A new class of functional antibodies addressing TRP ion channels for pain and cancer therapy

Purpose and goal

The aim of this project was to use our unique platform technology for development of two pharmacologically active antibodies, which target two different TRP channels, with the long-term goal of finding new treatment options for chronic pain and metastatic cancer. The project resulted in several functionally selective antagonists toward the ion channel TRPV1 with a large potential for further development, addressing chronic pain, as well as several antibodies targeting the ion channel TRPV2, which will be further evaluated for the potential inhibition of metastasis.

Expected results and effects

Unrelieved chronic pain is one of the biggest disease related economic burdens for society with most of the cost resulting from loss of productivity. The functionally selective antagonists toward TRPV1, developed during this project, have great future potential of addressing chronic pain. A therapy preventing cancer from spreading would have significant impact on survival. Several antibodies targeting TRPV2 have been developed with the purpose of addressing metastatic cancer. We will continue to characterize these antibodies and their effect on metastasis.

Planned approach and implementation

We have identified accessible epitopes for high affinity antibodies on the extracellular region of TRPV1 and TRPV2 using our antibody discovery platform and developed antibodies targeting these regions. The affinity and the functional effect of the antibodies have been evaluated using a combination of biochemical and cell-based assays. The expectation for the project was that a minimum of 5 epitopes for each ion channel was identified using the platform technology. This goal was greatly exceeded with a total of 27 antibodies developed.