Multispecific FGF21 receptor agonists and their uses

Abstract

Multispecific binding molecules (MBM) comprising at least three antigen binding sites that bind to FGR1c, the GH1 domain of Klotho beta ("KLB"), and the GH2 domain of KLB, pharmaceutical compositions containing MBM, methods of using MBM and pharmaceutical compositions to treat metabolic diseases, nucleic acids encoding MBM, cells modified to express MBM, and methods for producing MBM.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to multispecific FGF21 receptor agonists and uses thereof. Sequence Listing This application contains a Sequence Listing that has been submitted electronically in ASCII format, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The ASCII copy, created on April 28, 2022, is RGN-004WO_SL.txt and is 103,195 bytes in size. [Background technology]

[0002] Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a protein highly synthesized in the liver and paracrinely and endocrinely controls many aspects of energy homeostasis in multiple tissues. FGF21 acts on a cell surface receptor complex consisting of two proteins, the FGF receptor (FGFR) and a co-receptor protein called β-Klotho (KLB). FGF21 directly binds to both of these proteins and activates FGFR signaling activity (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] FGF receptors are single-pass transmembrane receptor proteins with three extracellular immunoglobulin-type domains (D1-D3) and an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. KLB is a type I membrane protein consisting of a signal sequence, a large extracellular ligand-binding region, a single transmembrane domain, and a small cytoplasmic region (Non-Patent Document 2). The extracellular ligand-binding region of KLB is composed of tandem repeats called GH1 and GH2, which have amino acid sequences similar to glycoside hydrolase family 1 enzymes, so-called sugar-cleaving enzymes, and binds to the C-terminal tail of FGF21 (Non-Patent Document 3).

[0004] In vitro, FGF21 can act through KLB complexed with either the FGFR1c, FGFR2c, or FGFR3c isoforms, but gene knockout (KO) analyses and studies using activating antibodies specific for either FGFR1 or the FGFR1 / KLB complex suggest that FGFR1c may be particularly important for FGF21 action in vivo (Non-Patent Document 4; Non-Patent Document 5; Non-Patent Document 6; Non-Patent Document 7; Non-Patent Document 8).

[0005] In preclinical models of obesity and type 2 diabetes, treatment with FGF21 improves glucose homeostasis and promotes weight loss, and as a result, FGF21 has attracted considerable attention as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of metabolic syndrome in humans (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 9).

[0006] Engineered FGF21 analogs have shown considerable improvement of metabolic syndrome phenotypes in animal models at the pharmacological level. However, only a portion of these effects (dyslipidemia and weight loss) have been demonstrated in humans (e.g., Non-Patent Document 10). To address these shortcomings, bispecific antibodies that bind to KLB and FGFR1 have been generated as alternative FGF21 agonists (e.g., Non-Patent Document 6; Patent Document 1; Non-Patent Document 11). However, as demonstrated herein, bispecific antibodies have only a small portion of the agonist activity of FGF21.

[0007] Thus, there is a need in the art for more effective FGF21 agonists. The present disclosure addresses this need as well as other needs in the art. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 9,884,919 [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kuro-O, 2018, Nature 552:409 - 410; Lee et al., 2018, Nature 553:501 - 505 [Non-Patent Document 2] Kuro-O, 2012, Adv Exp Med Biol 728:25 - 40 [Non-Patent Document 3] Lee et al., 2018, Nature 553:501 - 505 [Non-Patent Document 4] Adams et al., 2012, Molecular Metabolism 2:31 - 37 [Non-Patent Document 5] Foltz et al., 2012, Science Translational Medicine 4:162ra153 [Non-Patent Document 6] Kolumam et al., 2015, EBioMedicine 2:730 - 743 [Non-Patent Document 7] Lan et al., 2017, Cell Metabolism 26:709 - 718 [Non-Patent Document 8] Wu et al., 2011, Science Translational Medicine 3:113ra126 [Non-Patent Document 9] Lewis et al., 2019, Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism 30:491 - 504 [Non-Patent Document 10] Zhang et al., 2015, Frontiers in Endocrinology 6:168 [Non-Patent Document 11] Smith et al., 2013, PLoS One 8:e61432 [Summary of the Invention]

[0010] The present disclosure provides a multispecific binding molecule ("MBM") that contains at least three antigen binding sites ("ABS"), the first of which ("ABS1") binds to FGFR1c, the second of which ("ABS2") binds to the GH2 domain of KLB, and the third of which ("ABS3") binds to the GH2 domain of KLB. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the inclusion of two antigen binding sites for KLB (one for the GH1 domain and the other for the GH2 domain) in addition to the FGFR1c antigen binding site on MBM results in a KLB-FGFR1c-MBM complex whose stoichiometry results in greater agonism of FGFR1c than can be achieved by a bispecific antibody. For example, the MBM can, in some embodiments, have a lower KD for binding to a target molecule and / or a stronger EC50 value in a cell-based binding assay than the corresponding parent monospecific or bispecific antibody (e.g., as described in Section 7.5). Exemplary MBMs of the present disclosure are described in Section 6.2 and in specific embodiments 181-326 (below).

[0011] The present disclosure further provides nucleic acids encoding the MBM of the present disclosure. The nucleic acid encoding the MBM may be a single nucleic acid (e.g., a vector encoding all polypeptide chains of the MBM) or multiple nucleic acids (e.g., two or more vectors encoding different polypeptide chains of the MBM). The present disclosure further provides host cells and cell lines engineered to express the nucleic acids and MBM of the present disclosure. The present disclosure further provides methods of producing the MBM of the present disclosure. Exemplary nucleic acids, host cells, cell lines, and methods of producing the MBM of the present disclosure are described in Section 6.4 and in specific embodiments 348 and 353 (below).

[0012] The present disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the MBM of the present disclosure. Exemplary pharmaceutical compositions are described in Section 6.5 and in specific embodiment 327 (below). Further provided herein are methods of using the MBM and pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure, e.g., to treat metabolic conditions and / or improve metabolism. Exemplary methods are described in Section 6.6 and in specific embodiments 1-180 and 328-347 (below). In some aspects, the methods utilize the MBM described in Section 6.2 and in specific embodiments 181-326. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of metabolic pathways regulated by FGF21, a member of the FGF family that acts as an endocrine hormone. [Diagram 2] Schematic diagram of the novel KLB and FGFR1c binders 22414, 22401 and 22393, which bind to the GH1 domain of KLB; 22532, which binds to the GH2 domain of KLB; and ADI-19842, which binds to the D3 domain of FGFR1c. [Diagram 3] Schematic diagram of the domains in the FGFR1 receptor / co-receptor complex of FGFR1c / KLB bound by bispecific binding molecules (BBM) REGN4355, REGN4366, REGN4370, REGN4376, and REGN4304. REGN4304 targets FGFR1c D2 and KLB GH2, while the remaining bispecific binding molecules target FGFR1c D3 and KLB GH1 domains. [Figure 4] Graph showing moderate activation by bispecific binding molecules (BBM) REGN4366 and REGN4304 in HEK293 / SRE-luc / hFGFR1c / hKLB cells compared to FGFR21. [Diagram 5]5 shows exemplary configurations of trispecific binding molecules containing three antigen-binding moieties (designated as "1", "2", "3"). Clockwise from top left: trispecific variants containing an N-terminal scFv domain (2+1 N-scFv configuration); trispecific variants containing a C-terminal scFv domain (2+1 C-scFv configuration); trispecific variants containing a C-terminal Fab domain (2+1 C-Fab configuration); trispecific variants containing an N-terminal Fab domain (2+1 N-Fab configuration). All three antigen-binding moieties have three antigen-binding sites that bind, in any order, to the GH1 domain of KLB, the GH2 domain of KLB, and FGFR1c (e.g., within the D1, D2 or D3 domains). [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows trispecific variants of REGN4366, a bispecific binding molecule that targets the GH1 domain of KLB and the D3 domain of FGFR1c, created by adding GH2 binding arms at different positions in the molecule. Clockwise from top left: trispecific variant containing an N-terminal scFv domain (2+1 N-scFv configuration); trispecific variant containing a C-terminal scFv domain (2+1 C-scFv configuration); trispecific variant containing a C-terminal Fab domain (2+1 C-Fab configuration); trispecific variant containing an N-terminal Fab domain (2+1 N-Fab configuration). [Figure 6B] Bar graph showing activity versus varying linker length. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a graph showing enhanced activity of F1K_scFv6 and F1K_Fab6 compared to parental REGN4366 and RGN4304 in a HEK293.SREIluc.hFGFR1c.hKLB cell reporter assay. The filled circles in Figure 7A show data points for human FGF21 as a positive control. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing targeting the GH2 domain and how this correlates with better agonism. [Figure 8A]Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of screening for variants of the 2+1 N-scFv format, including linker variants (I), isotype variants (II), variants with alternative GH2 binding sequences (III), and variants with alternative GH1 binding sequences. SEQ ID NOs: 55, 24, 73, 57, 74-75, and 44 are disclosed in order of appearance in Figure 8A. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of screening for variants of arm placement, distance, and orientation of the 2+1 N-scFv format. [Figure 9] 9 shows the results of a study evaluating six linker length variants of a molecule designated scFv6, including a GH1 binder designated 22393 (or 393) at position (1), an FGFR1 binder designated ADI-19842 or 842 at position (2), and a GH2 binder designated 22532 (or 532) in scFv format at position (3). This molecule contains a linker of 7-45 amino acids between the FGFR1 binding domain and the N-terminal 532 scFv domain component. The scFv is composed of VL-VH in this order, and the linker designations "L20H7", "L20H15", "L20H22", "L20H30", "L20H37", and "L20H45" refer to the 20 amino acid linker separating the VL and VH of the scFv, and the 7, 15, 22, 30, 37, or 45 amino acid linkers separating the scFv and the adjacent VH at the C-terminus of the scFv. Trispecific binding molecules of all linker lengths show higher activity than the control bispecific binding molecule REGN4304. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A-10B F1K_scFv6 (30aa linker) and scFv6_LK7 (7aa linker) potently activate FGFR1c signaling in HEK293 cells stably expressing hFGFR1c and hKLB. Figure 10A is a Western blot showing drug concentration-dependent FGFR1c signaling via ERK and PLCγ phosphorylation as a result of 16 hours of serum starvation followed by 15 minutes of drug treatment at concentrations of 1 nM and 10 nM. [Figure 10B]Western blot showing time-dependent FGFR1c signaling via ERK and PLCγ phosphorylation as a result of 16 hours of serum starvation followed by 15, 30 minutes of drug treatment at a concentration of 10 nM and 1, 2, 4 and 6 hour incubation periods. Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_scFv6" without a linker length suffix in Figures 10A-10B and elsewhere herein refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the scFv domain (ABS3 in Figure 5) and the Fab domain, and may also be referred to as F1K_scFv6-LK30. [Figure 11A] Figures 11A-11C F1K_scFv6 and Fab6 activate the ERK pathway in primary human adipocytes. Figure 11A is a Western blot showing FGFR1c signaling in primary human adipocytes via ERK and PLCγ phosphorylation. Adipocytes were differentiated for 8 days, then serum-starved for 4 hours and treated with drugs at a concentration of 10 nM for 15 minutes. [Figure 11B] Graph showing enhanced ERK activity using a FRET-based p-ERK immunocapture assay for F1K_scFv6 and F1K_Fab6 compared to REGN1945 and REGN4366. Differentiated human subcutaneous adipocytes were cultured for 1 day for recovery, then serum-starved for 4 hours and treated with drugs for 15-60 minutes. Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_scFv6" without a linker length suffix in Figures 11A-11C and elsewhere herein refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the scFv domain (ABS3 in Figure 5) and the Fab domain, and may also be referred to as F1K_scFv6-LK30. Unless otherwise specified, in Figures 11B-11C and elsewhere in this specification, the term "F1K_Fab6" without a linker length suffix refers to a molecule having a 30 amino acid linker between the Fab domain of ABS3 (shown as "3" in Figure 5) and the Fc domain, and is sometimes referred to as F1K_Fab6-LK30. [Figure 11C]Graph showing enhanced ERK activity using a FRET-based p-ERK immunocapture assay for F1K_scFv6 and F1K_Fab6 compared to REGN1945 and REGN4366. Differentiated human subcutaneous adipocytes were cultured for 1 day for recovery, then serum-starved for 4 hours and treated with drugs for 15-60 minutes. Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_scFv6" without a linker length suffix in Figures 11A-11C and elsewhere herein refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the scFv domain (ABS3 in Figure 5) and the Fab domain, and may also be referred to as F1K_scFv6-LK30. Unless otherwise specified, in Figures 11B-11C and elsewhere in this specification, the term "F1K_Fab6" without a linker length suffix refers to a molecule having a 30 amino acid linker between the Fab domain of ABS3 (shown as "3" in Figure 5) and the Fc domain, and is sometimes referred to as F1K_Fab6-LK30. [Figure 12A] Schematic diagram of how clusters of FGFR1c, KLB and FGF21 form active complexes (FIG. 12A) and a schematic diagram of potential stoichiometric complexes formed between FGFR1c and KLB receptors and trispecific F1K_scFv6 or F1K_Fab6 compared to bispecific and monospecific controls (FIG. 12B). Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_scFv6" without a suffix in FIG. 12B and elsewhere herein refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the scFv domain (ABS3 in FIG. 5) and the Fab domain, and may also be referred to as F1K_scFv6-LK30. Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_Fab6" without a suffix in FIG. 12B and elsewhere herein refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the Fab domain of ABS3 (shown as "3" in FIG. 5) and the Fc domain, and may also be referred to as F1K_Fab6-LK30. [Figure 12B]Schematic diagram of how clusters of FGFR1c, KLB and FGF21 form active complexes (FIG. 12A) and a schematic diagram of potential stoichiometric complexes formed between FGFR1c and KLB receptors and trispecific F1K_scFv6 or F1K_Fab6 compared to bispecific and monospecific controls (FIG. 12B). Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_scFv6" without a suffix in FIG. 12B and elsewhere herein refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the scFv domain (ABS3 in FIG. 5) and the Fab domain, and may also be referred to as F1K_scFv6-LK30. Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_Fab6" without a suffix in FIG. 12B and elsewhere herein refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the Fab domain of ABS3 (shown as "3" in FIG. 5) and the Fc domain, and may also be referred to as F1K_Fab6-LK30. [Figure 13A] 13A-D. Monospecific binding molecules (anti-KLB; REGN4661) and bispecific binding molecules (anti-KLBxFGFR1c; REGN4304) bind KLB / FGFR1c with different stoichiometries compared to trispecific mAbs (F1K_scFv6 IgG1 and F1K_Fab6 IgG1). In FIG. 13A, the REGN4661:KLB complex (solid line) was analyzed by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle light scattering (A4F-MALS). Fractograms from individual samples of REGN4661 (dashed line) and KLB (dotted line) are also overlaid. The relative UV absorbance at 215 nm as a function of retention time is shown for each sample, and the measured molar masses of the separated peaks are indicated. [Figure 13B]The REGN4303:KLB complex (thick solid line) and the REGN4303:KLB:FGFR1c complex (thin solid line) were analyzed by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle light scattering (A4F-MALS). Fractograms from individual samples of REGN4303 (dashed line), KLB (dotted line), and FGFR1c (gray dotted line) are also overlaid. The relative UV absorbance at 215 nm as a function of retention time is shown for each sample, and the measured molar masses of the resolved peaks are indicated. [Figure 13C] F1K_scFv6 IgG1:KLB complex (thick solid line) and F1K_scFv6 IgG1:KLB:FGFR1c complex (0.2 μM:0.2 μM:0.2 μM, thin solid line) were analyzed by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle light scattering (A4F-MALS). The relative UV absorbance at 215 nm as a function of retention time is shown for each sample, and the measured molar masses of the separated peaks are indicated. [Figure 13D] F1K_Fab6 IgG1:KLB complex (thick solid line) and F1K_Fab6 IgG1:KLB:FGFR1c complex (0.2 μM:0.2 μM:0.2 μM, thin solid line) were analyzed by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle light scattering (A4F-MALS). The relative UV absorbance at 215 nm as a function of retention time is shown for each sample, and the measured molar masses of the separated peaks are indicated. Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_scFv6" without a suffix in FIG. 13C and elsewhere herein refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the scFv domain (ABS3 in FIG. 5) and the Fab domain, and may also be referred to as F1K_scFv6-LK30. Unless otherwise specified, the term "F1K_Fab6" without a suffix in FIG. 13D and elsewhere in this specification refers to a molecule with a 30 amino acid linker between the Fab domain (shown as "3" in FIG. 5) and the Fc domain of ABS3, and is sometimes referred to as F1K_Fab6-LK30. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 shows the wild type sequence of the heavy chain constant region of human IgG1 (Human IGHG1 heavy chain constant region; UniProt accession number P01857). CH1=amino acids 1-98; upper hinge=amino acids 99-108; core hinge=109-112; lower hinge=113-121; CH2=120-223; CH3=224-330. The numbering of the amino acids shown is relative to the sequence shown. The upper, core and lower hinge regions are boxed. As shown in the figure, the last two amino acids of the lower hinge correspond to the first two amino acids of the CH2 domain. FIG. 14 discloses SEQ ID NO: 76. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the wild type sequence of the heavy chain constant region of human IgG2 (Human IGHG2 heavy chain constant region; UniProt accession number P01859). CH1=amino acids 1-98; upper hinge=amino acids 99-105; core hinge=106-109; lower hinge=110-117; CH2=116-219; CH3=220-326. The numbering of the amino acids shown is relative to the sequence shown. As shown in the figure, the last two amino acids of the lower hinge correspond to the first two amino acids of the CH2 domain. FIG. 15 discloses SEQ ID NO:77. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the wild type sequence of the heavy chain constant region of human IgG4 (Human IGHG4 heavy chain constant region; UniProt accession number P01861). CH1=amino acids 1-98; upper hinge=amino acids 99-105; core hinge=106-109; lower hinge=110-118; CH2=117-220; CH3=221-227. The numbering of the amino acids shown is relative to the sequence shown. As shown in the figure, the last two amino acids of the lower hinge correspond to the first two amino acids of the CH2 domain. FIG. 16 discloses SEQ ID NO:78. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the amino acid sequence alignment of the upper hinge, core hinge, lower hinge, CH2, and CH3 of the indicated chimeric IgG heavy chain constant domain constructs. The amino acid numbering shown is EU numbering. The shaded cell in the lower hinge indicates the amino acid that also corresponds to the first amino acid of the CH2 domain. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows representative data demonstrating antibody potency of the indicated F1K_scFv6 linker length variants containing either IgG4 S108P / IgG4 S108P Star (H315R, Y316F) or IgG1 PVA / IgG1 PVA Star (H315R, Y316F) heterodimers after stable expression in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Various lengths of linkers between Fab and scFv were tested. [Figure 19A] Figures 19A-G show representative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data demonstrating binding of the noted controls and antibodies to hFcRγ1 (Figure 19A); hFcRγ2A(H131) (Figure 19B); hFcRγ2A(R131) (Figure 19C); hFcRγ2B (Figure 19D); hFcRγ3A(V158) (Figure 19E); hFcRγ3A(F158) (Figure 19F); and hFcRγ3B (Figure 19G). Descriptions of the control and test antibodies are provided in Table 7. [Figure 19B] Figures 19A-G show representative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data demonstrating binding of the noted controls and antibodies to hFcRγ1 (Figure 19A); hFcRγ2A(H131) (Figure 19B); hFcRγ2A(R131) (Figure 19C); hFcRγ2B (Figure 19D); hFcRγ3A(V158) (Figure 19E); hFcRγ3A(F158) (Figure 19F); and hFcRγ3B (Figure 19G). Descriptions of the control and test antibodies are provided in Table 7. [Figure 19C] Figures 19A-G show representative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data demonstrating binding of the noted controls and antibodies to hFcRγ1 (Figure 19A); hFcRγ2A(H131) (Figure 19B); hFcRγ2A(R131) (Figure 19C); hFcRγ2B (Figure 19D); hFcRγ3A(V158) (Figure 19E); hFcRγ3A(F158) (Figure 19F); and hFcRγ3B (Figure 19G). Descriptions of the control and test antibodies are provided in Table 7. [Figure 19D]Figures 19A-G show representative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data demonstrating binding of the noted controls and antibodies to hFcRγ1 (Figure 19A); hFcRγ2A(H131) (Figure 19B); hFcRγ2A(R131) (Figure 19C); hFcRγ2B (Figure 19D); hFcRγ3A(V158) (Figure 19E); hFcRγ3A(F158) (Figure 19F); and hFcRγ3B (Figure 19G). Descriptions of the control and test antibodies are provided in Table 7. [Figure 19E] Figures 19A-G show representative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data demonstrating binding of the noted controls and antibodies to hFcRγ1 (Figure 19A); hFcRγ2A(H131) (Figure 19B); hFcRγ2A(R131) (Figure 19C); hFcRγ2B (Figure 19D); hFcRγ3A(V158) (Figure 19E); hFcRγ3A(F158) (Figure 19F); and hFcRγ3B (Figure 19G). Descriptions of the control and test antibodies are provided in Table 7. [Figure 19F] Figures 19A-G show representative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data demonstrating binding of the noted controls and antibodies to hFcRγ1 (Figure 19A); hFcRγ2A(H131) (Figure 19B); hFcRγ2A(R131) (Figure 19C); hFcRγ2B (Figure 19D); hFcRγ3A(V158) (Figure 19E); hFcRγ3A(F158) (Figure 19F); and hFcRγ3B (Figure 19G). Descriptions of the control and test antibodies are provided in Table 7. [Figure 19G] Figures 19A-G show representative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data demonstrating binding of the noted controls and antibodies to hFcRγ1 (Figure 19A); hFcRγ2A(H131) (Figure 19B); hFcRγ2A(R131) (Figure 19C); hFcRγ2B (Figure 19D); hFcRγ3A(V158) (Figure 19E); hFcRγ3A(F158) (Figure 19F); and hFcRγ3B (Figure 19G). Descriptions of the control and test antibodies are provided in Table 7. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 shows representative results from a surrogate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay in which the indicated F1K_Fab6 variants with different Fc regions were tested along with controls. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows representative results from a surrogate ADCC assay in which the indicated F1K_Fab6 variants with different Fc regions were tested along with controls. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows representative results from a luciferase reporter assay demonstrating that F1K_scFv6 variants with different Fc regions along with controls caused activation of HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c.hKLB cells. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows representative results from a luciferase reporter assay demonstrating that F1K_Fab6 variants with different Fc regions and linker lengths along with controls caused activation of HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c.hKLB cells. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows representative results from a phospho-ERK activation assay demonstrating that F1K_scFv6 and Fab6 constructs bearing either IgG4 S108P or IgG1 PVA Fc regions or His.hFGF21 caused activation in primary human adipocytes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] 6.1.Definition As used herein, the following terms are intended to have the following meanings. Antigen-binding site or ABS: As used herein, the term "antigen-binding site" or "ABS" refers to a portion of an MBM that can specifically, non-covalently, and reversibly bind to a target molecule. The MBMs of the present disclosure include a first ABS ("ABS1"), a second ABS ("ABS2"), and a third ABS ("ABS3").

[0015] Associated: The term "associated" in the context of MBM refers to a functional relationship between two or more polypeptide chains. In particular, the term "associated" means that two or more polypeptides are associated with each other, for example, non-covalently via molecular interactions, or covalently via one or more disulfide or chemical bridges, so as to produce a functional MBM in which ABS1, ABS2, and ABS3 can bind to their respective targets. Examples of associations that may be present in the MBMs of the present disclosure include (but are not limited to) associations between homodimeric or heterodimeric Fc domains in the Fc region, associations between VH and VL regions in a Fab or scFv, associations between CH1 and CL in a Fab, and associations between CH3 and CH3 in a domain-substituted Fab.

[0016] Complementarity determining region or CDR: As used herein, the term "complementarity determining region" or "CDR" refers to a sequence of amino acids in an antibody variable region that confers antigen specificity and binding affinity. Generally, there are three CDRs in each heavy chain variable region (CDR-H1, CDR-H2, HCDR-H3) and three CDRs in each light chain variable region (CDR1-L1, CDR-L2, CDR-L3). Exemplary conventions that can be used to identify the boundaries of CDRs include, for example, the Kabat definition, the Chothia definition, the ABS definition, and the IMGT definition. See, e.g., Kabat, 1991, "Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest," National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (Kabat numbering scheme); Al-Lazikani et al., 1997, J. Mol. Biol. 273:927-948 (Chothia numbering scheme); Martin et al., 1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:9268-9272 (ABS numbering scheme); and Lefranc et al., 2003, Dev. Comp. Immunol. 27:55-77 (IMGT numbering scheme). Public databases for identifying CDR sequences within antibodies are also available.

[0017] Derived from: As used herein, the term "derived from" refers to a relationship between a first molecule and a second molecule. It generally refers to a structural similarity between the first and second molecules, and does not imply or imply any process or source restriction on the origin of the first molecule from the second molecule.

[0018] EC50: The term "EC50" refers to the half-effective concentration of an antibody or MBM that induces a response halfway between baseline and maximum after a particular exposure time. EC50 essentially represents the concentration of an antibody or MBM at which 50% of its maximal effect is observed. In certain embodiments, the EC50 value is equal to the concentration of an antibody or MBM that gives half-maximal binding to cells expressing a target molecule that can be specifically bound by the antibody or MBM, as measured, for example, by a FACS binding assay. Thus, as the EC50 (i.e., half-effective concentration value) increases, a decrease or weakening of binding is observed. The EC50 value of the MBM of the present disclosure is, in some embodiments, about 10 -5 M or less (e.g., 10 -5 Less than M, 10 -6 Less than M, 10 -7 Less than M, 10 -8 Less than M or 10 -9 The antibody can be characterized by an EC50 value of less than 1 M.

[0019] Epitope: An epitope or antigenic determinant is the part of an antigen (e.g., a target molecule) that is recognized by an antibody or other antigen-binding moiety described herein. Epitopes can be linear or conformational.

[0020] Fab: The term "Fab" in the context of the MBMs of the present disclosure refers to a pair of polypeptide chains, the first of which comprises the variable heavy (VH) domain of an antibody N-terminal to a first constant domain (referred to herein as C1), and the second of which comprises the variable light (VL) domain of an antibody N-terminal to a second constant domain (referred to herein as C2) that can pair with the first constant domain. In a native antibody, the VH is N-terminal to the first constant domain of the heavy chain (CH1) and the VL is N-terminal to the constant domain of the light chain (CL). The Fabs of the present disclosure may be arranged according to the native orientation or may include domain substitutions or swaps that facilitate correct VH and VL pairing, particularly when the MBMs of the present disclosure include non-identical Fabs. For example, the CH1 and CL domain pair in a Fab can be replaced with a CH3 domain pair to facilitate correct engineered Fab chain pairing in heterodimeric MBMs. It is also possible to reverse CH1 and CL, placing CH1 on VL and CL on VH, a configuration commonly referred to as a Crossmab. Instead of or in addition to the use of substituted or exchanged constant domains, correct chain pairing can be achieved by the use of a universal light chain that can pair with both variable regions in the heterodimeric MBM of the present disclosure.

[0021] FGF receptor 1c and FGFR1c: The terms "FGF receptor 1c", "FGFR1c" and similar terms refer to any native fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c (FGFR1c) from any vertebrate source, including mammals such as primates (e.g., humans, cynos), dogs, and rodents (e.g., mice and rats), unless otherwise indicated. The term encompasses not only "full-length" unprocessed FGFR1c, but also any form of FGFR1c resulting from processing within the cell. The term also encompasses naturally occurring variants of FGFR1c, such as splice variants or allelic variants. The amino acid sequence of an exemplary human FGFR1c is as follows:

[0022] (SEQ ID NO:1) Half antibody: The term "half antibody" refers to a molecule that contains at least one ABS or ABS chain (e.g., one chain of a Fab) and can associate with another molecule that contains an ABS or ABS chain, for example, via a disulfide bridge or molecular interaction (e.g., knob-in-hole interactions between Fc heterodimers). A half antibody can be composed of one polypeptide chain or two or more polypeptide chains (e.g., two polypeptide chains of a Fab). In a preferred embodiment, a half antibody comprises an Fc domain.

[0023] Host cell: As used herein, the term "host cell" refers to a cell into which a nucleic acid of the present disclosure has been introduced. The terms "host cell" and "recombinant host cell" are used interchangeably herein. It is understood that such terms refer to the particular subject cell and the progeny or potential progeny of such a cell. Because certain modifications may occur in successive generations, either due to mutation or environmental influences, such progeny may not actually be identical to the parent cell, but are still within the scope of the term as used herein. Exemplary host cells are eukaryotic host cells, such as mammalian host cells. Exemplary eukaryotic host cells include yeast and mammalian cells, e.g., vertebrate cells such as mouse, rat, monkey or human cell lines, e.g., HKB11 cells, PER.C6 cells, HEK cells or CHO cells.

[0024] Beta (β) Klotho, Klotho beta, and KLB: The terms "beta (β) Klotho", "Klotho beta", "KLB" and similar terms refer to any naturally occurring beta Klotho or polypeptide from any vertebrate source, including mammals such as primates (e.g., humans, cynos), dogs, and rodents (e.g., mice and rats), unless otherwise indicated, and in certain embodiments, include related beta Klotho polypeptides, including SNP variants thereof. β Klotho comprises two domains, β Klotho 1 (KLB1) and β Klotho 2 (KLB2). Each β Klotho domain comprises a glycosyl hydrolase region. For example, the KLB1 domain of human beta Klotho comprises amino acid residues 1-508, the first glycosyl hydrolase region (herein referred to as GH1) comprises amino acid residues 77-508, the KLB2 domain of human beta Klotho comprises amino acid residues 509-1044, and the second glycosyl hydrolase region (herein referred to as GH2) comprises amino acid residues 517-967. The terms "beta (β) Klotho", "Klotho beta" and "KLB" encompass not only "full-length" unprocessed KLB, but also any form of KLB that results from processing in cells. The terms also encompass naturally occurring variants of KLB, such as splice variants or allelic variants. An exemplary amino acid sequence of human KLB is as follows:

[0025] Metabolic condition: As used herein, the term "metabolic condition" refers to metabolic disorders and conditions in which metabolic indicators (e.g., body weight or body mass index, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, blood glucose) are outside the range generally accepted by medical professionals as normal or healthy. Examples of metabolic disorders include metabolic syndrome, obesity, fatty liver, hyperinsulinemia, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH"), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ("NAFLD"), hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycemia.

[0026] Multispecific binding molecule or MBM: As used herein, the term "multispecific binding molecule" or "MBM" refers to a molecule (e.g., an assembly of multiple polypeptide chains) that comprises two half antibodies and specifically binds to at least two different epitopes (and possibly three or more different epitopes), and comprises ABS1, and ABS2, and ABS3.

[0027] Operably linked: As used herein, the term "operably linked" refers to a functional relationship between two or more regions of a polypeptide chain, where the two or more regions are linked in such a way as to produce a functional polypeptide.

[0028] Peptides, Polypeptides and Proteins: The terms "peptide", "polypeptide" and "protein" are used interchangeably herein to refer to molecules or compounds that contain amino acid residues covalently linked by peptide bonds. A protein, polypeptide or peptide must contain at least two amino acids, and there is no limit to the maximum number of amino acids in a molecule or compound. Thus, these terms refer to both short chains, also commonly referred to in the art as peptides, oligopeptides and oligomers, for example, and longer chains, commonly referred to in the art as proteins or polypeptides, of which there are many varieties.

[0029] Single-chain Fv or scFv: As used herein, the term "single-chain Fv" or "scFv" refers to a polypeptide chain comprising the VH and VL domains of an antibody, wherein these domains are present in a single polypeptide chain.

[0030] Specifically (or selectively) bind: As used herein, the term "specifically (or selectively) bind" means that MBM or its antigen binding site ("ABS") forms a complex with a target molecule (e.g., KLB or FGFR1c) that is relatively stable under physiological conditions. Specific binding is greater than about 5×10 -2 M or less (e.g., 5×10 -2 Less than M, 10 -2 Less than M, 5×10 -3 Less than M, 10 -3 Less than M, 5×10 -4 Less than M, 10 -4 Less than M, 5×10 -5 Less than M, 10 -5 Less than M, 5×10 -6 Less than M, 10 -6 Less than M, 5×10 -7 Less than M, 10 -7 Less than M, 5×10 -8 Less than M, 10 -8 Less than M, 5×10 -9 Less than M, 10 -9 Less than M or 10 -10 The binding affinity of an antibody or antibody fragment, such as an MBM or ABS, to a target molecule may be characterized by a KD of less than M. Methods for determining the binding affinity of an antibody or antibody fragment, such as an MBM or ABS, to a target molecule are well known in the art and include, for example, equilibrium dialysis, surface plasmon resonance (e.g., Biacore assay), fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) binding assays, and the like. However, an MBM antibody or its ABS antibody that specifically binds to a target molecule of one kind may have cross-reactivity to target molecules of one or more other kinds.

[0031] Subject: The term "subject" includes human and non-human animals. Non-human animals include all vertebrates, e.g., mammals and non-mammals, e.g., non-human primates, sheep, dogs, cows, chickens, amphibians, and reptiles. Unless otherwise noted, the terms "patient" and "subject" are used interchangeably herein.

[0032] Tetravalent: As used herein, the term "tetravalent" refers to an MBM having four antigen binding sites, e.g., ABS1, ABS2, and ABS3, and a fourth antigen binding site (ABS4). Generally, the four antigen binding sites can bind to the same epitope or different epitopes, but in preferred embodiments of the MBM of the present disclosure, ABS1, ABS2, and ABS3 are FGR1c, GH1, and GH2 binding sites, and ABS4 can be FGR1c, GH1, GH2, or other binding site. In some embodiments, the tetravalent MBM is trispecific and binds only to FGFR1c, GH1, and GH2.

[0033] Treat, Treatment, Treating: As used herein, the terms "treat", "treatment" and "treating" refer to a reduction or amelioration of the progression, severity and / or duration of a metabolic condition, or an improvement in one or more symptoms (preferably one or more identifiable symptoms) of a metabolic condition resulting from administration of one or more MBMs of the present disclosure. In specific embodiments, the terms "treat", "treatment" and "treating" refer to an improvement in at least one measurable physical parameter of a metabolic condition, not necessarily identifiable by the patient, such as a reduction in body weight, a reduction in circulating HGL cholesterol, an increase in circulating LDL cholesterol, a reduction in blood triglycerides, and a reduction in blood glucose. A reduction in body weight, a reduction in circulating HGL cholesterol, an increase in circulating LDL cholesterol, a reduction in blood triglycerides, and a reduction in blood glucose are considered metabolic improvements. In other embodiments, the terms "treat", "treatment" and "treating" refer to an inhibition of the progression of a metabolic condition, either physically, e.g., by stabilization of an identifiable symptom, physiologically, e.g., by stabilization of a physical parameter, or both. In other embodiments, the terms "treat", "treatment" and "treating" refer to a stabilization of a metabolic condition. The MBM and pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure can be administered to a subject in an amount effective to treat a metabolic condition and / or improve metabolism in the subject.

[0034] Trispecific binding molecule: As used herein, the term "trispecific binding molecule" or "TBM" refers to a molecule that specifically binds to three epitopes and contains three or more antigen binding sites. The TBM of the present disclosure binds to FGFR1c, GH1 and GH2. The antigen binding sites can each independently be an antibody fragment (e.g., scFv, Fab, nanobody) or a non-antibody derived binder (e.g., fibronectin, Fynomer, DARPin).

[0035] Trivalent: As used herein, the term "trivalent" refers to an MBM having three antigen binding sites, e.g., ABS1, ABS2, and ABS3. Generally, the three antigen binding sites can bind to the same epitope or different epitopes, but in a preferred embodiment of the MBM of the present disclosure, the three antigen binding sites include a GH1 antigen binding site, a GH2 antigen binding site, and a GFGR1c antigen binding site.

[0036] Universal light chain: The term "universal light chain" as used herein in the context of MBM refers to a light chain polypeptide that can pair with the heavy chain region of Fab1 to form Fab1 and with the heavy chain region of Fab2 to form Fab2. The universal light chain is also known as the "common light chain."

[0037] VH: The term "VH" refers to the variable region of an antibody immunoglobulin heavy chain, including the heavy chain of an scFv or Fab. VL: The term "VL" refers to the variable region of an immunoglobulin light chain, including the light chain of an scFv or Fab.

[0038] Fc domain and Fc region: The term "Fc domain" refers to the portion of a heavy chain that pairs with the corresponding portion of another heavy chain. The term "Fc region" refers to the region of an antibody-based binding molecule formed by the association of two heavy chain Fc domains. The two Fc domains within an Fc region may be the same as one another or may be different. In natural antibodies, the Fc domains are typically identical, but for purposes of producing the MBMs of the present disclosure, one or both Fc domains may be advantageously modified to allow heterodimerization.

[0039] 6.2. Multispecific binding molecules (MBM) 6.2.1.KLB and FGFR1c ABS The MBM of the present disclosure contains ABS1, which binds to FGFR1c, ABS2, which binds to the GH2 domain of KLB, and ABS3, which binds to the GH2 domain of KLB. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the binding of MBM to these three binding domains agonizes the receptor complex, resulting in the metabolic advantages shown in FIG. 1. ABS1, ABS2, and ABS3 may be derived from one or more suitable anti-FGFR1c antibodies, anti-GH1 domain antibodies, and anti-GH2 domain antibodies, or non-immunoglobulin-based antigen binding sites. Antibodies derived from one or more of ABS1, ABS2, and ABS3 may also be referred to herein as "parent" antibodies.

[0040] The KLB and FGFR1c parent antibodies can be monoclonal antibodies (e.g., mouse or rabbit monoclonal antibodies), chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, human antibodies, primatized antibodies, bispecific antibodies, single chain antibodies, etc. In various embodiments, the MBMs of the present disclosure comprise all or a portion of the constant region from the parent. In some embodiments, the constant region is an isotype selected from IgA (e.g., IgA1 or IgA2), IgD, IgE, IgG (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4), and IgM.

[0041] The term "monoclonal antibody" as used herein is not limited to antibodies produced through hybridoma technology. A monoclonal antibody is derived from a single clone, including any eukaryotic, prokaryotic, or phage clone, by any means available or known in the art.

[0042] Monoclonal antibodies useful as a source of KLB and FGFR1c ABS can be prepared using a wide variety of techniques known in the art including the use of hybridoma, recombinant, and phage display technologies, or a combination of these.

[0043] The term "chimeric" antibody as used herein refers to an antibody having variable sequences derived from a non-human immunoglobulin, such as a rabbit, rat or mouse antibody, and a human immunoglobulin constant region, typically selected from a human immunoglobulin template. Methods for producing chimeric antibodies are known in the art. See, e.g., Morrison, 1985, Science 229(4719):1202-7; Oi et al., 1986, BioTechniques 4:214-221; Gillies et al., 1985, J. Immunol. Methods 125:191-202; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,807,715; 4,816,567; and 4,816,397, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0044] "Humanized" forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are chimeric immunoglobulins that contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. In general, a humanized antibody will contain substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, with all or substantially all of the CDR regions corresponding to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR regions being those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. A humanized antibody may also contain at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically of a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence. Methods for humanizing antibodies are known in the art; see, for example, Riechmann et al., 1988, Nature 10:131-135. 332:323-7; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,530,101; 5,585,089; 5,693,761; 5,693,762; and 6,180,370 (Queen et al.); European Patent No. 239400; International Application PCT No. 91 / 09967; U.S. Patent No. 5,225,539; European Patent No. 592106; European Patent No. 519596; Padl an, 1991, Mol. Immunol., 28:489-498; Studnicka et al., 1994, Prot. Eng. 7:805-814; Roguska et al., 1994, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 91:969-973; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,332, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0045] "Human antibodies" include antibodies having the amino acid sequence of a human immunoglobulin and include antibodies isolated from a human immunoglobulin library or from an animal that is transgenic for one or more human immunoglobulins and does not express endogenous immunoglobulins. Human antibodies can be produced by a variety of methods known in the art, including phage display methods using antibody libraries derived from human immunoglobulin sequences. See U.S. Patent Nos. 4,444,887 and 4,716,111; and International Application Nos. PCT 98 / 46645; 98 / 50433; 98 / 24893; 98 / 16654; 96 / 34096; 96 / 33735; and 91 / 10741, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Human antibodies can also be produced using transgenic mice which are incapable of expressing functional endogenous immunoglobulins, but which can express human immunoglobulin genes. See, e.g., International Application Nos. PCT 98 / 24893; PCT 92 / 01047; PCT 96 / 34096; PCT 96 / 33735; U.S. Patent Nos. 5,413,923; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; 5,569,825; 5,661,016; 5,545,806; 5,814,318; 5,885,793; 5,916,771; and 5,939,598, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Fully human antibodies that recognize a selected epitope can be generated using a technique called "guided selection," in which a selected non-human monoclonal antibody, e.g., a murine antibody, is used to guide the selection of fully human antibodies that recognize the same epitope (see Jespers et al., 1988, Biotechnology 12:899-903).

[0046] A "primatized antibody" comprises a monkey variable region and a human constant region. Methods for producing primatized antibodies are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 5,658,570; 5,681,722; and 5,693,780, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0047] In some embodiments, parent antibodies for MBM of the present disclosure are generated using VELOCIMMUNE® technology (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,541, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, VELOCIMMUNE®). High affinity chimeric parent antibodies against FGFR1c, GH2 domain, GH2 domain, or any combination thereof, with human variable regions and mouse constant regions can first be isolated. VELOCIMMUNE® technology involves the generation of transgenic mice with genomes comprising human heavy and light chain variable regions operably linked to endogenous mouse constant region loci such that the mice produce antibodies comprising human variable regions and mouse constant regions in response to antigenic challenge. DNA encoding the heavy and light chain variable regions of the antibody is isolated and operably linked to DNA encoding human heavy and light chain constant regions. This DNA is then expressed in cells capable of expressing fully human antibodies.

[0048] Generally, VELOCIMMUNE® mice are administered an antigen of interest and lymphoid cells (such as B cells) are collected from the mice that express antibodies. The lymphoid cells are fused with a myeloma cell line to prepare immortal hybridoma cell lines, which can be screened and selected to identify hybridoma cell lines that produce antibodies specific to the antigen of interest. DNA encoding the variable regions of the heavy and light chains can be isolated and linked to the desired isotype constant regions of the heavy and light chains. Such antibody proteins can be produced in cells such as CHO cells. Alternatively, DNA encoding the antigen-specific chimeric antibody or the variable domains of the light and heavy chains can be isolated directly from antigen-specific lymphocytes.

[0049] The antibody of interest can also be isolated from mouse B cells. Briefly, splenocytes are harvested from each mouse and B cells are sorted by FACS using the antigen of interest as a sorting reagent to bind and identify reactive antibodies (antigen-positive B cells) (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0280945(A1)). Various methods of identifying and sorting antigen-positive B cells, as well as constructing immunoglobulin gene expression cassettes by PCR to prepare cells expressing recombinant antibodies, are known in the art. See, for example, WO20141460741, U.S. Patent No. 7884054(B2), and Liao, et al., 2009, J Virol Methods 158(1-2):171-9.

[0050] First, a high affinity chimeric antibody having a human variable region and a mouse constant region is isolated. The antibody is characterized and selected for desired properties including affinity, selectivity, epitope, etc. The mouse constant region is replaced with the desired human constant region to generate a fully human antibody of the invention, e.g., wild-type or modified IgG1 or IgG4. The constant region selected can vary depending on the particular use, but the high affinity antigen binding properties and target specificity properties reside in the variable region.

[0051] Examples of publications disclosing anti-FGFR1c and / or anti-KLB parent antibodies for use in MBM of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015 / 0218276 and 2011 / 0135657; U.S. Patent Nos. 9,738,716, 9,085,626, and 8,263,074; Min et al., 2018, J. Biol. Chem. 293:14678; and Foltz et al., 2012, Sci. Transl. Med. 4:162ra153.

[0052] In some embodiments, FGFR1c binders and FGFR1c binder sequences that can be incorporated into the MBM of the present disclosure are identified in Table 1A and Table 1B, respectively. The D1 loop of FGFR1c is absent in some isoforms of FGFR1c due to alternative splicing. Therefore, it is preferred that ABS1 does not bind to loop D2 or loop D3 of FGFR1c.

[0053] [Table 1]

[0054] [Table 2]

[0055] In further embodiments, GH1 domain binders and GH1 domain binder sequences that can be incorporated into the MBMs of the present disclosure are identified in Tables 2A and 2B, respectively.

[0056] [Table 3]

[0057] [Table 4]

[0058] In further embodiments, GH2 domain binders and GH2 domain binder sequences that can be incorporated into the MBMs of the present disclosure are identified in Tables 3A and 3B, respectively.

[0059] [Table 5]

[0060] [Table 6]

[0061] Additional KLB binders are known in the art (e.g., mimAb1 (Amgen); see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0135657 and Foltz et al., 2012, Sci. Transl. Med. 4:162ra153). The binding characteristics of a KLB binder, e.g., whether it binds to an epitope in the GH1 domain or the GH2 domain, can be readily ascertained by one of skill in the art using methods known in the art. Identification of the binding site in a KLB-binding antibody on KLB can be accomplished through known techniques, including, for example, array-based oligopeptide scanning, cross-linking mass spectrometry, high-throughput shotgun mutagenesis epitope mapping, hydrogen-deuterium exchange, site-directed mutagenesis mapping, X-ray cocrystallography, and cryo-electron microscopy. Alternatively, binding of KLB binders to either the GH1 or GH2 domains can be detected by immunoassays such as, for example, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Luminix bead-based assays, Mesoscale Discovery (MSD), AlphaLISA, and flow cytometry.

[0062] Preferably, binding to the GH1 and GH2 domains by the MBM of the present disclosure is non-competitive and non-blocking, i.e., ABSs that bind to the GH1 domain and ABSs that bind to the GH2 domain do not compete for binding to KLB. Assays for measuring binding competition between antibodies and antibody fragments are known in the art and include, for example, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) assays, and surface plasmon resonance assays.

[0063] Competition for binding to target molecules can be determined using a real-time label-free biolayer interference assay, for example, on the Octet HTX biosensor platform (Pall ForteBio Corp.). In a specific embodiment of the assay, the entire assay is performed in a buffer of 10 mM HEPES, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 1 mg / mL BSA, 0.05% v / v Surfactant Tween-20, pH 7.4 (HBS-EBT buffer) at 25° C. with the plate shaking at a speed of 1000 rpm. To assess whether two antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments can compete with each other for binding to their respective epitopes on their specific target antigens, the penta-His tagged (SEQ ID NO: 41) target antigen is first captured on an Octet biosensor chip (Fortebio Inc, #18-5122) coated with anti-penta-His (SEQ ID NO: 41) antibody by immersing the biosensor chip in a well containing the penta-His tagged (SEQ ID NO: 41) target antigen. The biosensor chip with the captured antigen is then saturated with the first antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (hereinafter referred to as Ab-1) by immersing the biosensor chip in a well containing a solution of Ab-1 (e.g., a 50 μg / mL solution). The biosensor chip is then immersed in a well containing a solution of the second antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (hereinafter referred to as Ab-2) (e.g., a 50 μg / mL solution). Between each step of the assay, the biosensor chip is washed in HBS-EBT buffer. Real-time binding responses can be monitored throughout the course of the assay and the binding responses at the end of each step can be recorded. The responses of Ab-2 binding to the target antigen pre-complexed with Ab-1 can be compared to determine the competitive / non-competitive behavior of different antibodies / antigen-binding fragments against the same target antigen.

[0064] Thus, the MBMs of the present disclosure may, for example, comprise the CDR or VH and / or VL sequences of any of the aforementioned anti-FGFR1c or anti-KLB antibodies, e.g., any of the anti-FGFR1c, anti-GH1 domain or anti-GH2 domain antibodies, provided in Tables 1A and 1B (for FGFR1c / ABS1), Tables 2A and 2B (for KLB GH1 domain / ABS2), and Tables 3A and 3B (for KLB GH2 domain / ABS3), respectively.

[0065] The antigen binding site of the MBM of the present disclosure can be selected from immunoglobulin-based binding domains and non-immunoglobulin-based binding domains. In some embodiments, one or more of the ABS are derived from an immunoglobulin, e.g., comprises or consists of a Fab (as described in Section 6.2.4), a scFv (as described in Section 6.2.3), or another immunoglobulin-based format, e.g., an Fv, dsFv, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain (also called a nanobody).

[0066] The ABS may be derived from a single domain antibody, composed of a single VH or VL domain that exhibits sufficient affinity for the target. In a specific embodiment, the single domain antibody is a camelid VHH domain (see, e.g., Riechmann, 1999, Journal of Immunological Methods 231:25-38; WO 94 / 04678).

[0067] In certain embodiments, one or more of the ABS are derived from a non-antibody scaffold protein (including, but not limited to, Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins (DARPins), Avimers (short for Avidity Multimers), Anticalins / Lipocalins, Centyrin, Kunitz domains, Adnexins, Affilins, Affitins (also known as Nonfitins), Knottins, Pronectins, Versabodies, Duocalins, and Finomers), ligands, receptors, cytokines, or chemokines.

[0068] Non-immunoglobulin scaffolds that can be used in the MBMs of the present disclosure include those listed in Tables 3 and 4 of Mintz and Crea, 2013, Bioprocess International 11(2):40-48; Figure 1, Table 1, and Figure I:1271-83 of Vazquez-Lombardi et al., 2015, Drug Discovery Today 20(10); and Table 1 and column 2 of Skrlec et al., 2015, Trends in Biotechnology 33(7):408-18. The contents of Tables 3 and 4 of Mintz and Crea, 2013, Bioprocess International 11(2):40-48; Figure 1, Table 1, and Figure I of Vazquez-Lombardi et al., 2015, Drug Discovery Today 20(10):1271-83; and Table 1 and column 2 of Skrlec et al., 2015, Trends in Biotechnology 33(7):408-18 (collectively, the "Scaffold Disclosure"). In certain embodiments, the Scaffold Disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with adnexins. In another embodiment, the Scaffold Disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with avimers. In another embodiment, the Scaffold Disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Affibodies. In yet another embodiment, the Scaffold Disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Anticalins. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with DARPins. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Kunitz domains. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Knottins. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Pronectins. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Nanofitins.In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Affilins. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Adnectins. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with ABDs. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Adhiron. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Affimers. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Alphabodies. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Armadillo Repeat Proteins. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosures are incorporated by reference for what they are disclosed in connection with Atrimer / Tetranectin. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Obody / OB fold. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Centirin. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Repebody. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Anticalins. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Atrimers. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with bicyclic peptides. In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with cys-knots.In yet another embodiment, the scaffold disclosure is incorporated by reference for what is disclosed in connection with Fn3 scaffolds (including Adnectins, Centryrin, Pronectins, and Tn3).

[0069] 6.2.2.MBM Format In various embodiments, the MBM of the present disclosure comprises two half antibodies, one comprising two ABSs and the other comprising one ABS, where the two halves are paired via the Fc region.

[0070] In one aspect, the first half antibody comprises an scFv Fc domain and the second half antibody comprises a Fab, scFv and Fc domain. The first and second half antibodies are associated via the Fc domain to form an Fc region. In various embodiments, the scFv domain in the second half antibody can be N-terminal to the Fab domain or C-terminal to the Fc domain.

[0071] In another aspect, the first half antibody comprises two Fab domains and an Fc domain, and the second half antibody comprises an Fab domain and an Fc domain. The first and second half antibodies associate via the Fc domain to form an Fc region. In various embodiments, the second Fab domain in the first half antibody can be N-terminal to the first Fab domain (a configuration called 2+1 N-Fab) or C-terminal to the Fc domain (a configuration called 2+1 C-Fab).

[0072] In another aspect, the first half antibody comprises a Fab, scFv and Fc domain and the second half antibody comprises a Fab domain and an Fc domain. The first and second half antibodies are associated via the Fc domain to form an Fc region. In various embodiments, the scFv domain in the first half antibody can be N-terminal to the Fab domain (configuration referred to as 2+1 N-scFv) or C-terminal to the Fc domain (configuration referred to as 2+1 C-scFv).

[0073] In another aspect, the first half antibody comprises an scFv and an Fc domain, and the second half antibody comprises two Fab domains and an Fc domain. The first and second half antibodies associate via the Fc domain to form an Fc region. In various embodiments, the second Fab domain in the second half antibody can be N-terminal to the first Fab domain or C-terminal to the Fc domain.

[0074] In another aspect, the first half antibody comprises two Fab domains and an Fc domain, and the second half antibody comprises a non-immunoglobulin-based Fab and an Fc domain. The first and second half antibodies are associated via the Fc domain to form an Fc region. In various embodiments, the second Fab domain in the first half antibody can be N-terminal to the first Fab domain or C-terminal to the Fc domain.

[0075] In another embodiment, the first half antibody comprises a Fab, scFv, and Fc domain, and the second half antibody comprises a non-immunoglobulin-based Fab and Fc domain. The first and second half antibodies are associated via the Fc domain to form an Fc region. The scFv domain in the first half antibody can be N-terminal to the Fab domain or C-terminal to the Fc domain.

[0076] In a further aspect, the first half antibody comprises an scFv and an Fc domain and the second half antibody comprises an scFv, an Fc domain, and a second scFv. The first and second half antibodies associate via the Fc domain to form an Fc region. In various embodiments, the second scFv domain in the second half antibody can be N-terminal to the first scFv domain or C-terminal to the Fc domain.

[0077] Alternatively, the MBM can be a single chain, for example, the MBM can comprise three scFv domains connected via a linker. In some embodiments, the MBM disclosure is or comprises antigen-binding moieties arranged in a 2+1 N-scFv format. Thus, the disclosure provides: (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) an scFv operably linked to (ii) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab, which is operably linked to (iii) an Fc region; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc region; and (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab.

[0078] The scFv can be in a VH-VL or VL-VH orientation. In some embodiments, ABS1 is a first Fab, ABS2 is an scFv, and ABS3 is a second Fab.

[0079] In other embodiments, ABS1 is a first Fab, ABS3 is an scFv, and ABS2 is a second Fab. In some embodiments, ABS2 is a first Fab, ABS1 is an scFv, and ABS3 is a second Fab.

[0080] In other embodiments, ABS2 is a first Fab, ABS3 is an scFv, and ABS1 is a second Fab. In some embodiments, ABS3 is a first Fab, ABS2 is an scFv, and ABS1 is a second Fab.

[0081] In other embodiments, ABS3 is a first Fab, ABS1 is an scFv, and ABS2 is a second Fab. The scFv may be linked to the first heavy chain region via a linker, for example a peptide linker that is a) at least 5 amino acids in length, at least 6 amino acids in length, or at least 7 amino acids in length; and optionally b) up to 30 amino acids in length, up to 40 amino acids in length, up to 50 amino acids in length, or up to 60 amino acids in length. In various embodiments, the linker is from 5 to 50 amino acids in length, from 5 to 45 amino acids in length, from 5 to 40 amino acids in length, from 5 to 35 amino acids in length, from 5 to 30 amino acids in length, from 5 to 25 amino acids in length; from 5 to 20 amino acids in length; from 6 to 50 amino acids in length; from 6 to 45 amino acids in length; from 6 to 40 amino acids in length; from 6 to 35 amino acids in length; from 6 to 30 amino acids in length; from 6 to 25 amino acids in length; from 6 to 20 amino acids in length; from 7 to 40 amino acids in length; from 7 to 35 amino acids in length; from 7 to 30 amino acids in length; from 7 to 25 amino acids in length; from 7 to 20 amino acids in length.

[0082] The peptide linker can include a multimer of GnS (SEQ ID NO: 15) or SGn (SEQ ID NO: 16) (e.g., n is an integer from 1 to 7) (e.g., a multimer of G4S (SEQ ID NO: 17)) and / or a multimer of glycine (e.g., two consecutive glycines (2Gly), three consecutive glycines (3Gly), four consecutive glycines (4Gly (SEQ ID NO: 18)), five consecutive glycines (5Gly (SEQ ID NO: 19)), six consecutive glycines (6Gly (SEQ ID NO: 20)), seven consecutive glycines (7Gly (SEQ ID NO: 21)), eight consecutive glycines (8Gly (SEQ ID NO: 22)) or nine consecutive glycines (9Gly (SEQ ID NO: 23))).

[0083] In some embodiments, the MBM disclosure is or comprises an antigen-binding portion arranged in a 2+1 N-Fab format. Thus, the disclosure further comprises: (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab operably linked to (ii) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab, which is operably linked to (iii) an Fc region; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a third heavy chain region of a third Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc region; and (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; (e) a fifth polypeptide chain comprising a third light chain that pairs with a third heavy chain region to form a third Fab.

[0084] In some embodiments, ABS1 is the second Fab, ABS2 is the first Fab, and ABS3 is the third Fab. In other embodiments, ABS1 is the second Fab, ABS3 is the first Fab, and ABS2 is the third Fab.

[0085] In some embodiments, ABS2 is the second Fab, ABS1 is the first Fab, and ABS3 is the third Fab. In other embodiments, ABS2 is the second Fab, ABS3 is the first Fab, and ABS1 is the third Fab.

[0086] In some embodiments, ABS3 is the second Fab, ABS2 is the first Fab, and ABS1 is the third Fab. The first and second Fab, e.g., the first heavy chain region of the first Fab and the second heavy chain region of the second Fab, are connected via a linker, e.g., a peptide linker that is (a) at least 5 amino acids in length, at least 6 amino acids in length, or at least 7 amino acids in length; and optionally, (b) up to 30 amino acids in length, up to 40 amino acids in length, up to 45 amino acids in length, up to 50 amino acids in length, or up to 60 amino acids in length. In various embodiments, the linker is from 5 to 50 amino acids in length, from 5 to 45 amino acids in length, from 5 to 40 amino acids in length, from 5 to 35 amino acids in length, from 5 to 30 amino acids in length, from 5 to 25 amino acids in length; from 5 to 20 amino acids in length; from 6 to 50 amino acids in length; from 6 to 45 amino acids in length; from 6 to 40 amino acids in length; from 6 to 35 amino acids in length; from 6 to 30 amino acids in length; from 6 to 25 amino acids in length; from 6 to 20 amino acids in length; from 7 to 40 amino acids in length; from 7 to 35 amino acids in length; from 7 to 30 amino acids in length; from 7 to 25 amino acids in length; from 7 to 20 amino acids in length. The peptide linker can include a multimer of GnS (SEQ ID NO: 15) or SGn (SEQ ID NO: 16) (e.g., n is an integer from 1 to 7) (e.g., a multimer of G4S (SEQ ID NO: 17)) and / or a multimer of glycine (e.g., two consecutive glycines (2Gly), three consecutive glycines (3Gly), four consecutive glycines (4Gly (SEQ ID NO: 18)), five consecutive glycines (5Gly (SEQ ID NO: 19)), six consecutive glycines (6Gly (SEQ ID NO: 20)), seven consecutive glycines (7Gly (SEQ ID NO: 21)), eight consecutive glycines (8Gly (SEQ ID NO: 22)) or nine consecutive glycines (9Gly (SEQ ID NO: 23))).

[0087] In the above embodiments, the Fab can be any Fab as described in Section 6.2.4, and the scFv can be any scFv as described in Section 6.2.3.

[0088] Preferably, the MBMs of the disclosure comprise an Fc heterodimer, e.g., as described in Section 6.2.7.2, and may also contain one or more mutations that reduce effector function, e.g., as described in Section 6.2.7.1.

[0089] Examples of Fc heterodimers include Fc regions with star mutations and / or knob-in-hole mutations. For example, in some embodiments, one Fc domain comprises a knob mutation and a second Fc domain comprises a hole mutation and a star mutation. In 2+1 N-scFv and / or 2+1 C-scFv formats, the Fc domains with hole mutations and star mutations can be present on the scFv-containing chain or on the non-scFv-containing chain. In other embodiments, one Fc domain comprises a knob mutation and a star mutation and a second Fc domain comprises a hole mutation. In 2+1 N-scFv and / or 2+1 C-scFv formats, the Fc domains with hole mutations can be present on the scFv-containing chain or on the non-scFv-containing chain. Similarly, in 2+1 N-Fab and / or 2+1 C-Fab formats, the Fc domains with hole mutations and star mutations can be present on a half antibody comprising two Fab domains or on a half antibody comprising a single Fab domain. In other embodiments, one Fc domain comprises a knob mutation and a star mutation and a second Fc domain comprises a hole mutation. In the 2+1 N-Fab and / or 2+1 C-Fab format, the Fc domain with the hole mutation can be present in a half antibody comprising two Fab domains or in a half antibody comprising a single Fab domain.

[0090] In some embodiments, the MBMs of the disclosure comprise a pair of constant domains as described in Section 6.3 and / or as defined in specific embodiments 126-165.

[0091] 6.2.3.scFv Single-chain Fv or "scFv" antibody fragments comprise the VH and VL domains of an antibody in a single polypeptide chain, can be expressed as a single-chain polypeptide, and retain the specificity of the intact antibody from which they are derived. Generally, the scFv polypeptide further comprises a polypeptide linker between the VH and VL domains which enables the scFv to form the desired structure for target binding. Examples of suitable linkers for linking the VH and VL chains of an scFv are the linkers identified in Section 6.2.5.

[0092] Unless specified, as used herein, an scFv may have the VL and VH variable regions in either order, e.g., with respect to the N-terminus and C-terminus of the polypeptide, and an scFv may comprise a VL-linker-VH or a VH-linker-VL.

[0093] The scFv may comprise VH and VL sequences from any suitable species, such as murine, human or humanized VH and VL sequences. To generate nucleic acids encoding scFvs, the DNA fragments encoding the VH and VL are operably linked to another fragment encoding a linker, e.g., any of the linkers described in Section 6.2.5 (typically a repeating sequence containing the amino acids glycine and serine, such as the amino acid sequence (Gly4 to Ser)3 (SEQ ID NO:24)), such that the VH and VL sequences can be expressed as a contiguous single-chain protein in which the VL and VH regions are linked by a flexible linker (see, e.g., Bird et al., 1988, Science 242:423-426; Huston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; McCafferty et al., 1990, Nature 348:552-554).

[0094] 6.2.4.Fab The MBMs of the present disclosure can contain one or more Fab domains, and typically contain at least one Fab domain in each half antibody. Fab domains have traditionally been produced by proteolytic cleavage of immunoglobulin molecules using enzymes such as papain. In the MBMs of the present disclosure, the Fab domains are recombinantly expressed as part of a larger molecule.

[0095] The Fab domain may comprise constant domain and variable region sequences from any appropriate species, and may thus be murine, chimeric, human or humanized. A Fab domain typically comprises a CH1 domain bound to a VH domain, which is paired with a CL domain bound to a VL domain. In wild-type immunoglobulins, the VH domain is paired with the VL domain to form the Fv region, and the CH1 domain is paired with the CL domain to further stabilize the binding module. Disulfide bonds between the two constant domains can further stabilize the Fab domain.

[0096] For the MBMs of the present disclosure, particularly when the light chain is not a common or universal light chain, it is advantageous to use a Fab heterodimerization strategy to allow correct association of Fab domains belonging to the same ABS and minimize aberrant pairing of Fab domains belonging to different ABSs. For example, the Fab heterodimerization strategy shown in Table 4 below can be used:

[0097] [Table 7]

[0098] Thus, in certain embodiments, correct association between the two polypeptides of a Fab is facilitated by swapping the VL and VH domains of the Fab with one another, or swapping the CH1 and CL domains with one another, as described, for example, in WO 2009 / 080251.

[0099] Correct Fab pairing can also be promoted by introducing one or more amino acid modifications in the CH1 domain and one or more amino acid modifications in the CL domain of the Fab, and / or one or more amino acid modifications in the VH domain and one or more amino acid modifications in the VL domain of the Fab. The modified amino acids are typically part of the VH:VL and CH1:CL interfaces, such that the Fab components preferentially pair with each other rather than with other components of the Fab.

[0100] In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid modifications are restricted to conserved framework residues of the variable (VH, VL) and constant (CH1, CL) domains as indicated by the Kabat numbering of the residues. Almagro, 2008, Frontiers In Bioscience 13:1619-1633 provides definitions of framework residues based on the Kabat, Chothia, and IMGT numbering schemes.

[0101] In one embodiment, the modifications introduced in the VH and CH1 and / or VL and CL domains are complementary to each other. Complementarity at the heavy and light chain interface can be achieved based on steric and hydrophobic contacts, electrostatic / charge interactions or a combination of different interactions. Complementarity between protein surfaces has been widely described in the literature in terms of lock and key fit, knob into hole, protrusion and cavity, donor and acceptor, etc., all of which suggest the nature of the structural and chemical correspondence between the two interacting surfaces.

[0102] In one embodiment, the one or more introduced modifications introduce new hydrogen bonds across the interface of the Fab component. In one embodiment, the one or more introduced modifications introduce new salt bridges across the interface of the Fab component. Exemplary substitutions are described in WO 2014 / 150973 and WO 2014 / 082179, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0103] In some embodiments, the Fab domain comprises a 192E substitution in the CH1 domain and 114A and 137K substitutions in the CL domain, which introduce a salt bridge between the CH1 and CL domains (see, e.g., Golay et al., 2016, J Immunol 196:3199-211).

[0104] In some embodiments, the Fab domain comprises 143Q and 188V substitutions in the CH1 domain and 113T and 176V substitutions in the CL domain, which serve to exchange hydrophobic and polar regions of contact between the CH1 and CL domains (see, e.g., Golay et al., 2016, J Immunol 196:3199-211).

[0105] In some embodiments, the Fab domain can contain modifications in some or all of the VH, CH1, VL, and CL domains to introduce an orthogonal Fab interface that promotes correct assembly of the Fab domain (Lewis et al., 2014 Nature Biotechnology 32:191-198). In one embodiment, a 39K, 62E modification is introduced in the VH domain, an H172A, F174G modification is introduced in the CH1 domain, a 1R, 38D, (36F) modification is introduced in the VL domain, and an L135Y, S176W modification is introduced in the CL domain. In another embodiment, a 39Y modification is introduced in the VH domain and a 38R modification is introduced in the VL domain.

[0106] Fab domains can also be modified to replace the native CH1:CL disulfide bond with an engineered disulfide bond to increase the pairing efficiency of the Fab component. For example, engineered disulfide bonds can be introduced by introducing 126C into the CH1 domain and 121C into the CL domain (see, e.g., Mazor et al., 2015, MAbs 7:377-89).

[0107] Fab domains can also be modified by replacing the CH1 and CL domains with alternative domains that promote correct assembly. For example, Wu et al., 2015, MAbs 7:364-76, describe replacing the CH1 domain with the constant domain of a T cell receptor, replacing the CL domain with the b domain of a T cell receptor, and pairing these domain replacements with additional charge-charge interactions between the VL and VH domains by introducing a 38D modification in the VL domain and a 39K modification in the VH domain.

[0108] Instead of or in addition to using a Fab heterodimerization strategy to promote correct VH-VL pairing, a VL of a common light chain (also called a universal light chain) can be used for each Fab VL region of the MBM of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the use of a common light chain as described herein reduces the number of irrelevant species of the MBM compared to using the original cognate VL. In various embodiments, the VL domain of the MBM is identified from a monospecific antibody that includes a common light chain. In various embodiments, the VH region of the MBM includes human heavy chain variable gene segments that have been rearranged in vivo in mouse B cells that have been previously engineered to express a limited human light chain repertoire or a single human light chain that is cognate to a human heavy chain, and that, in response to exposure to an antigen of interest, generate an antibody repertoire that contains one of two possible human VLs or multiple human VHs that are cognate to one of the antibody repertoires that are specific to the antigen of interest. The common light chain is derived from a rearranged human Vκ1-39Jκ5 sequence or a rearranged human Vκ3-20Jκ1 sequence, including somatically mutated (e.g., affinity matured) versions. See, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 10,412,940.

[0109] Linker In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides MBMs in which two or more components of an ABS (e.g., the VH and VL of an scFv), two or more ABS (e.g., an scFv and a Fab of a half antibody), or an ABS and a non-ABS component (e.g., a Fab or scFv and an Fc domain) are connected to each other by a peptide linker. Such linkers may be referred to herein as "ABS linkers."

[0110] The peptide linker may be in the range of 2 to 60 or more amino acids, and in certain embodiments, the peptide linker is in the range of 3 to 50 amino acids, 4 to 30 amino acids, 5 to 25 amino acids, 10 to 25 amino acids, 10 to 60 amino acids, 12 to 20 amino acids, 20 to 50 amino acids, or 25 to 35 amino acids in length.

[0111] In certain embodiments, the peptide linker, e.g., the peptide linker separating the scFv and the heavy chain to its C-terminus, is at least 5 amino acids long, at least 6 amino acids long, or at least 7 amino acids long, and optionally up to 30 amino acids long, up to 40 amino acids long, up to 50 amino acids long, or up to 60 amino acids long.

[0112] In some of the aforementioned embodiments, the linker is in the range of 5 to 50 amino acids in length, for example, 5 to 50, 5 to 45, 5 to 40, 5 to 35, 5 to 30, 5 to 25, or 5 to 20 amino acids in length. In other of the aforementioned embodiments, the linker is in the range of 6 to 50 amino acids in length, for example, 6 to 50, 6 to 45, 6 to 40, 6 to 35, 6 to 30, 6 to 25, or 6 to 20 amino acids in length. In yet other of the aforementioned embodiments, the linker is in the range of 7 to 50 amino acids in length, for example, 7 to 50, 7 to 45, 7 to 40, 7 to 35, 7 to 30, 7 to 25, or 7 to 20 amino acids in length.

[0113] Charged linkers (eg, charged hydrophilic linkers) and / or flexible linkers are particularly preferred. Examples of flexible ABS linkers that can be used in the MBMs of the present disclosure include those disclosed by Chen et al., 2013, Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 65(10):1357-1369 and Klein et al., 2014, Protein Engineering, Design & Selection 27(10):325-330. Particularly useful flexible linkers include repeats of glycine and serine, e.g., G n S (SEQ ID NO: 25) or SG n (SEQ ID NO:26) (n is an integer from 1 to 10, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10). In one embodiment, the linker is a monomer or polymer of G4S (SEQ ID NO:17), e.g., (GGGGS) n (SEQ ID NO: 17)

[0114] Polyglycine linkers may be suitably used in the MBMs of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the peptide linker separating the scFv domain and the heavy chain, such as the scFv domain of ABS1 and the heavy chain variable region of ABS2, comprises two consecutive glycines (2Gly), three consecutive glycines (3Gly), four consecutive glycines (4Gly (SEQ ID NO: 18)), five consecutive glycines (5Gly (SEQ ID NO: 19)), six consecutive glycines (6Gly (SEQ ID NO: 20)), seven consecutive glycines (7Gly (SEQ ID NO: 21)), eight consecutive glycines (8Gly (SEQ ID NO: 22)), or nine consecutive glycines (9Gly (SEQ ID NO: 23)).

[0115] Hinge Area The MBMs of the present disclosure may also include a hinge region, for example, connecting the ABS module to the Fc region. The hinge region may be a natural hinge region or a modified hinge region. Hinge regions are typically found at the N-terminus of the Fc region.

[0116] The native hinge region is the hinge region that is normally found between the Fab and Fc domains in naturally occurring antibodies. The term "hinge region", unless otherwise indicated by context, refers to a naturally occurring or non-naturally occurring hinge sequence, which in the context of a single or monomeric polypeptide chain is a monomeric hinge domain, and in the context of a multimeric polypeptide (e.g., MBM of the present disclosure) comprises at least two separate polypeptide chains having an associated hinge sequence. When describing the hinge sequence of a single polypeptide chain, the hinge region may be referred to as a hinge "domain". Typically, in a multimeric polypeptide comprising two associated hinge sequences, the two associated hinge sequences are identical.

[0117] The hinge region consists of an upper hinge, a core hinge and a lower hinge. In human IgG1, the upper hinge corresponds to amino acids 99-108 of the sequence shown in Figure 14, the core hinge corresponds to amino acids 109-112 of the sequence shown in Figure 14, and the lower hinge corresponds to amino acids 113-121 of the sequence shown in Figure 14. The entire human IgG1 hinge sequence is shown as SEQ ID NO: 68. As shown in Figure 14, the last two amino acids of the lower hinge correspond to the first two amino acids of the CH2 domain.

[0118] In human IgG2, the upper hinge corresponds to amino acids 99-105 of the sequence shown in Figure 15, the core hinge corresponds to amino acids 106-109 of the sequence shown in Figure 15, and the lower hinge corresponds to amino acids 110-117 of the sequence shown in Figure 15. The entire hinge sequence for human IgG1 is shown as SEQ ID NO: 69. As shown in Figure 15, the last two amino acids of the lower hinge correspond to the first two amino acids of the CH2 domain.

[0119] In human IgG4, the upper hinge corresponds to amino acids 99-105 of the sequence shown in Figure 16, the core hinge corresponds to amino acids 106-109 of the sequence shown in Figure 16, and the lower hinge corresponds to amino acids 110-118 of the sequence shown in Figure 16. The entire hinge sequence for human IgG4 is shown as SEQ ID NO: 72. As shown in Figure 16, the last two amino acids of the lower hinge correspond to the first two amino acids of the CH2 domain.

[0120] A modified hinge region is any hinge that differs in length and / or composition from the native hinge region. Such hinges may include hinge regions from other species, such as human, mouse, rat, rabbit, shark, pig, hamster, camel, llama or goat hinge regions. Other modified hinge regions may include a complete hinge region derived from an antibody of a class or subclass different from that of the heavy chain Fc region. Alternatively, the modified hinge region may include a portion of a native hinge or a repeating unit where each unit in the repeat is derived from a native hinge region. In a further alternative, the native hinge region may be modified by converting one or more cysteine ​​or other residues to neutral residues such as serine or alanine, or by converting appropriately placed residues to cysteine ​​residues. By such means, the number of cysteine ​​residues in the hinge region may be increased or decreased. Other modified hinge regions may be completely synthetic and designed to have desired properties such as length, cysteine ​​composition and flexibility.

[0121] A number of modified hinge regions have been previously described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,425, WO 9915549, WO 2005003170, WO 2005003169, WO 2005003170, WO 9825971 and WO 2005003171, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0122] In one embodiment, one or both Fc regions of a half antibody of this disclosure has an intact hinge region at its N-terminus. In various embodiments, positions 233-236 in the hinge domain can be G, G, G, and unoccupied; G, G, unoccupied, and unoccupied; G, unoccupied, unoccupied, and unoccupied; or all unoccupied, where positions are numbered according to EU numbering.

[0123] In some embodiments, the ABMs of the disclosure comprise a modified hinge domain that reduces binding affinity to an Fcγ receptor compared to a wild-type hinge domain of the same isotype (e.g., human IgG1 or human IgG4).

[0124] In one embodiment, the Fc region of one or both chains of the ABM of the present disclosure has an intact hinge domain at its N-terminus. An Fc region that includes a hinge domain at its N-terminus is referred to herein as a "constant domain." Exemplary constant domains are described herein and in Section 6.3.

[0125] In one embodiment, both the Fc region and the hinge region of the ABM of the present disclosure are derived from IgG4, with the hinge region comprising the modified sequence CPPC (SEQ ID NO:27). The core hinge region of human IgG4 contains the sequence CPSC (SEQ ID NO:28) compared to IgG1, which contains the sequence CPPC (SEQ ID NO:27). The serine residues present in the IgG4 sequence increase the flexibility of this region, so that some of the molecules form disulfide bonds within the same protein chain (intrachain disulfides) rather than crosslinking to other heavy chains in the IgG molecule to form interchain disulfides (Angel et al., 1993, Mol Immunol 30(1):105-108). Changing the serine residues to prolines to provide the same core sequence as IgG1 allows complete formation of interchain disulfides in the IgG4 hinge region, thus reducing heterogeneity in the purified product. This modified isotype is called IgG4P (sometimes called IgG4 S108P).

[0126] Exemplary hinge sequences that can be incorporated into the MBM of the present disclosure are set forth in FIG. 17, for example, any one of SEQ ID NOs: 66-72. 6.2.6.1. Chimeric hinge sequences The hinge region may be a chimeric hinge region.

[0127] For example, a chimeric hinge may comprise an "upper hinge" sequence derived from a human IgG1, human IgG2, or human IgG4 hinge region in combination with a "lower hinge" sequence derived from a human IgG1, human IgG2, or human IgG4 hinge region.

[0128] In certain embodiments, the chimeric hinge region comprises the amino acid sequence EPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPPVA (SEQ ID NO:29) (previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO:8 in WO 2014 / 121087, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety) or ESKYGPPCPPCPAPPVA (SEQ ID NO:30) (previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO:9 in WO 2014 / 121087). Such a chimeric hinge sequence may be suitably linked to an IgG4 CH2 region (e.g., by incorporation into an IgG4 Fc domain, such as a human or mouse Fc domain, which may be further modified in the CH2 and / or CH3 domains to reduce effector function, e.g., as described in Section 6.2.7.1).

[0129] Exemplary chimeric hinge sequences are shown in FIG. 17 as SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:70, and SEQ ID NO:71. 6.2.6.2. Hinge sequences with reduced effector function In further embodiments, the hinge region can be modified to reduce effector function, for example, as described in WO2016161010(A2), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In various embodiments, positions 233-236 of the modified hinge region are G, G, G, and unoccupied; G, G, unoccupied, and unoccupied; G, unoccupied, unoccupied, and unoccupied; or all unoccupied, with positions numbered according to EU numbering (as shown in FIG. 1 of WO2016161010(A2)). These segments can be represented as GGG-, GG--, G---, or ----, with "-" representing an unoccupied position.

[0130] Position 236 is unoccupied in standard human IgG2 but is occupied in other standard human IgG isotypes. Positions 233-235 are occupied by residues other than G in all four human isotypes (as shown in Figure 1 of WO2016161010(A2)).

[0131] Hinge modifications within positions 233-236 can be combined with position 228 being occupied by P. Position 228 is naturally occupied by P in human IgG1 and IgG2, but by S in human IgG4 and by R in human IgG3. The S228P mutation in IgG4 antibodies is advantageous to stabilize IgG4 antibodies and reduce exchange of heavy-light chain pairs between exogenous and endogenous antibodies. Preferably, positions 226-229 are occupied by C, P, P and C, respectively.

[0132] Exemplary hinge regions have residues 226-236, sometimes referred to as the middle (or core) and lower hinge, and are occupied by modified hinge sequences designated GGG-(233-236), GG--(233-236), G---(233-236) and no G(233-236). Optionally, the hinge domain amino acid sequence comprises CPPCPAPGGG-GPSVF (SEQ ID NO:31) (previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2016161010(A2)), CPPCPAPGG--GPSVF (SEQ ID NO:32) (previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2016161010(A2)), CPPCPAPG---GPSVF (SEQ ID NO:33) (previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 2016161010(A2)), or CPPCPAP----GPSVF (SEQ ID NO:34) (previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO 2016161010(A2)).

[0133] The modified hinge regions described above can be incorporated into a heavy chain constant region, which typically includes CH2 and CH3 domains and may have additional hinge segments (e.g., upper hinges) flanking the designated regions. The additional constant region segments thus present are typically of the same isotype, preferably human isotype, but may be hybrids of different isotypes. The isotype of such additional human constant region segments is preferably human IgG4, but may be human IgG1, IgG2, or IgG3, or hybrids thereof, where the domains are of different isotypes. Exemplary sequences of human IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 are shown in Figures 2 to 4 of WO2016161010(A2).

[0134] In a specific embodiment, a modified hinge sequence may be linked to an IgG4 CH2 region (e.g., by incorporation into an IgG4 Fc domain, such as a human or mouse Fc domain, which may be further modified in the CH2 and / or CH3 domains to reduce effector function, e.g., as described in Section 6.2.7.1).

[0135] Fc Domain The MBMs of the present disclosure may comprise an Fc region derived from any suitable species. In one embodiment, the Fc region is derived from a human Fc domain.

[0136] The Fc domain may be derived from any suitable class of antibody, including IgA (including subclasses IgA1 and IgA2), IgD, IgE, IgG (including subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4), and IgM. In one embodiment, the Fc domain is derived from IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4. In one embodiment, the Fc domain is derived from IgG1. In one embodiment, the Fc domain is derived from IgG4.

[0137] The two Fc domains within an Fc region may be the same as or different from one another. In natural antibodies, the Fc domains are typically identical, but for purposes of producing multispecific binding molecules, such as the MBMs of the present disclosure, the Fc domains may be advantageously different to allow for heterodimerization, as described in Section 6.2.7.2 below.

[0138] In natural antibodies, the heavy chain Fc domain of IgA, IgD and IgG is composed of two heavy chain constant domains (CH2 and CH3), and the heavy chain Fc domain of IgE and IgM is composed of three heavy chain constant domains (CH2, CH3 and CH4), which dimerize to create the Fc region.

[0139] In the MBMs of the present disclosure, the Fc region and / or Fc domains therein can comprise heavy chain constant domains of one or more different classes of antibodies, for example, one, two or three different classes.

[0140] In one embodiment, the Fc region comprises CH2 and CH3 domains derived from IgG1. In one embodiment, the Fc region comprises CH2 and CH3 domains derived from IgG2.

[0141] In one embodiment, the Fc region comprises CH2 and CH3 domains derived from IgG3. In one embodiment, the Fc region comprises CH2 and CH3 domains derived from IgG4.

[0142] In one embodiment, the Fc region comprises a CH4 domain from IgM. The IgM CH4 domain is typically located C-terminal to the CH3 domain. In one embodiment, the Fc region comprises a CH2 domain and a CH3 domain derived from an IgG and a CH4 domain derived from an IgM.

[0143] It will be understood that the heavy chain constant domains for use in producing the Fc region of the MBM of the present disclosure may comprise variants of the above naturally occurring constant domains. Such variants may comprise one or more amino acid mutations compared to the wild-type constant domain. In one example, the Fc region of the present disclosure comprises at least one constant domain that differs in sequence from the wild-type constant domain. It will be understood that the variant constant domain may be longer or shorter than the wild-type constant domain. Preferably, the variant constant domain is at least 60% identical or similar to the wild-type constant domain. In another example, the variant constant domain is at least 70% identical or similar. In another example, the variant constant domain is at least 80% identical or similar. In another example, the variant constant domain is at least 90% identical or similar. In another example, the variant constant domain is at least 95% identical or similar.

[0144] IgM and IgA naturally occur in humans as covalently linked multimers of the common H2L2 antibody unit. IgM exists as a pentamer when it incorporates a J chain or as a hexamer when it lacks a J chain. IgA exists in monomeric and dimeric forms. The heavy chains of IgM and IgA have an 18 amino acid extension to the C-terminal constant domain, known as the tailpiece. The tailpiece contains cysteine ​​residues that form disulfide bonds between the heavy chains in the polymer and is believed to play an important role in polymerization. The tailpiece also contains a glycosylation site. In certain embodiments, the MBM of the present disclosure does not contain a tailpiece.

[0145] The Fc domains incorporated into the MBMs of the present disclosure may contain one or more modifications that alter the functional properties of the protein, e.g., binding to an Fc receptor such as FcRn or a leukocyte receptor, binding to complement, modified disulfide bond structures, or modified glycosylation patterns.

[0146] Fc domains with modified disulfide bond structures include CH3(SS)-modified Fc domains, for example by introducing an E356C or S354C mutation into one of the CH3 domains, and optionally, a Y349C mutation into the other CH3 domain (according to EU numbering).

[0147] Exemplary Fc modifications that alter effector function are described in Section 6.2.7.1. The Fc domain can also be engineered to include modifications that improve the manufacturability of asymmetric MBMs, for example, by allowing heterodimerization, which is the preferential pairing of non-identical Fc domains over identical Fc domains. Heterodimerization allows for the production of MBMs in which different ABSs are connected to each other by Fc regions that contain Fc domains that differ in sequence. Examples of heterodimerization strategies are illustrated in Section 6.2.7.2.

[0148] It will be understood that any of the above modifications can be combined in any suitable manner to achieve desired functional properties and / or can be combined with other modifications to alter the properties of the MBM.

[0149] 6.2.7.1. Fc Domains with Modified Effector Functions In some embodiments, the Fc domain comprises one or more amino acid substitutions that reduce binding to Fc receptors and / or effector function.

[0150] In a particular embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fcγ receptor. In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is a human Fc receptor. In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an activating Fc receptor. In a specific embodiment, the Fc receptor is an activating human Fcγ receptor, more specifically human FcγRIIIa, FcγRI or FcγRIIa, most specifically human FcγRIIIa. In one embodiment, the effector function is one or more selected from the group of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and cytokine secretion. In a particular embodiment, the effector function is ADCC.

[0151] In certain embodiments, the Fc region with reduced effector function comprises an amino acid substitution at one or more of S228, E233, L234, L235, D265, N297, P329 and P331 (all according to EU numbering).

[0152] Exemplary substitutions at S228 include S228P. Exemplary substitutions at E233 include E233A and E233P. Exemplary substitutions at L234 include L234A.

[0153] Exemplary substitutions at L235 include L235A and L235E. Exemplary substitutions at D265 include D265A. Exemplary substitutions at N297 include N297A and N297D.

[0154] Exemplary substitutions in P329 include P329G or P329A. Exemplary substitutions at P331 include P331S. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at a position selected from the group of L234, L235 and P329 (numbering according to Kabat EU index). In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions L234A and L235A (numbering according to Kabat EU index). In one such embodiment, the Fc region is an Igd Fc region, particularly a human Igd Fc region. In one embodiment, the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position P329. In a more specific embodiment, the amino acid substitution is P329A or P329G, particularly P329G (numbering according to Kabat EU index). In one embodiment, the Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position P329 and further amino acid substitutions at positions selected from E233, L234, L235, N297 and P331 (numbering according to Kabat EU index). In more specific embodiments, the further amino acid substitutions are E233P, L234A, L235A, L235E, N297A, N297D or P331S. In a particular embodiment, the Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions at positions P329, L234 and L235 (numbering according to the Kabat EU index). In a more particular embodiment, the Fc region comprises the amino acid mutations L234A, L235A and P329G ("P329G LALA", "PGLALA" or "LALAPG").

[0155] Typically, the same one or more amino acid substitutions are present in each of the two Fc domains of the Fc region. Thus, in a particular embodiment, each Fc domain of the Fc region comprises the amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A and P329G (Kabat EU index numbering), i.e., the leucine residue at position 234 is replaced by an alanine residue (L234A), the leucine residue at position 235 is replaced by an alanine residue (L235A) and the proline residue at position 329 is replaced by a glycine residue (P329G) in each of the first and second Fc domains of the Fc region (Kabat EU index numbering).

[0156] Additional combinations of substitutions suitable for reducing effector function include: (1) D265A / P329A, (2) D265A / N297A, (3) L234 / L235A, and (4) P329A / L234A / L235A.

[0157] In one embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG1 Fc domain, particularly a human IgG1 Fc domain. Typically, the same one or more amino acid substitutions are present in each of the two Fc domains of the Fc region. Thus, in a particular embodiment, each Fc domain of the Fc region comprises the amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A and P329G (Kabat EU index numbering), i.e., the leucine residue at position 234 is replaced by an alanine residue (L234A), the leucine residue at position 235 is replaced by an alanine residue (L235A) and the proline residue at position 329 is replaced by a glycine residue (P329G) in each of the first and second Fc domains of the Fc region (Kabat EU index numbering).

[0158] In one embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG1 Fc domain, particularly a human IgG1 Fc domain. In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc domain is a variant IgG1 that includes D265A, N297A mutations (EU numbering) to reduce effector function.

[0159] In another embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG4 Fc domain with reduced binding to Fc receptors. Exemplary IgG4 Fc domains with reduced binding to Fc receptors may comprise an amino acid sequence selected from Table 5 below. In some embodiments, the Fc domain comprises only the bolded portion of the sequence shown below:

[0160] [Table 8]

[0161] [Table 9]

[0162] [Table 10]

[0163] In certain embodiments, the IgG4 with reduced effector function comprises the bolded portion of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31 of WO 2014 / 121087, and is also sometimes referred to herein as IgG4s or hIgG4s.

[0164] For heterodimeric ABMs it is possible to incorporate a combination of the above mentioned variant IgG4 Fc sequences, for example an Fc region comprising a combination of SEQ ID NO: 30 of WO2014 / 121087 (or a bolded portion thereof) and SEQ ID NO: 37 of WO2014 / 121087 (or a bolded portion thereof), or an Fc region comprising a combination of SEQ ID NO: 31 of WO2014 / 121087 (or a bolded portion thereof) and SEQ ID NO: 38 of WO2014 / 121087 (or a bolded portion thereof).

[0165] 6.2.7.2.Fc Heterodimerization Variants Many multispecific molecule formats involve dimerization between two Fc domains operably linked to non-identical antigen binding domains (or portions thereof, e.g., VH or VH-CH1 of a Fab), which differ from natural immunoglobulins. Incorrect heterodimerization of two Fc regions to form an Fc domain can be an obstacle to increasing the yield of the desired multispecific molecule and poses a purification challenge. Various approaches available in the art can be used to enhance dimerization of Fc domains that may be present in the MBMs of the present disclosure, and are disclosed, for example, in EP 1870459(A1); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,582,996; 5,731,168; 5,910,573; 5,932,448; 6,833,441; 7,183,076; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006204493(A1); and International Publication No. PCT 2009 / 089004(A1).

[0166] The present disclosure provides MBMs comprising Fc heterodimers, i.e., Fc regions comprising heterologous non-identical Fc domains. Heterodimerization strategies are used to enhance dimerization of Fc regions operably linked to different ABSs (or portions thereof, e.g., VH or VH-CH1 of Fab) and reduce dimerization of Fc domains operably linked to the same ABS. Typically, each Fc domain in an Fc heterodimer comprises a CH3 domain of an antibody. The CH3 domain is derived from the constant region of an antibody of any isotype, class or subclass, preferably of the IgG (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) class, as described in the previous section.

[0167] Heterodimerization of two different heavy chains at CH3 domains can produce the desired MBM, whereas homodimerization of the same heavy chains reduces the yield of the desired MBM.Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the two half antibodies that combine to form the MBM of the present disclosure contain CH3 domains with modifications that favor heterodimer association compared to unmodified chains.

[0168] In a specific embodiment, the modification that promotes the formation of Fc heterodimers is a so-called "knobs-into-holes" or "knobs-in-holes" modification, which includes a "knobs" modification in one of the Fc domains and a "hole" modification in the other Fc domain. Knobs-into-holes technology is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,731,168; 7,695,936; Ridgway et al., 1996, Prot Eng 9:617-621, and Carter, 2001, Immunol Meth 248:7-15. In general, the method involves introducing a protrusion ("knob") at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity ("hole") at the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protrusion can be positioned within the cavity to promote heterodimer formation and prevent homodimer formation. The protrusion is constructed by replacing a small amino acid side chain from the interface of the first polypeptide with a larger side chain (e.g., tyrosine or tryptophan). Compensatory cavities of identical or similar size to the protrusions are created on the interface of the second polypeptide by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (eg, alanine or threonine).

[0169] Thus, in some embodiments, amino acid residues in the CH3 domain of a first subunit of an Fc domain are replaced with amino acid residues having a larger side chain volume, thereby generating a protuberance in the CH3 domain of the first subunit that can be positioned in a cavity in the CH3 domain of the second subunit, and amino acid residues in the CH3 domain of a second subunit of an Fc domain are replaced with amino acid residues having a smaller side chain volume, thereby generating a cavity in the CH3 domain of the second subunit that can be positioned in the protuberance in the CH3 domain of the first subunit. Preferably, the amino acid residues having a larger side chain volume are selected from the group consisting of arginine (R), phenylalanine (F), tyrosine (Y), and tryptophan (W). Preferably, the amino acid residues having a smaller side chain volume are selected from the group consisting of alanine (A), serine (S), threonine (T), and valine (V). The protuberances and cavities can be created by modifying a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, for example by site-directed mutagenesis or by peptide synthesis. An exemplary substitution is Y470T.

[0170] In a specific such embodiment, in the first Fc domain, the threonine residue at position 366 is replaced by a tryptophan residue (T366W), and in the Fc domain, the tyrosine residue at position 407 is replaced by a valine residue (Y407V), and optionally, the threonine residue at position 366 is replaced by a serine residue (T366S) and the leucine residue at position 368 is replaced by an alanine residue (L368A) (numbering according to the Kabat EU index). In a further embodiment, the first Fc domain further comprises a replacement of the serine residue at position 354 with a cysteine ​​residue (S354C) or a replacement of the glutamic acid residue at position 356 with a cysteine ​​residue (E356C), particularly a replacement of the serine residue at position 354 with a cysteine ​​residue, and the second Fc domain further comprises a replacement of the tyrosine residue at position 349 with a cysteine ​​residue (Y349C) (numbering according to Kabat EU index). In a particular embodiment, the first Fc domain comprises the amino acid substitutions S354C and T366W and the second Fc domain comprises the amino acid substitutions Y349C, T366S, L368A and Y407V (numbering according to Kabat EU index).

[0171] In some embodiments, electrostatic steering (e.g., as described in Gunasekaran et al., 2010, J Biol Chem 285(25):19637-46) can be used to promote association of the first and second subunits of the Fc domain.

[0172] As an alternative or in addition to the use of modified Fc domains to promote heterodimerization, the Fc domains can be modified to allow for purification strategies that allow for the selection of Fc heterodimers. In one such embodiment, one of the half antibodies contains a modified Fc domain that abolishes binding to Protein A, thus allowing for a purification method to obtain a heterodimeric protein. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,586,713. Thus, the MBM comprises a first CH3 domain and a second Ig CH3 domain, the first and second Ig CH3 domains differing from each other in at least one amino acid, the at least one amino acid difference reducing binding of the MBM to Protein A compared to a corresponding MBM lacking the amino acid difference. In one embodiment, the first CH3 domain binds Protein A and the second CH3 domain contains a mutation / modification that reduces or eliminates Protein A binding, such as a H95R modification (according to IMGT exon numbering; H435R according to EU numbering). The second CH3 may further comprise a Y96F modification (by IMGT; Y436F by EU), thus, this class of modifications is referred to herein as a "star" mutation.

[0173] In certain aspects, the MBMs of the present disclosure may contain both knob-in-hole and star mutations to facilitate purification. In various embodiments, one half antibody contains a knob or hole mutation and the other half antibody contains the corresponding hole or knob mutation. Thus, in some embodiments, the Fc domain of one half antibody contains one or more knob mutations and star mutations, and the Fc domain of the other half antibody contains one or more hole mutations. In other embodiments, the Fc domain of one half antibody contains one or more hole mutations and star mutations, and the Fc domain of the other half antibody contains one or more knob mutations.

[0174] Constant Domains The MBMs of the present disclosure generally comprise two half antibodies. Typically, each half antibody comprises a constant domain composed of CH2 and CH3 domains (e.g., as described in the context of the Fc domain in Section 6.2.7) and has a hinge domain (e.g., as described in Section 6.2.6) at its N-terminus. Each constant domain may be fused at its N-terminus to an antigen binding site or to the CH1 portion of one of its polypeptide chains, e.g., a Fab domain.

[0175] In some embodiments, the constant domain has any of the configurations or sequences shown in Figure 17. In various embodiments, the constant domain comprises a hinge having a hinge sequence as shown in Figure 17 (e.g., any one of SEQ ID NOs: 66-72), with wild-type or modified CH2 and / or CH3 domains, e.g., modified to reduce effector function, modified to facilitate correct heterodimer formation, modified to facilitate purification, etc. Exemplary modifications are described in Section 6.2.7, including subsections 6.2.7.1 and 6.2.7.2.

[0176] In some embodiments, the MBM of the disclosure comprises a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:45, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:46, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:48, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:49, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:50, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:51, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:52, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:53, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:54, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:58, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:59, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:60, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:61, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:62, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:63, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:64, a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence according to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:65, or a constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence provided by any of the foregoing sequence identifiers.

[0177] In some embodiments, the constant domains are "chimeric" comprising constant domain sequences from more than one immunoglobulin isotype, hi some embodiments, the chimeric constant domains have sequences from different IgG isotypes (e.g., any two of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4).

[0178] Exemplary chimeric constant domains are those referred to herein as "IgG1 PVA" isotypes or similar terms, and include an IgG1 upper hinge domain, an IgG1 core hinge domain, and an IgG1 lower hinge domain with a substitution / deletion mutation ELLG→PVA- (or "PVA-absent") ("ELLG" disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 79) at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering), an IgG1 CH2 domain, and an IgG1 CH3 domain. The ELLG→PVA- (or "PVA-absent") ("ELLG" disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 79) modification incorporates an IgG2 sequence into an IgG1. In certain embodiments, the chimeric constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 46 (hIgG1 PVA constant domain).

[0179] The chimeric constant domains can be further modified, for example, to further alter effector function (e.g., as described in Section 6.2.7.1) and / or to facilitate correct pairing or purification of the MBM and asymmetric half-antibody (e.g., as described in Section 6.2.7.2).

[0180] In certain embodiments, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 46 (hIgG1 PVA constant domain); a) both constant domains contain a PVA-absent sequence at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering); b) one constant domain comprises the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain comprises the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; c) optionally, one or both constant domains comprise the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C or neither.

[0181] In certain embodiments, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising: a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and the knob mutation T366W; b) an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, the sequence comprises a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence that retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V.

[0182] In another specific embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising: a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and the knob mutation T366W; b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V, and star mutations H435R and Y436F.

[0183] In another specific embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising: a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the knob mutation T366W, and the star mutations H435R and Y436F; b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, the sequence retains the PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V.

[0184] In another specific embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising: a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the knob mutation T366W, and the star mutations H435R and Y436F; b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V, and star mutations H435R and Y436F.

[0185] In another specific embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising: a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), a disulfide structure mutation S354C, and a knob mutation T366W; b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide structure mutation S354C, and the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V.

[0186] In another specific embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising: a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), a disulfide mutation S354C (or alternatively, the mutation S354C is replaced with a disulfide mutation E356C), and a knob mutation T366W; b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively the structural mutation S354C is replaced by the disulfide structural mutation E356C), the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V, and the star mutations H435R and Y436F.

[0187] In another specific embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising: a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), a disulfide mutation S354C (or alternatively, the mutation S354C is replaced by a disulfide mutation E356C), a knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide mutation S354C (or alternatively the mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide mutation E356C), and the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V.

[0188] In another specific embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising: a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), a disulfide mutation S354C (or alternatively, the mutation S354C is replaced by a disulfide mutation E356C), a knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively the structural mutation S354C is replaced by the disulfide structural mutation E356C), the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V, and the star mutations H435R and Y436F.

[0189] In yet a further embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, wherein the two constant domains comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 49 (also referred to as hIgG1 N180G, hIgG1 N297G); a) both constant domains contain N180G / N297G amino acid substitutions; b) one constant domain comprises the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain comprises the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; c) optionally, one or both constant domains comprise the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C or neither.

[0190] In yet a further embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, wherein the two constant domains comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:53 (also referred to as hIgG4 S108P, hIgG4 S228P); a) both constant domains contain S108P / S228P amino acid substitutions; b) one constant domain comprises the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain comprises the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; c) optionally, one or both constant domains comprise the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C or neither.

[0191] In yet a further embodiment, the MBM of the disclosure comprises two constant domains comprising an Fc heterodimer, the two constant domains comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:54 (variant IgG4 with an S108P substitution, also referred to as hIgG4 S228P substitution, and IgG1 CH2 and CH3 domains); a) both constant domains contain S108P / S228P amino acid substitutions; b) one constant domain comprises the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain comprises the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; c) optionally, one or both constant domains comprise the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C or neither.

[0192] 6.4. Nucleic Acids and Host Cells In another aspect, the disclosure provides a nucleic acid encoding the MBM of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the MBM is encoded by a single nucleic acid. In other embodiments, the MBM is encoded by multiple (e.g., two, three, four, or more) nucleic acids.

[0193] A single nucleic acid can encode a MBM comprising a single polypeptide chain, an MBM comprising two or more polypeptide chains, or a portion of an MBM comprising three or more polypeptide chains (e.g., a single nucleic acid can encode two polypeptide chains of an MBM comprising three, four or more polypeptide chains, or three polypeptide chains of an MBM comprising four or more polypeptide chains). To separately control expression, open reading frames encoding two or more polypeptide chains can be under the control of separate transcriptional regulatory elements (e.g., promoters and / or enhancers). Open reading frames encoding two or more polypeptides can also be controlled by the same transcriptional regulatory elements and separated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence that can be translated into separate polypeptides.

[0194] In some embodiments, an MBM comprising two or more polypeptide chains is encoded by two or more nucleic acids. The number of nucleic acids encoding the MBM can be equal to or less than the number of polypeptide chains in the MBM (e.g., when two or more polypeptide chains are encoded by a single nucleic acid).

[0195] The nucleic acids of the disclosure can be DNA or RNA (eg, mRNA). In another aspect, the disclosure provides host cells and vectors containing the nucleic acids of the disclosure. The nucleic acids may be present in a single vector or in separate vectors present in the same host cell or in separate host cells, as described in more detail herein below.

[0196] Vectors The present disclosure provides vectors comprising nucleotide sequences encoding one or two of the polypeptide chains of an MBM or MBM component described herein, such as a half antibody. Vectors include, but are not limited to, viruses, plasmids, cosmids, lambda phage, or yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs).

[0197] A number of vector systems can be used. For example, one class of vectors utilizes DNA elements derived from animal viruses such as bovine papilloma virus, polyoma virus, adenovirus, vaccinia virus, baculovirus, retrovirus (Rous sarcoma virus, MMTV or MOMLV) or SV40 virus. Another class of vectors utilizes RNA elements derived from RNA viruses such as Semliki Forest virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus and flaviviruses.

[0198] Furthermore, cells that have stably integrated the DNA into their chromosomes can be selected by introducing one or more markers that allow for the selection of transfected host cells. Markers can provide, for example, prototropy for auxotrophic hosts, biocide resistance (e.g., antibiotics), or resistance to heavy metals such as copper. The selectable marker gene can either be directly linked to the DNA sequence to be expressed or can be introduced into the same cell by co-transformation. Additional elements may also be required for optimal synthesis of mRNA. These elements may include splice signals, as well as transcription promoters, enhancers, and termination signals.

[0199] Once the expression vector or DNA sequence containing the construct is prepared for expression, the expression vector can be transfected or introduced into a suitable host cell. To achieve this, various techniques can be used, such as protoplast fusion, calcium phosphate precipitation, electroporation, retroviral transduction, viral transfection, gene gun, lipid-based transfection or other conventional techniques. The methods and conditions for culturing the resulting transfected cells and for recovering the expressed polypeptide are known to those skilled in the art and can be modified or optimized based on the present description depending on the specific expression vector and mammalian host cell used.

[0200] 6.4.2.Cells The disclosure also provides a host cell comprising a nucleic acid of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the host cell is genetically modified to contain one or more of the nucleic acids described herein.

[0201] In one embodiment, the host cell is genetically modified by using an expression cassette. The term "expression cassette" refers to a nucleotide sequence that can affect the expression of a gene in a host that is compatible with such a sequence. Such a cassette can include a promoter, an open reading frame with or without introns, and a termination signal. Additional elements (e.g., inducible promoters) necessary or useful for effecting expression can also be used.

[0202] The present disclosure also provides a host cell comprising the vector described herein. The cell may be, but is not limited to, a eukaryotic cell, a bacterial cell, an insect cell, or a mammalian cell, such as a human cell. Suitable eukaryotic cells include, but are not limited to, Vero cells, HeLa cells, COS cells, CHO cells, HEK293 cells, BHK cells, and MDCKII cells. Derivatives of the aforementioned cell types are also included (for example, but not limited to, Expi293, a derivative of HEK293 adapted for high density growth). Suitable insect cells include, but are not limited to, Sf9 cells.

[0203] 6.5. Pharmaceutical Compositions The MBM of the present disclosure may be in the form of a composition comprising the MBM and one or more carriers, excipients and / or diluents. The composition may be formulated for a particular use, such as veterinary use or pharmaceutical use in humans. The form of the composition used (e.g., dry powder, liquid formulation, etc.) and the excipients, diluents and / or carriers used will depend on the intended use of the MBM and, in the case of therapeutic use, the mode of administration.

[0204] For therapeutic use, the composition may be supplied as part of a sterile pharmaceutical composition that includes a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may be in any suitable form (depending on the desired method of administering it to a patient). The pharmaceutical composition may be administered to a patient by a variety of routes, including oral, transdermal, subcutaneous, intranasal, intravenous, intramuscular, intrathecal, topically or locally. The most suitable route of administration in any given case will depend on the particular subject, the nature and severity of the disease, and the physical condition of the subject. Typically, the pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously or subcutaneously.

[0205] The pharmaceutical composition can be conveniently provided in a unit dosage form containing a predetermined amount of MBM of the present disclosure per administration. The amount of MBM contained in the unit dosage depends on the disease to be treated, as well as other factors well known in the art. Such unit dosage can be in the form of a lyophilized powder containing an appropriate amount of MBM for a single administration, or in the form of a liquid. The dry powder unit dosage form can be packaged in a kit with a syringe, an appropriate amount of diluent, and / or other components useful for administration. The unit dosage in liquid form can be conveniently provided in the form of a syringe pre-filled with an appropriate amount of MBM for a single administration.

[0206] The pharmaceutical composition may also be supplied in bulk form containing an amount of MBM suitable for multiple administrations. Pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared for storage as lyophilized formulations or aqueous solutions by mixing MBM having the desired purity with any pharma- ceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers (all of which are referred to herein as "carriers") typically used in the art, i.e., buffers, stabilizers, preservatives, isotonicity agents, non-ionic surfactants, antioxidants, and various other additives. See Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th edition (Osol, ed. 1980). Such additives should be non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations used.

[0207] Buffering agents help maintain pH in a range close to physiological conditions. They can be present in a wide range of concentrations, but are typically present in concentrations ranging from about 2 mM to about 50 mM. Suitable buffering agents for use with the present disclosure include both organic and inorganic acids and their salts, such as citrate buffers (e.g., monosodium citrate-disodium citrate mixtures, citric acid-trisodium citrate mixtures, citric acid-monosodium citrate mixtures, etc.), succinate buffers (e.g., succinic acid-monosodium succinate mixtures, succinic acid-sodium hydroxide mixtures, succinic acid-disodium succinate mixtures, etc.), tartrate buffers (e.g., tartaric acid-sodium tartrate mixtures, tartaric acid-potassium tartrate mixtures, tartaric acid-sodium hydroxide mixtures, etc.), fumarate buffers (e.g., fumaric acid-monosodium fumarate mixtures, fumaric acid-monosodium fumarate mixtures, fumaric acid-monosodium fumarate mixtures, fumaric acid-monosodium fumarate mixtures, etc.), and the like. Examples of suitable buffers include: malic acid-disodium fumarate mixture, monosodium fumarate-disodium fumarate mixture, etc.), gluconic acid buffer (e.g., gluconic acid-sodium gluconate mixture, gluconic acid-sodium hydroxide mixture, gluconic acid-potassium gluconate mixture, etc.), oxalic acid buffer (e.g., oxalic acid-sodium oxalate mixture, oxalic acid-sodium hydroxide mixture, oxalic acid-potassium oxalate mixture, etc.), lactate buffer (e.g., lactate-sodium lactate mixture, lactate-sodium hydroxide mixture, lactate-potassium lactate mixture, etc.), and acetate buffer (e.g., acetate-sodium acetate mixture, acetate-sodium hydroxide mixture, etc.). In addition, phosphate buffer, histidine buffer and trimethylamine salt (e.g., Tris) may be used.

[0208] Preservatives may be added to retard microbial growth and can be added in amounts ranging from about 0.2% to 1% (w / v). Suitable preservatives for use with the present disclosure include phenol, benzyl alcohol, metacresol, methylparaben, propylparaben, octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, benzalkonium halides (e.g., chloride, bromide, and iodide), hexamethonium chloride, and alkylparabens such as methyl or propylparaben, catechol, resorcinol, cyclohexanol, and 3-pentanol. Tonicity agents, sometimes known as "stabilizers," can be added to ensure isotonicity of the liquid compositions of the present disclosure and include polyhydric sugar alcohols, such as trihydric or higher sugar alcohols, such as glycerin, erythritol, arabitol, xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol. Stabilizers refer to a broad category of excipients with a wide range of functions, from bulking agents to additives that help to solubilize the therapeutic agent or prevent denaturation or adhesion to the container wall. Typical stabilizers include polyhydric sugar alcohols (listed above); amino acids, such as arginine, lysine, glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, alanine, ornithine, L-leucine, 2-phenylalanine, glutamic acid, threonine, etc., organic sugars or sugar alcohols, such as lactose, trehalose, stachyose, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, ribitol, myonistol, galactitol, glycerol, etc. (including cyclitols such as inositol); polyethylene glycols; amino acid polymers; sulfur-containing reducing agents, such as urea, The sugars may be glutathione, thioctic acid, sodium thioglycolate, thioglycerol, α-monothioglycerol and sodium thiosulfate; low molecular weight polypeptides (e.g., peptides of 10 residues or less); proteins, such as human serum albumin, bovine serum albumin, gelatin or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; monosaccharides, such as xylose, mannose, fructose, glucose; disaccharides, such as lactose, maltose, sucrose and trehalose; and trisaccharides, such as raffinose; and polysaccharides, such as dextran.The stabilizer may be present in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 10% by weight per weight of MBM.

[0209] Non-ionic surfactants or detergents (also known as "wetting agents") can be added to aid in solubilizing the glycoprotein, as well as to protect the glycoprotein from agitation-induced aggregation, thereby allowing the formulation to be exposed to shear surface stresses without causing denaturation of the protein. Suitable non-ionic surfactants include polysorbates (20, 80, etc.), poloxamers (184, 188, etc.), and pluronic polyols. The non-ionic surfactants may be present in a range of about 0.05 mg / mL to about 1.0 mg / mL, e.g., about 0.07 mg / mL to about 0.2 mg / mL.

[0210] Further miscellaneous excipients include bulking agents (eg, starch), chelating agents (eg, EDTA), antioxidants (eg, ascorbic acid, methionine, vitamin E), and cosolvents.

[0211] 6.6. Treatment indications The MBM and pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure can be used to treat metabolic conditions and / or improve metabolism in a subject. The MBM and pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that can be improved or ameliorated by stimulating, mimicking, and / or promoting FGF21 signaling. This is generally accomplished by the MBM of the present disclosure by agonizing (i.e., stimulating) the FGF21 receptor complex. The MBM and pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure can be used for the treatment or prevention of any disease or condition that can be improved by lowering blood glucose levels, activating glucose uptake in a subject, or increasing insulin sensitivity.

[0212] In some embodiments, the MBM and pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure can be used to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH"), to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), to treat metabolic diseases, to reduce circulating HDL cholesterol, to increase circulating LDL cholesterol, to reduce blood triglycerides, to reduce blood glucose, to treat obesity, and to treat diabetes.

[0213] Thus, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of lowering circulating HDL cholesterol comprising administering to a subject having difficulty with elevated HDL levels an effective amount of the MBM or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.

[0214] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of increasing LDL cholesterol comprising administering to a subject suffering from low LDL levels an effective amount of the MBM or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.

[0215] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for lowering blood triglycerides comprising administering to a subject suffering from elevated triglyceride levels an effective amount of the MBM or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.

[0216] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of lowering blood glucose comprising administering to a subject suffering from elevated blood glucose levels an effective amount of the MBM or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.

[0217] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating obesity, comprising administering to a subject suffering from obesity an effective amount of the MBM or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of treating diabetes comprising administering to a subject suffering from diabetes an effective amount of the MBM or pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure.

[0218] Working Example 7.1. Example 1: Constructs of the Disclosure 7.1.1. Antibodies that bind to KLB and FGFR1c An antibody screening procedure was performed to identify antibodies that bind to human KLB and antibodies that bind to human FGFR1c. The following antibodies were identified: Antibodies that bind to the GH1 domain of KLB: 22414 (also called 414); 22401 (also called 401); 22393 (also called 393); 17067. Antibody that binds to the GH2 domain of KLB: 22532 Antibodies that bind to FGFR1c: ADI-19842 or 19842, ADI-19851 or 19851, ADI-19839 or 19839, and ADI-19863 or 19863.

[0219] When paired with a common light chain, these antibodies are designated with the P2 suffix (e.g., 22414P2, 22401P2, 22393P2, 17067P2, 22532P2, etc.).

[0220] The binding domain of the antibody is shown in FIG. Additional antibodies used in these studies include REGN4304, a bispecific anti-KLB, anti-FGFR1c antibody whose parent KLB binding arm is based on anti-GH.

[0221] Additional constructs used in these studies include REGN17067, a non-binding control that binds to BetV1, a pollen antigen from Betula pendula, and REGN1438, which is 6His-FGF21.

[0222] Constant Domains Antibody constructs were generated containing the constant domain and linker sequences shown below in Table 6. The constructs are described in Table 7.

[0223] [Table 11]

[0224] [Table 12]

[0225] [Table 13]

[0226] [Table 14]

[0227] [Table 15]

[0228] 7.1.3. Description of the structure The test and control constructs include various bispecific and trispecific binding molecules as shown in Table 7 below, which provides a description of the various control and test constructs utilized throughout the studies described herein. "ABS1 target" in a trispecific construct refers to the target of the antigen binding module labeled "1" in the schematic of FIG. 5. "ABS2 target" in a trispecific construct refers to the target of the antigen binding module labeled "2" in the schematic of FIG. 5. "ABS3 target" in a trispecific construct refers to the target of the antigen binding module labeled "3" in the schematic of FIG. 5. References to "ABS3 linker length" refer to the length of the linker separating the antigen binding module labeled "3" in the schematic of FIG. 5 from the adjacent Fab or Fc domain, where applicable.

[0229] [Table 16]

[0230] [Table 17]

[0231] [Table 18]

[0232] [Table 19]

[0233] [Table 20]

[0234] [Table 21]

[0235] 7.2. Example 2: Evaluation of KLB and FGFR1c Antibodies in a Bispecific Format 7.2.1. Cloning and Expression of Bispecific Binding Molecules and Control Binders Bispecific binding molecules containing the binding domains of the antibodies identified in Example 1 were generated using IgG4 Fc and star mutations to select for correctly paired heterodimers as shown in Table 8 below:

[0236] [Table 22]

[0237] DNA fragments encoding the KLB or FGFR1c VH and VL domains via direct DNA synthesis or subcloning were inserted into mammalian expression vectors containing human IgG4 or human IgG4 backbones with star mutations (H435R, Y436F, EU numbering) via either restriction digestion and ligation according to standard molecular cloning protocols provided by NEBuilder HiFi DNA Assembly Kit (New England BioLabs Inc.). CHO stable expressing cell lines were generated. Mammalian expression and purification using Protein A affinity, anti-star affinity, and size exclusion chromatography were used to produce and purify bispecific antibodies for analysis.

[0238] The cloning, expression and purification of REGN4304 are similar to the generation of bispecific antibodies described, with the following differences: 1. The VH domains of each KLB and FGFR1c half antibody were inserted into human IgG4 Fc with knob mutations (S354C, T366W, EU numbering) and into human IgG4 Fc with both hole (Y349C, T366S, L368A, Y407V) and star (H435R, Y436F) mutations. 2. Half antibodies targeting FGFR1c or KLB were expressed separately and assembled via redox annealing as described (Williams et al., 2015, Biocatalysts and Bioreactor Design (31)-5).

[0239] The cloning, expression and purification of REGN1438 is similar to the generation of bispecific antibodies described, with the following differences: 1. Human FGF21 (H29-S209, L174P) with an N-terminal hexaHis tag (SEQ ID NO: 42) was inserted into the expression vector; 2. HisTrap affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography were used for purification.

[0240] 7.2.2. Reporter Assay for FGFR1c / KLB Activation The agonist activity of the antibodies was tested using HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c / hKLB cells, which stably express human FGFR1c and KLB and stably express a luciferase reporter gene under the control of a promoter containing a serum response element (SRE). Recombinant human FGF21 with a 6xHis tag (SEQ ID NO: 42) was used as a positive control, and the maximum reporter activity obtained from FGF21 was defined as 100% activity. Cells were treated with each antibody or 6xHis-FGF21 for 6 hours, and then luciferase assay was performed. The percentage activity induced by each antibody was normalized to the maximum activity by FGF21. A dose response assay was performed to determine EC50. REGN1945, an anti-FelD1 isotype control antibody, was used as a negative control.

[0241] 7.2.3.Results The results of the dose response assay are shown in Figure 4. As shown in the figure, the activity of the bispecific binding molecule was approximately one order of magnitude less than FGF21 in activating KLB-FGFR1c.

[0242] 7.3. Example 3: Assessment of FGFR1c / KLB Activation by Trispecific Binding Molecules 7.3.1. Background In addition, a trispecific binding molecule that binds both the GH1 and GH2 domains of KLB was generated by the addition of additional binding domains to REGN4366 in an attempt to enhance its agonism of the FGFR1c / KLB co-receptor complex. REGN4366 is a bispecific binding molecule that targets the GH1 domain of KLB and the D3 domain of FGFR1c. GH2 binding arms in the form of Fab or scFv were added to different positions in the molecule, as shown in FIG. 6A, and the linker length between the REGN4366 portion of the molecule and the GH2 binding arm was varied from 3 to 6 to 9 repeats (i.e., ranging from 15 to 45 amino acids) of the G4S linker (SEQ ID NO: 43).

[0243] 7.3.2. Cloning and Expression of Trispecific Binding Molecules DNA fragments encoding (i) KLB or FGFR1c or BetV1 scFv in the VL (with 100C mutation, Kabat numbering), linker (4xG4S (SEQ ID NO: 44)), and VH (with 44C mutation, Kabat numbering) orientations, followed by linkers of various lengths to connect the scFv to the FGFR1c binding Fab, (ii) KLB or FGFR1c or BetV1 binding Fab, and (iii) IgG1 Fc domain with knob-forming mutations (S354C, T366W, EU numbering), hole-forming mutations (Y349C, T366S, L368A, Y407V, EU numbering), glycosylation mutations (N297G, EU numbering) and star mutations (H435R, Y436F, EU numbering) were inserted into the Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (San Diego, Calif.), GenScript (Piscataway, NJ) or Life Technologies (Carlsbad, Calif.).

[0244] Mammalian expression vectors for individual heavy chains were generated by NEBuilder HiFi DNA Assembly Kit (New England BioLabs Inc.) or by restriction digestion followed by ligation according to standard molecular cloning protocols provided by New England BioLabs Inc. Several DNA fragments were generated as ready-to-use constructs in the pcDNA3.4 Topo Expression System from Life Technologies (Carlsbad, CA). Heavy chains ("Hc1-knob" and "Hc2-hole") were used to express the molecules shown in FIG. 6A and listed in Table 9A. *") and universal light chain DNA were co-transfected into Expi293 cells (ThermoFisher Scientific) according to the manufacturer's protocol. 50 mL of cell culture medium was collected and processed for purification by HiTrap Protein A FF column (GE Healthcare). For functional confirmation, the selected MBM was scaled up to 200 mL and subjected to a series of purification procedures including size exclusion chromatography as the final step.

[0245] 7.3.3. Assessment of activity and assembly of trispecific binding molecules. The activity of the trispecific binding molecules was assessed in the reporter assay described in Section 7.2.2.

[0246] Assembly of trispecific binding molecules was assayed by high-throughput analysis on a Cliper LabChip GX according to the manufacturer's protocol (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA). Briefly, sample buffer was prepared by mixing 7 mL of HT protein expression sample buffer with either 240 μl of BME (reduced) or 25 mM iodoacetamide (IAM, for non-reduced assays). Samples were normalized to 0.5 mg / ml in sample buffer and then heated at 70°C for 10 min. 70 μl of water was added to each sample before loading into the instrument. Chips were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. Electropherograms of samples were analyzed using LabChip GX software. Peaks from non-reduced electropherograms indicate % intact antibody.

[0247] 7.4.Results Table 9A below shows the percent assembly versus percent activity for various trispecific molecules, and Table 9B below shows the activity of trispecific 2+1 N-scFv molecules with different linker lengths. Figure 6B is a bar graph of the data in Table 9B.

[0248] [Table 23]

[0249] [Table 24]

[0250] [Table 25]

[0251] The results show that incorporation of an additional domain at the N-terminus (in a 2+1 N-scFv or 2+1 N-Fab trispecific binding molecule (TBM) format) provided better assembly than incorporation of an additional binding domain at the C-terminus (in a 2+1 C-scFv or 2+1 C-Fab trispecific binding molecule (TBM) format), while incorporation of an additional binding domain at the C-terminus in a 2+1 C-scFv resulted in higher activity.

[0252] 7.5. Example 4: Comparison of agonist activity of trispecific versus bispecific binding molecules 7.5.1. Materials and Methods Using the reporter assay described in Section 7.2.2, the agonistic activity of the 2+1 N-scFv (F1K_scFv6) and 2+1 N-Fab (F1K_Fab6) trispecific molecules described in Example 3 containing a was compared to the agonistic activity of the bispecific molecules (REGN4304 and REGN4366) described in Example 2.

[0253] HEK293.FGFR1c knockout cells were stably overexpressed with FGFR1c or KLB, or FGFR1c + KLB. Cells were cultured in DMEM (Gibco, USA) supplemented with 10% FBS (Gibco, USA) under standard conditions (37 °C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2). For flow binding assays, 1 × 10 5Cells / 100 μL / well were seeded in a 96-well plate. Ca / Mg-free PBS supplemented with 1% FBS was used as staining buffer for antibody dilution and subsequent washing. Cells were incubated with a specific amount of primary antibody for 30 min at 4°C. After two washes, secondary antibody (F(ab')2 Fcγ fragment specific, Jackson immune research, 109-136-098) staining was performed for 30 min at 4°C. After subsequent washes, cells were fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde for 30 min at room temperature. Fixed cells were washed and resuspended in 200 μL staining buffer for flow cytometry analysis. A minimum of 10,000 single cells per sample were acquired on a flow cytometer (Fortessa), and data were analyzed using the FlowJo program to calculate maximum MFI. Graphs were generated using Graphpad Prism software.

[0254] 7.5.2.Results The results are shown below in FIG. 7A, Table 10 (% activity in reporter assay) and Table 11 (binding affinity to KLB and FGFR1c).

[0255] [Table 26]

[0256] [Table 27]

[0257] Figure 7B shows the binding of bispecific and trispecific binding molecules to FGFR1c and KLB. Without being bound by theory, the data in this example are believed to indicate that bi-epitopic engagement of hKLB improves antibody-mediated KLB / FGFR1c receptor complex interaction and potential cell surface clustering.

[0258] 7.6. Example 5: Optimization of the Trispecific Format To optimize the activity of the trispecific binding molecules, three rounds of screening were performed. In the first round of screening, the GH2 binding moiety was replaced and the length of the linker separating the GH2 binding moiety from the remainder of the binding molecule was varied from 15 to 45 amino acids. Molecules were constructed and expressed as described in Section 7.3.2, and the resulting molecules were evaluated in the reporter assay described in Section 7.2.2. The results are shown below in Table 12:

[0259] [Table 28]

[0260] [Table 29]

[0261] 7.7. Example 6: Further optimization of the trispecific format In further screening, the variants shown in Figure 8A (with inter alia linker length variants) and the variants shown in Figure 8B (with rearranged GH1, GH2 and FGFR1c domains) were evaluated in the reporter assay described in Section 7.2.2. The results for the variants in linker length between the domains designated 2 and 3 are shown in Figure 9 and Table 13 below.

[0262] [Table 30]

[0263] 7.8. Example 7: Activation of FGFR1c signaling in HEK293 cells Materials and Methods The HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c.hKLB stable cell line was generated by sequentially transfecting HEK293 cells with the SRE-luciferase reporter, full-length human FGFR1c, and full-length human KLB plasmids. For Western blot analysis, HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c.hKLB cells were plated in 6-well plates and cultured overnight in complete medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The culture medium was replaced with Opti-MEM reduced serum medium (ThermoFisher, USA) supplemented with 0.1% FBS. After approximately 24 hours, diluted ligands were added to the cells to a final concentration of 1 nM or 10 nM. After 15 min of treatment, the cells were washed with cold PBS and then lysed in RIPA lysis buffer (150 mM Tris / HCl, pH 7.4, 50 mM NaCl, 1% NP-40, and 0.1% Tween 20). Total cell lysates were separated by SDS-PAGE and transferred to PVDF membranes. For Western blot analysis, the following primary antibodies were used: total ERK (Cell Signaling, 9102), phospho-ERK (Cell Signaling, 9101), PLC-γ (Cell Signaling, 5690), phospho-PLCγ (Cell Signaling, 2821). For luciferase assay, HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c.hKLB cells were plated in 384-well plates and cultured overnight in complete medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The culture medium was replaced with Opti-MEM reduced serum medium (ThermoFisher, USA) supplemented with 0.1% FBS. After approximately 24 hours, cells were treated with serially diluted ligands for 6 hours, followed by luciferase assay using the ONE-Glo™ Luciferase Assay System (Promega, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0264] 7.8.2.Results To determine the agonistic activity of F1K_scFv6 and F1K_scFv6LK7, HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c.hKLB cells stably expressing human FGFR1c and human KLB were treated and ERK and PLC-γ phosphorylation induced by activated FGFR1c was measured (FIG. 10A). Both F1K_scFv6LK7 and F1K_scFv6LK7 strongly induced ERK and PLC-γ phosphorylation at both 1 nM and 10 nM concentrations. Notably, the levels of phospho-ERK and phospho-PLC-gamma in cells treated with F1K_scFv6 or F1K_scFv6LK7 were significantly higher than those in cells treated with the corresponding concentrations of the parent bispecific antibody (REGN4366), the FGFR1 / KLB agonist bispecific antibody (REGN4304), or recombinant human FGF21 (REGN1438).

[0265] To assess the time course of FGFR1c activation by F1K_scFv6 treatment, HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c.hKLB cells were treated with ligand for various times and harvested for Western blot analysis (Figure 10B). ERK activation, as measured by phospho-ERK levels, was observed as early as 15 min after treatment with REGN1438, REGN4304, or F1K_scFv6, which persisted for up to 6 h. F1K_scFv6 showed higher phospho-ERK levels compared to REGN1438 or REGN4304 throughout the time course of treatment. F1K_scFv6 strongly induced phospho-PLCγ at 15 min, which then gradually decreased over time.

[0266] 7.9. Example 8: ERK Activation in Adipocytes Materials and Methods Subcutaneous human preadipocytes were obtained from Zen-Bio, Inc. and maintained in 6-well plates in preadipocyte medium provided by Zen-Bio. Preadipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes by culturing confluent preadipocytes in adipocyte differentiation medium for 14 days. For Western blot analysis, differentiated adipocytes were pretreated with Opti-MEM reduced serum medium (ThermoFisher, USA) supplemented with 0.1% FBS for 4 h and then treated with drugs for 15 min. Cells were washed with cold PBS and then lysed in RIPA buffer for Western blot analysis.

[0267] Differentiated human subcutaneous adipocytes were obtained from Zen-Bio, Inc. and maintained in 96-well plates in adipocyte maintenance medium provided by Zen-Bio. For phospho-ERK assay, cells were pretreated with Opti-MEM reduced serum medium (ThermoFisher, USA) supplemented with 0.1% FBS for 4 hours and then treated with serially diluted ligands or antibodies. The level of ERK phosphorylation was measured using the AlphaScreen SureFire p-ERK 1 / 2 (Thr202 / Tyr204) Assay Kit (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA) according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

[0268] 7.9.2.Results To measure the agonist activity of F1K_scFv6 and F1K_scFv6LK7 in human adipocytes that endogenously expressed FGFR1c and KLB, primary human adipocytes were treated with these molecules (Figure 11A). KLB expression was induced during adipocyte differentiation. F1K_scFv6 and F1K_scFv6LK7 induced phospho-ERK in human adipocytes, which was comparable to REGN1438 (i.e., FGF21) treatment.

[0269] To measure the dose-dependent effects of F1K_scFv6 and F1K_Fab6 on FGFR1c signaling, human adipocytes were treated with serially diluted drugs and phospho-ERK levels were measured using the AlphaScreen SureFire p-ERK 1 / 2 (Thr202 / Tyr204) assay kit (Figure 11A). F1K_scFv6 and F1K_Fab6 strongly induced p-ERK with higher efficacy than the parent bispecific antibody (REGN4366) and REGN4304, indicating that F1K_scFv6 and F1K_Fab6 are potent agonists that activate FGFR1c / KLB signaling.

[0270] 7.10. Example 9: Size analysis of in vitro complexes formed between KLB, FGFR1c and binding molecules by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering (A4F-MALLS) Overview In principle, the trispecific binding molecules of the present disclosure can form different types of complexes with FGFR1c and KLB, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B. To determine the type of complex formed, asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation combined with multi-angle light scattering (A4F-MALS) was used to perform size analysis of the in vitro complex formed between the 2+1 N-scFv trispecific binding molecule and the 2+1 N-Fab trispecific binding molecule. A4F-MALLS was also used to analyze the complexes formed by the control bispecific binding molecule (REGN4304) and the monospecific KLB binding molecule (REGN4661).

[0271] Materials and Methods 7.10.2.1.A4F-MALLS mobile phase buffer Mobile phase buffer (10 mM sodium phosphate, 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.0±0.1) was prepared by combining 1.4 g sodium phosphate monobasic (monohydrate), 10.7 g sodium phosphate disodium (heptahydrate), and 500 mL of 5 M sodium chloride. The solution was then made up to a volume of 5.0 L with HPLC grade water. The final measured pH of the buffer was 7.0. The mobile phase buffer was filtered (0.2 μm) before use.

[0272] 7.10.2.2.A4F-MALLS The A4F-MALLS system consisted of an Eclipse™ 3+A4F separation system coupled to an Agilent 1200 series HPLC system equipped with an ultraviolet (UV) diode array detector, a Wyatt Technology Dawn HELEOS® II laser light scattering instrument (LS), and an Optilab® T-rEX differential refractometer (RI) detector. The detectors were connected in series in the order UV-LS-RI. The LS and RI detectors were calibrated according to the instructions provided by Wyatt Technology.

[0273] Defined amounts of anti-KLB and anti-FGFR1c polyspecific binding molecule candidates were combined with REGN6424 (recombinant KLB) and REGN6152 (recombinant FGFR1c), respectively, and diluted in 1xDPBS, pH 7.4 to obtain equimolar ratios: 0.2μM polyspecific binding molecule: 0.2μM REGN REGN6424 or 0.2μM polyspecific binding molecule: 0.2μM REGN REGN6424: 0.2μM REGN REGN6152. All samples were incubated at room temperature for 2 hours and kept at 4°C without filtration before being injected into an Eclipse™ short channel using a 10kDa MWCO regenerated cellulose membrane with a W350 spacer foil (spacer thickness 350μm, spacer width 2.2cm). Before injection of each sample, the channel was pre-equilibrated with mobile phase buffer (10mM sodium phosphate, 500mM sodium chloride, pH 7.0±0.1). Bovine serum albumin (BSA; 2 mg / mL; 10 μg sample load) was injected separately and included as a system suitability control.

[0274] The fractionation method consisted of four steps: injection, focusing, elution, and channel "washing" steps. A4F-MALLS mobile phase buffer (10 mM sodium phosphate, 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.0 ± 0.1) was used throughout the fractionation method. Each sample (7 μg) was injected for 1 min at a flow rate of 0.2 mL / min, followed by focusing for 3 min at a focusing flow rate of 1.0 mL / min. Samples were eluted at a channel flow rate of 1.0 mL / min with a constant cross-flow of 3.0 mL / min for 15 min, followed by a linear cross-flow from 3.0 mL / min to 0 mL / min for 5 min. Finally, the cross-flow was held at 0 mL / min for an additional 5 min to wash out the channel. BSA was fractionated with the same parameter settings.

[0275] MALLS data analysis Data were analyzed using ASTRA V software (version 5.3.4.14, Wyatt Technology). Data were fitted to an equation relating excess scattered light to solute concentration and weight-average molar mass, Mw (Kendrick et al., 2001, Anal Biochem. 299(2):136-46; Wyatt, 1993, Anal. Chim. Acta 272(1):1-40):

[0276]

number

[0277] where c is the solute concentration, R(θ,c) is the excess Rayleigh ratio from the solute as a function of scattering angle and concentration variables, Mw is the molar mass, P(θ) represents the angular dependence of the scattered light (approximately 1 for particles with a radius of gyration less than 50 nm), and A2 is the second virial coefficient in the osmotic magnification (which can be neglected since the measurements are performed in dilute solutions).

[0278]

number

[0279] In the formula, n0 represents the refractive index of the solvent, and N A is Avogadro's constant, λ0 is the wavelength of the incident light in a vacuum, and dn / dc represents the relative refractive index increment of the solute. The molar mass of the BSA monomer served to evaluate the calibration constants of the light scattering and refractive index detectors during data collection (system suitability check). The relative standard deviation (%RSD) of the average molar mass of BSA measured from the UV and RI detectors was less than 5.0%.

[0280] Normalization factors for the light scattering detector, inter-detector delay, and bandwidth broadening terms were calculated from the BSA chromatograms collected for the A4F-MALLS conditions used, and these values ​​were applied to the data files collected for all other samples to correct for these terms.

[0281] The dn / dc values ​​and extinction coefficients at 215 nm were experimentally determined using protein conjugate analysis implemented in the Astra software. Corrected extinction coefficients and dn / dc values ​​were used to analyze all protein-protein complex samples.

[0282] 7.10.3.Results A4F-MALLS was used to assess the relative size distribution of complexes formed between recombinant KLB (REGN6424), recombinant FGFR1c (REGN6152), and several monospecific (REGN4661), bispecific (REGN4304), and trispecific (2+1 N-scFv and 2+1 N-Fab) binding molecules. The results are shown in Figure 13A (for REGN4661), Figure 13B (for 4304), Figure 13C (2+1 N-scFv format), and Figure 13D (2+1 N-Fab format). Theoretical molar masses and predicted stoichiometries of potential antibody:antigen complexes are provided as insets in Figures 13A-D. As expected, the monospecific KLB binding molecule (REGN4661) formed standard 1:1 (peak 1, ∼280 kDa) and 1:2 (peak 2, ∼356 kDa) complexes with KLB when combined in equimolar ratios (Figure 13A). Similarly, when a control bispecific binding molecule (anti-KLBxFGFR1c; REGN4304) was mixed with equimolar amounts of KLB, a discrete, homogenous peak (peak 1) with a calculated molar mass of ∼280 kDa was observed (Figure 13B). Based on the calculated molar masses of the individual components, peak 1 likely represents a 1:1 bispecific:KLB complex. Further addition of FGFR1c to this mixture yielded a broad peak (peak 2) with a calculated molar mass range of ∼305–444 kDa, which is generally consistent with a 1:1:1 bispecific:KLB:FGFR1c ternary complex (Figure 13B). The trend towards increased molecular weight at the tail of peak 2 suggests that larger complexes, weakly associated via the KLB-FGFR1c interaction, may also be present in solution but are readily dissociated upon fractionation.

[0283] Compared to the control monospecific and bispecific binding molecules, each of the novel trispecific binding molecules bound KLB and FGFR1c with a unique higher order stoichiometry. When mixed with an equimolar amount of KLB, F1K-scFv6 IgG1 formed a large, discrete, homogenous peak (peak 1) with a molar mass of approximately 579 kDa, which likely represents a complex containing two molecules of F1K-scFv6 IgG1 bound to two molecules of KLB (2:2 complex; Figure 13C). When various amounts of FGFR1c were added to this mixture, a slightly broader, later-eluting peak (peak 2) was observed with a calculated molar mass range of approximately 607-644 kDa. Peak 2 likely represents a mixture of ternary complexes containing two molecules of F1K-scFv6 IgG1, two molecules of KLB, and one to two molecules of FGFR1c (2:2:1 and 2:2:2 complexes; Figure 13C). In contrast, F1K-Fab6 IgG appeared to form a broad, heterogeneous mixture of 2:2 and 2:3 complexes (peak 2; 681 kDa-811 kDa) with KLB alone, but subsequent addition of FGFR1c shifted both the elution volume and molar mass to match a 2:2:1 F1K-Fab6 IgG:KLB:FGFR1c ternary complex (peak 3, approx. 720-730 kDa; Figure 13D). A small peak (peak 1; approx. 362 kDa) consistent with a 1:1:1 F1K-Fab6 IgG:KLB:FGFR1c complex can also be observed in these samples. The broadness of the peaks representing the complexes of F1K-Fab6 IgG, KLB, and FGFR1c may indicate that the resulting complexes adopt heterogeneous conformations and / or dissociate rapidly upon fractionation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that both trispecific binding molecules can bind to KLB and FGFR1c to form ternary complexes with unique stoichiometries compared to control monospecific and bispecific binding molecules.

[0284] 7.11. Materials and Methods for Triabody Constant Domain Variants (Examples 10-14) 7.11.1. Vector Construction for Constant Domain Variants DNA fragments encoding the anti-KLB GH1 Fab, anti-KLB GH2 Fab, anti-KLB GH2 scFv, and anti-FGFR1c Fab domains; various amino acid linkers; and various IgG hinge and Fc domains were synthesized by Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. (San Diego, CA) or Geneart / Thermo Fisher Scientific (Regensburg, Germany).

[0285] Mammalian expression vectors for individual polypeptide chains were generated by NEBuilder HiFi DNA Assembly Kit (New England BioLabs Inc.) or by restriction digestion followed by ligation according to standard molecular cloning protocols provided by New England BioLabs Inc. DNA was transfected as single plasmids or as heavy and light chain pairs according to the manufacturer's protocols. 50 mL of cell culture supernatant was harvested and processed for purification by HiTrap™ Protein G HP or MabSelect SuRe pcc columns (Cytiva).

[0286] Certain constructs were expressed in Expi293F™ cells by transient transfection (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Proteins in Expi293F supernatants were purified using a ProteinMaker system (Protein BioSolutions, Gaithersburg, MD) equipped with either a HiTrap™ Protein G HP or MabSelect SuRe pcc column (Cytiva). After elution in a single step, antibodies were neutralized and dialyzed into a final buffer of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 5% glycerol, aliquoted and stored at −80° C. For some constructs, an additional step of size-exclusion chromatography using a HiPrep 26 / 60 Sephacryl S-200 column was used.

[0287] Other expression vectors were stably expressed in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) expression system. 7.11.2. Kinetics of Fc Receptor Binding by Biacore Briefly, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments were performed at 25°C using a Biacore T200 instrument with carboxymethyl dextran coated (CM-5) chips. Mouse monoclonal anti-pentahistidine antibodies (GE Healthcare) were immobilized on the surface of a CM-5 sensor chip using standard amine coupling chemistry. 140RU-376RU of His-tagged human, monkey or mouse FcγR proteins were captured on the anti-pentahistidine amine-coupled CM-5 chip and antibody stock solutions were injected over the captured protein at 50μl / min for 2 minutes and serially diluted (6uM-24.7nM). mAb binding responses were monitored and, for low affinity receptors, steady-state binding equilibria were calculated. Data were processed using Scrubber 2.0 curve fitting software to determine kinetic association (ka) and dissociation (kd) rate constants by fitting to a 1:1 binding model. The binding dissociation equilibrium constant (KD) and dissociation half-life (t1 / 2) were calculated from the kinetic rate constants as follows: KD (M) = kd / ka; and t1 / 2 (min) = (In2 / (60 * kd). Some KDs are derived using steady-state equilibrium dissociation constants. NB = no binding observed. IC = affinity determination uncertain due to low specific RU signal.

[0288] 7.11.3. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Wells of a microtiter plate were coated with 6x-His (SEQ ID NO: 42) tagged monoclonal antibody (4E3D10H2 / E3) (Thermo scientific) at 4 μg / ml in 100 μl of PBS (18 h, 4° C.) and then blocked with blocking buffer (2% BSA in PBS) for 1 h at room temperature. Different Fc receptors (2 μg / ml, 100 μl / well) were loaded in duplicate and incubated for 1 h at room temperature. Meanwhile, antibodies were added at 6.0×10-06 The antibodies were diluted in a 1:5 ratio from the starting concentration of 100 μl. The diluted antibodies (100 μl) were then added to the wells and incubated for 1 h at room temperature. Peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-human IgG, F(ab')2 detection antibody 100 ul / well (1:5000 in blocking buffer) was added for 1 h at room temperature and the reaction was visualized by adding 100 μl of peroxidase substrate (KPL-TMB) for 30 min. The reaction was stopped with 100 μl of TMB stop buffer and the absorbance at 450 nm was measured using an ELISA plate reader (Envision, PerkinElmer). After each step, the plate was washed three times with wash buffer (PBS containing 0.05% (v / v) Tween 20, pH 7.4).

[0289] 7.11.4. Surrogate ADCC Assays 7.11.4.1.Target cells HEK293 / hFGFR1c / hKLB / hCD20: HEK293 cells in which endogenous FGFR1 was ablated by CRISPR-Cas9 were engineered to constitutively express full-length human CD20 (hCD20, amino acids M1-P297 in accession number NP_690605.1), FGFR1c (hFGFR1c, amino acids M1-R731 in accession number NP_075594), and KLB (hKLB, amino acids M1-S1044 in accession number NP_783864.1). Cells were sorted for high expression of all receptors.

[0290] Reporter cells Jurkat / NFAT-Luc / FcγR3a 176Val: Jurkat T cells were engineered to stably express a nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) luciferase reporter construct together with the high affinity human FcγR3a 176Val allotype receptor (amino acids M1-K254 of accession number P08637 VAR_003960).

[0291] 7.11.4.3. Assay setup Three days before the experiment, Jurkat reporter cells were cultured at 1.25 × 10 5 On the day of the experiment, target and reporter cells were transferred into assay medium (RPMI + 10% FBS + P / S / G) and plated in a 1:1 ratio (3 × 10 of each cell type) in a 96-well white microtiter plate. 4 Cells were added at 1000μg / well). Multispecific anti-FGFR1c / KLB antibodies and hIgG4 S108P isotype control antibodies were titrated in 7-point, 1:4 serial dilutions from final concentrations of 73.2pM to 300nM, with the last 8th point containing no antibody, in duplicate to the cells. Plates were incubated at 37°C / 5%CO2 for 4.6 hours, followed by addition of an equal volume of ONE-Glo™ (Promega) reagent to lyse the cells and detect luciferase activity. Light emitted was captured in relative light units (RLU) on a multilabel plate reader Envision (PerkinElmer). Antibody EC50 values ​​were determined from a 4-parameter logistic equation over the 8-point dose-response curves (including background signal) using GraphPad Prism software. Maximum fold induction was calculated using the following formula: Fold induction = maximum mean RLU / mean RLU within the dose range tested for each antibody (background signal = no antibody).

[0292] 7.11.5. Stable Expression and Antibody Titers Recombinant proteins encoding different antibodies with various IgG subclasses were cloned into expression plasmids, transfected into CHO cells, and stably transfected pools were isolated after selection with 400 mg / L hygromycin for 12-14 days. Stable CHO cell pools grown in suspension in chemically defined protein-free medium were used to produce proteins for testing.

[0293] Protein was produced by inducing cell cultures with 0.5 mg / L doxycycline for 5 days and harvesting conditioned medium. Protein titers were determined against known standards of various concentrations using a Protein A sensor on an Octet instrument (ForteBio).

[0294] 7.11.6. Luciferase Reporter Assays HEK293.SREluc.hFGFR1c / hKLB cells, stably expressing human FGFR1c and KLB and stably expressing a luciferase reporter gene under the control of a promoter containing serum responsive element (SRE), were used to test the agonist activity of antibodies containing different IgG hinge and Fc domains. Recombinant human FGF21 with a 6xHis (SEQ ID NO: 42) tag was used as a positive control, and the maximum reporter activity obtained from FGF21 was defined as 100% activity. Cells were treated with each antibody or 6xHis-FGF21 for 6 hours, and then luciferase assays were performed. The percentage activity induced by individual antibodies was normalized to the maximum activity by FGF21. A dose response assay was performed to determine EC50. An anti-FelD1 isotype (hIgG4-S108P) control antibody was used as a negative control.

[0295] 7.11.7. Human Primary Adipocyte Signaling Assays Human primary adipocytes differentiated from subcutaneous preadipocytes were obtained from Zen-Bio Inc (Durham, NC). Cells were cultured in serum-free medium for 4 hours and then treated with serially diluted antibodies for 15 minutes. Cells were lysed using lysis buffer for the AlphaScreen™ SureFire™ ERK Assay Kit (PerkinElmer, Shelton, CT), which measures phospho-ERK in treated cell lysates. SureFire™ ERK assays were performed according to the manufacturer's protocol. His-tagged human FGF21 and isotype control human IgG4 antibody were tested as positive and negative controls, respectively. FGFR1c / KLB bispecific antibody was also included in the experiment.

[0296] 7.12. Example 10: Design, cloning, and expression of IgG1 PVA constant domains Overview IgG1 Fc and IgG4 Fc differ in Fc gamma receptor binding capacity and charge distribution, providing options for optimal Fc function binding and different compatibility with antibody building blocks such as Fab, scFv, and alternative formats of antibody fusion proteins. The hinge regions of IgG1 and IgG4 also differ in length and flexibility. IgG4 (S108P or S228P, EU numbering) is utilized in several approved antibody products such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ixekizumab, where reduced Fc effector function is required. Because antibody building blocks (e.g., Fab, scFv) prefer certain immunoglobulin subclasses, alternative and natural sequence variants based on human IgG1 Fc that are different from IgG4 (S108P) that show reduced Fc gamma receptor binding and reduced Fc receptor effector function were sought.

[0297] Figure 17 shows an alignment of various IgG hinge / Fc variants with sequences between various wild type and modified human IgG1 and IgG4 hinge regions, as well as a description of the CH2 and CH3 Fc regions used, amino acids 226-447 (EU numbering). The hIgG1 PVA was designed to contain PVA mutations in the lower hinge region, but is otherwise in a complete IgG1 background (e.g., IgG1 upper hinge region, CH2 region, and CH3 region).

[0298] To test the properties of hIgG1 PVA, it was incorporated into alternative antibody formats having either a 2+1 N-scFv or a 2+1 N-Fab format (see, for example, FIG. 5 for an illustration of the 2+1 N-scFv format; in the 2+1 N-Fab format the N-terminal scFv domain is replaced by a Fab domain, as also shown in FIG. 5).

[0299] 7.12.2.Results Control and bispecific antibodies incorporating various IgG hinge and Fc domains were successfully expressed and purified.

[0300] When expressed in CHO cells, F1K_scFv6 constructs in an IgG1 PVA backbone with various linker lengths between the scFv and Fab had higher antibody titers (measured as total antibody species) than constructs containing IgG4 S108P (Figure 18).

[0301] 7.13. Example 11: Binding Kinetics of Constant Domain Variants to Fc Gamma Receptors 7.13.1. OVERVIEW The binding affinity and signal to Fc gamma receptors of various antibodies with different hinge-Fc regions were measured by Biacore as described in Section 7.11.2.

[0302] 7.13.1.1.Results The results are shown in Tables 14 and 15 below.

[0303] [Table 31]

[0304] [Table 32]

[0305] In Table 15, NB refers to no binding and WB refers to weak binding. IgG1 PVA has no binding signals to FcγR1, FcγR2b, FcγR3a (F176), or FcγR3b. The binding signals to FcγR2a (both R131 and H131) are low, but at significantly reduced levels (91 and 21 RU, respectively) compared to IgG1 and IgG4 S108P. IgG1 PVA has a weak to moderate binding signal (144 RU) to FcγR3a (V176), with a KD of 7.2×10 -05M, which is much weaker than IgG1 and IgG4 S108P (Tables 14 and 15).

[0306] 7.14. Example 12: Binding to Fc gamma receptors by ELISA 7.14.1. OVERVIEW Binding of FGFR1c / KLB trispecific antibodies containing various IgG hinge and Fc regions was assessed by ELISA as described in Section 7.11.3.

[0307] 7.14.2.Results Binding curves showing the ability of control and test antibodies to bind various Fcγ receptors are shown in Figures 19A-G. Antibodies with wild-type IgG1 hinge and Fc domains showed the highest binding to hFCRγ1. Binding of hFCRγ1 was significantly reduced with IgG1 PVA, which showed similar binding to IgG4 (Figure 19A). Binding with IgG1 N180G was similarly reduced. IgG4 S108P showed only a slight decrease in binding to hFcRγ1 compared to wild-type IgG1. A similar trend was observed in the binding of hFCRγ3A(V158) and hFCRγ3A(F158) (Figures 19E, 19F). Little difference in binding was observed with hFCRγ2A(H131), hFCRγ2A(R131) (Figures 19B and 19C). However, IgG1 PVA binds less well than IgG4 S108P and slightly less well than IgG1 in hFCRγ2B (FIG. 19D). IgG1 PVA binds less well than IgG1 in hFCRγ3B (FIG. 19G).

[0308] 7.15. Example 13: Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity 7.15.1. OVERVIEW Using the surrogate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay described in Section 7.11.4, the cytotoxic activity of IgG1 PVA was measured and compared to that of other IgG variants (e.g., IgG1 N180G and IgG4 S108P).

[0309] The ability of the trispecific antibody targeting hFGFR1c and hKLB to interact with FcγR3a, an Fc receptor prominently expressed on NK cells that induces antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), was measured in a surrogate bioassay using reporter cells and antibody-bound target cells. In this assay, modified Jurkat T cells express the high affinity human FcγR3a 176 Val allotype receptor (Jurkat / NFAT-Luc / hFcγR3a 176 The reporter gene luciferase is expressed under the control of the transcription factor NFAT (NFAT-Luc) together with the NFAT-Val. The target cells are HEK293 cells engineered to express human CD20 in combination with full-length human FGFR1c and human KLB. The reporter cells are incubated with the target cells, and engagement of FcγR3a via the Fc domain of human IgG1 antibody bound to the target cells activates the transcription factor NFAT in the reporter cells, promoting the expression of luciferase, which is then measured by a luminescent readout.

[0310] 7.15.2.Results Representative data from the ADCC assays are shown in Figures 20 and 21. Only antibodies with wild type IgG1, F1K_scFv6-LK30 IgG1 and F1K_Fab6-LK30 IgG1 showed a 1.9-fold (EC50=307pM) and 3.4-fold (EC50=1.04nM) induction of luciferase signal, respectively. None of the trispecific antibodies in 2+1 N-scFv or 2+1 N-Fab format with IgG1 PVA, IgG1 N180G or IgG4 S108P showed activity in the surrogate ADCC assay.

[0311] 7.16. Example 14: Molecular Activity 7.16.1. OVERVIEW The activity of the FGFR1c / KLB trispecific antibodies, including IgG1 PVA and controls, was tested using the luciferase reporter assay and human primary adipocyte signaling assays described in Sections 7.11.6 and 7.11.7.

[0312] 7.16.2.Results The activity of the trispecific antibodies in HEK.293SREluc.hFGFR1c / hKLB is shown in Figure 22 (F1K_scFv6-LK30, IgG1 PVA and F1K_scFv6-LK30, IgG4 S108P) and Figure 22 (F1K_Fab6-LK30, IgG1 PVA; F1K_Fab6-LK15, IgG1 PVA; F1K_Fab6-LK30, IgG4 S108P and F1K_Fab6-LK15, IgG4 S108P). The activity in human adipocytes is shown in Figure 24 (F1K_scFv6-LK30, IgG1 PVA; F1K_scFv6-LK30, IgG4 S108P; F1K_Fab6-LK15, IgG1 PVA; and F1K_Fab6-LK15, IgG4 S108P). Antibodies in 2+1 N-scFv format incorporating IgG1 PVA showed superior agonistic activity to antibodies with IgG4 S108P in both HEK FGFR1c / KLB cells (Figure 22) and human adipocytes (Figure 23). Antibodies in 2+1 N-Fab format with IgG1 PVA constant domains elicited greater maximal activation in reporter cell assays than antibodies with IgG4 S108P constant domains (Figure 24).

[0313] 8. Specific embodiments The present disclosure is illustrated by the following specific embodiments. 1. A method comprising administering to a subject a multispecific binding molecule (MBM) or a pharmaceutical composition comprising MBM, (a) antigen-binding module 1 (ABM1) that specifically binds to human fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform ("FGFR1c"); (b) antigen binding module 2 (ABM2) that specifically binds to the GH1 domain of human Klotho beta ("KLB"); (c) antigen-binding module 3 (ABM3) that specifically binds to the GH2 domain of human KLB; The method includes:

[0314] 2. MBM, (a) treating a metabolic condition; and / or (b) To improve metabolism 2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein an effective amount is administered to the subject.

[0315] 3. The method of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the method is effective to agonize the FGF21 receptor complex in the subject. 4. The method of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein each antigen binding module is capable of binding to its respective target at the same time that each of the other antigen binding modules is binding to its respective target.

[0316] 5. The method of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein ABM1 binds to loop D3 of FGFR1c. 6. The method of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein ABM1 binds to loop D2 of FGFR1c.

[0317] 7. The method of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the MBM is a trispecific binding molecule ("TBM"). 8. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein ABM1 is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0318] 9. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein ABM2 is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0319] 10. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein ABM3 is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0320] 11. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein ABM1 is an scFv. 12. The method of any one of embodiments 1-10, wherein ABM1 is a Fab. 13. The method of embodiment 12, wherein the light chain of ABM1 is a universal light chain.

[0321] 14. The method of embodiment 12, wherein the light chain constant region of ABM1 and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) are in crossmab configuration. 15. The method of any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein ABM2 is an scFv.

[0322] 16. The method of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein ABM2 is a Fab. 17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the light chain of ABM2 is a universal light chain. 18. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the light chain constant region of ABM2 and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) are in crossmab configuration.

[0323] 19. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein ABM3 is an scFv. 20. The method of any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein ABM3 is a Fab. 21. The method of embodiment 20, wherein the light chain of ABM3 is a universal light chain.

[0324] 22. The method of embodiment 20, wherein the light chain constant region of ABM3 and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) are in crossmab configuration. 23. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the MBM comprises an Fc heterodimer.

[0325] 24. The method of embodiment 23, wherein the Fc domain in the Fc heterodimer comprises a knob-in-hole mutation compared to the wild-type Fc domain. 25. The method of embodiment 23 or embodiment 24, wherein the Fc domain in the Fc heterodimer comprises a star mutation compared to the wild-type Fc domain.

[0326] 26. MBM, (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) an scFv operably linked to (ii) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab, which is operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; and (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; 26. The method according to any one of embodiments 23 to 25, comprising:

[0327] 27. The method of embodiment 26, wherein the first light chain and the second light chain are identical. 28. The method of embodiment 26 or embodiment 27, wherein ABM1 is the first Fab. 29. The method of embodiment 28, wherein ABM2 is an scFv and ABM3 is a second Fab.

[0328] 30. The method of embodiment 28, wherein ABM2 is a second Fab and ABM3 is an scFv. 31. The method according to any one of embodiments 26 to 30, wherein the scFv is linked to the first heavy chain region via a linker.

[0329] 32. The linker: (a) at least 5 amino acids in length, at least 6 amino acids in length, or at least 7 amino acids in length; (b) optionally, at most 30 amino acids in length, at most 40 amino acids in length, at most 50 amino acids in length, or at most 60 amino acids in length; 32. The method of embodiment 31.

[0330] 33. The linker: (a) 5 to 50 amino acids in length; (b) 5 amino acids to 45 amino acids long; (c) 5 amino acids to 40 amino acids long; (d) 5 amino acids to 35 amino acids in length; (e) 5 amino acids to 30 amino acids in length; (f) 5 amino acids to 25 amino acids in length; or (g) 5 to 20 amino acids in length; 33. The method of embodiment 32.

[0331] 34. The linker: (a) 6 amino acids to 50 amino acids in length; (b) 6 amino acids to 45 amino acids long; (c) 6 amino acids to 40 amino acids long; (d) 6 amino acids to 35 amino acids long; (e) 6 amino acids to 30 amino acids in length; (f) 6 amino acids to 25 amino acids in length; or (g) 6 to 20 amino acids in length; 33. The method of embodiment 32.

[0332] 35. The linker: (a) 7 amino acids to 40 amino acids in length; (b) 7 amino acids to 35 amino acids long; (c) 7 amino acids to 30 amino acids long; (d) 7 amino acids to 25 amino acids long; (e) 7 to 20 amino acids in length; 33. The method of embodiment 32.

[0333] 36. The method of embodiment 32, wherein the linker is between 5 amino acids and 45 amino acids in length. 37. The method of embodiment 32, wherein the linker is between 7 amino acids and 30 amino acids in length.

[0334] 38. The method of embodiment 32, wherein the linker is between 5 amino acids and 25 amino acids in length. 39. The method of embodiment 32, wherein the linker is between 10 amino acids and 60 amino acids in length.

[0335] 40. The method of embodiment 39, wherein the linker is between 20 amino acids in length and 50 amino acids in length. 41. The method of embodiment 40, wherein the linker is between 25 amino acids in length and 35 amino acids in length.

[0336] 42. The linker is G n S (SEQ ID NO: 15) or SG n The method of any one of embodiments 31 to 41, wherein the multimer is or comprises a multimer of (SEQ ID NO: 16), wherein n is an integer from 1 to 7.

[0337] 43. The method of embodiment 42, wherein the linker is or comprises a multimer of G4S (sequence number 17). 44. The method of any one of embodiments 31 to 41, wherein the linker is or comprises two consecutive glycines (2Gly), three consecutive glycines (3Gly), four consecutive glycines (4Gly (SEQ ID NO: 18)), five consecutive glycines (5Gly (SEQ ID NO: 19)), six consecutive glycines (6Gly (SEQ ID NO: 20)), seven consecutive glycines (7Gly (SEQ ID NO: 21)), eight consecutive glycines (8Gly (SEQ ID NO: 22)) or nine consecutive glycines (9Gly (SEQ ID NO: 23)).

[0338] 45. MBM, (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab operably linked to (ii) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain, optionally wherein the first heavy chain region is linked to the second heavy chain region via a linker, optionally wherein the linker is as defined in any one of embodiments 32-44; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a third heavy chain region of a third Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; (e) a fifth polypeptide chain comprising a third light chain that pairs with a third heavy chain region to form a third Fab; The method according to any one of embodiments 23 to 25.

[0339] 46. ​​The method of embodiment 45, wherein the first, second and third Fab are only one antigen-binding module. 47. The method of any one of embodiments 45-46, wherein the first light chain and the second light chain are identical.

[0340] 48. The method of any one of embodiments 45 to 47, wherein ABM1 is the second Fab. 49. The method of embodiment 48, wherein ABM2 is the first Fab and ABM3 is the third Fab.

[0341] 50. The method of embodiment 48, wherein ABM3 is the first Fab and ABM2 is the third Fab. 51. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein ABM1 comprises the CDR sequences set out in Table 1B.

[0342] 52. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 51, wherein ABM2 comprises the CDR sequences set out in Table 2B. 53. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein ABM3 comprises the CDR sequences set out in Table 3B.

[0343] 54. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 53, wherein the MBM is a trivalent MBM. 55. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 53, wherein the MBM is a tetravalent MBM. 56. The method of any one of embodiments 1-55, wherein the method is effective to reduce the subject's body weight.

[0344] 57. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 56, wherein the method is effective to reduce circulating high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the subject. 58. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 57, wherein the method is effective to increase circulating low density lipoprotein cholesterol in the subject.

[0345] 59. The method of embodiment 1-58, wherein the method is effective to reduce blood triglycerides in the subject. 60. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 59, wherein the method is effective to lower blood glucose in the subject.

[0346] 61. The method of embodiment 1-60, wherein the subject has a metabolic disorder. 62. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is metabolic syndrome. 63. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is obesity.

[0347] 64. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is fatty liver. 65. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is hyperinsulinemia. 66. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is type 2 diabetes.

[0348] 67. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH"). 68. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ("NAFLD").

[0349] 69. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is hypercholesterolemia. 70. The method of embodiment 61, wherein the metabolic disorder is hyperglycemia. 71. A method comprising administering to a subject a multispecific binding molecule (MBM) or a pharmaceutical composition comprising MBM, wherein the MBM is (a) a first antigen-binding means for specifically binding to human Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1c isoform ("FGFR1c"); (b) a second antigen binding means for specifically binding to the GH1 domain of human Klotho beta ("KLB"); (c) a third antigen-binding means for specifically binding to the GH2 domain of human KLB.

[0350] 72. MBM, (a) to treat a metabolic condition; and / or (b) To improve metabolism 72. The method of embodiment 71, wherein an effective amount is administered to the subject.

[0351] 73. The method of embodiment 71 or embodiment 72, wherein the method is effective to agonize the FGF21 receptor complex in the subject. 74. The method of any one of embodiments 71-73, wherein each antigen binding means is capable of binding to its respective target at the same time that each of the other antigen binding means is binding to its respective target.

[0352] 75. The method of any one of embodiments 71-74, wherein the first antigen binding means binds to loop D3 of FGFR1c. 76. The method of any one of embodiments 71-74, wherein the first antigen binding means binds to loop D2 of FGFR1c.

[0353] 77. The method of any one of embodiments 71-76, wherein the MBM is a trispecific binding molecule ("TBM"). 78. The method of any one of embodiments 71 to 77, wherein the first antigen-binding means is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0354] 79. The method of any one of embodiments 71 to 78, wherein the second antigen binding means is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0355] 80. The method of any one of embodiments 71-79, wherein the third antigen binding means is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0356] 81. The method of any one of embodiments 71-80, wherein the first antigen binding means is an scFv. 82. The method of any one of embodiments 71-80, wherein the first antigen-binding means is a Fab.

[0357] 83. The method of embodiment 82, wherein the light chain of the first antigen-binding means is a universal light chain. 84. The method of embodiment 82, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of the first antigen-binding means are in a crossmab configuration.

[0358] 85. The method of any one of embodiments 71-84, wherein the second antigen binding means is an scFv. 86. The method of any one of embodiments 71-82, wherein the second antigen-binding means is a Fab.

[0359] 87. The method of embodiment 86, wherein the light chain of the second antigen-binding means is a universal light chain. 88. The method of embodiment 86, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of the second antigen-binding means are in a crossmab configuration.

[0360] 89. The method of any one of embodiments 71-88, wherein the third antigen binding means is an scFv. 90. The method of any one of embodiments 71-88, wherein the third antigen-binding means is a Fab.

[0361] 91. The method of embodiment 90, wherein the light chain of the third antigen-binding means is a universal light chain. 92. The method of embodiment 90, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of the third antigen-binding means are in a crossmab configuration.

[0362] 93. The method of any one of embodiments 71 to 92, wherein the MBM comprises an Fc heterodimer. 94. The method of embodiment 93 or embodiment 94, wherein the Fc domain in the Fc heterodimer comprises a knob-in-hole mutation compared to the wild-type Fc domain.

[0363] 95. The method of embodiment 93, wherein the Fc domain in the Fc heterodimer comprises a star mutation compared to the wild-type Fc domain. 96. MBM, (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) an scFv operably linked to (ii) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab, which is operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; The method according to any one of embodiments 93 to 95.

[0364] 97. The method of embodiment 96, wherein the first light chain and the second light chain are identical. 98. The method of embodiment 96 or embodiment 97, wherein the first antigen-binding means is a first Fab.

[0365] 99. The method of embodiment 98, wherein the second antigen binding means is an scFv and the second antigen binding means is a second Fab. 100. The method of embodiment 98, wherein the second antigen binding means is a second Fab and the third antigen binding means is an scFv.

[0366] 101. The method of any one of embodiments 96 to 100, wherein the scFv is linked to the first heavy chain region via a linker. 102. The linker (a) at least 5 amino acids in length, at least 6 amino acids in length, or at least 7 amino acids in length; (b) optionally, the nucleic acid sequence is at most 30 amino acids in length, at most 40 amino acids in length, at most 50 amino acids in length, or at most 60 amino acids in length.

[0367] 103. The linker (a) 5 to 50 amino acids in length; (b) 5 amino acids to 45 amino acids long; (c) 5 amino acids to 40 amino acids long; (d) 5 amino acids to 35 amino acids in length; (e) 5 amino acids to 30 amino acids in length; (f) 5 amino acids to 25 amino acids in length; or (g) 5 to 20 amino acids in length; The method of embodiment 102.

[0368] 104. The linker (a) 6 amino acids to 50 amino acids in length; (b) 6 amino acids to 45 amino acids long; (c) 6 amino acids to 40 amino acids long; (d) 6 amino acids to 35 amino acids long; (e) 6 amino acids to 30 amino acids in length; (f) 6 amino acids to 25 amino acids in length; or (g) 6 to 20 amino acids in length; The method of embodiment 102.

[0369] 105. The linker (a) 7 amino acids to 40 amino acids in length; (b) 7 amino acids to 35 amino acids long; (c) 7 amino acids to 30 amino acids long; (d) 7 amino acids to 25 amino acids long; (e) 7 to 20 amino acids in length; The method of embodiment 102.

[0370] 106. The method of embodiment 102, wherein the linker is between 5 amino acids and 45 amino acids in length. 107. The method of embodiment 102, wherein the linker is between 7 amino acids and 30 amino acids in length.

[0371] 108. The method of embodiment 102, wherein the linker is between 5 amino acids and 25 amino acids in length. 109. The method of embodiment 102, wherein the linker is between 10 amino acids in length and 60 amino acids in length.

[0372] 110. The method of embodiment 109, wherein the linker is between 20 and 50 amino acids in length. 111. The method of embodiment 110, wherein the linker is 25 to 35 amino acids in length.

[0373] 112. The linker is G n S (SEQ ID NO: 15) or SG n The method of any one of embodiments 101 to 111, wherein the multimer is or comprises a multimer of (SEQ ID NO: 16), and n is an integer from 1 to 7.

[0374] 113. The method of embodiment 109, wherein the linker is or comprises a multimer of G4S (sequence number 17). 114. The method according to any one of embodiments 101 to 111, wherein the linker is or comprises two consecutive glycines (2Gly), three consecutive glycines (3Gly), four consecutive glycines (4Gly (SEQ ID NO: 18)), five consecutive glycines (5Gly (SEQ ID NO: 19)), six consecutive glycines (6Gly (SEQ ID NO: 20)), seven consecutive glycines (7Gly (SEQ ID NO: 21)), eight consecutive glycines (8Gly (SEQ ID NO: 22)) or nine consecutive glycines (9Gly (SEQ ID NO: 23)).

[0375] 115. MBM, (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab operably linked to (ii) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain, optionally wherein the first heavy chain region is linked to the second heavy chain region via a linker, optionally wherein the linker is as defined in any one of embodiments 32-44; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a third heavy chain region of a third Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; (e) a fifth polypeptide chain comprising a third light chain that pairs with a third heavy chain region to form a third Fab; The method according to any one of embodiments 93 to 95.

[0376] 116. The method of embodiment 115, wherein the first, second and third Fab are only antigen-binding modules. 117. The method of any one of embodiments 115-116, wherein the first light chain and the second light chain are identical.

[0377] 118. The method of any one of embodiments 115-117, wherein the first antigen-binding means is a second Fab. 119. The method of embodiment 118, wherein the second antigen-binding means is a first Fab and the third antigen-binding means is a third Fab.

[0378] 120. The method of embodiment 118, wherein the third antigen-binding means is a first Fab and the second antigen-binding means is a third Fab. 121. The method of any one of embodiments 71-120, wherein the first antigen-binding means comprises the CDR sequences set forth in Table 1B.

[0379] 122. The method of any one of embodiments 71-121, wherein the second antigen-binding means comprises the CDR sequences set forth in Table 2B. 123. The method of any one of embodiments 71-122, wherein the third antigen-binding means comprises the CDR sequences set forth in Table 3B.

[0380] 124. The method of any one of embodiments 71 to 123, wherein the MBM is a trivalent MBM. 125. The method of any one of embodiments 71 to 123, wherein the MBM is a tetravalent MBM.

[0381] 126. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 125, wherein the MBM comprises a heterodimeric pair of constant domains. 127. The method of embodiment 126, wherein each constant domain comprises one or more substitutions at S228, E233, L234, L235, D265, N297, P329 or P331 (all according to EU numbering).

[0382] 128. The method of embodiment 127, wherein the constant domain comprises a S228P substitution. 129. The method of embodiment 127, wherein the constant domain comprises an E233A or E233P substitution.

[0383] 130. The method of embodiment 127, wherein the constant domain comprises a L234A substitution. 131. The method of embodiment 127, wherein the constant domain comprises L235A. 132. The method of embodiment 127, wherein the constant domain comprises a D265A substitution.

[0384] 133. The method of embodiment 127, wherein the constant domain comprises an N297A or N297D substitution. 134. The method of embodiment 127, wherein the constant domain comprises a P329G or P329A substitution.

[0385] 135. The method of embodiment 127, wherein the constant domain comprises P331S. 136. The method of any one of embodiments 126-135, comprising any combination of substitutions as described in Section 6.2.7.1.

[0386] 137. The method of any one of embodiments 126-136, wherein each constant domain comprises a hinge sequence with reduced effector function. 138. The method of embodiment 137, wherein the hinge sequence comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 70 and SEQ ID NO: 71.

[0387] 139. The method of embodiment 137, wherein the hinge sequence comprises any of the hinge modifications described in section 6.2.6.2. 140. Each constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 46, wherein: (a) both constant domains contain a PVA-absent sequence at amino acid positions 233 to 236 (EU numbering); (b) one constant domain contains the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain contains the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains contain the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or neither; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0388] 141. The method of embodiment 140, wherein each constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 93% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:46. 142. The method of embodiment 140, wherein each constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:46.

[0389] 143. The method of embodiment 140, wherein each constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 97% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:46. 144. A constant domain comprising: (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and knob mutation T366W; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, the sequence retains the PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0390] 145. The method of embodiment 144, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62.

[0391] 146. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and knob mutation T366W; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0392] 147. The method of embodiment 146, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 63.

[0393] 148. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, the sequence retains the PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0394] 149. The method of embodiment 148, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62.

[0395] 150. A constant domain comprising: (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0396] 151. The method of embodiment 150, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62.

[0397] 152. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), a disulfide structure mutation S354C, and a knob mutation T366W; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, where if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), disulfide structure mutation S354C, and hole mutations T366S, L368A, and Y407V; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0398] 153. The method of embodiment 152, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64.

[0399] 154. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), a disulfide mutation S354C (or alternatively, the mutation S354C is replaced with a disulfide mutation E356C), and a knob mutation T366W; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, where if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, the sequence comprises an amino acid sequence that retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively, the structural mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide structural mutation E356C), the hole mutations T366S, L368A, and Y407V, and the star mutations H435R and Y436F; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0400] 155. The method of embodiment 154, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65.

[0401] 156. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (absence of PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively, the structural mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide structural mutation E356C), knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, where if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide mutation S354C (or alternatively, the mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide mutation E356C), and the hole mutations T366S, L368A, and Y407V; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0402] 157. The method of embodiment 156, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64.

[0403] 158. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (absence of PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively, the structural mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide structural mutation E356C), knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, where if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, the sequence comprises an amino acid sequence that retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively, the structural mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide structural mutation E356C), the hole mutations T366S, L368A, and Y407V, and the star mutations H435R and Y436F; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0404] 159. The method of embodiment 158, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65.

[0405] 160. The constant domains each comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 49 (also called hIgG1 N180G, hIgG1 N297G), wherein (a) both of the constant domains contain N180G / N297G amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain contains the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain contains the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains contain the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or either constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0406] 161. The method of embodiment 160, wherein each constant domain has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:49. 162. The constant domains each comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 53 (also called hIgG4 S108P, hIgG4 S228P), wherein (a) both of the constant domains contain S108P / S228P amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain contains the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain contains the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains contain the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or either constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0407] 163. The method of embodiment 162, wherein each constant domain has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:49. 164. The constant domains each comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 54 (variant IgG4 with S108P substitution, also referred to as hIgG4 S228P substitution, and IgG1 CH2 and CH3 domains), wherein (a) both of the constant domains contain S108P / S228P amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain contains the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain contains the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains contain the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or either constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation; The method according to any one of embodiments 126 to 139.

[0408] 165. The method of embodiment 164, wherein each constant domain has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:49. 166. The method of any one of embodiments 71-165, wherein the method is effective to reduce the subject's body weight.

[0409] 167. The method according to embodiments 71-166, wherein the method is effective to reduce circulating high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the subject. 168. The method according to embodiments 71-167, wherein the method is effective to increase circulating low density lipoprotein cholesterol in the subject.

[0410] 169. The method of embodiments 71-168, wherein the method is effective to reduce blood triglycerides in the subject. 170. The method according to embodiments 71-169, wherein the method is effective to reduce blood glucose in the subject.

[0411] 171. The method according to embodiments 71 to 170, wherein the subject has a metabolic disorder. 172. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is metabolic syndrome. 173. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is obesity.

[0412] 174. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is fatty liver. 175. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is hyperinsulinemia. 176. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is type 2 diabetes.

[0413] 177. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH"). 178. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ("NAFLD").

[0414] 179. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is hypercholesterolemia. 180. The method of embodiment 171, wherein the metabolic disorder is hyperglycemia. 181.(a) antigen-binding module 1 (ABM1) that specifically binds to human fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform ("FGFR1c"); (b) antigen binding module 2 (ABM2) that specifically binds to the GH1 domain of human Klotho beta ("KLB"); (c) antigen-binding module 3 (ABM3) that specifically binds to the GH2 domain of human KLB; A multispecific binding molecule (MBM) comprising:

[0415] 182. The MBM of embodiment 181, wherein each antigen binding module is capable of binding to its respective target at the same time that each of the other antigen binding modules is binding to its respective target.

[0416] 183. The MBM according to embodiment 181 or embodiment 182, wherein ABM1 binds to loop D3 of FGFR1c. 184. The MBM according to embodiment 181 or embodiment 182, wherein ABM1 binds to loop D2 of FGFR1c.

[0417] 185. The MBM of any one of embodiments 181-184, which is a trispecific binding molecule ("TBM"). 186. An MBM according to any of embodiments 181 to 185, wherein ABM1 is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0418] 187. An MBM according to any of embodiments 181 to 186, wherein ABM2 is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0419] 188. An MBM according to any of embodiments 181 to 187, wherein ABM3 is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0420] 189. An MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 188, wherein ABM1 is an scFv. 190. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 188, wherein ABM1 is a Fab.

[0421] 191. The MBM according to embodiment 190, wherein the light chain of ABM1 is a universal light chain. 192. The MBM of embodiment 190, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of ABM1 are in crossmab configuration.

[0422] 193. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 192, wherein ABM2 is an scFv. 194. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 190, wherein ABM2 is a Fab.

[0423] 195. The MBM of embodiment 194, wherein the light chain of ABM2 is a universal light chain. 196. The MBM of embodiment 194, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of ABM2 are in crossmab configuration.

[0424] 197. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 196, wherein ABM3 is an scFv. 198. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 196, wherein ABM3 is a Fab.

[0425] 199. The MBM according to embodiment 198, wherein the light chain of ABM3 is a universal light chain. 200. The MBM of embodiment 198, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of ABM3 are in crossmab configuration.

[0426] 201. An MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 200, comprising an Fc heterodimer. 202. The MBM of embodiment 201, wherein the Fc domain in the Fc heterodimer comprises a knob-in-hole mutation compared to the wild-type Fc domain.

[0427] 203. The MBM of embodiment 201, wherein the Fc domain in the Fc heterodimer comprises a star mutation compared to the wild-type Fc domain. 204. (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) an scFv operably linked to (ii) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab, which is operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 201 to 203.

[0428] 205. The MBM of embodiment 204, wherein the first light chain and the second light chain are identical. 206. The MBM of embodiment 204 or embodiment 205, wherein ABM1 is the first Fab.

[0429] 207. The MBM of embodiment 206, wherein ABM2 is an scFv and ABM3 is a second Fab. 208. The MBM of embodiment 206, wherein ABM2 is a second Fab and ABM3 is an scFv.

[0430] 209. The MBM of any one of embodiments 204 to 208, wherein the scFv is linked to the first heavy chain region via a linker. 210. The linker (a) at least 5 amino acids in length, at least 6 amino acids in length, or at least 7 amino acids in length; optionally, (b) is at most 30 amino acids in length, at most 40 amino acids in length, at most 50 amino acids in length, or at most 60 amino acids in length; The MBM described in embodiment 209.

[0431] 211. Linker, (a) 5 to 50 amino acids in length; (b) 5 amino acids to 45 amino acids long; (c) 5 amino acids to 40 amino acids long; (d) 5 amino acids to 35 amino acids in length; (e) 5 amino acids to 30 amino acids in length; (f) 5 amino acids to 25 amino acids in length; or (g) 5 to 20 amino acids in length; The MBM described in embodiment 210.

[0432] 212. The linker (a) 6 amino acids to 50 amino acids in length; (b) 6 amino acids to 45 amino acids long; (c) 6 amino acids to 40 amino acids long; (d) 6 amino acids to 35 amino acids long; (e) 6 amino acids to 30 amino acids in length; (f) 6 amino acids to 25 amino acids in length; or (g) 6 to 20 amino acids in length; The MBM described in embodiment 210.

[0433] 213. Linker, (a) 7 amino acids to 40 amino acids in length; (b) 7 amino acids to 35 amino acids long; (c) 7 amino acids to 30 amino acids long; (d) 7 amino acids to 25 amino acids long; (e) 7 to 20 amino acids in length; The MBM described in embodiment 210.

[0434] 214. The MBM according to embodiment 210, wherein the linker is between 5 amino acids and 45 amino acids in length. 215. The MBM according to embodiment 210, wherein the linker is between 7 and 30 amino acids in length.

[0435] 216. The MBM according to embodiment 210, wherein the linker is between 5 and 25 amino acids in length. 217. The MBM according to embodiment 210, wherein the linker is between 10 and 60 amino acids in length.

[0436] 218. The MBM according to embodiment 217, wherein the linker is between 20 and 50 amino acids in length. 219. The MBM according to embodiment 218, wherein the linker is 25 to 35 amino acids in length.

[0437] 220. The linker is G n S (SEQ ID NO: 15) or SG n The MBM according to any one of embodiments 209 to 219, which is or comprises a multimer of (SEQ ID NO: 16), wherein n is an integer from 1 to 7.

[0438] 221. The MBM according to embodiment 220, wherein the linker is or comprises a multimer of G4S (sequence number 17). 222. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 204 to 219, wherein the linker is or comprises two consecutive glycines (2Gly), three consecutive glycines (3Gly), four consecutive glycines (4Gly (SEQ ID NO: 18)), five consecutive glycines (5Gly (SEQ ID NO: 19)), six consecutive glycines (6Gly (SEQ ID NO: 20)), seven consecutive glycines (7Gly (SEQ ID NO: 21)), eight consecutive glycines (8Gly (SEQ ID NO: 22)) or nine consecutive glycines (9Gly (SEQ ID NO: 23)).

[0439] 223. A first polypeptide chain comprising (a) in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab operably linked to (ii) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain, optionally wherein the first heavy chain region is linked to the second heavy chain region via a linker, optionally wherein the linker is as defined in any one of embodiments 32-44; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a third heavy chain region of a third Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; (e) a fifth polypeptide chain comprising a third light chain that pairs with a third heavy chain region to form a third Fab; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 201 to 203.

[0440] 224. The MBM of embodiment 223, wherein the first, second and third Fab are only antigen-binding modules. 225. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 223-224, wherein the first light chain and the second light chain are identical.

[0441] 226. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 223 to 225, wherein ABM1 is the second Fab. 227. The MBM of embodiment 226, wherein ABM2 is the first Fab and ABM3 is the third Fab.

[0442] 228. The MBM of embodiment 226, wherein ABM3 is the first Fab and ABM2 is the third Fab. 229. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181-228, wherein ABM1 comprises the CDR sequences set out in Table 1B.

[0443] 230. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181-229, wherein ABM2 comprises the CDR sequences set out in Table 2B. 231. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 230, wherein ABM3 comprises the CDR sequences set out in Table 3B.

[0444] 232. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181-231, which is a trivalent MBM. 233. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 181-231, which is a tetravalent MBM. 234.(a) a first antigen-binding means for specifically binding to human fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform ("FGFR1c"); (b) a second antigen binding means for specifically binding to the GH1 domain of human Klotho beta ("KLB"); (c) a third antigen-binding means for specifically binding to the GH2 domain of human KLB; Multispecific binding molecules (MBMs).

[0445] 235. The MBM of embodiment 234, wherein each antigen-binding means is capable of binding to its respective target at the same time that each of the other antigen-binding means is binding to its respective target.

[0446] 236. The MBM of embodiment 234 or embodiment 235, wherein the first antigen-binding means binds to loop D3 of FGFR1c. 237. The MBM according to embodiment 234 or embodiment 235, wherein the first antigen binding means binds to loop D2 of FGFR1c.

[0447] 238. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234-237, which is a trispecific binding molecule ("TBM"). 239. The MBM according to any of embodiments 234 to 238, wherein the first antigen binding means is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0448] 240. The MBM of any of embodiments 234-239, wherein the second antigen binding means is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0449] 241. The MBM of any of embodiments 234 to 240, wherein the third antigen binding means is an antibody fragment, scFv, dsFv, Fv, Fab, scFab, (Fab')2, a single domain antibody (SDAB), a VH or VL domain, or a camelid VHH domain.

[0450] 242. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234-241, wherein the first antigen binding means is an scFv. 243. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234-241, wherein the first antigen binding means is a Fab.

[0451] 244. The MBM of embodiment 243, wherein the light chain of the first antigen-binding means is a universal light chain. 245. The MBM of embodiment 243, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of the first antigen binding means are in crossmab configuration.

[0452] 246. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234 to 245, wherein the second antigen binding means is an scFv. 247. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234-243, wherein the second antigen binding means is a Fab.

[0453] 248. The MBM of embodiment 247, wherein the light chain of the second antigen-binding means is a universal light chain. 249. The MBM of embodiment 247, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of the second antigen binding means are in crossmab configuration.

[0454] 250. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234 to 249, wherein the third antigen binding means is an scFv. 251. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234-249, wherein the third antigen-binding means is a Fab.

[0455] 252. The MBM of embodiment 251, wherein the light chain of the third antigen-binding means is a universal light chain. 253. The MBM of embodiment 251, wherein the light chain constant region and the first heavy chain constant region (CH1) of the third antigen binding means are in crossmab configuration.

[0456] 254. An MBM according to any one of embodiments 234 to 253, comprising an Fc heterodimer. 255. The MBM of embodiment 254, wherein the Fc domain in the Fc heterodimer comprises a knob-in-hole mutation compared to the wild-type Fc domain.

[0457] 256. The MBM of embodiment 254, wherein the Fc domain in the Fc heterodimer comprises a star mutation compared to the wild-type Fc domain. 257. (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a scFv operably linked to (ii) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab, which is operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 254 to 256.

[0458] 258. The MBM of embodiment 257, wherein the first light chain and the second light chain are identical. 259. The MBM of embodiment 257 or embodiment 258, wherein the first antigen-binding means is a first Fab.

[0459] 260. The MBM of embodiment 259, wherein the second antigen binding means is an scFv and the third antigen binding means is a second Fab. 261. The MBM of embodiment 259, wherein the second antigen binding means is a second Fab and the third antigen binding means is an scFv.

[0460] 262. The MBM of any one of embodiments 257 to 261, wherein the scFv is linked to the first heavy chain region via a linker. 263. Linker, (a) at least 5 amino acids in length, at least 6 amino acids in length, or at least 7 amino acids in length; (b) optionally, at most 30 amino acids in length, at most 40 amino acids in length, at most 50 amino acids in length, or at most 60 amino acids in length; The MBM described in embodiment 262.

[0461] 264. Linker, (a) 5 to 50 amino acids in length; (b) 5 amino acids to 45 amino acids long; (c) 5 amino acids to 40 amino acids long; (d) 5 amino acids to 35 amino acids in length; (e) 5 amino acids to 30 amino acids in length; (f) 5 amino acids to 25 amino acids in length; or (g) 5 to 20 amino acids in length; The MBM described in embodiment 263.

[0462] 265. Linker, (a) 6 amino acids to 50 amino acids in length; (b) 6 amino acids to 45 amino acids long; (c) 6 amino acids to 40 amino acids long; (d) 6 amino acids to 35 amino acids long; (e) 6 amino acids to 30 amino acids in length; (f) 6 amino acids to 25 amino acids in length; or (g) 6 to 20 amino acids in length; The MBM described in embodiment 263.

[0463] 266. Linker, (a) 7 amino acids to 40 amino acids in length; (b) 7 amino acids to 35 amino acids long; (c) 7 amino acids to 30 amino acids long; (d) 7 amino acids to 25 amino acids long; (e) 7 to 20 amino acids in length; The MBM described in embodiment 263.

[0464] 267. The MBM according to embodiment 263, wherein the linker is between 5 and 45 amino acids in length. 268. The MBM according to embodiment 263, wherein the linker is between 7 and 30 amino acids in length.

[0465] 269. The MBM according to embodiment 263, wherein the linker is 5 to 25 amino acids in length. 270. The MBM according to embodiment 263, wherein the linker is between 10 and 60 amino acids in length.

[0466] 271. The MBM according to embodiment 270, wherein the linker is between 20 and 50 amino acids in length. 272. The MBM according to embodiment 271, wherein the linker is 25 to 35 amino acids in length.

[0467] 273. Linker, G n S (SEQ ID NO: 15) or SG n The MBM of any one of embodiments 257 to 272, which is or comprises a multimer of (SEQ ID NO: 16), wherein n is an integer from 1 to 7.

[0468] 274. Linker, G4 S The MBM of embodiment 273, which is or comprises a multimer of (SEQ ID NO: 17). 275. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 257 to 272, wherein the linker is or comprises two consecutive glycines (2Gly), three consecutive glycines (3Gly), four consecutive glycines (4Gly (SEQ ID NO: 18)), five consecutive glycines (5Gly (SEQ ID NO: 19)), six consecutive glycines (6Gly (SEQ ID NO: 20)), seven consecutive glycines (7Gly (SEQ ID NO: 21)), eight consecutive glycines (8Gly (SEQ ID NO: 22)) or nine consecutive glycines (9Gly (SEQ ID NO: 23)).

[0469] 276. A first polypeptide chain comprising (a) in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab operably linked to (ii) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain, optionally wherein the first heavy chain region is linked to the second heavy chain region via a linker, optionally wherein the linker is as defined in any one of embodiments 32-44; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a third heavy chain region of a third Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form a first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with a second heavy chain region to form a second Fab; (e) a fifth polypeptide chain comprising a third light chain that pairs with a third heavy chain region to form a third Fab; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 254 to 256.

[0470] 277. The MBM of embodiment 276, wherein the first, second and third Fab are unique antigen-binding modules. 278. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 276-277, wherein the first light chain and the second light chain are identical.

[0471] 279. The MBM of any one of embodiments 276-278, wherein the first antigen-binding means is a second Fab. 280. The MBM of embodiment 279, wherein the second antigen-binding means is a first Fab and the third antigen-binding means is a third Fab.

[0472] 281. The MBM of embodiment 279, wherein the third antigen-binding means is a first Fab and the second antigen-binding means is a third Fab. 282. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234-281, wherein the first antigen-binding means comprises a CDR sequence set forth in Table 1B.

[0473] 283. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234-282, wherein the second antigen-binding means comprises a CDR sequence set forth in Table 2B. 284. The MBM of any one of embodiments 234-283, wherein the third antigen-binding means comprises a CDR sequence set forth in Table 3B.

[0474] 285. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 234-284, which is a trivalent MBM. 286. The MBM according to any one of embodiments 234 to 284, which is a tetravalent MBM. 287. The MBM of any one of embodiments 181 to 286, comprising a heterodimeric pair of constant domains.

[0475] 288. The MBM of embodiment 287, wherein each constant domain comprises one or more substitutions at S228, E233, L234, L235, D265, N297, P329 or P331 (all according to EU numbering).

[0476] 289. The MBM of embodiment 288, wherein the constant domain comprises an S228P substitution. 290. The MBM of embodiment 288, wherein the constant domain comprises an E233A or E233P substitution.

[0477] 291. The MBM of embodiment 288, wherein the constant domain comprises a L234A substitution. 292. The MBM of embodiment 288, wherein the constant domain comprises L235A. 293. The MBM of embodiment 288, wherein the constant domain comprises a D265A substitution.

[0478] 294. The MBM of embodiment 288, wherein the constant domain comprises an N297A or N297D substitution. 295. The MBM of embodiment 288, wherein the constant domain comprises a P329G or P329A substitution.

[0479] 296. The MBM of embodiment 288, wherein the constant domain comprises P331S. 297. The MBM of any one of embodiments 287-296, comprising any combination of substitutions described in Section 6.2.7.1.

[0480] 298. The MBM of any one of embodiments 287 to 297, wherein each constant domain comprises a hinge sequence with reduced effector function. 299. The MBM of embodiment 298, wherein the hinge sequence comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 70 and SEQ ID NO: 71.

[0481] 300. The MBM of embodiment 298, wherein the hinge sequence comprises any of the hinge modifications described in section 6.2.6.2. 301. Each constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 46, (a) both constant domains contain a PVA-absent sequence at amino acid positions 233 to 236 (EU numbering); (b) one constant domain contains the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain contains the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains contain the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or neither; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0482] 302. The MBM of embodiment 301, wherein each constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 93% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:46. 303. The MBM of embodiment 301, wherein each constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 46.

[0483] 304. The MBM of embodiment 301, wherein each constant domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 97% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 46. 305. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and knob mutation T366W; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, the sequence retains the PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0484] 306. The MBM of embodiment 305, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62.

[0485] 307. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and knob mutation T366W; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0486] 308. The MBM of embodiment 307, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 63.

[0487] 309. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 62, the sequence retains the PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)) and the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0488] 310. The MBM of embodiment 309, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62.

[0489] 311. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 63, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0490] 312. The MBM of embodiment 311, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62.

[0491] 313. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (PVA-absent at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), a disulfide structure mutation S354C, and a knob mutation T366W; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, where if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), disulfide structure mutation S354C, and hole mutations T366S, L368A, and Y407V; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0492] 314. The MBM of embodiment 313, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64.

[0493] 315. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), a disulfide mutation S354C (or alternatively, the mutation S354C is replaced with a disulfide mutation E356C), and a knob mutation T366W; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, where if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, the sequence comprises an amino acid sequence that retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively, the structural mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide structural mutation E356C), the hole mutations T366S, L368A, and Y407V, and the star mutations H435R and Y436F; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0494] 316. The MBM of embodiment 315, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 60, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65.

[0495] 317. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (absence of PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively, the structural mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide structural mutation E356C), knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, where if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 64, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide mutation S354C (or alternatively, the mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide mutation E356C), and the hole mutations T366S, L368A, and Y407V; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0496] 318. The MBM of embodiment 317, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 64.

[0497] 319. The constant domain is (a) a first constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, with the proviso that if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, the sequence retains a PVA modification in the hinge (absence of PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively, the structural mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide structural mutation E356C), knob mutation T366W, and star mutations H435R and Y436F; (b) a second constant domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, where if the amino acid sequence has less than 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 65, the sequence comprises an amino acid sequence that retains a PVA modification in the hinge (no PVA at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering)), the disulfide structural mutation S354C (or alternatively, the structural mutation S354C is replaced with the disulfide structural mutation E356C), the hole mutations T366S, L368A, and Y407V, and the star mutations H435R and Y436F; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0498] 320. The MBM of embodiment 319, wherein the first constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 61, and the second constant domain has at least 95% (or 100%) sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 65.

[0499] 321. The constant domains each comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 49 (also called hIgG1 N180G, hIgG1 N297G), wherein (a) both of the constant domains contain N180G / N297G amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain contains the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain contains the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains contain the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or either constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0500] 322. The MBM of embodiment 321, wherein each constant domain has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:49. 323. The constant domains each comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 53 (also called hIgG4 S108P, hIgG4 S228P), wherein (a) both of the constant domains contain S108P / S228P amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain contains the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain contains the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains contain the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or either constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0501] 324. The MBM of embodiment 323, wherein each constant domain has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:49. 325. The constant domains each comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 93%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 54 (variant IgG4 with S108P substitution, also referred to as hIgG4 S228P substitution, and IgG1 CH2 and CH3 domains), wherein (a) both of the constant domains contain S108P / S228P amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain contains the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain contains the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains contain the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or either constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation; An MBM described in any one of embodiments 287 to 300.

[0502] 326. The MBM of embodiment 325, wherein each constant domain has at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:49. 327. A pharmaceutical composition comprising MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 326.

[0503] 328. A method comprising administering to a subject an MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 326, or a pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 327. 329. MBM or a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) treating a metabolic condition; and / or (b) To improve metabolism The method of embodiment 328, wherein an effective amount is administered to the subject.

[0504] 330. The method of embodiment 328 or embodiment 329, wherein the method is effective to agonize the FGF21 receptor complex in the subject. 331. The method of any one of embodiments 328-330, wherein the subject has a metabolic disorder.

[0505] 332. The method of embodiment 331, wherein the metabolic disorder is metabolic syndrome. 333. The method of embodiment 331, wherein the metabolic disorder is obesity. 334. The method of embodiment 331, wherein the metabolic disorder is fatty liver.

[0506] 335. The method of embodiment 331, wherein the metabolic disorder is hyperinsulinemia. 336. The method of embodiment 331, wherein the metabolic disorder is type 2 diabetes. 337. The method of embodiment 331, wherein the metabolic disorder is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH").

[0507] 338. The method of embodiment 331, wherein the metabolic disorder is hypercholesterolemia. 339. The method of embodiment 331, wherein the metabolic disorder is hyperglycemia. 340. A method for reducing body weight, comprising administering to an overweight subject an effective amount of MBM according to any one of embodiments 181-326 or a pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 327.

[0508] 341. The method of embodiment 340, wherein the subject is obese. 342. A method for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH"), comprising administering to a subject suffering from NASH an effective amount of MBM according to any one of embodiments 181-286 or the pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 327.

[0509] 343. A method for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), comprising administering to a subject suffering from NAFLD an effective amount of the MBM described in any one of embodiments 181 to 326, or the pharmaceutical composition described in embodiment 327.

[0510] 344. A method for lowering circulating HDL cholesterol, comprising administering to a subject suffering from high HDL levels an effective amount of MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 326 or the pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 327.

[0511] 345. A method for increasing circulating LDL cholesterol, comprising administering to a subject suffering from low LDL levels an effective amount of MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 326 or a pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 327.

[0512] 346. A method for lowering blood triglycerides, comprising administering to a subject suffering from high triglyceride levels an effective amount of MBM according to any one of embodiments 181-326 or a pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 327.

[0513] 347. A method for lowering blood glucose, comprising administering to a subject suffering from elevated blood glucose levels an effective amount of MBM according to any one of embodiments 181-326 or a pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 327.

[0514] 348. A nucleic acid or a plurality of nucleic acids encoding the MBM of any one of the embodiments according to any one of embodiments 181 to 326. 349. A cell modified to express the MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 326.

[0515] 350. A cell transfected with one or more expression vectors comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding the MBM according to any one of embodiments 181 to 326 under the control of one or more promoters.

[0516] 351. (a) culturing the cells according to embodiment 349 or 350 under conditions in which MBM is expressed; (b) recovering the MBM from the cell culture. Methods for fabricating MBMs.

[0517] 352. The method of embodiment 351, further comprising concentrating the MBM. 353. The method of embodiment 351 or embodiment 352, further comprising purifying the MBM.

[0518] Citing References All publications, patents, patent applications, and / or other documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, and / or other document was individually indicated and incorporated by reference for all purposes. In the event of a conflict between the teachings of one or more of the references incorporated herein and this disclosure, the teachings of the present disclosure are intended.

Claims

1. (a) an antigen binding module 1 (ABM1) that specifically binds to the human fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform ("FGFR1c"); (b) an antigen binding module 2 (ABM2) that specifically binds to the GH1 domain of human Klotho beta ("KLB"); (c) an antigen binding module 3 (ABM3) that specifically binds to the GH2 domain of human KLB; Multispecific binding molecules (MBMs).

2. The MBM of claim 1 which is a trispecific binding molecule ("TBM").

3. The MBM of claim 1, wherein ABM1 binds to loop D3 of FGFR1c and ABM1 binds to loop D2 of FGFR1c.

4. The MBM of claim 1, wherein ABM1 is a Fab or scFv, ABM2 is a Fab or scFv, and ABM3 is a Fab or scFv.

5. The MBM of claim 1, comprising an Fc heterodimer.

6. (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) an scFv operably linked to (ii) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab, which is operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form the first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with the second heavy chain region to form the second Fab. The MBM according to claim 5.

7. The MBM of claim 6, wherein ABM1 is the first Fab.

8. The MBM of claim 7, wherein ABM2 is the scFv and ABM3 is the second Fab.

9. The MBM of claim 7, wherein ABM2 is the second Fab and ABM3 is the scFv.

10. The MBM of claim 6, wherein the scFv is linked to the first heavy chain region via a linker.

11. The MBM of claim 10, wherein the linker is between 5 and 45 amino acids in length.

12. The MBM of claim 10, wherein the linker is 7 to 30 amino acids in length.

13. (a) a first polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a first heavy chain region of a first Fab operably linked to (ii) a second heavy chain region of a second Fab, which is operably linked to (iii) an Fc domain; (b) a second polypeptide chain comprising, in an N-terminal to C-terminal orientation, (i) a third heavy chain region of a third Fab operably linked to (ii) an Fc domain; (c) a third polypeptide chain comprising a first light chain that pairs with the first heavy chain region to form the first Fab; (d) a fourth polypeptide chain comprising a second light chain that pairs with said second heavy chain region to form said second Fab; (e) a fifth polypeptide chain comprising a third light chain that pairs with the third heavy chain region to form the third Fab; The MBM according to claim 5.

14. The MBM of claim 13, wherein the first Fab, the second Fab and the third Fab are unique antigen binding modules.

15. The MBM of claim 13, wherein ABM1 is the second Fab.

16. The MBM of claim 15, wherein ABM2 is the first Fab and ABM3 is the third Fab.

17. The MBM of claim 15, wherein ABM3 is the first Fab and ABM2 is the third Fab.

18. The MBM according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which is a trivalent MBM.

19. 18. The MBM of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a heterodimeric pair of constant domains.

20. 20. The MBM of claim 19, wherein each constant domain comprises a hinge sequence with reduced effector function.

21. 21. The MBM of claim 20, wherein the hinge sequence comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:70 and SEQ ID NO:

71.

22. Each constant domain is (1) An amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:46, wherein: (a) both constant domains contain a P-V-A-absent sequence at amino acid positions 233-236 (EU numbering); (b) one constant domain comprises the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain comprises the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains comprise the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) an amino acid sequence in which both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C or neither; (2) An amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 49 (also called hIgG1 N180G, hIgG1 N297G), wherein: (a) both of the constant domains contain N180G / N297G amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain comprises the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain comprises the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains comprise the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) an amino acid sequence in which both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or in which neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, (3) An amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 53 (also called hIgG4 S108P, hIgG4 S228P), wherein: (a) both of the constant domains contain S108P / S228P amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain comprises the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain comprises the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains comprise the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) an amino acid sequence in which both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or in which neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, Or, (4) An amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 54 (variant IgG4 with an S108P substitution, also referred to as hIgG4 S228P substitution, and IgG1 CH2 and CH3 domains), wherein: (a) both of the constant domains contain S108P / S228P amino acid substitutions; (b) one constant domain comprises the knob mutation T366W and the other constant domain comprises the hole mutations T366S, L368A and Y407V; (c) optionally, one or both constant domains comprise the star mutations H435R and Y436F; and (d) an amino acid sequence in which both constant domains contain the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, or in which neither constant domain contains the disulfide mutation S354C or E356C, 20. The MBM of claim 19, comprising:

23. An MBM according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each antigen-binding module is capable of binding to its respective target at the same time that each of the other antigen-binding modules is bound to its respective target.

24. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the MBM described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

25. A method for treating a metabolic condition in a subject, comprising: To improve the metabolism of a subject, To agonize the FGF21 receptor complex in a subject, To reduce circulating high density lipoprotein cholesterol in a subject, To increase circulating low density lipoprotein cholesterol in a subject, For reducing blood triglycerides in a subject, and / or 25. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 24 for use in a method for reducing blood glucose in a subject, comprising: The method comprises administering to the subject the MBM contained in the pharmaceutical composition.

26. A method comprising administering the MBM described in any one of claims 1 to 17 to a subject which is a non-human animal.

27. The MBM is (a) treating a metabolic condition; and / or (b) To improve metabolism 27. The method of claim 26, administered to the subject in an effective amount.

28. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the subject has a metabolic disorder.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the metabolic disorder is metabolic syndrome, obesity, fatty liver, hyperinsulinemia, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH"), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ("NAFLD"), hypercholesterolemia, or hyperglycemia.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the method is effective to agonize the FGF21 receptor complex of the subject.

31. The method described in claim 27, wherein the method is effective to reduce the subject's body weight, reduce circulating high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the subject, increase circulating low density lipoprotein cholesterol in the subject, reduce blood triglycerides in the subject, or reduce blood glucose in the subject.

32. A nucleic acid or multiple nucleic acids encoding the MBM described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

33. A cell transfected with one or more expression vectors comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding the MBM according to any one of claims 1 to 17 under the control of one or more promoters.

34. (a) culturing the cells of claim 33 under conditions in which MBM is expressed; (b) recovering the MBM from the cell culture. A method for manufacturing the MBM.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising a step of enriching the MBM and / or purifying the MBM.

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