Compound for treatment of allergy and asthma

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel drug candidate having a potential for universal therapy of allergy and asthma. The invention provides a Fab (antibody fragment), having the following characteristics: a) inhibits the IgE-FcεRI interaction; b) binds to free and cell-bound IgE; and c) is non-anaphylactic.

1. An anti-IgE Fab fragment from the antibody produced by the hybridoma cell line deposited at the European Collection of Cell Cultures under accession no. 02032734 02061281, having the following characteristics:
 a) inhibits the IgE-FcεRI interaction; 
 b) binds to free and cell-bound IgE; and 
 c) is non-anaphylactic. 
 
     
     
       2. The Fab according to  claim 1  which is synthetically or recombinantly produced. 
     
     
       3. A recombinant anti-IgE Fab fragment in which the framework regions of the Fab fragment from the antibody produced by the hybridoma cell line deposited at the European Collection of Cell Cultures under accession no. 02032734 02061281, are humanized. 
     
     
       4. A method for the treatment of an atopic condition, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the anti-IgE Fab of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       5. A method for the treatment of an atopic condition, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the anti-IgE Fab of  claim 2 . 
     
     
       6. A method for the treatment of an atopic condition, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of the anti-IgE Fab of  claim 3 . 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 4 , wherein said atopic condition is an acute atopic condition. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said atopic condition is a chronic atopic condition. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 4 , wherein said anti-IgE Fab is further characterized by a capability of depleting IgE and IgE bearing cells from circulation. 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said administration is to the patient's blood or blood plasma. 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said administration is made to the patient's blood or blood plasma outside the patient's body. 
     
     
       12. The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said anti-IgE Fab is further characterized by a capability of depleting IgE and IgE bearing cells from circulation. 
     
     
       13. The method according to  claim 12 , wherein said administration is made to the patient's blood or blood plasma outside the patient's body. 
     
     
       14. The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said administration is to the patient's blood or blood plasma. 
     
     
       15. The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said administration is made to the patient's blood or blood plasma outside the patient's body.