Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies to Hepatocyte Growth Factor

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward a humanized neutralizing monoclonal antibody to hepatocyte growth factor, a pharmaceutical composition comprising same, and methods of treatment comprising administering such a pharmaceutical composition to a patient.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A method of measuring the level of HGF in a tumor, the method comprising staining a tumor biopsy with a humanized anti-HGF monoclonal antibody wherein the monoclonal antibody comprises mature variant light and heavy chain V region sequences that are at least 90% identical to the respective HuL2G7 mature light and heavy chain V regions and binds HGF. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 31  wherein the antibody is labeled. 
     
     
         32 . A method of measuring the level of HGF in the circulation of a patient with a tumor, the method comprising combining serum from the patient with a humanized anti-HGF monoclonal antibody wherein the monoclonal antibody comprises mature variant light and heavy chain V region sequences that are at least 90% identical to the respective HuL2G7 mature light and heavy chain V regions and binds HGF. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the antibody is labeled. 
     
     
         34 . A kit for measuring HGF in a patient sample, comprising a fluorescently labeled humanized anti-HGF monoclonal antibody wherein the monoclonal antibody comprises mature variant light and heavy chain V region sequences that are at least 90% identical to the respective HuL2G7 mature light and heavy chain V regions and binds HGF. 
     
     
         35 . A method of purifying HGF by affinity chromatography, the method comprising combining a sample containing HGF to immobilized humanized anti-HGF monoclonal antibody under conditions in which the HGF is specifically bound by the antibody, removing unbound material, and recovering the bound HGF, wherein the monoclonal antibody comprises mature variant light and heavy chain V region sequences that are at least 90% identical to the respective HuL2G7 mature light and heavy chain V regions and binds HGF.