Importance

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Abstract

We have found that when an antibody binds to (captures) its specific ligand, the antibody-ligand complex is redirected to a route of elimination which is different from that which occurs naturally for the specific ligand that is not bound to an antibody. As a consequence, the amount of antibody-bound ligand in the blood increases over time. The increase in total ligand concentration is a property that is specific to the patient to whom the antibody is administered. Accordingly, the invention provides a method for diagnosing disease in a subject and a method for identifying the most appropriate treatment for a particular patient. Patients who produce more ligand, and thus more antibody-ligand complex, may be more likely to have a disease which is predominantly driven by that ligand. These patients should respond better to a therapy targeted against that ligand. The better understanding of the underlying malfunctions in disease biology provided by the methods of the invention, in respect of the rates of production of natural ligands in health and disease, provides a logical and targeted selection of the appropriate treatments to address specific biological abnormalities.

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First Claim