Single Domain Antibody Inhibiting PCSK9 to Lower LDL-C

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current strategies for managing elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) are limited by adverse side effects and inefficiencies, necessitating the development of more effective and safer methods to reduce circulating LDL-C levels, which are critical in preventing cardiovascular disorders.

Innovation Solution

A single domain antibody specifically binding to human PCSK9 is developed, comprising specific amino acid sequences in its complementary determining regions (CDRs) and framework regions, which inhibits PCSK9-induced LDLR degradation, thereby reducing LDL-C levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If statins are used to lower LDL-C levels, then LDL-C reduction is achieved, but adverse side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLDL-C levelsVSAvoidadverse side effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces PCSK9 antibodies as an intermediary substance that mediates the reduction of LDL-C levels through a different mechanism than statins. The antibodies bind to PCSK9, preventing it from degrading LDL receptors, thereby indirectly lowering LDL-C without the harmful side effects associated with statin therapy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the therapeutic parameter from inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase (statin mechanism) to blocking PCSK9-LDL receptor interaction. This parameter change in the mechanism of action allows for LDL-C reduction through a novel pathway that avoids the adverse effects of statins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If combination therapy with statins and ezetimibe is used, then LDL-C reduction is enhanced, but treatment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLDL-C levelsVSAvoidtreatment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the LDL-C lowering effect from the complex combination of statins and ezetimibe, providing a single therapeutic agent (PCSK9 antibody) that achieves LDL-C reduction through a distinct mechanism, thereby simplifying the treatment regimen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Quantity of substance

If existing PCSK9 antibodies are developed, then LDL-C reduction is achieved, but epitope binding limitations restrict effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLDL-C levelsVSAvoidepitope binding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single domain antibody that can bind to multiple epitopes on PCSK9, providing universal inhibition of PCSK9 function. This multi-epitope binding capability enhances the antibody's effectiveness compared to antibodies restricted to single epitope regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the antibody structure into a single domain format with specifically designed CDR regions that can recognize and bind to different epitopes on PCSK9, providing versatile inhibition capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The antibody effectively inhibits PCSK9-induced LDLR degradation, leading to a significant reduction in LDL-C levels, offering a potentially safer and more efficient approach to managing cardiovascular risk factors compared to existing treatments.

Implementation Method 1

a single domain antibody specifically binding to human PCSK9, said antibody comprising: (i) a complementary determining region (CDR) 1 region comprising an amino acid sequence of formula I

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Data Source

PatentEP2794661B1Single domain antibodies as inhibitors of PCSK9
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 ADAERATA
  • EP2794661B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2794661B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP2794661B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Antibodies (e.g., sdAbs) binding to PCSK9 are described. Nucleic acids encoding such Abs, host cells expressing such Abs and pharmaceutical composition comprising same are described. The use of these PCSK9-binding Abs for lowering low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, is also described.