Tek antagonists

Abstract

The present invention provides Tek antagonists and methods of inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal by administering Tek antagonists. The methods are particularly useful in treating diseases or conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as solid tumors and diseases or conditions characterized by ocular neovascularization.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
     
     
         19 . An antibody or antibody fragment that binds specifically to a polypeptide according to claim  1 .  
     
     
         20 . An antibody or antibody fragment that is capable of competitively inhibiting the binding of a Tek ligand to a polypeptide according to claim  1 .  
     
     
         21 . An antibody or antibody fragment that is capable of competitively inhibiting the binding of angiopoietin-2 to the soluble Tek multimer of claim  18 .  
     
     
         22 . The antibody or antibody fragment of  claim 20 , selected from the group consisting of monoclonal antibodies, humanized antibodies, transgenic antibodies, and human antibodies.  
     
     
         23 - 27 . (canceled)  
     
     
         28 . A method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal in need of such treatment, comprising administering to the mammal an inhibition-effective amount of a soluble Tek multimer according to claim  16 .  
     
     
         29 . (canceled)  
     
     
         30 . A method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal in need of such treatment, comprising administering to the mammal an inhibition-effective amount of a soluble Tek multimer according to claim  18 .  
     
     
         31 . A method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a mammal in need of such treatment, comprising administering to the mammal an inhibition-effective amount of an antibody or antibody fragment according to  claim 20 .  
     
     
         32 - 41 . (canceled)  
     
     
         42 . A method of making a Tek antagonist comprising generating an antibody that binds specifically to a polypeptide according to claim  1 .  
     
     
         43 . A hybridoma or recombinant cell line that produces a monoclonal antibody according to  claim 22.