vNAR Antibody Binding VEGF for Canine and Feline Tumor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapies for treating cancer in dogs and cats are inadequate due to their reliance on human-targeted drugs, which often result in toxicity and limited effectiveness, as they do not account for the unique genetic and physiological differences in these species, particularly in relation to overexpressed VEGF-driven neoplastic pathologies.

Innovation Solution

Development of a novel vNAR protein with anti-angiogenic activity that specifically binds to VEGF in carnivorous mammals, such as dogs and cats, to inhibit angiogenesis and control or eradicate solid tumors, leveraging its small size, high affinity, and low immunotoxicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional antibodies designed for human targets are used to treat cancer in dogs and cats, then the treatment approach is available, but the therapy shows high toxicity and limited effectiveness due to species differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of antibody type from conventional IgG antibodies to vNAR (variable domain of new receptors) proteins. This structural parameter change enables species-specific targeting for dogs and cats, achieving both effectiveness against canine/feline VEGF and reduced toxicity due to the unique properties of vNAR proteins in these species

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The vNAR protein acts as an intermediary that specifically binds to VEGF in dogs and cats. This intermediary approach allows targeted inhibition of angiogenesis in these species without the cross-reactivity and toxicity issues associated with human-designed antibodies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If human-targeted immunotherapies are applied to dogs and cats, then treatment options are expanded, but the therapies do not achieve desired effects due to genetic and physiological differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic applicabilityVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a therapy specifically adapted to the biological characteristics of dogs and cats. The vNAR protein is designed with local specificity for canine and feline VEGF, making the treatment effective for these species while maintaining the broader applicability of immunotherapy across different patient populations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If chemotherapy is used as the primary treatment for cancer in dogs and cats, then tumor control is achieved, but multiple disadvantages including high toxicity and liver damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor controlVSAvoidchemical toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical-based chemotherapy with a protein-based immunotherapy approach using vNAR. This replacement eliminates the need for toxic chemical compounds while maintaining tumor control through targeted biological mechanisms, specifically VEGF inhibition to prevent angiogenesis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vNAR protein functions as a temporary, targeted therapeutic agent that can be administered as needed. Unlike chemotherapy which requires multiple toxic doses, the vNAR provides focused, short-acting inhibition of VEGF with minimal systemic toxicity, allowing for repeated treatments if necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 vNAR protein effectively inhibits VEGF activity, reducing tumor growth and angiogenesis, offering a promising therapeutic option with reduced side effects compared to conventional antibodies, and is particularly effective in treating various neoplastic pathologies associated with high neovascularization in dogs and cats.

Implementation Method 1

vNARs have a high-variability CDR3, which acquires an extended hairpin shape, that allows insertion into cryptic epitopes... they present a better biodistribution being able to reach their molecular target in a faster way, crossing easily any of the body barriers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-affinity binding: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11155612B2vNAR antibody which binds VEGF for use in dogs or cats

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 CENT DE INVESTIGACION CIENTIFICA Y DE EDUCACION SUPERIOR DE ENSENADA BAJA CALIFORNIA CICESE

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel vNAR protein of SEQ ID NO:1 capable of inhibiting the activity of VEGF in carnivorous mammals of the Canis and Felis genera, thereby inhibiting solid tumors growth of both genres.