Inventors:
HARVEY JACOBS - DALLAS PA, US
SUNG WAN KIM - SALT LAKE CITY UT, US
VIRGINIE MENARD - SALT LAKE CITY UT, US
International Classification:
A61K039/395, A61K039/40, A61K039/42, A61K039/44
US Classification:
424/178100, 424/141100, 424/180100
Abstract:
A method for delaying onset of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in an individual predisposed to developing the disease is disclosed. The method comprises administering a composition comprising an immunologically effective monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) coupled to a nonimmunogenic hydrophilic polymer that provides a hydration shell around the monoclonal antibody for inhibiting immune recognition thereof. Poly(ethylene glycol) is a preferred polymer. A method of reducing insulitis in an IDDM patient and a composition therefor are also described.