Bedinvetmab, a canine monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting nerve growth factor (NGF), has demonstrated a strong safety profile in laboratory studies, supporting its potential as an analgesic therapeutic. The research, published in ScienceDirect, evaluated the safety of bedinvetmab in adult laboratory Beagle dogs through three integrated studies.
Study Design and Methods
The studies included daily health, veterinary, and clinical pathology evaluations, as well as assessments of systemic exposure and anti-drug antibody responses. Study 1 incorporated electrocardiography, neurologic, and ophthalmic assessments, along with radiographic monitoring of the joints. Study 2 focused on T-lymphocyte-dependent immune function. Study 3 assessed the safety of short-term concurrent administration of carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with bedinvetmab. Terminal pathology and histopathology evaluations were performed in Studies 1 and 3.
Key Findings
The results indicated that bedinvetmab was well tolerated at 1 mg/kg administered subcutaneously (SC) monthly over a 6-month period. This included dose multiples of 3x and 10x. Researchers observed no treatment-related adverse changes in clinical evaluations, clinical neurological and ophthalmic examinations, joint health, or immune morphology or function. Furthermore, short-term concurrent NSAID usage did not produce any negative effects. Treatment-emergent immunogenicity was not observed during the study period.
Mechanism of Action
NGF is a critical mediator of nociception, making it a therapeutic target for analgesia. Bedinvetmab functions by binding NGF and inhibiting its interaction with tropomyosin receptor kinase A (trkA) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) receptors.
Implications
The comprehensive laboratory evaluations provide evidence supporting the safety of bedinvetmab in dogs. The absence of significant adverse effects, even with concurrent NSAID administration, suggests that bedinvetmab could be a valuable option for managing pain in canine patients.
