Development of a humanised antibody to MIC-1/GDF15 for therapy of anorexia/cachexia of cancer [ 2011 - 2014 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Daniel Christ (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Samuel Breit (Principal investigator) ,  Prof David Brown

Brief description Severe starvation and weight loss (cachexia) is a complication that affects about one quarter of cancer patients. In many this is due to the cancer producing a powerfula appetite suppressive protein called MIC-1/GDF15. This weight loss can be prevented by blocking the protein with an antibody drug. We have already shown that we can treat mice in this way by using a mouse antibody. We now aim to engineer these antibodies by making them more human-like. This will allow us to treat weight loss in human cancer patients.

Funding Amount $AUD 587,349.39

Funding Scheme Development Grants

Notes Development Grant