTGCCACTTATTACTGCCAACAGGAG
CATACCCTTCCATATACCTTCGGrCAAGGCACCAAGCTGGAGATCAAACGCACTG
TGGCTGCACCATCTGTCTTCATCTTTCCTCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCCGG
AACTGCCTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTCTATCCACGCGAGGCCAAAGT
ACAGTGGAAGGTGGATAACGCCCTCCAATCCGGTAACTCCCAGGAGAGTGTCA
CAGAGCAGGACAGCAAGGACAGCACCTACAGCCTCAGCAGCACCCTGACCCTGA
GCAAAGCAGACTACGAGAAACACMAAAGTCTACGCCTGCGAAGTCACCCATCAG
GGCCTGAGTTCTCCAGTCACAAAGAGCTTCAACCGCGGTGAGTGCTAA(SEQ ID
NO:67)
3E light chain variable domain nucleotide sequence
GATATCCAGATGACACAGTCCCCATCCTCCCTGTCTGCCTCTGTGGGTGACCGC
GTCACCATCACCTGCCGCGCATCTCAGTCCATTAGCAATAATCTGAACTGGTAT
CAGCAGAAGCCAGGCAAAGCCCCAAAACTCCTGATCTACTACACCTCACGCTT
CCACTCAGGTGTCCCATCACGCTTCAGTGGCAGTGGCTCTGGTACAGATTTCAC
CTTCACCATTAGCAGCCTGCAACCAGAAGATATTGCCACTTATTACTGCCAACA
GGAGCATACCCTTCCATATACCITCGGTCAAGGCACCAAGCTGGAGATCAAAC
GC(SEQ lD NO:68)

[0442] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for
illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be
suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview
of this application.

WE CLAIM
1. An antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising:
(a) a CDR1 region of SEQ ID NO:9, wherein 134 is S, L, V A, or I; and N35 is
substituted with N, T or S;
(b) a CDR2 region of SEQ ID NO: 10 wherein M50 is I, G, Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S;
and L63 is L or V; and
(c) a CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 11. wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y or
W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein TI04 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T;
wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; whe ein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108 is F or W;
wherein D109 is D, N, or G; and wherein Yl10 is Y, K, S, R or T;
wherein the antibody binds NGF.
2. The antibody as claimed in claim 1, which optionally has a light chain variable region.
3. An antibody comprising a light chain variable region comprising:

(a) a CDRl region of SEQ ID NO: 12 wherein S26 is S or F; D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and
H32 is H, N, or Q;
(b) a CDR2 region of SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein 151 is I, T, V or A; and S56 is S or T; and
(c) a CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 14, wherein S91 is S or E, K92 is K, H, R, or S; and
wherein Y96 is Y or R;
wherein the antibody binds NGF.
4. The antibody as claimed in claim 3, which optionally has a heavy chain variable
region.
5. An antibody comprising (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising:
(i) a CDRl region of SEQ ID NO:9, wherein 134 is substituted with S, L, V A, or I; and
N35 is substituted with N, T or S;
(ii) a CDR2 region of SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein M50 is I, G, Q, S, or L; A62 is A, or S;
and L63 is L or V; and

(iii) a CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO 11, wherein Y100 is Y, L, or R; wherein Y101 is Y
or W; wherein G103 is G, A, or S; wherein T104 is T or S; wherein S105 is S, A, or T;
wherein Y106 is Y, R, T, or M; wherein Y107 is Y or F; wherein F108 is F or W;
wherein D109 is D, N, or G; wherein Y110 is Y, K, S, R or T; and
(b) a light chain variable region corr prising:
(i) a CDR1 region of SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein S26 is S or F; D28 is D, S, A, or Y; and
H32 is H, N, or Q;
(ii) a CDR2 region of SEQ ID NO: 13, wherein 151 is I, T, V or A; and S56 is S or T; and
(iii) a CDR3 region of SEQ ID NO: 14 wherein S91 is S or E; K92 is K, H, R, or S; and
wherein Y96 is Y or R;
wherein the antibody binds NGF.
6. The antibody as claimed in any of claims 1-5, which binds human NGF.
7. The antibody as claimed in claim 6, which optionally binds rodent NGF.
8. The antibody as claimed in any of claims 1-5, which is a monoclonal antibody.
9. The antibody as claimed in any of claims 1-5, which is a humanized antibody.

10. The antibody as claimed in any of claims 1-5, which binds NGF with a KD of 2 nM or
less.
11. The antibody as claimed in claim 19, wherein the KD is 100 pM or less.
12. An antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising:

(a) a CDR1 region shown in SEQ ID NO: 3;
(b) a CDR2 region shown in SEQ ID NO:4; and
(c) a CDR3 region shown in SEQ ID NO 3:5;
wherein the antibody binds NGF.

13. The antibody as claimed in claim 12, which optionally has a light chain variable
region.
14. An antibody comprising a light chain variable region comprising:

(a) a CDR1 region shown in SEQ ID NO:6;
(b) a CDR2 region shown in SEQ ID NO:7; and
(c) a CDR3 region shown in SEQ ID NO:8;
wherein the antibody binds NGF.

15. The antibody as claimed in claim 14, which optionally has a heavy chain variable
region.
16. The antibody as claimed in claim 14, which optionally has a heavy chain variable
region comprising:

(a) a CDR1 region shown in SEQ ID NO: 3;
(b) a CDR2 region shown in SEQ ID NO:4; and
(c) a CDR3 region shown in SEQ ID NO:5.

17. The antibody as claimed in claim 6, wherein the heavy chain variable region
consists of the sequence shown in SEC ID NO: 1.
18. The antibody as claimed in claim 16, wherein the light chain variable region consists
of the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2.
19. The antibody as claimed in claim 17. wherein the light chain variable region consists
of the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2.
20. The antibody as claimed in claim 16 wherein the heavy chain consists of the amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 16
21. The antibody as claimed in claim 16, wherein the light chain consists of the amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 17.

22. The antibody as claimed in claim 20, wherein the light chain consists of the amino
acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 17.
23. The antibody as claimed in claim 12, 14, or 16, which is humanized.
24. The antibody as claimed in claim 12, 14, or 16, which is affinity matured.
25. The antibody as claimed in claim 12, 14, or 16, which is a monoclonal antibody.
26. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) the antibody as claimed in any of
claims 1, 3, 5, 12, 14, 16, and 22, anc (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as
herein described.
27. A kit having the antibody as claimed in any of claims 1, 3, 5, 12, 14, 16, and 22.
28. A method of making the antibody as claimed in claim 1, said method comprising
expressing a polynucleotide encoding the antibody as claimed in claim 1 in a host cell,
such as herein described.
29. A composition as claimed in clain 26, which is capable of being used for treating
rheumatoid arthritis pain in an individual.
30. A composition as claimed in claim 29, the and-NGF antagonist antibody whereof
specifically binds to human NGF.
31. A composition method as claimed n claim 29, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody
whereof is an antibody comprising the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:S 1
and 2.
32. A composition as claimed in claim 26, which is capable of being used for treating
inflammatory cachexia associated with theumatoid arthritis in an individual.

33. A composition as claimed in claim 32, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody whereof
specifically binds to human NGF.
34. A composition as claimed in claim 29, which is capable of being used for treating
osteoarthritis pain in an individual.
35. A composition as claimed in claim 34, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody whereof
specifically binds to human NGF.
36. A composition as claimed in claim 33 or 35, the anti-NGF antagonist antibody
whereof is an antibody comprising the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:S 1
and 2.

The invention concerns anti-NGF antibodies (such as anti-NGF antagonist
antibodies), and polynucleotides encoding the same. The invention further concerns use
of such antibodies and/or polynucleotides in the treatment and/or prevention of pain,
including post-surgical pain, rheumataid arthritis pain, and osteoarthritis pain.

Documents:

1268-KOLNP-2005-(02-07-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1268-KOLNP-2005-(02-07-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

1268-KOLNP-2005-(02-07-2012)-PA.pdf

1268-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

1268-KOLNP-2005-FOR ALTERATION OF ENTRY IN THE PATENT REGISTER.pdf

1268-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27.pdf

1268-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

1268-KOLNP-2005-GPA.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-assignment.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1268-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 230114
Indian Patent Application Number 1268/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 09/2009
Publication Date 27-Feb-2009
Grant Date 25-Feb-2009
Date of Filing 29-Jun-1995
Name of Patentee RINAT NEUROSCIENCE CORP.
Applicant Address 3155 PORTER DRIVE, PALO ALTO, CA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SHELTON DAVID L 5845 CLOVER DRIVE, OAKLAND, CA 94618
2 ROSENTHAL ARNON 150 NORMANDY LANE, WOODSIDE, CA 94062
3 PONS JAUME 201 EAST O'KEEFE STREET, APT. 208, EAST PALO ALTO, CA 94303
PCT International Classification Number A61K 39/395
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2003/041252
PCT International Filing date 2003-12-24
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/436,905 2002-12-24 U.S.A.
2 60/443,522 2003-01-28 U.S.A.
3 60/510,006 2003-10-08 U.S.A.