SCF antibody compositions and methods of using the same

Patent Number: 7,144,731

Amgen has developed a strong patent portfolio covering the hematopoietic stimulating cytokine called Stem Cell Factor. Subsequently it was demonstrated that stem cell factor is capable of stimulating a variety of other stem cells in addition to hematopoietic stem cells.

As part of its IP portfolio covering stem cell factor, Amgen has patented antibodies to the cytokine. This current patent covers polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to stem cell factor from human or from other species.

The patent specific sequences, as well as hybridomas deposited with ATCC and publically available are patented.

Conceptually the antibody could be useful in treatment of hematological, or other malignancies associated with autocrine or paracrine stem cell factor production. Given the latest interest in cancer stem cells, and the fact that numerous types of tissue stem cells express the stem cell factor receptor (c-kit), this antibody may have therapeutic applications wider than originally anticipated.

View this patent on the USPTO website.