Anti-PlGF

An Emerging Anti-angiogenic Agent

TB-403 is a humanized monoclonal antibody against placental growth factor (PlGF), a naturally occurring protein that belongs to the family of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), which promote the formation of blood vessels. TB-403 is being developed for possible applications in oncology[eg, inhibiting the growth of solid and metastatic tumors]and eye diseases[eg, attenuating uncontrolled blood vessel growth in age-related macular degeneration (AMD)]. Following the successful completion of toxicology studies, ThromboGenics and BioInvent  moved TB-403 into Phase I clinical development. The most recent published data* demonstrates that antibodies against PlGF can inhibit cancer tumor growth and the development of metastases in preclinical models, without affecting healthy tissues. These results were attributed to the targeted anti-angiogenic properties of the PlGF inhibitor. Therefore, the anti-PlGF antibodyTB-403 appears toeffectively and selectively attenuate tumor angiogenesis without undue toxicity to blood vessels in healthy tissues.

Together with BioInvent, we have entered into a license agreement with Roche for the TB-403 program, with Roche assuming responsibility for all future development costs for this novel cancer therapy. With our partners, we have also formed a Joint Steering Committee to oversee research and development activities of TB-403.