Connective tissue growth factor antibodies

Abstract

The present invention relates to antibodies that bind to CTGF. The antibodies are particularly directed to regions of CTGF involved in biological activities associated with fibrosis. The invention also relates to methods of using the antibodies to treat disorders associated with CTGF including localized and systemic fibrotic disorders including those of the lung, liver, heart, skin, and kidney.

1 . An isolated antibody, or fragment thereof, that specifically binds to a CTGF polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:24 or an orthologous CTGF polypeptide derived from a non-human species. 
     
     
         2 . A method of treating a CTGF-associated disorder in a subject comprising administering to said subject the antibody of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said CTGF-associated disorder is selected from a disorder from the group consisting of cancer and fibrotic disorder. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said CTGF-associated disorder is selected from a disorder from the group consisting of diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cardiovascular disease. 
     
     
         5 . A method of treating a CTGF-associated disorder in a subject due to a condition selected from the group consisting of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, arthritis, and inflammation, the method comprising administering to said subject the antibody of  claim 1 .