The antibody binds specifically to a5ß1 integrin，which is part of the superfamily of glycoprotein transmembrane receptors for ligands such as fibronectin，vitronectin，laminins and collagens. The a5ß1 integrin receptor plays a key role in cellular processes such as inflammation，cell proliferation，angiogenesis and tumour metastasis. Comprising the variable domain of the original mouse antibody，a chimeric mouse:human IgG4 version of this antibody has been tested in vivo: In cynomolgus monkeys with laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV)，in rabbit models and in human volunteers. The antibody reached Phase II clinical trials with PDL Biopharma and Biogen-Idec.
