Fresolimumab (GC1008) is a human monoclonal antibody[1] and an immunomodulator. It is intended for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and cancer[2][3] (kidney cancer and melanoma).
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Type | Whole antibody |
Source | Human |
Target | TGF beta 1, 2 and 3 |
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Formula | C6392H9926N1698O2026S44 |
Molar mass | 144388.22 g·mol−1 |
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It binds to and inhibits all isoforms of the protein transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β).[2]
Fresolimumab was discovered by Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT) scientists[4] and was one of a pair of candidate drugs that were identified for the treatment of the fatal condition scleroderma. CAT chose to co-develop the two drugs metelimumab (CAT-192) and fresolimumab with Genzyme. During early development, around 2004, CAT decided to drop development of metelimumab in favour of fresolimumab.[5]
In February 2011 Sanofi-Aventis agreed to buy Genzyme for US$20.1 billion.[6]
As of June 2011[update] the drug was being tested in humans (clinical trials) against IPF, renal disease, and cancer.[7][8] On 13 August 2012, Genzyme applied to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis[9] comparing fresolimumab versus placebo.
As of July 2014[update], Sanofi-Aventis continue to list fresolimumab in their research and development portfolio under Phase II development.[10]