isecarosmab

isecarosmab is a nanobody-derived monoclonal antibody targeting the metalloproteinase ADAMTS-5, a key aggrecanase involved in cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis.[1][7][18] Engineered as a single-domain antibody format with very high affinity (KD ~3.65 pM) for ADAMTS-5, it potently inhibits aggrecan cleavage, leading to reduced ARGS neoepitope levels and demonstrating chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical and early clinical studies.[1][6][7][8][9] Originally developed by Merck and later out‑licensed to Novartis, isecarosmab is being investigated as a potential disease-modifying therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee, with completed phase 1 trials in healthy volunteers and osteoarthritis patients showing acceptable safety, subcutaneous exposure suitable for intermittent dosing, and robust pharmacodynamic target engagement.[6][7][9]

Other names

anti-ADAMTS monoclonal antibodyanti-ADAMTS5 Nanobodyanti-ADAMTS-5 Nanobodyanti-ADAMTS 5 Nanobody