Cd137 binding molecules and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention is directed to binding molecules that possess one or more epitope-binding sites specific for an epitope of CD137, including antibodies, and molecules comprising epitope-binding fragments thereof. The invention is further directed to multispecific binding molecules comprising one or more epitope-binding sites specific for an epitope of CD137 and one or more epitope-binding sites specific for an epitope of a tumor antigen (“TA”) (e.g., a “CD137×TA Binding Molecule”). In one embodiment, such CD137×TA Binding Molecules will be bispecific molecules, especially bispecific tetravalent diabodies possessing two epitope-binding sites each specific for an epitope of CD137 and two epitope-binding sites each specific for an epitope of a TA. Alternatively, such CD137×TA Binding Molecules will be bispecific molecules possessing two epitope-binding sites each specific for an epitope of CD137 and one epitope-binding sites each specific for an epitope of a TA. The invention also provides novel Binding Molecules, as well as derivatives thereof and uses thereof. The invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions that contain such CD137 molecules. The invention is additionally directed to methods for the use of such molecules in the treatment of cancer and other diseases and conditions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.