Stem Cell Related Patent Number US6403559

C-kit ligand-based method for expanding peripheral blood cell levels

Besmer, Peter; New York, NY, USA
Buck, Jochen; New York, NY, USA
Moore, Malcolm A. S.; New York, NY, USA
Nocka, Karl; Harvard, MA, USA

This invention describes a method for expanding peripheral blood cell levels ex vivo, via a novel pharmaceutical composition which comprises the c-kit ligand (KL) purified by applicants or produced by applicants’ recombinant methods in association with other hematopoietic factors. A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is provided as well as methods of treating patients via the administration of the pharmaceutical composition. Further disclosed are combination therapies using c-kit ligand (KL) and a purified c-kit ligand (KL) polypeptide, or a soluble fragment thereof and other hematopoietic factors. Also included are methods and compositions for ex-vivo use of KL alone or in combination therapy. A mutated KL antagonist is also described, which may similarly be a small molecule. Antisense nucleic acids and therapeutics are disclosed, as well as methods for capitalizing upon the role of KL in germ cells, mast cells and melanocytes.

Application Number: US1999000371261

Date Filed: 08/10/99

Dated Published: 06/11/02

Assignee: Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA