FG-3019, a Human Monoclonal Antibody Recognizing Connective Tissue Growth Factor, is Subject to Target-Mediated Drug Disposition.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and model the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior in rats of FG-3019, a human monoclonal antibody targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). METHODS: FG-3019, human CTGF (rhCTGF), or the N-terminal domain of rhCTGF were administered intravenously to rats and concentrations of these proteins as well as endogenous CTGF were determined by immunoassays. FG-3019, or (125)I-labeled FG-3019, and human CTGF (rhCTGF) were co-administered to assess the impact of CTGF on the elimination rate and tissue localization of FG-3019, which was further characterized by immunohistochemical analysis. A PK/PD model for target-mediated elimination of FG-3019 was developed to fit the kinetic data. RESULTS: FG-3019 exhibited non-linear pharmacokinetics in rats. Circulating concentrations of the N-terminal half of CTGF increased after dosing with FG-3019, reached maximal levels after 1-5 days, and returned toward baseline levels as FG-3019 cleared from the circulation, whereas the concentration of intact CTGF was unaffected by administration of FG-3019. Co-administration of rhCTGF dramatically enhanced the rate of FG-3019 elimination, redistributing the majority of (125)I-labeled FG-3019 from the blood to the liver, kidney, spleen and adrenal gland. FG-3019 co-administered with CTGF was found along the sinusoids of the liver and adrenal glands, the capillaries of the kidney glomeruli and in the spleen. A pharmacokinetic model for target-mediated elimination of FG-3019 was used to fit the time courses of FG-3019 and endogenous CTGF plasma concentrations, as well as time courses of rhCTGF and rhCTGF N-fragment after intravenous administration of these species. CONCLUSIONS: FG-3019 is subject to target mediated elimination in rats.