HUMAN ANTI-NGF NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES AS SELECTIVE NGF PATHWAY INHIBITORS

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a human anti-NGF neutralizing antibodies as selective NGF pathway inhibitors.SOLUTION: This invention provides antibodies that interact with or bind to human nerve growth factor (NGF) and neutralize the function of NGF thereby. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions of the antibodies and methods for neutralizing NGF function, and particularly for treating NGF-related disorders (e.g., chronic pain) by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of anti-NGF antibodies. Methods of detecting the amount of NGF in a sample using anti-NGF antibodies are also provided. Also provided by the invention are cells that produce, and most preferably, secrete into cell culture media the monoclonal antibodies of the invention. In addition to their use for treating and managing pain, the antibodies of the invention are useful for treating neuropathic and inflammatory pain-related responses.