Technologies

Treating Sepsis with the Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia-like Monoclonal Antibody KKO

Decreasing Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) by administering a deglycosylated KKO antibody

Market Need

Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. It is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States. Annual economic burden is estimated at $16.7 billion. However, sepsis is treatable if it is identified and treated quickly.

Technology Overview

The Poncz lab demonstrated that a modified heparin-induced thrombocytopenia-like monoclonal antibody - KKO improved survival in a mouse model of sepsis. In sepsis and related inflammatory disorders, neutrophils release their histone-coated DNA termed neutrophil extracellular traps or NETs. These fluffy/stringy NETs are broken down and release NET degradation products (NDPs) like histone that are toxic and contribute to the morbidity and mortality in sepsis. The KKO antibody binds Platelet Factor 4 on NETs to protect against lysis and NDP release. The KKO Ab is deglycosylated to decrease the potential to activate inflammatory response.