Fresolimumab

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).

Fresolimumab

Monoclonal antibody
Type	Whole antibody
Source	Human
Target	TGF beta 1, 2 and 3
Clinical data
ATC code	none
Legal status
Legal status	Investigational
Identifiers
CAS Number	948564-73-6 N
ChemSpider	none
UNII	375142VBIA
KEGG	D09620 Y
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C6392H9926N1698O2026S44
Molar mass	144388.22 g·mol−1
NY (what is this?)  (verify)

It binds to and inhibits all isoforms of the protein transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β).^[2]

History

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]