Recombinant human nerve growth factor for clinical trials: protein expression, purification, stability and characterisation of binding to infusion pumps.

Journal article

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been suggested to be of therapeutic benefit to patients with Alzheimer's disease. One of the early changes in this disease is a loss of cholinergic function within the brain, and NGF is able to rescue cholinergic neurons both in vitro and in vivo. We describe the production of recombinant human beta-NGF (rhNGF), using baculovirus infection of insect cells; its purification, formulation and subsequent stability for use in clinical trials. Tests were also carried out to monitor release of protein from infusion pumps and catheters for intracerebroventricular administration (icv). Initial problems with non-specific binding were overcome using a blocking formula.

Authors: Allen, S; Robertson, A; Tyler, S; Wilcock, G; Dawbarn, D

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of biochemical and biophysical methods
• Volume: 47
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 239-255
• Publication date: 2001-02-01
• DOI: 10.1016/s0165-022x(01)00134-8
• EISSN: 0165-022X
• ISSN: 0165-022X
• Language: English
• Keywords: PC12 Cells; Rabbits; Humans; Guinea Pigs; Animals; Spodoptera; Protein Binding; Infusion Pumps; Biological Assay; Baculoviridae; Cell Line; Mice; Recombinant Proteins; Nerve Growth Factor; Rats; Clinical Trials as Topic