Polypeptides, antibody variable domains & antagonists

Abstract

The present invention relates to polypeptides e.g. protease resistant polypeptides, immunoglobulin (antibody) single variable domains e.g. which are protease resistant and also to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonists comprising these. The invention further relates to uses, formulations, and compositions comprising such polypeptides e.g. for delivery to the eye.

1 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of delivering an immunoglobulin single variable domain into the eye comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a pharmaceutical composition comprising an immunoglobulin single variable domain; and   b) administering the pharmaceutical composition into a region of the eye selected from the group consisting of a conjunctival sac, a surface of the eye, a tear duct, a lacrimal gland, an intraocular region of the eye, an anterior chamber of the eye, a posterior chamber of the eye and a vitreous humor of the eye;   
       whereby the immunoglobulin single variable domain is delivered into the eye. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the immunoglobulin single variable domain and at least one selected from the group consisting of an ocular penetration enhancer and a viscosity enhancer. 
     
     
         20 . A method of delivering an immunoglobulin single variable domain into the aqueous humor of the eye comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a pharmaceutical composition comprising an immunoglobulin single variable domain; and   b) administering the pharmaceutical composition into a region of the eye selected from the group consisting of a conjunctival sac, a surface of the eye, a tear duct, a lacrimal gland, an intraocular region of the eye, an anterior chamber of the eye, a posterior chamber of the eye and a vitreous humor of the eye;   
       whereby the immunoglobulin single variable domain is delivered into the aqueous humor of the eye. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered in step b) to the conjunctival sac. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered in step b) by direct injection into the vitreous humor. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the immunoglobulin single variable domain and at least one selected from the group consisting of an ocular penetration enhancer and a viscosity enhancer. 
     
     
         24 . A method of delivering an immunoglobulin single variable domain into the vitreous humor of the eye comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a pharmaceutical composition comprising an immunoglobulin single variable domain; and   b) administering the pharmaceutical composition into a region of the eye selected from the group consisting of a conjunctival sac, a surface of the eye, a tear duct, a lacrimal gland, an intraocular region of the eye, an anterior chamber of the eye, a posterior chamber of the eye and a vitreous humor of the eye;   
       whereby the immunoglobulin single variable domain is delivered into the vitreous humor of the eye. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered in step b) to the conjunctival sac. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered in step b) by direct injection into the vitreous humor. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the immunoglobulin single variable domain and at least one selected from the group consisting of an ocular penetration enhancer and a viscosity enhancer.