Roche 4 is a fully human antibody developed by Genmab under our collaboration with Roche. Roche filed an Investigational New Drug application (IND) with the FDA for Roche 4 in December 2007.  Genentech and Roche are collaborating on development of the antibody which selectively blocks the interaction of the OX40 ligand (OX40L) and its receptor.  The companies are evaluting the antibody for the treatment of asthma.

Pre-Clinical Studies

In pre-clinical data published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, treatment with Roche 4 lead to significant therapeutic effects in a nonhuman primate model of allergic inflammation.  The mechanisms of action of Roche 4 include effective blockade of OX40L binding to its receptor and depletion of cells expressing OX40L.  Depletion of OX40L-expressing cells was shown to depend on interaction of immune effector cells with the therapeutic antibody.  The observed in vivo efficacy of Roche 4 may also involve restoration of peripheral tolerance mechanisms.  Breaking of tolerance promotes development of autoimmune and allergic diseases.