B7-H4 antibody preparation

Abstract

The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to human B7-H4 (and optionally cynomolgus monkey, mouse, and / or rat B7-H4). The present disclosure also provides methods of treating disorders such as cancer by administering such pharmaceutical compositions. [Selection diagram] None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] 1. A pharmaceutical composition containing a B7-H4 antibody and a method for using such a preparation are provided. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. B7-H4 (also known as B7x, B7-S1, and VTCN1) is an immunomodulatory molecule that shares homology with other B7 family members, including PD-L1. It is a type I transmembrane protein composed of extracellular domains of both IgV and IgC. While B7-H4 expression is relatively limited at the protein level in healthy tissues, it is expressed in several solid tumors, such as gynecological cancers of the breast, ovary, and endometrium. B7-H4 expression in tumors tends to correlate with poor prognosis. The receptor for B7-H4 is unknown, but it is thought to be expressed on T cells. B7-H4 is thought to directly inhibit T cell activity.

[0003] Considering the expression and function of B7-H4, therapeutic approaches involving the regulation of B7-H4, such as antibodies that specifically bind to B7-H4 for the treatment of cancer, have been developed. Therefore, there is a need for pharmaceutical compositions containing B7-H4 antibodies and their antigen-binding fragments for the administration of such therapies. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] 3. Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to human B7-H4.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises (i) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, (ii) a buffer selected from the group consisting of acetate or citrate, and (iii) a sugar, wherein the pH of the composition is approximately 4.5 to approximately 6 or 4.5 to 6.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment comprises a CDR of 20502.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises (i) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4 and contains the 20502 CDR; (ii) a buffer; and (iii) a pH of about 4.5 to about 6 or 4.5 to 6.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the CDR of 20502 is a CDR as defined by Kabat, a CDR as defined by Chothia, or a CDR as defined by AbM. In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment contains the sequences of heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity-determining region (CDR) 1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3 and light chain variable region (VL) CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs. 5-10, respectively.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains 45% or less of acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains 40% or less of acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains approximately 35% to approximately 45% of acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains 35% to 45% of acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the composition contains 20% or less of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains 20% or less of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains approximately 9% to approximately 18% of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains 9% to 18% of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the composition contains 45% or less of acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the composition contains 40% or less of acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains 60% or less acidic and basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the composition contains 55% or less acidic and basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the composition contains 45% or less acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the composition contains 40% or less acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the composition contains 20% or less basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition contains approximately 30% to 40% acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition contains approximately 30% to 40% acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition contains approximately 35% to 40% acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition contains 35% to 40% acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition contains approximately 10% to 17% of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition contains approximately 10% to 17% of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition contains approximately 11% to 16% of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition contains 11% to 16% of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the composition contains 55% or less of acidic and basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment contains the 20502 CDR. In certain embodiments, the 20502 CDR is a CDR as defined by Kabat, a CDR as defined by Chothia, or a CDR as defined by AbM. In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment contains the sequences of the heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity-determining region (CDR) 1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3 and the light chain variable region (VL) CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, of SEQ ID NOs. 5-10.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the pH of the composition is approximately 4.5 to approximately 6, or 4.5 to 6.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the composition includes a buffer. In certain embodiments, the buffer is an acetate or citrate.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a sugar. In certain embodiments, the sugar is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, sorbitol, and trehalose.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer is from about 15 to about 25 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer is 15 - 25 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer is from about 18 mM to about 22 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer is 18 - 22 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer is about 20 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer is 20 mM.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is from about 225 mM to about 300 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is 225 - 300 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is from about 250 mM to about 290 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is 250 - 290 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is about 270 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is 270 mM.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is about 10 to about 15 times the concentration of the buffer. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is 10 - 15 times the concentration of the buffer. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is about 13.5 times the concentration of the buffer. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the sugar is 13.5 times the concentration of the buffer.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a surfactant. In certain embodiments, the surfactant is polysorbate. In certain embodiments, the polysorbate is polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the polysorbate is from about 0.025% to about 0.075% weight / volume (w / v)%. In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a surfactant. In certain embodiments, the surfactant is polysorbate. In certain embodiments, the polysorbate is polysorbate 20. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the polysorbate is 0.025% - 0.075% weight / volume (w / v)%. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the polysorbate is from about 0.035% to about 0.065% weight / volume (w / v)%. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the polysorbate is 0.035% - 0.065% weight / volume (w / v)%. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the polysorbate is about 0.005% weight / volume (w / v)%. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the polysorbate is 0.005% weight / volume (w / v)%.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) is from about 5 mg / ml to about 30 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) is 5 mg / ml to 30 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) is from about 10 mg / ml to about 25 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) is 10 mg / ml to 25 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) is about 20 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) is 20 mg / ml.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. In certain embodiments, the pH of the composition is 5.0 to 6.0. In certain embodiments, the pH is about 5. In certain embodiments, the pH is 5. In certain embodiments, the pH is about 5.5. In certain embodiments, the pH is 5.5.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the composition is liquid. In certain embodiments, the composition is for parenteral administration. In certain embodiments, the composition is for intravenous administration.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the buffer is acetate and the excipient is sucrose. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises about 20 mM acetate, about 270 mM sucrose, about 20 mg / ml antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and about 0.05% polysorbate 20, with a pH of about 5.0. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises sucrose at a concentration about 13.5 times that of acetate, about 20 mg / ml antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and about 0.05% polysorbate 20, with a pH of about 5.0. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 20 mM acetate, 270 mM sucrose, 20 mg / ml antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and 0.05% polysorbate 20, with a pH of 5.0. In a particular embodiment, the composition comprises sucrose at a concentration 13.5 times that of the acetate, 20 mg / ml of antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and 0.05% polysorbate 20, with a pH of 5.0.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the buffer is citrate and the excipient is sucrose. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises about 20 mM citrate, about 270 mM sucrose, about 20 mg / ml of antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and about 0.05% polysorbate 20, with a pH of about 5.5. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises sucrose at a concentration about 13.5 times that of citrate, 20 mg / ml of antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and about 0.05% polysorbate 20, with a pH of about 5.5. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 20 mM citrate, 270 mM sucrose, 20 mg / ml of antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and 0.05% polysorbate 20, with a pH of 5.5. In a particular embodiment, the composition comprises sucrose at a concentration 13.5 times that of citrate, 20 mg / ml of antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and 0.05% polysorbate 20, with a pH of 5.5.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the antibody includes a VH region containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, and / or a VL region containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 12. In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment includes a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21, and / or a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22.

[0029] In certain embodiments, at least 95% of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the composition is non-fucosylated. In certain embodiments, fucosylation is not detected in the composition.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the composition includes a full-length antibody.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises antigen-binding fragments. In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding fragments include Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, single-chain Fv(scFv), disulfide-bonded Fv, V-NAR domain, IgNar, intrabody, IgGΔCH2, minibody, F(ab')3, tetrabody, triabody, diabody, single-domain antibody, DVD-Ig, Fcab, mAb 2 Includes (scFv)2 or scFv-Fc.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds to cynomolgus monkey B7-H4. In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds to rat B7-H4. In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds to mouse B7-H4.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds to the IgV domain of human B7-H4.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the pI of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment is approximately 8.2.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises (i) an antibody comprising a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and / or a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, (ii) about 20 mM acetate, (iii) about 270 mM sucrose, and (iv) about 0.05% by weight / volume of polysorbate 20, with a pH of about 5.0. In a particular embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises (i) an antibody comprising a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and / or a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, (ii) 20 mM acetate, (iii) 270 mM sucrose, and (iv) 0.05% by weight / volume of polysorbate 20, with a pH of 5.0.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises (i) an antibody comprising a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and / or a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, (ii) about 20 mM citrate, (iii) about 270 mM sucrose, and (iv) about 0.05% by weight / volume of polysorbate 20, with a pH of about 5.5. In a particular embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises (i) an antibody comprising a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and / or a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, (ii) 20 mM citrate, (iii) 270 mM sucrose, and (iv) 0.05% by weight / volume of polysorbate 20, with a pH of 5.5.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the syringe or vial contains a pharmaceutical composition provided herein.

[0038] In certain embodiments, a method for treating cancer expressing B7-H4 in a subject comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition provided herein to the subject. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a solid tumor. In certain embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer. In certain embodiments, breast cancer is triple-negative breast cancer or hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. In certain embodiments, non-small cell lung cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.

[0039] In certain contexts, the subject is a human being.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered parenterally. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously. 4. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This figure shows the unfolding temperature (Tm1) of the B7-H4 antibody "20502" (non-fucosylated) under various pH conditions, as measured by the UNit system. (See Example 3) [Figure 2] This figure shows the effect of buffer pH on aggregate formation of the B7-H4 antibody "20502" (non-fucosylated) at 40°C, as measured by size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC). Table 13 shows the formulations for each pH. The proportion of high molecular weight (HMW) was approximately 0 at T0 for all pH levels examined. (See Example 3) [Figure 3] This figure shows the effect of buffer pH on fragment formation at 40°C as measured by SE-HPLC. Table 13 shows the formulations for each pH. The proportion of low molecular weight (LMW) was approximately 0 at T0 for all pH levels examined. (See Example 3) [Figure 4] This figure shows the effect of buffer pH on aggregate formation (measured by SE-HPLC) at 40°C in a formulation containing 20 mM citric acid, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% polysorbate 20 (PS20). (See Example 4) [Figure 5] This figure shows the effect of buffer pH on fragmentation at 40°C (measured by SE-HPLC) in a formulation containing 20 mM citrate, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20. The LMW ratio was approximately 0 at T0 for all pH levels examined. (See Example 4) [Figure 6]This figure shows the effect of buffer pH on acidic mutants at 40°C (measured by imaging capillary isoelectric focusing (iCE)). (See Example 4) [Figure 7] This figure shows the effect of buffer type on aggregate formation at 40°C (measured by SE-HPLC). (See Example 5) [Figure 8] This figure shows the effect of buffer type on fragment formation at 40°C (measured by SE-HPLC). (See Example 5) [Figure 9] This figure shows the effect of buffer type on acidic mutant formation at 40°C (measured by iCE). (See Example 5) [Figure 10] This figure shows the effect of buffer type on basic mutant formation at 40°C (measured by iCE). (See Example 5) [Figure 11] This figure shows the effect of excipients on aggregate formation at 40°C (measured by SE-HPLC). (See Example 6) [Figure 12] This figure shows the effect of excipients on fragment formation at 40°C (measured by SE-HPLC). (See Example 6) [Figure 13] This figure shows the effect of excipients on acidic mutants (measured by iCE) at 40°C. (See Example 6) [Figure 14] This figure shows the effect of excipients on basic mutants (measured by iCE) at 40°C. (See Example 6) [Figure 15] This figure shows the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) profile of 20502 (non-fucosylated) in the selected formulation. (See Example 6) [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] 5. Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to human B7-H4. The pharmaceutical compositions can be stable, for example, under long-term storage conditions, after repeated freeze-thaw cycles (e.g., at least 5 cycles) and / or after stirring.

[0043] As provided herein, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment may have a pH of about 4.5 to about 6, a B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (for example, at a concentration of about 5 to about 25 mg / ml), a buffer (including but not limited to acetate or citrate), an excipient (including but not limited to sucrose, trehalose, and sorbitol), and / or a surfactant (including but not limited to polysorbate, for example, polysorbate 20 (PS20)).

[0044] In certain embodiments, a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical composition is provided herein containing 20 mM acetate, 270 mM sucrose, and 20 mg / mL of anti-B7-H4 antibody (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) at pH 5.0. In other specific embodiments, a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical composition is provided herein containing 20 mM citrate, 270 mM sucrose, and 20 mg / mL of anti-B7-H4 antibody (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) at pH 5.5.

[0045] The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein may be useful in treating conditions such as cancer.

[0046] 5.1 Terminology As used herein, the term “B7-H4” refers to mammalian B7-H4 polypeptides, including but not limited to native B7-H4 polypeptides and isoforms of B7-H4 polypeptides. “B7-H4” encompasses full-length, untreated B7-H4 polypeptides, as well as forms of B7-H4 polypeptides resulting from intracellular processing. “B7-H4 polynucleotide,” “B7-H4 nucleotide,” or “B7-H4 nucleic acid” refers to polynucleotides encoding B7-H4.

[0047] The term “antibody” means an immunoglobulin molecule that recognizes and specifically binds to a target, such as a protein, polypeptide, peptide, carbohydrate, polynucleotide, lipid, or a combination thereof, via at least one antigen-recognition site within the variable region of the immunoglobulin molecule. As used herein, the term “antibody” encompasses intact polyclonal antibodies, intact monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, human antibodies, antibody-containing fusion proteins, and any other modified immunoglobulin molecules insofar as the antibody exhibits the desired biological activity. Antibodies can be any of the five main classes of immunoglobulins based on the uniqueness of their heavy chain constant domains, called alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma, and mu: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, or their subclasses (isotypes) (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2). Different classes of immunoglobulins have different known subunit structures and three-dimensional structures. Antibodies can be naked and can bind to other molecules such as toxins and radioactive isotopes.

[0048] The term "antibody fragment" refers to a portion of an intact antibody. "Antigen-binding fragment," "antigen-binding domain," or "antigen-binding region" refers to a portion of an intact antibody that binds to an antigen. Antigen-binding fragments may contain the antigen-recognition site of an intact antibody (e.g., a complementarity-determining region (CDR) sufficient to specifically bind the antigen). Examples of antibody antigen-binding fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, and Fv fragments, linear antibodies, and single-chain antibodies. Antibody antigen-binding fragments may originate from any animal species, such as rodents (e.g., mice, rats, or hamsters) and humans, or they may be artificially created.

[0049] The terms “anti-B7-H4 antibody,” “B7-H4 antibody,” and “antibody that binds to B7-H4” refer to antibodies that can specifically bind to B7-H4 with sufficient affinity so that they are useful as diagnostic and / or therapeutic agents by targeting B7-H4. As used herein, the terms “specifically bind,” “immunologically bind,” “immunologically recognize,” and “specifically recognize” are synonymous terms in the context of antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments. These terms indicate that an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment binds to an epitope via its antigen-binding domain, and that the binding involves some degree of complementarity between the antigen-binding domain and the epitope. Therefore, an antibody that "specifically binds" to human B7-H4 (SEQ ID NO: 1) may also bind to B7-H4 proteins produced from other species (e.g., cynomolgus monkeys, mice, and / or rats) and / or other human alleles, however the degree of binding to unrelated non-B7-H4 proteins (e.g., other B7 protein family members such as PD-L1) is less than approximately 10% of the binding of the antibody to B7-H4 when measured, for example, by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In specific embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment for use in the formulations provided herein specifically binds to human, cynomolgus monkey, mouse, and rat B7-H4.

[0050] A “monoclonal” antibody or its antigen-binding fragment refers to a homogeneous group of antibodies or antigen-binding fragments involved in the highly specific recognition and binding of a single antigenic determinant or epitope. This is in contrast to polyclonal antibodies, which typically contain different antibodies against different antigenic determinants. The term “monoclonal” antibody or its antigen-binding fragment encompasses intact, full-length monoclonal antibodies as well as antibody fragments (e.g., Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv), single-chain (scFv) variants, fusion proteins containing antibody moieties, and any other modified immunoglobulin molecules containing antigen recognition sites. Furthermore, “monoclonal” antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments refer to such antibodies and their antigen-binding fragments produced by any method, including but not limited to hybridomas, phage selection, recombinant expression, and transgenic animals.

[0051] As used herein, the terms “variable region” or “variable domain” are interchangeable and common in the art. A variable region typically refers to a portion of an antibody, generally a portion of the light or heavy chain, usually the amino-terminal approximately 110–120 or 110–125 amino acids of the mature heavy chain and approximately 90–115 amino acids of the mature light chain, which have sequence differences between antibodies and are used for the binding and specificity of a particular antibody to a particular antigen. Sequence variability is concentrated in a region called the complementarity-determining region (CDR), while more highly conserved regions within the variable domain are called the framework region (FR). While we do not wish to be bound to a specific mechanism or theory, the CDRs of the light and heavy chains are considered to be primarily involved in the antibody’s interaction with and specificity of the antigen. In certain embodiments, the variable region is a human variable region. In certain embodiments, the variable region includes rodent or mouse CDRs and human framework regions (FRs). In certain embodiments, the variable region is a primate (e.g., non-human primate) variable region. In certain embodiments, the variable region includes the CDR of rodents or mice and the framework region (FR) of primates (e.g., non-human primates).

[0052] The terms "VL" and "VL domain" are interchangeable to refer to the variable region of the antibody light chain.

[0053] The terms "VH" and "VH domain" are interchangeably used to refer to the heavy chain variable region of an antibody.

[0054] The term "Kabat numbering" and similar terms are recognized in the art and refer to a system for numbering amino acid residues in the heavy and light chain variable regions of an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment. In certain embodiments, the CDR can be determined according to the Kabat numbering system (see, for example, Kabat EA & Wu TT, (1971), Ann. NY. Acad. Sci. 190:382-391 and Kabat, EA. et al., (1991), Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, US Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication, No. 91-3242). Using the Kabat numbering scheme, CDRs within an antibody heavy chain molecule are typically located at positions 31–35 (CDR1), 50–65 (CDR2), and 95–102 (CDR3) of amino acids, and can include one or two additional amino acids following 35 (referred to as 35A and 35B in the Kabat numbering scheme). Using the Kabat numbering scheme, CDRs within an antibody light chain molecule are typically located at positions 24–34 (CDR1), 50–56 (CDR2), and 89–97 (CDR3). In specific embodiments, the CDRs of the antibodies described herein are determined according to the Kabat numbering scheme.

[0055] Cothia instead refers to the location of the structural loop (Chothia and Lesk, J.Mol.Biol.196:901-917(1987)). When numbered using Kabat numbering rules, the end of Chothia's CDR-H1 loop differs between H32 and H34 depending on the length of the loop (this is because the Kabat numbering scheme places insertions at H35A and H35B; if neither 35A nor 35B exists, the loop ends at 32; if only 35A exists, the loop ends at 33; and if both 35A and 35B exist, the loop ends at 34). The hypervariable region of AbM represents a compromise between Kabat's CDR and Chothia's structural loop and is used by Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling software. [Table A-1] [Table A-2]

[0056] As used herein, the terms “constant region” and “constant domain” are interchangeable and have common meanings in the art. The constant region is a part of an antibody that does not directly participate in the binding of the antibody to an antigen but can exert various effector functions, such as interaction with an Fc receptor, but is a carboxyl-terminal portion of the light and / or heavy chain. The constant region of an immunoglobulin molecule generally has a more conserved amino acid sequence than the immunoglobulin variable domain. In certain embodiments, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment contains a constant region or a portion thereof that is sufficient for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).

[0057] As used herein, the term “heavy chain” when used in reference to antibodies can refer to any different types, for example, alpha (α), delta (δ), epsilon (ε), gamma (γ), and mu (μ) based on the amino acid sequence of the constant domain, which give rise to the classes of antibodies IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, respectively, including subclasses of IgG such as IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. Heavy chain amino acid sequences are well known in the art. In specific embodiments, the heavy chain is a human heavy chain.

[0058] As used herein, the term “light chain,” when used in relation to antibodies, can refer to different types based on the amino acid sequence of the constant domain, such as kappa (κ) or lambda (λ). Light chain amino acid sequences are well known in the art. In specific embodiments, the light chain is a human light chain.

[0059] The term "chimeric" antibody or its antigen-binding fragment refers to an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment whose amino acid sequence originates from two or more species. Typically, the variable regions of both the light and heavy chains correspond to the variable regions of an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment derived from a mammalian species (e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit, etc.) with desired specificity, affinity, and function, while its constant region is homologous to the sequence of an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment derived from another species (usually human), thus avoiding the induction of an immune response in that species.

[0060] The term "humanized" antibody or its antigen-binding fragment refers to a form of non-human (e.g., mouse) antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is a specific immunoglobulin chain, chimeric immunoglobulin, or fragment thereof containing minimal non-human (e.g., mouse) sequences. Typically, a humanized antibody or its antigen-binding fragment is a human immunoglobulin in which residues derived from its complementarity-determining region (CDR) are replaced with residues derived from the CDR of a non-human species (e.g., mouse, rat, rabbit, hamster) that has the desired specificity, affinity, and function ("CDR graft") (Jones et al., Nature, 321:522-525, (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature, 332:323-327, (1988); Verhoeyen et al., Science, 239:1534-1536, (1988)). In some cases, specific Fv framework regions (FRs) of human immunoglobulins are replaced with corresponding residues in non-human species antibodies or fragments having desired specificity, affinity, and function. Humanized antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments can be further modified by additional residue substitutions in the Fv framework region and / or within non-human CDR residues to improve and optimize the specificity, affinity, and / or function of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment. Generally, humanized antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments contain a variable domain that includes all or substantially all of the CDR region corresponding to non-human immunoglobulins, while all or substantially all of the FR region is from the human immunoglobulin consensus sequence. Humanized antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments may also contain at least a portion of the immunoglobulin constant region or domain (Fc), which is usually that of human immunoglobulins. Examples of methods used to generate humanized antibodies are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,225,539, Roguska et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 91(3):969-973 (1994), and Roguska et al., Protein Eng. 9(10):895-904 (1996). In some embodiments, the “humanized antibody” is a resurfaced antibody.

[0061] The term "human" antibody or its antigen-binding fragment means an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment having an amino acid sequence derived from a human immunoglobulin locus, and such antibodies or antigen-binding fragments are prepared using any technique known in the art. This definition of human antibody or its antigen-binding fragment includes intact or full-length antibodies and their fragments.

[0062] A “non-fucosylated” antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, or a “fucose-deficient” antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, refers to an isotype antibody of IgG1 or IgG3 or its antigen-binding fragment that lacks fucose in the glycosylation of its constant region. Glycosylation of human IgG1 or IgG3 occurs at Asn297 as glycosylation of a core fucosylated branched complex oligosaccharide ending in up to two Gal residues. In some embodiments, non-fucosylated antibodies lack fucose at Asn297. These structures are referred to as G0, G1 (1,6, or 1,3), or G2 glycan residues depending on the amount of terminal Gal residues. See, for example, Raju, TS, BioProcess Int. 1:44-53 (2003). CHO-type glycosylation of antibody Fc is described, for example, in Routier, F.FL, Glycoconjugate J. 14:201-207 (1997).

[0063] Any method known in the art can be used to measure fucose. For the purposes of this specification, fucose is detected by the method described in Example 1 of WO2015 / 017600, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Briefly, glycan analysis is carried out by releasing glycans from an antibody (e.g., by enzymatic release), labeling the glycans with anthranilic acid (2-AA), and then purifying the labeled glycans. The glycans are separated using normal-phase HPLC with fluorescence detection, and the relative amount of each glycan in the antibody is measured. The glycans may be reliably identified by mass spectrometry as lacking or containing fucose. In some embodiments, fucose is undetectable in compositions comprising multiple non-fucosylated antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments. In some embodiments, the non-fucosylated antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments have enhanced ADCC activity, which may be measured by the assay provided in Example 12 herein. In some embodiments, the non-fucosylated antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments have enhanced affinity for Fc gamma RIIIA. In some embodiments, a non-fucosylated antibody or its antigen-binding fragment has enhanced affinity for FcγRIIIA(V158). The affinity for FcγRIIIA or its allele may be measured by the assay provided in Example 10 herein.

[0064] "Binding affinity" generally refers to the total strength of non-covalent binding interactions between a single binding site of a molecule (e.g., an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof) and its binding partner (e.g., an antigen). Unless specified otherwise, as used herein, "binding affinity" refers to the intrinsic binding affinity that reflects the 1:1 interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., an antibody or an antigen-binding moiety thereof and an antigen). The affinity of molecule X for its partner Y can generally be represented by the dissociation constant (KD). Affinity can be measured and / or expressed in a number of ways known in the art, including, but not limited to, the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) and the equilibrium association constant (KA). KD is calculated from the quotient of k off / k on whereas KA is calculated from the quotient of k on / k off . k on refers, for example, to the association rate constant of an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof to an antigen, and k off refers, for example, to the dissociation of an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof from an antigen. k on and k off can be determined by techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as BIAcore® or KinExA.

[0065] As used herein, “epitope” is a term in the art and refers to a localized region of an antigen to which an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment can specifically bind. An epitope can be, for example, an adjacent amino acid of a polypeptide (linear or adjacent epitope), or an epitope can be assembled from, for example, two or more non-adjacent regions of a polypeptide (singular, nonlinear, discontinuous, or non-adjacent epitope). In certain embodiments, the epitope to which an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds can be determined, for example, by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction crystallography studies, ELISA assays, hydrogen / deuterium exchange in combination with mass spectrometry (e.g., liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry), array-based oligopeptide scanning assays, and / or mutagenic mapping (e.g., site-directed mutagenic mapping). For X-ray crystallography, crystallization may be achieved using any method known in the art (e.g., Giege R et al., (1994) Acta. Crystallogr. D. Biol. Crystallogr. 50(Pt4):339-350; McPherson, A. (1990), Eur. J. Biochem. 189:1-23; Chayen, NE. (1997) Structure, 5:1269-1274; McPherson, A. (1976) J. Biol. Chem. 251:6300-6303).Antibodies / their antigen-binding fragments: Antigen crystals can be studied using well-known X-ray diffraction techniques and can be improved using computer software such as X-PLOR (Yale University, 1992, distributed by Molecular Simulations, Inc.; see, e.g., Meth.Enzymol (1985), volumes 114 & 115, eds Wyckoff HW et al.,; US2004 / 0014194), and BUSTER (Bricogne G, (1993), Acta.Crystallogr.D.Biol.Crystallogr.49(Pt1):37-60; Bricogne G, (1997), Meth.Enzymol.276A:361-423, eds Carter CW; Roversi, P. et al.) al., (2000), Acta. Crystallogr. D. Biol. Crystallogr. 56, (Pt10): 1316-1323). Mutagenic mapping studies can be achieved using any method known to those skilled in the art. For a description of mutagenic techniques, including alanine scanning mutagenicity, see, for example, Champe, M. et al., (1995), J. Biol. Chem. 270: 1388-1394 and Cunningham, BC & Wells JA, (1989), Science, 244: 1081-1085).

[0066] A polypeptide, antibody, polynucleotide, vector, cell, or composition “isolated” is a polypeptide, antibody, polynucleotide, vector, cell, or composition that is not found in nature. Isolated polypeptides, antibodies, polynucleotides, vectors, cells, or compositions include those purified to such an extent that they are no longer found in nature. In some embodiments, isolated antibodies, polynucleotides, vectors, cells, or compositions are substantially pure. As used herein, “substantially pure” means material that is at least 50% pure (i.e., free of impurities), at least 90% pure, at least 95% pure, at least 98% pure, or at least 99% pure.

[0067] The terms “polypeptide,” “peptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein to refer to polymers of amino acids of any length. These polymers may be linear or branched, may contain modified amino acids, and may be interrupted by non-amino acids. These terms also encompass amino acid polymers modified naturally or by intervention, e.g., disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidization, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other operation or modification, e.g., conjugation with a labeling component. Also included within their definition are polypeptides containing, for example, one or more analogues of amino acids (including, e.g., non-natural amino acids), as well as other modifications known in the art. Since the polypeptides of the present invention are antibody-based, it is understood that in certain embodiments, the polypeptides may exist as single-chain or conjugated chains.

[0068] As used herein, the term “host cell” can refer to any type of cell, e.g., primary cells, cultured cells, or cells derived from a cell line. In specific embodiments, the term “host cell” refers to cells transfected with nucleic acid molecules and their offspring or potential offspring. Such offspring may not be identical to the parent cells transfected with nucleic acid molecules, for example, due to mutations or environmental influences that may occur in the next generation or in the incorporation of nucleic acid molecules into the host cell genome.

[0069] The terms "pharmaceutical preparation" or "pharmaceutical composition" refer to a preparation that is in a form that enables the biological activity of an active ingredient and does not contain any additional ingredients that are toxic to the subject to which the preparation is administered. The preparation may be sterile.

[0070] The term "pharmaceutical" refers to a finished dosage form, such as a liquid preparation containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in association with one or more other ingredients, though not necessarily.

[0071] The term "active pharmaceutical ingredient" refers to an active ingredient intended to produce pharmacological or biological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of a disease, such as a B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502), but does not include intermediates used in the synthesis of such ingredients.

[0072] As used herein, “buffer solution” refers to a component in a solution that allows the solution to resist changes in pHb. Examples of buffer solutions include acetates, citrates, succinates, and histidines.

[0073] A “stable” formulation is one in which the active ingredient (e.g., B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment) substantially retains its physical and / or chemical stability and / or biological activity during storage. Stability can be measured under selected conditions (e.g., temperature) for a selected period of time. The formulations provided herein may be stable for at least 6 months at room temperature (approximately 25°C) and / or stable for at least 1 year at approximately 2–8°C. The formulations provided herein may also be stable after freezing (e.g., down to -70°C) and thawing, hereafter referred to as a “freeze / thaw cycle.” The formulations provided herein may also be stable after agitation.

[0074] As used herein, the terms “administer,” “give delivery,” and “dosage” refer to methods that may be used to enable the delivery of a drug, such as an anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, to a desired site of biological action (e.g., intravenous administration). Dosage techniques that may be employed in conjunction with the agents and methods described herein can be found, for example, in Goodman and Gilman, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, current edition, Pergamon; and Remington's, Pharmaceutical Sciences, current edition, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.

[0075] As used herein, the terms “subject” and “patient” are interchangeable. The subject may be an animal. In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal such as a non-human animal (e.g., a cow, pig, horse, cat, dog, rat, mouse, monkey or other primate). In some embodiments, the subject is a cynomolgus macaque. In some embodiments, the subject is a human.

[0076] The term "therapeutically effective dose" refers to the amount of a drug effective in treating a disease or disorder in a subject, such as an anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment. In the case of cancer, a therapeutically effective dose of a drug can reduce the number of cancer cells; reduce the size or burden of the tumor; inhibit to some extent the invasion of cancer cells into peripheral organs; inhibit tumor metastasis to some extent; inhibit tumor growth to some extent; alleviate to some extent one or more cancer-related symptoms; and / or produce a favorable response such as progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), complete response (CR), partial response (PR), possibly stable disease (SD), reduced progressive disease (PD), reduced time to progression (TTP), or any combination thereof. A drug can be cell proliferation inhibitory and / or cytotoxic to the extent that it prevents the growth of existing cancer cells and / or kills them.

[0077] Terms such as “to treat,” “to cure,” “to alleviate,” and “to alleviate” refer to therapeutic means that cure a pathological condition or disorder, slow down or reduce its symptoms, and / or halt its progression. Therefore, those who require treatment include those who have already been diagnosed with or are suspected of having the disorder. In certain embodiments, a patient is considered successfully “treated” for cancer according to the method of the present invention if the patient exhibits one or more of the following: a reduction in the number of cancer cells or complete absence; a reduction in tumor size; inhibition or absence of cancer cell invasion into peripheral organs, including, for example, the spread of cancer to soft tissues and bones; inhibition or absence of tumor metastasis; inhibition or absence of tumor growth; relief of one or more symptoms associated with a particular cancer; a reduction in morbidity and mortality; an improvement in quality of life; a reduction in the tumor’s tumorigenicity, tumorigenicity frequency, or tumorigenic capacity; a reduction in the number or frequency of cancer stem cells in the tumor; differentiation of tumorigenic cells into a non-tumoric state; an increased progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), a reduction in progressive disease (PD), a reduction in time to progression (TTP), or any combination thereof.

[0078] The terms “cancer” and “malignant” refer to or describe a physiological condition in mammals characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation of a population of cells. Examples of cancer include, but are not limited to, gynecological cancers (e.g., breast cancer (including triple-negative breast cancer), ductal carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer), non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer (e.g., renal cell carcinoma), and bladder cancer (e.g., urothelial cell carcinoma). Cancer can be a “B7-H4 expressing cancer” or a “cancer expressing B7-H4.” Such terms refer to cancer containing cells expressing B7-H4. Cancer may be a primary tumor, or it may be an advanced or metastatic cancer.

[0079] "Refractory" cancer is cancer that progresses despite being administered antitumor treatments such as chemotherapy drugs to cancer patients.

[0080] "Recurrent" cancer is cancer that has grown again in the original site or a distal site after responding to initial therapy.

[0081] A "relapsed" patient is one who has signs or symptoms of cancer after remission. Optionally, a patient who relapsed after adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy.

[0082] When used in this disclosure and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include multiple subjects unless the context otherwise explicitly indicates.

[0083] Whenever an embodiment is described herein using the term “comprising,” it is understood that similar embodiments are also provided, which would otherwise be described using the terms “consisting of” and / or “consisting essentially of.” In this disclosure, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing,” and “having,” etc., may have the meanings attributed to them under U.S. patent law, and may mean “includes,” and “including,” etc.; “consisting essentially of” or “consisting essentially” may similarly have the meanings attributed to them under U.S. patent law, and the terminology is not limited and may allow for the presence of something more than what is cited, as long as the basic or novel features of what is cited are not altered by the presence of something more than what is cited, except for embodiments of the prior art.

[0084] Unless otherwise specifically stated or evident from the context, the term “or” as used herein is understood to be inclusive. When the term “and / or” is used herein in an expression such as “A and / or B,” it is intended to include both “A and B,” “A or B,” and “A” and “B.” Similarly, when the term “and / or” is used in an expression such as “A, B, and / or C,” it is intended to include each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

[0085] When used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” indicate, when used to modify a number or range of numbers, that deviations of 5% to 10% above and 5% to 10% below the value or range remain within the intended meaning of the cited value or range.

[0086] Any composition or method provided herein may be combined with one or more other compositions and methods provided herein.

[0087] 5.2 Pharmaceutical composition containing B7-H4 antibody Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., aqueous pharmaceutical compositions) comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (e.g., as discussed in Section 5.3 below).

[0088] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are stable for multiple freeze-thaw cycles. A freeze-thaw cycle may include freezing the pharmaceutical composition (for example, at a temperature of about -70°C) and then thawing the pharmaceutical composition (for example, at room temperature). The pharmaceutical composition may remain stable after at least five freeze-thaw cycles. The freeze-thaw cycles (for example, at least five freeze-thaw cycles) may not result in any change in appearance, soluble aggregates, or invisible particulate matter.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are stable after stirring. Stirring may include shaking at room temperature for about 3 days (e.g., about 300 revolutions / minute in an orbital shaker). The stirring does not need to produce any change in appearance, soluble aggregates, charge variant profiles, or invisible particulate matter.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are stable under long-term storage conditions. Long-term storage conditions may include storage at approximately 5°C (e.g., approximately 2°C to approximately 8°C) for approximately 6 months or approximately 1 year. Long-term storage conditions may include storage at approximately 25°C for approximately 6 months or approximately 1 year. Long-term storage conditions may include storage at approximately 40°C for approximately 3 months, approximately 6 months or approximately 1 year.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are stable to multiple (e.g., at least five) freeze-thaw cycles, stable after stirring, and / or stable under long-term storage conditions.

[0092] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are stable when stored at about -70°C and when stored at about 2°C to about 8°C for about one year.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may contain a B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) in the formulation is approximately 5 mg / ml to approximately 30 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) in the pharmaceutical composition is approximately 10 mg / ml to approximately 25 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) in the pharmaceutical composition is approximately 20 mg / ml.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the concentration of the B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) in the formulation is 5 mg / ml to 30 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) in the pharmaceutical composition is 10 mg / ml to 25 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (including its acidic and basic variants) in the pharmaceutical composition is 20 mg / ml.

[0095] As provided herein, pharmaceutical compositions may contain a buffer. In certain embodiments, the buffer is an acetate. In certain embodiments, the buffer is a citrate. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer (e.g., acetate or citrate) is about 15 mM to about 25 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer (e.g., acetate or citrate) is about 18 mM to about 22 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer (e.g., acetate or citrate) is about 20 mM.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer (e.g., acetate or citrate) is 15 mM to 25 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer (e.g., acetate or citrate) is 18 mM to 22 mM. In certain embodiments, the concentration of the buffer (e.g., acetate or citrate) is 20 mM.

[0097] As provided herein, pharmaceutical compositions may contain excipients, such as sugars, including sucrose, sorbitol, or trehalose. In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient (e.g., sucrose) is about 225 mM to about 300 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient (e.g., sucrose) is about 250 mM to about 290 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient (e.g., sucrose) is about 270 mM.

[0098] In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient (e.g., sucrose) is 225 mM to mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient (e.g., sucrose) is 250 mM to 290 mM. In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient (e.g., sucrose) is 270 mM.

[0099] As provided herein, pharmaceutical compositions may contain a buffer (e.g., an acetate or citrate) and an excipient such as a sugar (e.g., sucrose). In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient, such as a sugar (e.g., sucrose), is about 10 to about 15 times the concentration of the buffer (e.g., an acetate or citrate). In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient, such as a sugar (e.g., sucrose), is about 13.5 times the concentration of the buffer (e.g., an acetate or citrate).

[0100] In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient, such as a sugar (e.g., sucrose), is 10 to 15 times the concentration of the buffer (e.g., acetate or citrate). In some embodiments, the concentration of the excipient, such as a sugar (e.g., sucrose), is 13.5 times the concentration of the buffer (e.g., acetate or citrate).

[0101] As provided herein, pharmaceutical compositions may contain surfactants, such as polysorbates. The polysorbate may be, for example, polysorbate 20 (PS20). In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant (e.g., PS20) is about 0.025–0.075 w / v%. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant (e.g., PS20) is about 0.035–0.065 w / v%. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant (e.g., PS20) is about 0.05 w / v%.

[0102] In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant (e.g., PS20) is 0.025 to 0.075 w / v%. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant (e.g., PS20) is 0.035 to 0.065 w / v%. In some embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant (e.g., PS20) is 0.05 w / v%.

[0103] As provided herein, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of about 4.5 to about 6. In some embodiments, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition is about 5 to about 6. In some embodiments, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition is about 5. In some embodiments, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition is about 5.5. In some embodiments, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition is about 6.

[0104] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 4.5 to 6. In some embodiments, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition is 5 to 6. In some embodiments, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition is 5. In some embodiments, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition is 5.5. In some embodiments, the pH of the pharmaceutical composition is 6.

[0105] As provided herein, pharmaceutical compositions can be liquids. Pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., liquid pharmaceutical compositions) can be for parenteral administration, for example, for intravenous administration.

[0106] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 15 mM to about 25 mM acetate, about 225 mM to about 300 mM sucrose, and about 5 mg / mL to about 30 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in about 0.025% to about 0.075% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of about 4.5 to about 6, for example, about 5. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.

[0107] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises 15 mM to 25 mM acetate, 225 mM to 300 mM sucrose, and 5 mg / mL to 30 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in 0.025% to 0.075% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 4.5 to 6, for example, 5. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.

[0108] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 18 mM to about 22 mM acetate, about 250 mM to about 290 mM sucrose, and about 10 mg / mL to about 25 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in about 0.035% to about 0.065% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of about 4.5 to about 6, for example, about 5. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.

[0109] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises 18 mM to 22 mM acetate, 250 mM to 290 mM sucrose, and 10 mg / mL to 25 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in 0.035% to 0.065% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 4.5 to 6, for example, 5. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.

[0110] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises 20 mM acetate, 270 mM sucrose, and 20 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in 0.05% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 5.0. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.

[0111] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 15 mM to about 25 mM citrate, about 225 mM to about 300 mM sucrose, and about 5 mg / mL to about 30 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in about 0.025% to about 0.075% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of about 4.5 to about 6, for example, about 5.5. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.

[0112] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises 15 mM to 25 mM citrate, 225 mM to 300 mM sucrose, and 5 mg / mL to 30 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in 0.025% to 0.075% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 4.5 to 6, for example, 5.5. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.

[0113] In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 18 mM to about 22 mM citrate, about 250 mM to about 290 mM sucrose, and about 10 mg / mL to about 25 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in about 0.035% to about 0.065% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of about 4.5 to about 6, for example, about 5.5. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises 18 mM to 22 mM citrate, 250 mM to 290 mM sucrose, and 10 mg / mL to 25 mg / mL of B7-H4 antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in 0.035% to 0.065% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of about 4.5 to about 6, for example, about 5.5. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is a liquid.

[0114] In one embodiment, the liquid pharmaceutical composition comprises 20 mM citrate, 270 mM sucrose, and 20 mg / mL of antibody or a fragment thereof (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) in 0.05% PS20. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 5.5.

[0115] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains 40% or less of acidic variants of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment and / or 20% or less of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C.

[0116] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502) that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition, after 6 months at 5°C, contains about 30% to 45%, about 30% to about 40%, or about 35% to about 40% of acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and / or contains about 11% to about 16%, about 10% to about 17%, or about 9% to about 18% of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4 (e.g., non-fucosylated antibody 20502), wherein the composition, after 6 months at 5°C, contains 30%-45%, 30%-40%, or 35%-40% of acidic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and / or contains 11%-16%, 10%-17%, or 9%-18% of basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment.

[0117] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, and the composition contains 60% or less acidic and basic variants of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment, or 55% or less, after 6 months at 5°C. In some embodiments, the composition contains 40% or less acidic variants of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment, and / or 20% or less basic variants, after 6 months at 5°C.

[0118] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 80% of the antibody in the composition being non-fucosylated. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 85% of the antibody in the composition being non-fucosylated. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 90% of the antibody in the composition being non-fucosylated. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 95% of the antibody in the composition being non-fucosylated. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 96% of the antibody in the composition being non-fucosylated. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 97% of the antibody in the composition being non-fucosylated. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 98% of the antibody in the composition being non-fucosylated. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 99% of the antibody in the composition being non-fucosylated. In specific embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, comprising a non-fucosylated anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, in which fucose is undetectable in the composition.

[0119] In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition is provided, the pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, comprising (a) the sequences of CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of the heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity-determining region (CDR) 1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3 and light chain variable region (VL) sequence numbers 5 to 10, respectively; (b) a variable heavy chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 and a variable light chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, or (c) a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

[0120] Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising (i) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes sequences of heavy chain variable region (VH) complementarity-determining region (CDR) 1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3 and light chain variable region (VL) CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs. 5 to 10, respectively, and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the composition is non-fucosylated. In one embodiment, (i) the antibody or antigen-binding fragment includes a heavy chain variable region including the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 and a light chain variable region including the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, or (ii) the antibody includes a heavy chain including the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 and a light chain including the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.

[0121] 5.3 B7-H4 antibody Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies (e.g., chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, or monoclonal antibodies such as human antibodies) that specifically bind to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) and their antigen-binding fragments. Exemplary B7-H4 antibodies and their antigen-binding fragments that can be used in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are known in the art. The amino acid sequences of human, cynomolgus monkey, mouse, and rat B7-H4 are known in the art and are also provided herein, as represented by Sequence IDs 1-4, respectively. Human B7-H4: MASLGQILFWSIISIIIILAGAIALIIGFGISGRHSITVTTVASAGNIGEDGILSCTFEPDIKLSDIVIQWLKEGVLGLVHEFKEGKDELSEQDEMFRGRTAVFADQVIVGNASLRLKNVQLTDAGTYKCYIITSKGKGNANLEYKTGAFSMPEVNVDYNASSETLRCEAPRWFPQPTVVWASQVDQGANFSEVSNTSFELNSENVTMKVVSVLYNVTINNTYSCMIENDIAKATGDIKVTESEIKRRSHLQLLNSKASLCVSSFFAISWALLPLSPYLMLK(Sequence ID 1) Crab-eating macaque B7-H4: MASLGQILFWSIISIIFILAGAIALIIGFGISGRHSITVTTVASAGNIGEDGILSCTFEPDIKLSDIVIQWLKEGVIGLVHEFKEGKDELSEQDEMFRGRTAVFADQVIVGNASLRLKNVQLTDAGTYKCYIITSKGKGNANLEYKTGAFSMPEVNVDYNASSETLRCEAPRWFPQPTVVWASQVDQGANFSEVSNTSFELNSENVTMKVVSVLYNVTINNTYSCMIENDIAKATGDIKVTESEIKRRSHLQLLNSKASLCVSSFLAISWALLPLAPYLMLK(Sequence ID 2) Mouse B7-H4 MASLGQIIFWSIINIIIILAGAIALIIGFGISGKHFITVTTFTSAGNIGEDGTLSCTFEPDIKLNGIVIQWLKEGIKGLVHEFKEGKDDLSQQHEMFRGRTAVFADQVVVGNASLRLKNVQLTDAGTYTCYIRTSKGKGNANLEYKTGAFSMPEINVDYNASSESLRCEAPRWFPQPTVAWASQVDQGANFSEVSNTSFELNSENVTMKVVSVLYNVTINNTYSCMIENDIAKATGDIKVTDSEVKRRSQLQLLNSGPSPCVFSSAFVAGWALLSLSCCLMLR(Sequence ID 3) Rat B7-H4 MASLGQIIFWSIINVIIILAGAIVLIIGFGISGKHFITVTTFTSAGNIGEDGTLSCTFEPDIKLNGIVIQWLKEGIKGLVHEFKEGKDDLSQQHEMFRGRTAVFADQVVVGNASLRLKNVQLTDAGTYTCYIHTSKGKGNANLEYKTGAFSMPEINVDYNASSESLRCEAPRWFPQPTVAWASQVDQGANFSEVSNTSFELNSENVTMKVVSVLYNVTINNTYSCMIENDIAKATGDIKVTDSEVKRRSQLELLNSGPSPCVSSVSAAGWALLSLSCCLMLR (Sequence ID 4)

[0122] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4. In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human and cynomolgus monkey B7-H4. In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human, mouse, and rat B7-H4. In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein binds to human, cynomolgus monkey, mouse, and rat B7-H4.

[0123] B7-H4 contains an IgC extracellular domain (amino acids 153-241 of SEQ ID NO: 1) and an IgV extracellular domain (amino acids 35-146 of SEQ ID NO: 1). In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to the IgV domain of human B7-H4. Therefore, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antibody and its antigen-binding fragment that specifically bind to a polypeptide consisting of amino acids 35-146 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and comprises six CDRs of 20502 antibodies listed as provided in Tables 1 and 2. [Table 1] 1 The VH CDRs in Table 1 are determined according to Kabat. [Table 2] 2 The VL CDR in Table 2 is determined according to Kabat.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes the VH of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0126] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes VL 20502, as listed in Table 4. [Table 4-1] [Table 4-2]

[0127] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes VH and VL of the 20502 antibody listed in Tables 3 and 4.

[0128] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes the VH framework region of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 5. [Table 5] 3 The VH framework regions listed in Table 5 are determined based on the Kabat numbering scheme boundaries for the CDRs. Thus, the CDRs of the VH are determined by Kabat, and the framework regions are the amino acid residues surrounding the CDRs within the variable regions of the form FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, and FR4.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes the VL framework region of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 6. [Table 6] 4 The VL framework regions listed in Table 6 are determined based on the Kabat numbering scheme boundaries for the CDRs. Thus, the VL CDRs are determined by Kabat, and the framework regions are the amino acid residues surrounding the variable region CDRs in the form FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, and FR4.

[0130] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes four VH framework regions and four VL framework regions of the 20502 antibody listed in Tables 5 and 6.

[0131] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes the heavy chain sequence of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 7. [Table 7]

[0132] In certain embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes the light chain sequence of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 8. [Table 8]

[0133] In certain embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes the heavy and light chain sequences of the 20502 antibody listed in Tables 7 and 8.

[0134] In certain embodiments, antibodies or antigen-binding fragments in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are described by their VL domain alone, or their VH domain alone, or by their three VL CDRs alone, or by their three VH CDRs alone. For example, see Rader C et al., (1998) PNAS95:8910-8915, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describing the humanization of a mouse anti-αvβ3 antibody by identifying complementary light or heavy chains from a library of human light or heavy chains, respectively, and generating a humanized antibody variant having the same or higher affinity as the original antibody. See also Clackson T et al., (1991) Nature, 352:624-628, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describing a method for producing antibodies that specifically bind a particular antigen by using a specific VL domain (or VH domain) and screening a library for complementary VH domains (or VL domains). This selection, as determined by ELISA, produced 14 new partners for specific VH domains and 13 new partners for specific VL domains, all of which were potent binders. A method for producing antibodies that specifically bind to specific antigens by using specific VH domains and screening a library (e.g., a human VL library) for complementary VL domains is described and incorporated herein in its entirety by reference; see also Kim, SJ and Hong, HJ, (2007), J. Microbiol. 45:572-577; the selected VL domains can then be used to lead to the selection of additional complementary (e.g., human) VH domains.

[0135] In certain embodiments, the CDR of an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment can be determined according to the Chothia numbering scheme, which points to the position of the structural loop of the immunoglobulin (see, for example, Chothia, C and Lesk, AM, (1987), J.Mol.Biol.196:901-917; Al-Lazikani, B. et al., (1997), J.Mol.Biol.273:927-948; Chothia, C. et al., (1992), J.Mol.Biol.227:799-817; Tramontano, A. et al., (1990), J.Mol.Biol.215(1):175-82; and U.S. Patent No. 7,709,226). Typically, when using Kabat numbering rules, the CDR-H1 loop of Chothia is located at heavy chain amino acids 26-32, 33, or 34, the CDR-H2 loop is located at heavy chain amino acids 52-56, and the CDR-H3 loop is located at heavy chain amino acids 95-102, while the CDR-L1 loop is located at light chain amino acids 24-34, the CDR-L2 loop is located at light chain amino acids 50-56, and the CDR-L3 loop is located at light chain amino acids 89-97. When numbered using the Kabat numbering rules, the end of Chothia's CDR-H1 loop differs between H32 and H34 depending on the loop length (this is because the Kabat numbering scheme places insertions at H35A and H35B; if neither 35A nor 35B exists, the loop ends at 32; if only 35A exists, the loop ends at 33; and if both 35A and 35B exist, the loop ends at 34).

[0136] In certain embodiments, the herein provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody and its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) and contains the VH and VL CDRs of Chothia of the 20502 antibody listed in Tables 3 and 4. In certain embodiments, the herein provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) and contains one or more CDRs, wherein the CDRs of Chothia and Kabat have the same amino acid sequence. In certain embodiments, the herein provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody and its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) and contains a combination of the CDR of Kabat and the CDR of Chothia.

[0137] In certain embodiments, the CDRs of an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment can be determined according to an IMGT numbering scheme as described in Lefranc, MP, (1999), The Immunologist, 7:132-136 and Lefranc, MP, et al., (1999), Nucleic Acids Res. 27:209-212. According to the IMGT numbering scheme, VH-CDR1 is at positions 26-35, VH-CDR2 is at positions 51-57, VH-CDR3 is at positions 93-102, VL-CDR1 is at positions 27-32, VL-CDR2 is at positions 50-52, and VL-CDR3 is at positions 89-97. In certain embodiments, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) and include the VH and VL CDRs of the IMGT of the 20502 antibody listed in Tables 3 and 4, e.g., Lefranc, MP (1999) above and Lefranc, MP et al., (1999).

[0138] In certain embodiments, the CDR of an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment can be determined according to MacCallum, RM. et al., (1996), J. Mol. Biol. 262:732-745, see also Martin, A. "Protein Sequence and Structure Analysis of Antibody Variable Domains," in Antibody Engineering, Kontermann and Dubel, eds., Chapter 31, pp. 422-439, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (2001). In certain embodiments, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) and includes the VH and VL CDRs of antibody 20502 listed in Tables 3 and 4 as determined by the method of MacCallum, RM. et al.

[0139] In certain embodiments, the CDR of an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment can be determined according to an AbM numbering scheme, which represents a compromise between Kabat's CDR and Chothia's structural loop and refers to the hypervariable region of AbM used by Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling software (Oxford Molecular Group, Inc.). In certain embodiments, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) and includes the VH and VL CDRs of antibody 20502, listed in Tables 3 and 4, as determined by the AbM numbering scheme.

[0140] In certain embodiments, the herein provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody comprising a heavy chain and a light chain.

[0141] Regarding the light chain, in specific embodiments, the light chain of the antibody described herein is a kappa light chain. The constant region of the human kappa light chain may include the following amino acid sequence: RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC (Sequence ID 23).

[0142] The constant region of the human kappa light chain can be encoded by the following nucleotide sequence. CGGACCGTGGCTGCACCATCTGTCTTCATCTTCCCGCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCTGGAACTGCCTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTCTATCCCAGAGAGGCCAAAGTACAGTGGAAGGTGGATAACGCCCTCCAATCGGGTAACTCCCAGGAGAGT GTCACAGAGCAGGACAGCAAGGACAGCACCTACAGCCTCAGCAGCACCCTGACGCTGAGCAAAGCAGACTACGAGAAACACAAAGTCTACGCTGCGAAGTCACCCATCAGGGCCTGAGCTCGCCCGTCACAAAGAGCTTCAACAGGGGAGAGTGT (SEQ ID NO: 24).

[0143] In certain embodiments, an antibody that immunospecifically binds to a B7-H4 polypeptide (e.g., human B7-H4), the pharmaceutical composition described herein, comprises a light chain whose VL domain amino acid sequence is shown in Table 4, wherein the constant region of the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence of the human kappa light chain constant region.

[0144] In certain embodiments, the antibody in the pharmaceutical composition described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) comprises a heavy chain whose VH domain amino acid sequence is shown in Table 3, wherein the constant region of the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence of the human gamma (γ) heavy chain constant region.

[0145] The constant region of human IgG monochain can contain the following amino acid sequence: ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK (Sequence ID 25).

[0146] The constant region of human IgG single-chain can be encoded by the following nucleotide sequence. GCCTCCACCAAGGGCCCATCGGTCTTCCCCCTGGCACCCTCCTCCAAGAGCACCTCTGGGGGCACAGCGGCCCTGGGCTGCCTGGTCAAGGACTACTTCCCCGAACCGGTGACGGTGTCGTGGAACTCAGGCGCCCTGACCAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTCCCGGCTGTCCTACAGTCCTCAGGACTCTACTCCCTCAGCAGCGTGGTGACCGTGCCCTCCAGCAGCTTGGGCACCCAGACCTACATCTGCAACGTGAATCACAAGCCCAGCAACACCAAGGTGGACAAGAAAGTTGAGCCCAAATCTTGTGACAAAACTCACACATGCCCACCGTGCCCAGCACCTGAACTCCTGGGGGGACCGTCAGTCTTCCTCTTCCCCCCAAAACCCAAGGACACCCTCATGATCTCCCGGACCCCTGAGGTCACATGCGTGGTGGTGGACGTGAGCCACGAAGACCCTGAGGTCAAGTTCAACTGGTACGTGGACGGCGTGGAGGTGCATAATGCCAAGACAAAGCCGCGGGAGGAGCAGTACAACAGCACGTACCGGGTGGTCAGCGTCCTCACCGTCCTGCACCAGGACTGGCTGAATGGCAAGGAGTACAAGTGCAAGGTCTCCAACAAAGCCCTCCCAGCCCCCATCGAGAAAACCATCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGGCAGCCCCGAGAACCACAGGTGTACACCCTGCCCCCATCCCGGGATGAGCTGACCAAGAACCAGGTCAGCCTGACCTGCCTGGTCAAAGGCTTCTATCCCAGCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGGGAGAGCAATGGGCAGCCGGAGAACAACTACAAGACCACGCCTCCCGTGCTGGACTCCGACGGCTCCTTCTTCCTCTACAGCAAGCTCACCGTGGACAAGAGCAGGTGGCAGCAGGGGAACGTCTTCTCATGCTCCGTGATGCATGAGGCTCTGCACAACCACTACACGCAGAAGAGCCTCTCCCTGTCTCCGGGTAAA(SEQ ID NO: 26).

[0147] In a specific embodiment, the antibody in the pharmaceutical composition described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) comprises a VH domain and a VL domain containing the amino acid sequences of any VH and VL domains described herein, and the constant region comprises the amino acid sequence of the constant region of an IgG (e.g., human IgG) immunoglobulin molecule. In another specific embodiment, the antibody for use in the pharmaceutical composition described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) comprises the amino acid sequences of any VH and VL domains described herein and the VL domain of the VH domain, wherein the constant region comprises the amino acid sequence of the constant region of an IgG1 (e.g., human IgG1) immunoglobulin molecule.

[0148] Antibodies with reduced fucose content have been reported to exhibit increased affinity for Fc receptors, such as FcγRIIIA. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments in the pharmaceutical compositions described herein have reduced fucose content or lack fucose (i.e., are "non-fucosylated"). Such antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments can be produced using techniques known to those skilled in the art. For example, they can be expressed in cells lacking or deficient in the ability to fucosylate. In certain examples, antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments with reduced fucose content can be produced using cell lines in which both alleles of the α1,6-fucosyltransferase gene (FUT8) are knocked out. The Potelligent® system (Lonza) is an example of such a system that can be used to produce antibodies and their antigen-binding fragments with reduced fucose content. Alternatively, antibodies or antigen-binding fragments with reduced or absent fucose content can be produced, for example, by (i) culturing cells under conditions that prevent or reduce fucosylation; (ii) post-translational removal of fucose (e.g., by fucosidase enzymes); (iii) post-translational addition of the desired carbohydrate after recombinant expression of a non-glycosylated glycoprotein (e.g.); or (iv) purification of glycoproteins for selecting non-fucosylated antibodies or antigen-binding fragments. For methods of producing antibodies with no or reduced fucose content, see, for example, Longmore, GD. & Schachter, H. (1982), Carbohydr. Res. 100:365-92 and Imai-Nishiya, H. et al., (2007), BMC Biotechnol. 7:84.

[0149] In some embodiments, non-fucosylated B7-H4 antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments exhibit enhanced ADCC activity in vitro compared to fucosylated B7-H4 antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments having the same amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, non-fucosylated B7-H4 antibodies or their antigen-binding fragments cause specific lysis at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, at least 50, at least 60, at least 65, at least 70, or at least 75 percent points higher than specific lysis by fucosylated B7-H4 antibodies.

[0150] In some embodiments, the B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment exhibits enhanced affinity for Fc-gamma-RIIIA compared to a fucosylated B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment having the same amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, the non-fucosylated B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment binds to Fc-gamma-RIIIA with at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, or 20 times higher affinity than the fucosylated B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the affinity for Fc-gamma-RIIIA is determined using surface plasmon resonance. In some embodiments, Fc-gamma-RIIIA is selected from Fc-gamma-RIIIA(V158) and Fc-gamma-RIIIA(F158). In some embodiments, Fc-gamma-RIIIA is Fc-gamma-RIIIA(V158).

[0151] In some embodiments, the presence of fucose can be determined by methods including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), capillary electrophoresis, or MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

[0152] In specific embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment comprises (i) the CDR sequence of 20502, the VH and VL sequences of 20502, or the heavy and light chain sequences of 20502, and (ii) is not fucosylated.

[0153] In specific embodiments, the composition comprises (i) the CDR sequence, VH and VL sequences of 20502, or the heavy and light chain sequences of 20502, and (ii) a non-fucosylated antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, for example, at least 95% of the antibody in the composition is non-fucosylated, or fucosylation is undetectable in the composition.

[0154] The manipulated sugar forms may be useful for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to enhancing or reducing effector functions. Methods for generating manipulated sugar forms in antibodies or antigen-binding fragments described herein include, for example, Umana, P. et al., (1999), Nat. Biotechnol. 17:176-180; Davies, J. et al., (2001), Biotechnol. Bioeng. 74:288-294; Shields, RL. et al., (2002), J. Biol. Chem. 277:26733-26740; Shinkawa, T. et al., (2003), J. Biol. Chem. 278:3466-3473; Niwa, R. et al., (2004), Clin. Cancer Res. 1:6248-6255; Presta, LG. et al., (2002), Biochem. Soc. Trans. 30:487-490; Kanda, Y. et al. This includes, but is not limited to, those disclosed in al., (2007), Glycobiology, 17:104-118; U.S. Patent Nos. 6,602,684, 6,946,292, and 7,214,775; U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2007 / 0248600, 2007 / 0178551, 2008 / 0060092, and 2006 / 0253928; International Publication Nos. WO00 / 61739, WO01 / 292246, WO02 / 311140, and WO02 / 30954; Potelligent® technology (Biowa, Inc., Princeton, NJ); and GlycoMAb® glycosylation technology (Glycart biotechnology AG, Zurich, Switzerland). See also, for example, Ferrara, C. et al., (2006), Biotechnol. Bioeng. 93:851-861; International Publication Numbers WO07 / 039818; WO12 / 130831; WO99 / 054342; WO03 / 011878; and WO04 / 065540.

[0155] In certain embodiments, any of the constant region mutations or modifications described herein can be introduced into one or both of the heavy chain constant regions of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein having two heavy chain constant regions.

[0156] In another specific embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) comprises a heavy chain comprising a VH domain containing the amino acid sequences of VH CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 1; (ii) a light chain comprising a VL domain containing the amino acid sequences of VL CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 2; (iii) a heavy chain further comprising a constant heavy chain domain containing the amino acid sequence of the constant domain of the human IgG1 heavy chain; and (iv) a light chain further comprising a constant light chain domain containing the amino acid sequence of the constant domain of the human kappa light chain.

[0157] In another specific embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) comprises a heavy chain comprising a VH domain comprising the amino acid sequence of the VH domain of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 3; (ii) a light chain comprising a VL domain comprising the amino acid sequence of the VL domain of the 20502 antibody listed in Table 4; (iii) a heavy chain further comprising a constant heavy chain domain comprising the amino acid sequence of the constant domain of the human IgG1 heavy chain; and (iv) a light chain further comprising a constant light chain domain comprising the amino acid sequence of the constant domain of the human kappa light chain.

[0158] In specific embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) exhibits T cell checkpoint blocking activity. In specific embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) increases interferon-gamma (IFNγ) production in T cells. In specific embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) increases T cell proliferation. In specific embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) increases CD4+ T cell proliferation. In specific embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) increases CD8+ T cell proliferation.

[0159] In specific embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) exhibits antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity. In specific embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) exhibits antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against a cell line (e.g., SK-BR-3 cells) containing at least 300,000 cell surface B7-H4 molecules. In specific embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) exhibits antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against a cell line (e.g., HCC1569 cells) containing at least 100,000 cell surface B7-H4 molecules. In specific embodiments, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) exhibits antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity in a cell line (e.g., ZR-75-1 cells) containing at least 50,000 cell surface B7-H4 molecules. In specific embodiments, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) exhibits antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against a cell line (e.g., MDA-MB-468 cells) containing at least 30,000 cell surface B7-H4 molecules. In specific embodiments, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein that immunospecifically binds to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) exhibits antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against a cell line (e.g., HCC1964 cells) containing at least 15,000 cell surface B7-H4 molecules.

[0160] In specific embodiments, the antigen-binding fragments described herein that immunospecifically bind to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) are selected from the group consisting of Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, and scFv, where Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, or scFv comprises the heavy chain variable region sequence and the light chain variable region sequence of the anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment described herein. Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, or scFv can be produced by any technique known to those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, or scFv further includes a portion that extends the half-life of the antibody in vivo. This portion is also called the “half-life extension portion.” Any portion known to those skilled in the art can be used to extend the half-life of Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, or scFv in vivo. For example, the half-life extension portion may include an Fc region, a polymer, albumin, or an albumin-binding protein or compound. The polymers may include naturally occurring or synthetic, optionally substituted linear or branched polyalkylenes, polyalkenes, polyoxyalkylenes, polysaccharides, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, methoxypolyethylene glycol, lactose, amylose, dextran, glycogen, or derivatives thereof. Substituents may include one or more hydroxyl groups, methyl groups, or methoxy groups. In certain embodiments, Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, or scFv may be modified by the addition of one or more C-terminal amino acids for the attachment of a half-life extension moiety. In certain embodiments, the half-life extension moiety is polyethylene glycol or human serum albumin. In certain embodiments, Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, or scFv is fused to an Fc region.

[0161] 5.4 Antibody production and polynucleotides Antibodies and their antigen-binding fragments that immunospecifically bind to B7-H4 (e.g., human B7-H4) can be produced by any method known in the art for the synthesis of antibodies and their antigen-binding fragments, for example, by chemical synthesis or by recombinant expression techniques. Unless otherwise specified, the methods described herein employ conventional techniques in molecular biology, microbiology, genetic analysis, recombinant DNA, organic chemistry, biochemistry, PCR, oligonucleotide synthesis and modification, nucleic acid hybridization, and related fields within the scope of the art. These techniques are described, for example, in the references cited herein and are fully explained in the literature. For example, Sambrook, J. et al., (2001), Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY; Ausubel, FM. et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons (1987 and annual updates); Current Protocols in Immunology, John Wiley & Sons (1987 and annual updates). See updates) Gait (ed.) (1984), Oligonucleotide Synthesis: A Practical Approach, IRL Press; Eckstein (ed.) (1991), Oligonucleotides and Analogues: A Practical Approach, IRL Press; Birren, B. et al., (eds.) (1999), Genome Analysis: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

[0162] In certain embodiments, the herein provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment, wherein the antibody or fragment is produced by the recombinant expression of a polynucleotide containing a nucleotide sequence in a host cell.

[0163] In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein includes a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence shown in Table 9 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 27). In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein includes a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence shown in Table 9 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 27) and a nucleotide sequence encoding a human gamma (γ) heavy chain constant region. In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein includes a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence shown in Table 9 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 27) and a heavy chain constant domain encoded by a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26. [Table 9-1] [Table 9-2]

[0164] In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein includes a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence shown in Table 10 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 28). In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein includes a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence shown in Table 10 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 28) and a nucleotide sequence encoding the human lambda light chain constant region. In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein includes a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence shown in Table 10 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 28) and a light chain constant domain encoded by a polynucleotide containing the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24. [Table 10]

[0165] In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein comprises a variable heavy chain encoded by a polynucleotide containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable heavy chain shown in Table 9 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 27) and a variable light chain encoded by a polynucleotide containing a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable light chain shown in Table 10 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 28).

[0166] In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein comprises (i) a heavy chain encoded by a polynucleotide including a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable heavy chain as shown in Table 9 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 27) and a nucleotide sequence encoding a human gamma (γ) heavy chain constant region; and (ii) a light chain encoded by a polynucleotide including a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable light chain as shown in Table 10 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 28) and a nucleotide sequence encoding a human lambda light chain constant region.

[0167] In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein comprises (i) a heavy chain encoded by a polynucleotide including a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable heavy chain as shown in Table 9 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 27) and a nucleotide sequence encoding the heavy chain constant domain of SEQ ID NO: 26, and (ii) a light chain encoded by a polynucleotide including a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable light chain as shown in Table 10 (i.e., SEQ ID NO: 28) and a nucleotide sequence encoding the light chain constant domain of SEQ ID NO: 24.

[0168] In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein is encoded by a polynucleotide encoding the anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment or its domain, which has been optimized, for example, by codon / RNA optimization, substitution with heterologous signal sequences, or elimination of mRNA instability elements. Methods for generating nucleic acids optimized for recombinant expression, encoding the B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment or its domain (e.g., heavy chain, light chain, VH domain, or VL domain) by introducing codon changes (e.g., changes in codons encoding the same amino acid due to degeneracy of the gene code) and / or eliminating inhibitory regions in mRNA, can be carried out, for example, by appropriately adapting the optimization methods described in U.S. Patents No. 5,965,726; No. 6,174,666; No. 6,291,664; No. 6,414,132; and No. 6,794,498.

[0169] Polynucleotides can be, for example, in the form of RNA or DNA. DNA includes cDNA, genomic DNA, and synthetic DNA. DNA can be single-stranded or double-stranded. If single-stranded, DNA can be a coding strand or a non-coding (antisense) strand. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is cDNA or DNA lacking one or more introns. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is a polynucleotide that does not exist in nature. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is produced by recombination. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is isolated. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is substantially pure. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is purified from natural components.

[0170] In certain embodiments, the vector (e.g., an expression vector) comprises an anti-B7-H4 antibody and its antigen-binding fragment or a nucleotide sequence encoding its domain for recombinant expression in a host cell, preferably a mammalian cell. In certain embodiments, the cell, e.g., a host cell, comprises such a vector for recombinant expression of the anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment (e.g., a human antibody or a humanized antibody or its antigen-binding fragment) described herein. Thus, a method for producing an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment for use in the pharmaceutical compositions described herein may include expressing such an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in a host cell.

[0171] The expression vector can be transferred to cells (e.g., host cells) by conventional techniques, and the resulting cells can then be cultured by conventional techniques to produce the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof described herein (e.g., antibody 20502 or antigen-binding fragments containing six CDRs, VH, VL, VH and VL, heavy chain, light chain, or heavy chain and light chain) or their domains (e.g., VH, VL, VH and VL, heavy chain, or light chain of 20502).

[0172] In certain embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein (e.g., an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment containing CDR 20502) is produced in Potelligent® CHOK1SV cells.

[0173] In some embodiments, the anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein (e.g., an antibody or its antigen-binding fragment containing the 20502 CDR) is produced in host cells lacking the functional alpha-1,6-fucosyltransferase gene (FUT8). In some embodiments, the host cells are CHO cells.

[0174] In specific embodiments, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment in the pharmaceutical composition provided herein is isolated or purified. Generally, the isolated antibody or its antigen-binding fragment is substantially free of other antibodies or its antigen-binding fragment having different antigen specificity than the isolated antibody or its antigen-binding fragment. For example, in certain embodiments, the preparations of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment described herein are substantially free of cellular material and / or chemical precursors.

[0175] 5.5 Therapeutic Use and Treatment Methods In one embodiment, the foregoing provides a method for modulating one or more immune functions in a subject, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition provided herein, comprising a B7-H4 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, to a subject requiring such modification.

[0176] In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein, comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, is administered to a patient (e.g., a human patient) to increase the proliferation of T cells, CD4+ T cells, or CD8+ T cells in the patient. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein, comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, is administered to a patient (e.g., a human patient) to increase interferon-gamma (IFNγ) production in the patient. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein, comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, is administered to a patient (e.g., a human patient) to block the inhibitory activity of B7-H4 against T cells in the patient. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein, comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, is administered to a patient (e.g., a human patient) to deplete B7-H4-expressing cancer cells in the patient. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein, comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, is administered to achieve two or more of the above effects.

[0177] In certain embodiments, provided herein is a method for treating cancer, for example, cancer expressing B7-H4, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment provided herein to a patient in need (e.g., a human patient). In certain embodiments, provided herein is a method for treating solid tumors, for example, solid tumors expressing B7-H4, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-B7-H4 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment provided herein to a patient in need (e.g., a human patient).

[0178] In certain embodiments, the herein provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating cancers selected from the group consisting of breast cancer (e.g., advanced breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer, or ductal carcinoma), endometrial carcinoma, ovarian cancer, urothelial carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma), pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer (e.g., renal cell carcinoma), and bladder cancer (e.g., urothelial cell carcinoma). In certain embodiments, the herein provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating advanced breast cancer (including triple-negative breast cancer and hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer), ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, or urothelial carcinoma. In certain embodiments, the herein provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating breast cancer. In certain embodiments, the herein provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating ovarian cancer. In certain embodiments, the herein provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating endometrial cancer. In certain embodiments, the herein provides pharmaceutical compositions for treating urothelial carcinoma.

[0179] In some embodiments, the cancer is one that expresses B7-H4.

[0180] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition provided herein is administered to a patient diagnosed with cancer (e.g., a human patient) to increase the proliferation of T cells, CD4+ T cells, or CD8+ T cells in the patient. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition provided herein is administered to a patient diagnosed with cancer (e.g., a human patient) to increase the production of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) in the patient. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition provided herein is administered to a patient diagnosed with cancer (e.g., a human patient) to block the inhibitory activity of B7-H4 against T cells in the patient. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition provided herein is administered to a patient diagnosed with cancer (e.g., a human patient) to deplete B7-H4-expressing cancer cells in the patient.

[0181] The pharmaceutical compositions described herein can be delivered to patients via intravenous routes. Typically, patients are humans, but non-human mammals, including transgenic mammals, can also be treated. [Examples]

[0182] 6. The examples in this section (i.e., Section 6) are provided for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the scope of the invention.

[0183] Example 1: Method used in formulation testing I. Antibody Production Since the 20502 antibody was generated in a CHO cell line lacking the FUT8 gene (α1,6-fucosyltransferase), the 20502 antibodies used in all of Examples 2-9 are unfucosylated. They lack terminal fucose at ASN297 in the Fc portion of the antibody.

[0184] II. General Formulation Procedures Monoclonal antibody (mAb) samples were prepared in various formulations by dialysis of a polysorbate-free active pharmaceutical ingredient (non-fucosylated 20502) using a dialysis membrane device with a 20 kD molecular weight cutoff (MWCO). After dialysis, the mAb concentration was 1.47 cm³. -1 [g / L] -1 The extinction coefficient was measured by UV spectroscopy. The protein concentration of the buffer-exchanged samples was adjusted to the desired value with dialysis buffer, and a 10% PS20 stock solution was added to each formulation at a final concentration of 0.05% (w / v) PS20. The formulations were sterile filtered using a 0.22 μm filter unit and placed in appropriate containers / closed systems using a laminar flow hood. The samples were placed under various storage conditions for each test design, and their stability was analyzed using various methods at specified times.

[0185] III.Analysis method Visual inspection (AD-Gen-002 / 00): Under fluorescent lighting, a visual evaluation was performed against both black and white backgrounds. The samples were examined for color, transparency, and the presence of visible particles.

[0186] Protein concentration (TM-150-001 / 00): The protein concentration is 1.47 cm³. -1 [g / L] -1 The absorption coefficient was used to determine the UV absorbance at 280 nm. The sample was diluted with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) to within the linear range of absorbance, and measured against DPBS as a blank. Absorbance was measured using an Agilent Cary 8454 UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Agilent Technologies, CA).

[0187] pH(AD-GEN-001 / 00): The pH of the buffer solution was determined using a calibrated Beckman Coulter pHi560 meter (Beckman Coulter, Inc., CA).

[0188] Osmotic pressure (TM-GEN-004 / 00): Buffered osmotic pressure was measured by vapor pressure using the Wescor VAPRO system (Wescor, Inc., UT).

[0189] Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Analysis: DSC measurements were performed using the MicroCal VP-Capillary DSC platform (GE Healthcare, UK). mAb samples were diluted to a concentration of 1 mg / mL with various formulation buffers. The corresponding formulation buffer was used as a reference. Samples were scanned from 15°C to 110°C at a rate of 1°C / min. Data were first normalized against protein concentration, then corrected for baseline, and buffer was subtracted using Origin 7.0 software (OriginLab, MA). Melting transitions were analyzed using a non-dual-state unfolding model within the Origin software with a cursor-initiated DSC peak-fit function.

[0190] UNit System Unfolding Temperature (Tm): The unfolding temperature (Tm) of a protein provides a measure of the physical stability of the molecule. Unfolding temperature is defined as the temperature at which equal amounts of native protein and denatured protein exist in equilibrium. The UNit system by Unchained Labs (CA) determines the temperature at which thermally induced unfolding of a protein occurs using unique fluorescence spectroscopic changes. A 1 mg / mL sample was scanned at a rate of 1 °C / min from 20 °C to 90 °C. Tm was determined using Unchained Labs (CA)'s UNcle software.

[0191] Charge variants were analyzed by imaging capillary isoelectric focusing (iCE) (TM-150-003 / 02) using a Protein Simple iCE3 instrument equipped with a 720 NV automated sampler (ProteinSimple, CA). Data were analyzed using iCE CFR software, and the relative amounts of major, acidic, and basic peaks were determined by integrating the areas of the peaks observed in the profiles. These were then used to calculate the ratios of acidic and basic variants.

[0192] Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) (TM-150-004 / 00): Samples were analyzed using an Agilent 1100 series HPLC with a diode array detector, and absorbance was monitored at 280 nm. Samples were diluted to 1 mg / ml with a mobile phase (100 mM sodium phosphate, 400 mM sodium chloride, pH 6.8) and injected into 50 μL of a pre-equilibrated Sepax Zenix SEC-300 7.8 X 200 mm column (Sepax Technologies, Inc., Delaware). The SEC separation column and guard column were used at 25°C. A flow rate of 1.0 mL / min was used for a run time of 12 minutes. Aggregate, monomer, and fragment peaks were quantified using instrumental software for data analysis.

[0193] Capillary electrophoresis using sodium dodecyl sulfate gel (CE-SDS) (TM-150-002 / 00): CE-SDS was used to determine the purity of B7-H4 antibody 20502 under reducing and non-reducing conditions. Samples were analyzed using an uncoated 50 μM ID capillary on a Beckman Coulter PA800 plus system (Beckman Coulter, CA). Absorbance was monitored at 220 nm. The purity of 20502 under reducing conditions was determined by measuring the peak areas of the heavy and light chain peaks and comparing them to the total area of ​​all detected peaks. The purity of 20502 under non-reducing conditions was determined by measuring the peak area of ​​the major intact protein peak and comparing it to the total area of ​​all detected peaks.

[0194] Invisible particulate matter (AD-GEN-006) was analyzed using HIAC: a HIAC 9703+ particle counter (Hach, CO) equipped with an HRDL-150 detector and a 1 mL syringe was used. Before use, a clean baseline was created by running particle-free Milli-Q water (Millipore, MA) through the system. Four consecutive 0.4 mL aliquots were taken from the sample, and the particle count from the last three aliquots was averaged and reported.

[0195] Example 2: Biochemical analysis of amino acid residues of antibody 20502 Anti-B7-H4 antibody 20502 is a monoclonal antibody. A knowledge-based formulation development approach was used to identify the appropriate composition that provides maximum stability to the protein. This involved considering both the inherent properties of the molecule and any exogenous formulation components that could affect protein stability.

[0196] Table 11 shows the full-length heavy and light chain amino acid sequences of antibody 20502. [Table 11]

[0197] Analysis of the primary sequence of 20502 revealed that several amino acid residues may undergo biochemical modifications. These include deamidation of asparagine, isomerization of aspartic acid, and oxidation of methionine, cysteine, histidine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. Asparagine, aspartic acid, and methionine that undergo deamidation, isomerization, and oxidation are indicated by bold and gray squares in the sequences in Table 11, respectively. Potential biochemical degradation spots in 20502 are shown in Table 12. These potential degradation spots are located outside the CDR region. [Table 12]

[0198] To develop a liquid formulation that could provide good stability for 20502, various conditions such as pH, buffer type, and excipients were evaluated. Protein stability was monitored in each case based on the biophysical and biochemical properties of 20502. Details of the tests and their results are described here.

[0199] Example 3: Initial pH screening test The pH of a formulation affects the stability of proteins. The pH of a formulation can influence biochemical degradation pathways such as deamidation, isomerization, and oxidation, as well as biophysical degradation such as aggregation and fragmentation due to protein-protein interactions and interactions with the environment.

[0200] pH screening tests were performed to determine the pH range that provides maximum stability for 20502 and to understand the protein degradation mechanism under these conditions. Details of the formulation composition evaluated in the tests are listed in Table 13. [Table 13]

[0201] To determine the thermal stability of the protein under different pH conditions, the unfolding temperature was measured using a UNit instrument by intrinsic fluorescence changes at different temperatures. The shift in the fluorescence emission wavelength of tryptophan (centroid mean, BCM) indicates that the unfolding event occurs when the sample is heated. Figure 1 shows the measured unfolding temperatures (Tm1) of 20502 under various pH conditions. The results show that Tm1 is pH-dependent. At even higher pH levels (e.g., pH ≥ 7), an unfolding temperature of 74°C was observed. At pH 5 and 6, the unfolding temperatures were 66°C and 70°C, respectively. At pH 4, the unfolding temperature was 55°C. Furthermore, the onset temperature appeared to be approximately 50°C using pH 4, but was above 62°C using pH 5–8. These results demonstrate that compositions at pH ≥ 5 offer better thermal stability than formulations at pH 4.

[0202] The stability of 20502 at various pH levels was also evaluated under stress conditions of up to 4 weeks at 40°C. All samples remained clear and colorless, and no particles were observed during the test period. Changes in aggregates and fragments were determined by SE-HPLC. At time zero (T0), no clear aggregates were observed for 20502 at a concentration of 1 mg / ml in the formulations examined. After 4 weeks at 40°C, soluble aggregates increased significantly in formulations at pH 4, 7, and 8; only a slight increase in aggregates was observed in formulations at pH 5 or 6 (Figure 2). A similar effect of pH on fragment formation was observed (Figure 3). The results of this test, as indicated by the SE-HPLC measurements of the exhibited properties, showed that 20502 is most stable around pH 5–6.

[0203] Example 4: Detailed pH screening test Preliminary pH screening tests indicated that antibody 20502 was most stable around pH 5–6. Detailed pH testing was performed to identify the pH range providing maximum stability within 4.5–6.5. The detailed formulations are listed in Table 14. This testing was conducted using citrate buffer to minimize the possible influence of buffer type on mAb stability. The stability of antibody 20502 at 10 mg / mL was examined based on visual appearance, aggregation, fragmentation (by SE-HPLC), and charge variants (iCE) under stress conditions (40°C) for up to 3 weeks. [Table 14-1] [Table 14-2]

[0204] All samples remained clear and colorless, and no particles were observed throughout the test period. SE-HPLC results showed low levels of aggregates for 20502 at a concentration of 10 mg / ml at the start of the test (T0). Three weeks of thermal stress at 40°C resulted in a pH-dependent increase in aggregates in the order of 4.5 < 5.0 < 5.5 < 6.0 < 6.5, while fragmentation showed the opposite trend (Figures 4 and 5).

[0205] iCE data showed an increase in acidic mutants after 3 weeks at 40°C. The increase in acidic mutants was pH-dependent, increasing in the order of 6.5 / 6.0 / 5.5 < 5.0 < 4.5 (Figure 6).

[0206] The fact that higher pH levels are associated with increased aggregation and lower pH levels with increased fragmentation increased the difficulty in identifying the desirable pharmaceutical formulation. In summary, these test results demonstrate that formulations with a pH of 5–6 provide the best overall stability profile for 20502.

[0207] Example 5: Buffer type screening test Similar to pH, the type of buffer affects protein stability to varying degrees. The accelerated stability of 20502 at 10 mg / mL was evaluated using acetate, citrate, succinate, and histidine buffers from pH 5.0 to pH 6.5 in 0.5 unit increments based on pKa, with the aim of determining the buffer that provides maximum stability in the pH range. Detailed formulations are provided in Table 15. These buffers were investigated for their impact on protein stability based on appearance, aggregation, fragmentation, and charge variants. [Table 15-1] [Table 15-2]

[0208] All samples remained clear and colorless, and no particles were observed during the test period. The SE-HPLC results shown in Figure 16 reveal a buffer (pH)-dependent increase in aggregates in this test. Aggregates formed at higher pH and faster rates compared to lower pH levels, in the order of histidine (pH 6.5) > succinate (pH 6) > citrate (pH 5.5) > acetate (pH 5). On the other hand, the overall level was low (0.5%~0.7%) over 3 weeks at 40°C. However, slightly fewer fragments were observed in the acetate (pH 5) and citrate (pH 5.5) buffers compared to the histidine (pH 6.5) and succinate (pH 6) buffers (Figure 8).

[0209] The iCE results, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, indicated that the buffer had some effect on the charge profile of 20502. However, the overall difference between them was slightly over 10% for the acidic mutant and about 2% for the basic mutant after storage at 40°C for 3 weeks.

[0210] The 20502 antibody was tested with two other standard formulations containing histidine, but neither produced a composition with the desired stability. Based on these results, it was concluded that 20502 was most stable in acetate buffer at pH 5 among all the formulation conditions examined. Citrate buffer at pH 5.5 also provides a relatively stable buffer for 20502.

[0211] Example 6: Excipient Selection Test Pharmaceutical excipients, such as volume extenders, can affect product stability. To evaluate the effect of excipients on the stability of antibody 20502, the antibody was formulated at 20 mg / mL into acetate and citrate formulations containing sodium chloride (NaCl), trehalose, sorbitol, or sucrose in isotonic concentrations. The citrate formulations were prepared at pH 5.5, and the acetate formulations at pH 5.0. Two additional acetate formulations containing sucrose were also prepared at pH 4.5 and 5.5. Detailed formulation compositions are provided in Table 16. The effect of excipients on protein stability was examined based on visual appearance, aggregation, fragmentation, and charge variants under storage conditions of 40°C, 25°C, and 5°C. [Table 16-1] [Table 16-2]

[0212] All samples remained clear and colorless, and no particles were observed during the 4-week test period. The SE-HPLC results shown in Figure 11 revealed that 20502 aggregates formed more rapidly in the citrate formulations compared to the acetate formulations. Aggregation rates were highest in the NaCl formulations, and this was true for both the citrate and acetate formulations. The sorbitol, trehalose, and sucrose formulations showed similar aggregation changes in both citrate and acetate buffers. Regarding fragmentation, all formulations were similar, with only a slight increase in fragmentation, except for those containing acetate and NaCl (Figure 12). Therefore, although NaCl is widely used in pharmaceutical compositions, it resulted in increased aggregation and fragmentation of 20502. The amount of fragmentation observed in this test was slightly higher than in previous tests. This may be due to the higher concentration of protein used in this test (20 mg / mL).

[0213] The formulation excipients had little effect on the charge profile of 20502 during storage. As shown in Figure 13, differences of less than 10% in acidic variants were observed among all formulations. Similarly, even smaller differences of 2% in basic variants were observed in all formulations within the range of each buffer type (Figure 14).

[0214] Based on the results of excipient selection tests, sucrose was chosen over NaCl due to the observed levels of aggregation. Sucrose exhibited similar aggregation and charge profiles to sorbitol and trehalose. However, sucrose is more reliable from a raw material supply standpoint, and has a better track record in terms of quality and regulation.

[0215] In summary, screening tests for pH, buffer type, and excipients showed that the 20502 antibody was most stable in a formulation containing 20 mM acetate, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20 at pH 5.0. A formulation containing 20 mM citrate, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20 at pH 5.5 also provided good stability.

[0216] Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) profiles of the 20502 antibody were collected in a formulation containing 20 mM acetate, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20 at pH 5.0, and are shown in Figure 15. Two peaks were observed at Tm1 = 69°C and Tm2 = 84°C.

[0217] Example 7: Freeze-thaw stability of 20502 The freeze / thaw test was performed by freezing 20502 bulk API, formulated as 20 mg / mL of protein in a 500 mL scale with 20 mM acetate, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20 at pH 5.0, at -70°C and thawing at room temperature after 5 cycles. No significant changes in appearance, soluble aggregates, or invisible particulate matter were detected (Table 17). [Table 17]

[0218] Example 8: Stirring stability of 20502 The 20502 active pharmaceutical ingredient was filled into a 3cc glass vial, and the sample vial was placed horizontally in an orbital shaker. The sample was then subjected to agitation stress by shaking at 300 RPM for 72 hours at room temperature. 20502 was formulated as 20 mg / mL protein in a formulation of 20 mM acetate, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20 at pH 5.0. No significant changes in appearance, soluble aggregates, charge variant profiles, or invisible particulate matter were detected in the 20502 formulation samples (Table 18). All tests were performed at room temperature at 20±5°C. All samples were colorless and transparent, free of visible particles. [Table 18-1] [Table 18-2]

[0219] Example 9: Confirmation of Stability Test Stability tests were conducted to evaluate the stability of 20502 in two formulations: (i) a formulation containing 20 mg / mL of protein in 20 mM acetate at pH 5.0, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20; and (ii) a formulation containing 20 mg / mL of protein in 20 mM citrate at pH 5.5, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20. 1.5 mL of the formulated solution was filled into 3 cc type 1 glass vials capped with a 13 mm West 4023 / 50 gray bromobutyl serum stopper with a 13 mm neck and sealed with an aluminum seal. The compatibility of the container closure system with antibody 20502 was evaluated by inverting the vials. In this stability test, storage conditions at 5 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C were used. Six-month stability data for the acetate formulation are shown in Tables 19 to 21 and for the citrate formulation in Tables 22 to 24.

Table 19-1

Table 19-2

Table 20

Table 21-1

Table 21-2

Table 22-1

Table 22-2

Table 23

Table 24-1

Table 24-2

[0220] Stability data for the 20502 drug under long-term storage conditions of 2–8°C were collected in real time for 6 months for both the acetate and citrate formulations. All stability data met the acceptance criteria (Tables 19 and 22). No clear trends in changes in stability were observed for any of the attributes examined. The results demonstrate that the 20502 drug is stable in both formulations under long-term storage conditions of at least 6 months at 2–8°C.

[0221] Stability data under accelerated conditions at 25°C were collected for 6 months for both acetate and citrate formulations. Overall, storage under accelerated conditions for 6 months resulted in an increase in acidic peaks and a decrease in major peaks as measured by iCE; a slight increase in aggregates and fragments as measured by SE-HPLC; a slight decrease in purity as measured by reduced and unreduced CE-SDS; and a slight decrease in potency as measured by cell-based ADCC assays. No other changes in product attributes were observed. All stability data were within the acceptance criteria.

[0222] Stability data were collected for three months under stress conditions at 40°C. Several changes became more pronounced in the data collected over time. The trends were similar to those shown under accelerated storage conditions (25°C). iCE revealed an increase in the acidic peak and a decrease in the major and basic peaks. SE-HPLC observed an increase in aggregates and fragments, associated with a decrease in monomers. Furthermore, purity decreased under these conditions, as determined by reduced and unreduced CE-SDS analysis. A decrease in potency was also observed in cell-based ADCC assays. These results are consistent with the expected changes in protein therapeutics stored under these conditions.

[0223] The above tests were conducted to identify formulation conditions that provide maximum stability for 20502. These included pH screening, buffer type selection, and excipient selection. 20502 was most stable in the pH range of 5–6 in acetate or citrate buffer. 20502 was also stable when sucrose was used as an excipient. A formulation containing 20 mg / mL of protein in 20 mM acetate, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20 at pH 5.0 was selected. A backup formulation containing 20 mg / mL of protein in 20 mM citrate, 270 mM sucrose, and 0.05% PS20 at pH 5.5 was also selected.

[0224] Antibody 20502 is stable even in acetate formulations under freeze-thaw and agitation conditions. In acetate formulations, 20502 is expected to be stable for at least 12 months as an active pharmaceutical ingredient when stored at -70°C, and as a pharmaceutical product when stored at 2-8°C.

[0225] The present invention is not limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. In fact, various modifications provided herein, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description and the accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0226] All references cited herein (e.g., publications, patents, or patent applications) are incorporated herein by reference in the same way that each individual reference (e.g., publications, patents, or patent applications) is specifically and individually directed to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for any purpose.

[0227] Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In certain embodiments, for example, the following items are provided: (Item 1) A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, (ii) a buffer selected from the group consisting of acetate or citrate, and (iii) a sugar, wherein the pH of the composition is about 4.5 to about 6. (Item 2) A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes sequences of VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3 and VL CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs. 5 to 10; (ii) a buffer; and (iii) a pH of about 4.5 to about 6. (Item 3) A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, wherein the composition contains 45% or less of an acidic variant of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. (Item 4) A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, wherein the composition contains approximately 30% to approximately 45% of an acidic variant of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. (Item 5) A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, wherein the composition contains approximately 20% or less of basic variants of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. (Item 6) A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, wherein the composition contains approximately 9% to approximately 18% of basic variants of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. (Item 7) A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that specifically binds to human B7-H4, wherein after 6 months at 5°C, the composition contains 60% or less of acidic and basic variants of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment. (Item 8) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the composition contains about 30% to about 40% of the acidic variant of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. (Item 9) The composition according to item 8, wherein the composition contains about 35% to about 40% of the acidic variant of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. (Item 10) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the composition contains about 10% to about 17% of the basic variant of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. (Item 11) The composition according to item 10, wherein the composition contains about 11% to about 16% of the basic variant of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment after 6 months at 5°C. (Item 12) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein after 6 months at 5°C, the composition contains 55% or less of acidic and basic variants of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment. (Item 13) The composition according to item 1 or any one of items 3 to 12, wherein the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment each comprises the sequences of VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3 and VL CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of SEQ ID NOs. 5 to 10. (Item 14) The composition according to any one of items 3 to 13, wherein the pH of the composition is about 4.5 to about 6. (Item 15) The composition according to any one of items 3 to 14, wherein the composition comprises a buffer. (Item 16) The composition according to item 2 or 15, wherein the buffer solution is an acetate or citrate. (Item 17) The composition according to any one of items 2 to 15, further comprising sugar. (Item 18) The composition according to item 1 or 17, wherein the sugar is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, sorbitol, and trehalose. (Item 19) The composition according to any one of items 1, 2, and 15-18, wherein the concentration of the buffer solution is about 15 to about 25 mM. (Item 20) The composition according to item 19, wherein the concentration of the buffer solution is approximately 18 mM to approximately 22 mM. (Item 21) The composition according to item 20, wherein the concentration of the buffer solution is approximately 20 mM. (Item 22) The composition according to item 1 and any one of items 17 to 21, wherein the concentration of the sugar is approximately 225 mM to approximately 300 mM. (Item 23) The composition according to item 22, wherein the concentration of the sugar is approximately 250 mM to approximately 290 mM. (Item 24) The composition according to item 23, wherein the concentration of the sugar is approximately 270 mM. (Item 25) The composition according to any one of items 1 and 17-24, wherein the concentration of the sugar is about 10 to about 15 times the concentration of the buffer, and optionally, the concentration of the sugar is about 13.5 times the concentration of the buffer. (Item 26) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 25, further comprising a surfactant. (Item 27) The composition according to item 26, wherein the surfactant is a polysorbate, and optionally the polysorbate is polysorbate 20. (Item 28) The composition according to item 26 or 27, wherein the concentration of the surfactant is about 0.025% to about 0.075% by weight / volume (w / v). (Item 29) The composition according to item 28, wherein the concentration of the surfactant is approximately 0.035% to approximately 0.065% by weight / volume (w / v). (Item 30) The composition according to item 29, wherein the concentration of the surfactant is approximately 0.005% by weight / volume (w / v). (Item 31) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 30, wherein the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment is approximately 5 mg / mL to approximately 30 mg / mL. (Item 32) The composition according to item 31, wherein the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment is about 10 to about 25 mg / mL. (Item 33) The composition according to item 32, wherein the concentration of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment is approximately 20 mg / mL. (Item 34) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 33, wherein the pH is approximately 5.0 to approximately 6.0. (Item 35) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 33, wherein the pH is approximately 5. (Item 36) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 33, wherein the pH is approximately 5.5. (Item 37) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 36, wherein the composition is a liquid. (Item 38) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 37, wherein the composition is for parenteral administration. (Item 39) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 37, wherein the composition is for intravenous administration. (Item 40) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 39, wherein the buffer solution is an acetate and the excipient is sucrose. (Item 41) A composition according to any one of items 1 to 40, comprising about 20 mM acetate, about 270 mM sucrose, about 20 mg / mL of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and about 0.05% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH is about 5.0. (Item 42) A composition according to any one of items 1 to 40, comprising sucrose at a concentration approximately 13.5 times that of the acetate, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment at approximately 20 mg / mL, and approximately 0.05% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH is approximately 5.0. (Item 43) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 39, wherein the buffer solution is a citrate and the excipient is sucrose. (Item 44) A composition according to any one of items 1 to 39 or 43, comprising about 20 mM citrate, about 270 mM sucrose, about 20 mg / mL of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment, and about 0.05% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH is about 5.5. (Item 45) A composition according to any one of items 1 to 39 or 43, comprising sucrose at a concentration approximately 13.5 times that of citrate, the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment at approximately 20 mg / mL, and approximately 0.05% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH is approximately 5.5. (Item 46) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 45, wherein the antibody comprises VH containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11 and / or VL containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 12. (Item 47) The composition according to item 46, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and / or a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22. (Item 48) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 47, wherein at least 95% of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment in the composition is non-fucosylated. (Item 49) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 47, wherein fucosylation cannot be detected in the composition. (Item 50) A composition according to any one of items 1 to 49, comprising a full-length antibody. (Item 51) A composition comprising an antigen-binding fragment, as described in any one of items 1 to 49. (Item 52) The antigen-binding fragments are Fab, Fab', and F(ab'). 2 Single-chain Fv(scFv), disulfide bond Fv, V-NAR domain, IgNar, intra-body, IgGΔCH2, mini-body, F(ab') 3 Tetrabody, tribody, diabody, single-domain antibody, DVD-Ig, FCab, mAb 2 (scFv) 2 The composition according to item 51, comprising scFv-Fc. (Item 53) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 52, wherein the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds to cynomolgus monkey B7-H4. (Item 54) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 53, wherein the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds to rat B7-H4. (Item 55) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 54, wherein the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds to mouse B7-H4. (Item 56) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 55, wherein the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment specifically binds to the IgV domain of human B7-H4. (Item 57) The composition according to any one of items 1 to 56, wherein the pI of the antibody or its antigen-binding fragment is about 8.2. (Item 58) A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an antibody comprising a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and / or a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, (ii) about 20 mM acetate, (iii) about 270 mM sucrose, and (iv) about 0.05 wt / vol% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH of the composition is about 5.0. (Item 59) A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an antibody comprising a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and / or a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, (ii) about 20 mM citrate, (iii) about 270 mM sucrose, and (iv) about 0.05 wt / vol% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH of the composition is about 5.5. (Item 60) A syringe or vial containing the composition described in any one of items 1 to 59. (Item 61) A method for treating cancer expressing B7-H4 in a subject, wherein the method comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition described in any one of items 1 to 59 to the subject. (Item 62) The method according to item 61, wherein the cancer is a solid tumor. (Item 63) The method according to item 61 or 62, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer. (Item 64) The method according to item 63, wherein the breast cancer is triple-negative breast cancer or hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. (Item 65) The method according to item 63, wherein the non-small cell lung cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. (Item 66) The method described in any one of items 61 to 65, wherein the subject is a human. (Item 67) The method according to any one of items 61 to 66, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered parenterally. (Item 68) The method according to any one of items 61 to 66, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously.

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an IgG1 antibody that specifically binds to human B7-H4 and includes VH containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11 and VL containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 12; (ii) a buffer; (iii) a sugar selected from sucrose, trehalose, and sorbitol; (iv) a polysorbate; and (v) a pH of about 4.5 to about 6.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition contains about 30% to about 40% of the acidic variant of the antibody after 6 months at 5°C.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition contains about 10% to about 17% of the basic variant of the antibody after 6 months at 5°C.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the composition contains 55% or less of acidic and basic variants of the antibody after 6 months at 5°C.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the concentration of the buffer solution is about 15 to about 25 mM.

6. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the concentration of the antibody is about 5 mg / mL to about 30 mg / mL.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising about 20 mM acetate, about 270 mM sucrose, about 20 mg / mL of the antibody, and about 0.05% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH is about 5.

0.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising about 20 mM citrate, about 270 mM sucrose, about 20 mg / mL of the antibody, and about 0.05% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH is about 5.

5.

9. The composition according to claim 8, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:

22.

10. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least 95% of the antibody in the composition is non-fucosylated.

11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an antibody comprising a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, (ii) about 20 mM acetate, (iii) about 270 mM sucrose, and (iv) about 0.05 wt / vol% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH of the composition is about 5.

0.

12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) an antibody comprising a heavy chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and a light chain containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, (ii) about 20 mM citrate, (iii) about 270 mM sucrose, and (iv) about 0.05 wt / vol% polysorbate 20, wherein the pH of the composition is about 5.

5.

13. A syringe or vial comprising the pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for treating cancer expressing B7-H4 in the target tissue.

15. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 14, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer.

16. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered parenterally or intravenously.

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