Definition

A humanized agonistic monoclonal antibody targeting connexin43 (Cx43; gap junction alpha-1 protein) hemichannels, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration, Cx43 agonistic monoclonal antibody ALMB-0168 binds to the extracellular domain of Cx43 and activates the Cx43 hemichannels expressed on osteocytes, but not those in gap junctions. This causes the Cx43 hemichannels to open and release several factors including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into the extracellular environment in the bone and tumor-inhibiting cytokines. This may inhibit tumor cell growth and migration in the bone. Cx43, mechanosensitive hemichannels highly expressed in osteocytes, plays important roles in osteocytes functions by mediating the release of various signaling molecules.