Anti-PCSK9 antibodies and use thereof

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/654,481, filed Jun. 1, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/644,065, filed May 8, 2012, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted in ASCII format via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Mar. 10, 2013, is named 67858o791000.txt and is 621,210 bytes in size.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention pertains to novel antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to human Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-like/Kexin type 9 (hereinafter “PCSK9”) and compositions containing. In addition the invention relates to nucleic acids encoding said antibodies and antibody fragments and the use thereof to express said antibodies and antibody fragments in desired host cells. Also, the invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic use of these antibodies and antibody fragments.

[0005] More particularly, the invention provides rabbit antibodies and humanized and chimeric antibodies derived therefrom specific to PCSK9 as well as antibody fragments specific to PCSK9 which include e.g., Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, scFv fragments, SMIPs (small molecule immunopharmaceuticals), camelbodies, nanobodies, monovalent antibodies such as MetMab like antibodies, and IgNAR.

[0006] Further, the invention provides nucleic acids and host cells containing that encode for and result in the expression of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies, i.e., rabbit antibodies and antibody fragments and modified forms thereof including by way of example humanized and chimeric antibodies derived therefrom as well as antibody fragments which include e.g., Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, scFv fragments, SMIPs (small molecule immunopharmaceuticals), camelbodies, nanobodies, monovalent antibodies such as MetMab like antibodies, and IgNAR.

[0007] Also the invention relates to expression systems for the manufacture of the inventive anti-PCSK9 antibodies, including yeast, fungi, mammalian, and other cells useful for the manufacture of antibodies and antibody fragments.

[0008] Also, the invention relates to novel antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to human PCSK9 which compete with and/or specifically bind to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as any of the anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments exemplified herein.

[0009] The invention further pertains to the in vivo use of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments alone or in association with other active agents or drugs. for blocking, inhibiting or neutralizing PCSK9.

[0010] The invention further pertains to the in vivo use of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments alone or in association with other active agents or drugs. for blocking or inhibiting the interaction of PCSK9 with LDLR.

[0011] The invention also specifically relates to methods for treating or preventing disorders of cholesterol or lipid homeostasis and disorders associated therewith including by way of example hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, sitosterolemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, xanthoma, hypertension, angina, obesity, diabetes and vascular inflammation, by the administration of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments, wherein the subject antibodies and antibody fragments may be used alone or in association with other active agents.

[0012] The invention further specifically relates to methods of preventing or treating diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9, e.g., diseases associated with increased or decreased levels of PCSK9 and/or mutations in the PCSK9 gene that affect PCSK9 protein expression, primary sequence and/or function by administering said antibodies or fragments thereof alone or in combination with other active agents.

[0013] The present invention further provides methods for improving blood cholesterol markers associated with increased risk of heart disease using the subject antibodies and antibody fragments alone or in association with other active agents. These markers include, but are not limited to, high total cholesterol, high LDL, high total cholesterol to HDL ratio and high LDL-C to HDL ratio.

[0014] The present invention further provides methods for treating or preventing any of the following conditions or complications associated therewith such as hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease and generally dyslipidemias, which can be manifested, for example, by an elevated total serum cholesterol, elevated LDL, elevated triglycerides, elevated VLDL, and/or low HDL. Some non-limiting examples of primary and secondary dyslipidemias that can be treated using an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, either alone, or in combination with one or more other agents include the metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, familial combined hyperlipidemia, familial hypertriglyceridemia, familial hypercholesterolemias, including heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, homozygous hypercholesterolemia, familial defective apoplipoprotein B-100; polygenic hypercholesterolemia; remnant removal disease, hepatic lipase deficiency; dyslipidemia secondary to any of the following: dietary indiscretion, hypothyroidism, drugs including estrogen and progestin therapy, beta-blockers, and thiazide diuretics; nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure, Cushing's syndrome, primary biliary cirrhosis, glycogen storage diseases, hepatoma, cholestasis, acromegaly, insulinoma, isolated growth hormone deficiency, and alcohol-induced hypertriglyceridemia.

[0015] In addition, antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention can also be useful in preventing or treating atherosclerotic diseases, such as, for example, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke (ischaemic and hemorrhagic), angina pectoris, or cerebrovascular disease and acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention is useful in reducing the risk of: nonfatal heart attacks, fatal and non-fatal strokes, certain types of heart surgery, hospitalization for heart failure, chest pain in patients with heart disease, and/or cardiovascular events because of established heart disease such as prior heart attack, prior heart surgery, and/or chest pain with evidence of clogged arteries. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention and methods can be used to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events.

[0016] The invention also particularly relates to the use of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments in any of the aforementioned therapeutic indications or conditions in combination with other drugs that are typically used to treat such disorders, wherein the antibody and other drug or agent may be co-administered or separately administered. Non limiting examples of drugs that may be co-administered with the subject antibodies or antibody fragments or used in the same therapeutic regimen include by way of example statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, and pantethine, other anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, Insulin therapies, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones, and other drugs used to treat conditions wherein the treated individual may have high cholesterol.

[0017] The invention further relates to compositions containing the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, especially compositions are suitable for in vivo administration, e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal, intranasal, rectal, vaginal, intrathecal, oral, and other administrable dosage forms.

[0018] The invention further relates to compositions containing the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, especially compositions suitable for in vivo administration, e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal, intranasal, rectal, vaginal, intrathecal, oral, and other administrable dosage forms which contain another active agent such as statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, and pantethine, other anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, Insulin therapies, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones, and other drugs used to treat conditions wherein the treated individual may have high or aberrant lipid or cholesterol levels.

[0019] The invention further relates to storage stable forms containing the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, e.g., lyophilisates, suspensions, and buffered or temperature stable compositions.

[0020] The invention also pertains to methods of using the subject antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to PCSK9 in screening assays to detect and monitor the levels of PCSK9 in serum samples, potentially for the diagnosis of diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9 or identifying individuals wherein the administration of the subject antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to PCSK9 may have a therapeutic or prophylactic effect or for monitoring the effects of a treatment designed to modulate or neutralize PCSK9 or block cholesterol synthesis, e.g., a treatment involving administration of one of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments.

[0021] 2. Description of Related Art

[0022] Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease involved in regulating the levels of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) protein (Horton et al., 32(2) Trends Biochem. Sci. 71-77 (2007); Seidah and Prat, 85(7) J. Mol. Med. 685-96 2007). In vitro experiments have shown that adding PCSK9 to HepG2 cells lowers the levels of cell surface LDLR (Benjannet et al., 279 J. Bio. Chem. 48865-75 (2004); Lagace et al., 116(11) J. Clin. Invest. 2995-3005 (2006); Maxwell et al., 102(6) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2069-74 (2005); Park et al., 279 J. Biol. Chem. 50630-38 (2004)). (While this protein is generally referred to as PCSK9, it is noted that this protein and corresponding gene has also been referred to in the patent and non-patent literature by other names including PSEC0052, FH3, HCHOLA3, LDLCQ1, NARC-1, NARC1, PC9).

[0023] Experiments with mice have shown that increasing PCSK9 protein levels decreases levels of LDLR protein in the liver (Benjannet et al., 279 J. Bio. Chem. 48865-75 (2004); Lagace et al., 116(11) J. Clin. Invest. 2995-3005 (2006); Maxwell et al., 102(6) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 2069-74 (2005); Park et al., 279 J. Biol. Chem. 50630-38 (2004)), while PCSK9 knockout mice have increased levels of LDLR in the liver (Rashid et al., 102(15) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 5374-79 (2005)). Additionally, various human PCSK9 mutations that result in either increased or decreased levels of plasma LDL-C have been identified (Kotowski et al., 78(3) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 410-22 (2006); Zhao et al., 79(3) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 514-23 (2006)). PCSK9 has been shown to directly interact with the LDLR protein, be endocytosed along with the LDLR, and co-immunofluoresce with the LDLR throughout the endosomal pathway (Lagace et al., 116(11) J. Clin. Invest. 2995-3005 (2006)). Several mutations in human PCSK9 cause gain-of-function effects in humans, including hypercholesterolemia, increased LDL-C cholesterol levels, and increased risk of coronary heart disease. (Garnier, 11(3) Am. J. Cardiovasc. Drugs 145-52 (2011)). Even rarer human PCSK9 mutations induce loss-of-function, resulting in lowered LDL-C levels and a 88% reduction in coronary heart disease risk. (Id.) PCSK9 interacts with the LDLR via the EGF domain and the complex is internalized. In the endosome, the lower pH results in an increased affinity between PCSK9 and LDLR and the complex is targeted for degradation in the lysosome (Horton et al., April Supp., J. Lipid Res. S172-177 (2009), Sci. 928-33 (2003)).

[0024] Several lines of evidence demonstrate that PCSK9, in particular, lowers the amount of hepatic LDLR protein and thus compromises the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the circulation. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of PCSK9 in the livers of mice results in the accumulation of circulating LDL-C due to a dramatic loss of hepatic LDLR protein, with no effect on LDLR mRNA levels; Benjannet et al., 2004 J. Biol. Chem. 279:48865-48875; Maxwell & Breslow, 2004 PNAS 101:7100-7105; Park et al., 2004 J. Biol. Chem. 279:50630-50638; and Lalanne et al., 2005 J. Lipid Res. 46:1312-1319. The effect of PCSK9 overexpression on raising circulating LDL-C levels in mice is completely dependent on the expression of LDLR, again, indicating that the regulation of LDL-C by PCSK9 is mediated through downregulation of LDLR protein. In agreement with these findings, mice lacking PCSK9 or in which PCSK9 mRNA has been lowered by antisense oligonucleotide inhibitors have higher levels of hepatic LDLR protein and a greater ability to clear circulating LDL-C; Rashid et al., 2005 PNAS 102:5374-5379; and Graham et al., 2007 J. Lipid Res. 48(4):763-767. In addition, lowering PCSK9 levels in cultured human hepatocytes by siRNA also results in higher LDLR protein levels and an increased ability to take up LDL-C; Benjannet et al., 2004 J. Biol. Chem. 279:48865-48875; and Lalanne et al., 2005 J Lipid Res. 46:1312-1319. Together, these data indicate that PCSK9 action leads to increased LDL-C by lowering LDLR protein levels.

[0025] A number of mutations in the gene PCSK9 have also been conclusively associated with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (“ADH”), an inherited metabolism disorder characterized by marked elevations of low density lipoprotein (“LDL”) particles in the plasma which can lead to premature cardiovascular failure; see Abifadel et al., 2003 Nature Genetics 34:154-156; Timms et al., 2004 Hum. Genet. 114:349-353; Leren, 2004 Clin. Genet. 65:419-422. A later-published study on the S127R mutation of Abifadel et al., supra, reported that patients carrying such a mutation exhibited higher total cholesterol and apoB100 in the plasma attributed to (1) an overproduction of apoB100-containing lipoproteins, such as low density lipoprotein (“LDL”), very low density lipoprotein (“VLDL”) and intermediate density lipoprotein (“IDL”), and (2) an associated reduction in clearance or conversion of said lipoproteins; Ouguerram et al., 2004 Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 24:1448-1453.

[0026] PCSK9 is a prohormone-proprotein convertase in the subtilisin (S8) family of serine proteases (Seidah et al., 100(3) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 928-33 (2003)). Humans have nine prohormone-proprotein convertases that can be divided between the S8A and S8B subfamilies (Rawlings et al., 34 Nucleic Acids Research D270-72 (2006)). Furin, PC1/PC3, PC2, PACE4, PC4, PC5/PC6 and PC7/PC8/LPC/SPC7 are classified in subfamily S8B. Crystal and NMR structures of different domains from mouse furin and PC1 reveal subtilisin-like pro- and catalytic domains, and a P domain directly C-terminal to the catalytic domain (Henrich et al., 10(7) Nature Structural Bio. 520-26 (2005); Tangrea et al., 320(4) J. Mol. Bio. 801-12 (2002)). Based on the amino acid sequence similarity within this subfamily, all seven members are predicted to have similar structures (Henrich et al., 345(2) J. Mol. Bio. 211-27 (2005)). SKI-1/S1P and PCSK9 are classified in subfamily S8A. Sequence comparisons with these proteins also suggest the presence of subtilisin-like pro- and catalytic domains (Sakai et al., 2(4) Mol. Cell. 505-15 (1998); Seidah et al., 100(3) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 928-33 (2003); Seidah et al., 96(4) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 1321-26 (1999)). In these proteins, the amino acid sequence C-terminal to the catalytic domain is more variable and does not suggest the presence of a P domain.

[0027] Prohormone-proprotein convertases are expressed as zymogens, and they mature through a multi step process. The function of the pro-domain in this process is two-fold. The pro-domain first acts as a chaperone and is required for proper folding of the catalytic domain (Ikemura et al., 262 J. Biol. Chem. 7859-64 (1987)). Once the catalytic domain is folded, autocatalysis occurs between the pro-domain and catalytic domain. Following this initial cleavage reaction, the pro-domain remains bound to the catalytic domain where it then acts as an inhibitor of catalytic activity (Fu et al., 275 J. Biol. Chem. 16871-78 (2000)). When conditions are correct, maturation proceeds with a second autocatalytic event at a site within the pro-domain (Anderson et al., 16 Nature 1508-18 (1997)). After this second cleavage event occurs the pro-domain and catalytic domain dissociate, giving rise to an active protease.

[0028] Autocatalysis of the PCSK9 zymogen occurs between Gln152 and Ser153 (VFAQ|SIP) (Naureckiene et al., 420(1) Archives of Biochem. & Biophysics 55-67 (2003)), and has been shown to be required for its secretion from cells (Seidah et al., 100(3) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 928-33 (2003)). A second autocatalytic event at a site within PCSK9's pro-domain has not been observed. Purified PCSK9 is made up of two species that can be separated by non-reducing SDS-PAGE; the pro-domain at 17 Kd, and the catalytic plus C-terminal domains at 65 Kd. PCSK9 has not been isolated without its inhibitory pro-domain, and measurements of PCSK9's catalytic activity have been variable (Naureckiene et al., 420(1) Archives of Biochem. & Biophysics 55-67 (2003); Seidah et al., 100(3) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 928-33 (2003)).

[0029] Accordingly, there is substantial evidence indicating that PCSK9 plays a role in the regulation of LDL; that the expression or upregulation of PCSK9 is associated with increased plasma levels of LDL cholesterol, that the corresponding inhibition or lack of expression of PCSK9 is associated with reduced LDL cholesterol plasma levels; and that decreased levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with sequence variations in PCSK9 have been found to confer protection against coronary heart disease; Cohen, 2006 N. Engl. J. Med. 354:1264-1272.

[0030] In clinical trials, reductions in LDL cholesterol levels have been directly related to the rate of coronary events; Law et al., 2003 BMJ 326:1423-1427. Also, moderate lifelong reduction in plasma LDL cholesterol levels was found to correlate with a substantial reduction in the incidence of coronary events; Cohen et al., supra. This was the case even in populations with a high prevalence of non-lipid-related cardiovascular risk factors; supra. Accordingly, there is great benefit to be reaped from the managed control of LDL cholesterol levels.

[0031] Based thereon, the identification of other molecules which may be used to modulate cholesterol levels and block or inhibit or neutralize the activity of PCSK9 would be of great interest. The present invention advances these interests by providing novel antagonists of PCSK9 for use for in blocking, inhibiting or neutralizing one or more of the activities of PCSK9 and/or in blocking the interaction of PCSK9 with LDLR and/or for the treatment of therapeutic conditions identified herein especially those involving or associated with high or aberrant lipid or cholesterol levels.

[0032] The present invention provides novel antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind PCSK9, as well as antibodies that compete with such antibodies or antibody fragments, or which specifically bind to the same or overlapping epitope, or antibodies which contain any or all of the CDRs of the novel antibodies and antibody fragments exemplified herein. These antibodies and antibody fragments may be used to block, inhibit or neutralize the in vivo effects of serum PCSK9 in vivo, and in some embodiments specifically inhibit or block the PCSK9/LDLR binding interaction and thereby inhibit or neutralize one or all of the biological effects associated with this binding interaction.

[0033] Particularly, the invention provides novel antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to human PCSK9 and compositions containing. More particularly, the invention provides rabbit anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments as well as humanized and chimeric antibodies and antibody fragments derived therefrom such as Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, scFv fragments, SMIPs (small molecule immunopharmaceuticals), camelbodies, nanobodies, monovalent antibodies such as MetMab like antibodies, and IgNAR.

[0034] The invention further describes the use of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments for treating any subject wherein blocking, inhibiting or neutralizing the in vivo effect of PCSK9 or blocking or inhibiting the interaction of PCSK9 and LDLR is therapeutically desirable, wherein the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments may be used alone or in association with other active agents or drugs.

[0035] The invention also describes methods for treating or preventing disorders of cholesterol or lipid homeostasis and disorders which may be associated therewith including by way of example hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, sitosterolemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, vascular inflammation, diabetes, obesity, angina, hypertension and xanthoma by the administration of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to PCSK9, wherein the subject antibodies and antibody fragments may be used alone or in association with other active agents.

[0036] The invention further provides methods of preventing or treating diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9, e.g., diseases associated with increased or decreased levels of PCSK9 and/or mutations in the PCSK9 gene that affect PCSK9 protein expression, primary sequence and/or function by administering said antibodies or fragments thereof alone or in combination with other active agents.

[0037] The invention broadly encompasses the use of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and fragments in treating any subject having a condition or at risk of developing a condition wherein modulation of lipid or cholesterol levels is clinically desirable or where the subject has a condition that is often associated with high lipids or cholesterol.

[0038] Also specifically the present invention provides methods for treating or preventing disorders of cholesterol or lipid homeostasis and disorders and complications associated therewith, e.g., hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, sitosterolemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, vascular inflammation, xanthoma, hypertension, angina and related conditions by administration of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments alone or in association with other active agents.

[0039] The present invention further provides methods for improving blood cholesterol markers associated with increased risk of heart disease using the subject antibodies and antibody fragments alone or in association with other active agents. These markers include, but are not limited to, high total cholesterol, high LDL, high total cholesterol to HDL ratio and high LDL-C to HDL ratio.

[0040] The invention also particularly relates to the use of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments in any of the aforementioned therapeutic indications or conditions in combination with other drugs that are typically used to treat such disorders, wherein the antibody and other drug or agent may be co-administered or separately administered. Examples of drugs include that may be co-administered with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments or in the same therapeutic regimen include by way of example statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, and pantethine, other anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, Insulin therapies, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones, and other drugs used to treat conditions wherein the treated individual may have high cholesterol or aberrant lipid levels or lipid metabolism.

[0041] The invention further relates to compositions containing the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, especially compositions are suitable for in vivo administration, e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal, intranasal, intrathecal, vaginal, rectal, and other injectable or topical administrable dosage forms.

[0042] The present invention further provides methods for treating or preventing any of the following conditions or complications associated therewith such as hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease and generally dyslipidemias, which can be manifested, for example, by an elevated total serum cholesterol, elevated LDL, elevated triglycerides, elevated VLDL, and/or low HDL. Some non-limiting examples of primary and secondary dyslipidemias that can be treated using an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, either alone, or in combination with one or more other agents include the metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, familial combined hyperlipidemia, familial hypertriglyceridemia, familial hypercholesterolemias, including heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, homozygous hypercholesterolemia, familial defective apoplipoprotein B-100; polygenic hypercholesterolemia; remnant removal disease, hepatic lipase deficiency; dyslipidemia secondary to any of the following: dietary indiscretion, hypothyroidism, drugs including estrogen and progestin therapy, beta-blockers, and thiazide diuretics; nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure, Cushing's syndrome, primary biliary cirrhosis, glycogen storage diseases, hepatoma, cholestasis, acromegaly, insulinoma, isolated growth hormone deficiency, and alcohol-induced hypertriglyceridemia.

[0043] In addition, the present invention further provides methods for use of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment in preventing or treating atherosclerotic diseases, such as, for example, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke (ischaemic and hemorrhagic), angina pectoris, or cerebrovascular disease and acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction; in reducing the risk of: nonfatal heart attacks, fatal and non-fatal strokes, certain types of heart surgery, hospitalization for heart failure, chest pain in patients with heart disease, and/or cardiovascular events because of established heart disease such as prior heart attack, prior heart surgery, and/or chest pain with evidence of clogged arteries; and to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events.

[0044] More specifically, the invention provides compositions containing at least one of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, especially compositions which are suitable for in vivo administration, e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal, intranasal, intrathecal, vaginal, rectal, oral and other injectable or topical dosage forms which optionally may contain another active agent such as statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, and pantethine, other anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, Insulin therapies, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones, and other drugs used to treat conditions wherein the treated individual may have high cholesterol. The invention also provides novel dosage regimens using the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, alone or in association with another active agent, especially subcutaneous, oral and intravenous dosing regimens.

[0045] The invention further relates to storage stable forms containing the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, e.g., lyophilisates, suspensions, and buffered or temperature stable compositions containing.

[0046] The invention also provides methods of using the subject antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to PCSK9 in screening assays to detect and monitor the levels of PCSK9 in serum samples, potentially for the diagnosis of diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9 or in identifying individuals wherein the administration of the subject antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to PCSK9 may have a therapeutic or prophylactic effect or for monitoring the effects of a treatment designed to modulate or neutralize PCSK9 or block cholesterol synthesis, e.g., a treatment involving administration of one of the subject or other anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments.

[0047] Further, the invention provides specific anti-PCSK9 antibodies and fragments thereof and diagnostic or pharmaceutical compositions containing having particular epitopic specificity for PCSK9, and preferably antibodies or fragments thereof having high affinity or avidity and/or other desired functional properties.

[0048] In addition, the invention relates to any therapeutic or diagnostic use of the antibodies described herein, or antibodies competing therewith or possessing the same or overlapping epitopic specificity, preferably antibodies or antibody fragments comprising one or all of the CDRs of one of the exemplified anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, or more preferably an antibody comprising one or more variable or CDR sequences which possess at least 80, 90, or 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identity to any of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and to polynucleotides encoding these antibodies and antibody fragments and host cells containing. A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to chimeric or humanized antibodies and fragments thereof (such as Fab or Fv or monovalent fragments) capable of binding to PCSK9, and preferably which inhibit, block or neutralize the biological activities of PCSK9 or which block or inhibit the binding of PCSK9 to LDLR.

[0049] In some aspects, the invention comprises an isolated antibody or antibody fragment that competes for binding to PCSK9 or binds with the same or an overlapping epitope on PCSK9 as an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0050] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a patient, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0051] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of inhibiting binding of PCSK9 to LDLR in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0052] In some aspects, the invention comprises an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention that binds to PCSK9 with a KD that is less than 100 nM.

[0053] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with another active agent, e.g., one that reduces cholesterol levels or which elevates the availability of LDLR protein.

[0054] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0055] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol level in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with another agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which reduces serum cholesterol.

[0056] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein level in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0057] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or one which reduces serum cholesterol.

[0058] In some aspects, the invention further provides methods of preventing or treating diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9, e.g., diseases associated with increased or decreased levels of PCSK9 and/or mutations in the PCSK9 gene that affect PCSK9 protein expression, primary sequence and/or function by administering at least one at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention in combination with other agents.

[0059] In other aspects the present invention provides methods for treating or preventing disorders of cholesterol or lipid homeostasis and disorders and complications associated therewith, e.g., hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, sitosterolemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, vascular inflammation, xanthoma and related conditions using the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments.

[0060] In other specific aspects the present invention provides methods for treating or preventing disorders of cholesterol or lipid homeostasis and disorders and complications associated therewith, e.g., hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, sitosterolemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, vascular inflammation, xanthoma and other conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, wherein the subject is treated with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments, in combination with other drugs used to treat such disorders such as e.g., statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, and pantethine, other anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, Insulin therapies, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones, and other drugs used to treat conditions wherein the treated individual may have high cholesterol.

[0061] ACE inhibitors may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moieties may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include by way of example: Capoten (captopril), Vasotec (enalapril), Prinivil, Zestril (lisinopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Monopril (fosinopril), Altace (ramipril), Accupril (quinapril), Aceon (perindopril), Mavik (trandolapril), Univasc (moexipril),

[0062] ARBs may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moieties may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include by way of example: Cozaar (losartan), Diovan (valsartan), Avapro (irbesartan), Atacand (candesartan), and Micardis (telmisartan).

[0063] Antiarrhythmics may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments include by way of example: Tambocor (flecamide), Procanbid (procainamide), Cordarone (amiodarone), and Betapace (sotalol).

[0064] Anticlotting agents which may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moieties may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include: Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), Tenecteplase, Alteplase, Urokinase, Reteplase, and Streptokinase.

[0065] Beta-blockers may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moities may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include by way of example: Sectral (acebutolol), Zebeta (bisoprolol), Brevibloc (esmolol), Inderal (propranolol), Tenormin (atenolol), Normodyne, Trandate (labetalol), Coreg (carvedilol), Lopressor, and Toprol-XL (metoprolol).

[0066] Calcium channel blockers which may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moities may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include by way of example: Norvasc (amlodipine), Plendil (felodipine), Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Tiazac (diltiazem), Calan, Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM (verapamil), Adalat, Adalat CC, Procardia, Procardia XL (nifedipine), Cardene, Cardene SR (nicardipine), Sular (nisoldipine), Vascor (bepridil), and Caduet which is a combination of a statin cholesterol drug and amlodipine.

[0067] Diuretics which may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moities may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include by way of example Lasix (furosemide), Bumex (bumetanide), Demadex (torsemide), Esidrix (hydrochlorothiazide), Zaroxolyn (metolazone), and Aldactone (spironolactone).

[0068] Heart failure drugs which may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moities may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include by way of example Dobutrex (dobutamine), and Primacor (milrinone).

[0069] Vasodilators which may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moities may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include by way of example Dilatrate-SR, Iso-Bid, Isonate, Isorbid, Isordil, Isotrate, Sorbitrate (isosorbide dinitrate), IMDUR (isorbide mononitrate), and BiDil (hydralazine with isosorbide dinitrate.

[0070] Blood thinners which may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments wherein the moities may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration include by way of example Warfarin (coumadin), Heparin, Lovenox, and Fragmin.

[0071] In other aspects the present invention further provides methods for improving blood cholesterol markers associated with increased risk of heart disease using the subject antibodies and antibody fragments in association with any of the foregoing or other actives wherein the moities may be jointly or separately administered by the same or different means of administration. These markers include, but are not limited to, high total cholesterol, high LDL-C, high total cholesterol to HDL ratio and high LDL-C to HDL ratio.

[0072] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody protein or fragment according to the invention and another active, e.g., one of the actives above-identified, e.g., an agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein levels or an agent which blocks or inhibits cholesterol synthesis. In some embodiments, the agent that blocks cholesterol synthesis comprises a statin. The statin in some instances potentially may further elevate LDLR levels. In some embodiments, the statin is selected from the group consisting of atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the statin is further combined with niacin, an absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe), a lipid modifying agent, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein levels comprises a cytokine such as oncostatin M, or a hormone like estrogen, and/or a herbal moiety such as berberine.

[0073] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody protein or fragment or variant thereof according to the invention and an agent that increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or decreases triglyceride levels. In some embodiments, the agent that increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or decreases triglyceride levels comprises a fibrate. In some embodiments, the fibrate is selected from the group consisting of bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and some combination thereof.

[0074] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody protein or fragment according to the invention and a bile acid sequestering agent. In some embodiments, the bile sequestering agent is selected from the group consisting of cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, and some combination thereof.

[0075] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention and an agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestine. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestine is ezetimibe.

[0076] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or fragment according to the invention and an agent that decreases cholesterol levels. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases cholesterol levels is selected from the group consisting of certain anti-psychotic agents, certain HIV protease inhibitors, dietary factors such as high fructose, sucrose, cholesterol or certain fatty acids and certain nuclear receptor agonists and antagonists for RXR, RAR, LXR, FXR.

[0077] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or fragment according to the invention and a PPAR gamma agonist, PPAR alpha/gamma agonist, squalene synthase inhibitor, CETP inhibitor, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic agent (such as sulphonyl ureas, insulin, GLP-1 analogs, DDPIV inhibitors), ApoB modulator, MTP inhibitors, arteriosclerosis obliterans treatments, or a combination thereof.

[0078] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or fragment according to the invention and an agent that increases HDL levels. In some embodiments, the agent that increases HDL levels is niacin, also known as nicotinic acid. In some embodiments, the niacin is a slow-release formulation.

[0079] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or fragment according to the invention and an agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production and/or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretions. In some embodiments, the agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production and/or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretions is acipimox.

[0080] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or fragment according to the invention and an agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestine. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestine is selected from the group consisting of orlistat, lipstatin, and some combination thereof.

[0081] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or fragment according to the invention and an agent that is an anti-hypertensive and/or treats angina. In some embodiments, the agent that is an anti-hypertensive and/or treats angina is amlodipine.

[0082] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or fragment according to the invention and at least one other agent, wherein the combination allows for mitigation of undesirable side-effects of at least one other agent. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention and the at least one other agent are administered concurrently. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention or fragment or variant thereof and at least one other agent are not administered simultaneously, with the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention being administered before or after the at least one other agent is administered.

[0083] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or fragment according to the invention and at least one other agent for treating a condition associated with aberrant cholesterol or for treating a condition wherein the individuals often have high cholesterol. For example, an antibody protein or fragment or variant thereof according to the invention may be combined or co-administered with other drugs such as ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, and pantethine, other anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, Insulin therapies, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones, or other drugs used to treat conditions wherein the treated individual may have high cholesterol. Examples of such drugs are identified supra. In some embodiments, the antibody or fragment according to the invention and at least one other agent are not administered simultaneously, with the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention being administered before or after the at least one other agent is administered.

[0084] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol level in a patient comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of at least one isolated antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the condition is hypercholesterolemia.

[0085] In some aspects, anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention bind to PCSK9 with a KD that is less than about 100 nM. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention bind PCSK9 with a KD that is between about 10 and about 100 nM. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention bind PCSK9 with a KD that is less than about 10 nM. In some embodiments, the antibody or fragment that binds PCSK9 has a KD that is between about 1 and about 10 nM. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention that binds PCSK9 has a KD that is less than about 1 nM. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention has a KD that is between about 0.1 and about 1 nM. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention that binds PCSK9 has a KD that is between about 0.1 and about 0.5 nM. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention binds PCSK9 with a KD that is between about 0.01 and about 0.1 nM. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention binds PCSK9 with a KD that is between about 0.1 and about 10 nM. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention bind PCSK9 with a KD that is between 0.120 and about 7.99 nM.

[0086] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases cholesterol and which optionally further elevates the availability of LDLR protein. In some embodiments, the agent that reduces cholesterol and which optionally elevates the availability of LDLR protein comprises a statin. In some embodiments, the statin is selected from the group consisting of atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the statin is combined with niacin, an absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe), a lipid modifying agent, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein levels comprises certain cytokines like oncostatin M, estrogen, and/or certain herbal ingredients such as berberine.

[0087] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or decreases triglyceride levels. In some embodiments, the agent that increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or decreases triglyceride levels comprises a fibrate. In some embodiments, the fibrate is selected from the group consisting of bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and some combination thereof.

[0088] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with a bile acid sequestering agent. In some embodiments, the bile acid sequestering agent is selected from the group consisting of cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, and some combination thereof.

[0089] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one isolated anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestine. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestine is ezetimibe.

[0090] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases cholesterol levels. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases cholesterol levels is selected from the group consisting of certain anti-psychotic agents, certain HIV protease inhibitors, dietary factors such as high fructose, sucrose, cholesterol or certain fatty acids and certain nuclear receptor agonists and antagonists for RXR, RAR, LXR, FXR.

[0091] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that increases HDL levels. In some embodiments, the agent that increases HDL levels is niacin, also known as nicotinic acid. In some embodiments, the niacin is a slow-release formulation.

[0092] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production and/or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretions. In some embodiments, the agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production and/or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretions is acipimox.

[0093] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestine. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestine is selected from the group consisting of orlistat, lipstatin, and some combination thereof.

[0094] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that is an anti-hypertensive and/or treats angina. In some embodiments, the agent that is an anti-hypertensive and/or treats angina is amlodipine.

[0095] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with at least one other agent, wherein the combination allows for mitigation of undesirable side-effects of at least one other agent. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention and the at least one other agent are administered concurrently. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention and at least one other agent are not administered simultaneously, with the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments according to the invention being administered before or after the at least one other agent is administered.

[0096] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering the serum cholesterol level in a subject. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention.

[0097] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that reduces cholesterol and which optionally further optionally elevates the availability of LDLR protein. In some embodiments, the agent that reduces cholesterol and which may further elevate the availability of LDLR protein comprises a statin. In some embodiments, the statin is selected from the group consisting of atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the statin is combined with niacin, an absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe), a lipid modifying agent, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein levels comprises certain cytokines like oncostatin M, estrogen, and/or certain herbal ingredients such as berberine.

[0098] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or decreases triglyceride levels. In some embodiments, the agent that increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or decreases triglyceride levels comprises a fibrate. In some embodiments, the fibrate is selected from the group consisting of bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and some combination thereof.

[0099] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with a bile acid sequestering agent. In some embodiments, the bile acid sequestering agent is selected from the group consisting of cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, and some combination thereof.

[0100] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestine. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestine is ezetimibe.

[0101] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases cholesterol levels. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases cholesterol levels is selected from the group consisting of certain anti-psychotic agents, certain HIV protease inhibitors, dietary factors such as high fructose, sucrose, cholesterol or certain fatty acids and certain nuclear receptor agonists and antagonists for RXR, RAR, LXR, FXR.

[0102] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that increases HDL levels. In some embodiments, the agent that increases HDL levels is niacin, also known as nicotinic acid. In some embodiments, the niacin is a slow-release formulation.

[0103] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production and/or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretions. In some embodiments, the agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production and/or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretions is acipimox.

[0104] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestine. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestine is selected from the group consisting of orlistat, lipstatin, and some combination thereof or another known in the art.

[0105] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that is an anti-hypertensive and/or treats angina. In some embodiments, the agent that is an anti-hypertensive and/or treats angina is amlodipine or another anti-hypertensive such as those disclosed herein and known in the art.

[0106] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with at least one other agent, wherein the combination allows for mitigation of undesirable side-effects of at least one other agent. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention and the at least one other agent are administered concurrently. In some embodiments, the anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention and at least one other agent are not administered simultaneously, with the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention being administered before or after the at least one other agent is administered.

[0107] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment according to the invention as provided herein.

[0108] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein. In some embodiments, the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein levels comprises a statin. In some embodiments, the statin is selected from the group consisting of atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and some combination thereof or another statin known in the art. In some embodiments, the statin is combined with niacin, an absorption inhibitor (ezetimibe), a lipid modifying agent, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein levels comprises certain cytokines like oncostatin M, estrogen, and/or certain herbal ingredients such as berberine.

[0109] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or decreases triglyceride levels. In some embodiments, the agent that increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or decreases triglyceride levels comprises a fibrate. In some embodiments, the fibrate is selected from the group consisting of bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and some combination thereof.

[0110] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with a bile acid sequestering agent. In some embodiments, the bile acid sequestering agent is selected from the group consisting of cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, and some combination thereof.

[0111] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestine. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestine is ezetimibe.

[0112] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases cholesterol levels. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases cholesterol levels is selected from the group consisting of certain anti-psychotic agents, certain HIV protease inhibitors, dietary factors such as high fructose, sucrose, cholesterol or certain fatty acids and certain nuclear receptor agonists and antagonists for RXR, RAR, LXR, FXR.

[0113] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that increases HDL levels. In some embodiments, the agent that increases HDL levels is niacin, also known as nicotinic acid. In some embodiments, the niacin is a slow-release formulation.

[0114] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production and/or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretions. In some embodiments, the agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production and/or very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretions is acipimox.

[0115] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestine. In some embodiments, the agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestine is selected from the group consisting of orlistat, lipstatin, and some combination thereof.

[0116] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that is an anti-hypertensive and/or treats angina. In some embodiments, the agent that is an anti-hypertensive and/or treats angina is amlodipine.

[0117] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject by administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with at least one other agent, wherein the combination allows for mitigation of undesirable side-effects of at least one other agent. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention and the at least one other agent are administered concurrently. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention and at least one other agent are not administered simultaneously, with the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention being administered before or after the at least one other agent is administered.

[0118] In some aspects, the invention comprises a neutralizing antibody or antibody fragment that binds to PCSK9 and reduces the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) lowering effect of PCSK9 on LDLR. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment specifically binds to PCSK9. In some embodiments, the antibody or fragment binds to the catalytic domain of PCSK9.

[0119] In another embodiment of the invention humanized versions of the inventive antibodies may be derived from rabbit antibodies, using the humanization methods disclosed herein or other known humanization methods.

[0120] In particular, the invention contemplates any anti-PCSK9 antibody that contains at least one, two, three, four, five or all six of the CDRs of the anti-PCSK9 antibodies exemplified herein, as well as anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments containing VH and/or VL regions which are at least 80, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% identical to the VH and/or VL regions of any of the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments exemplified herein. In addition the invention contemplates polynucleotides encoding any anti-PCSK9 antibody that contains at least one, two, three, four, five or all six of the CDRs of the anti-PCSK9 antibodies exemplified herein, as well as anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments containing VH and/or VL regions which are at least 80, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% identical to the VH and/or VL regions of any of the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments exemplified herein, and host cells containing, i.e., antibodies or fragments capable of binding to PCSK9 and/or PCSK9/LDLR complexes.

[0121] The invention also contemplates conjugates of anti-PCSK9 antibodies and binding fragments thereof which may conjugated to one or more effector moiety, e.g., a detectable moiety. The invention also contemplates methods of making anti-PCSK9 antibodies and fragments including, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, scFv fragments, SMIPs (small molecule immunopharmaceuticals), camelbodies, nanobodies, monovalent antibodies such as MetMabs and IgNAR.

[0122] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical or diagnostic composition comprising at least one isolated antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical or diagnostic composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical or diagnostic composition further comprises at least one therapeutic agent for inflammation. In certain embodiments, the therapeutic agent for inflammation comprises a cyclooxygenase type 1 inhibitor, a cyclooxygenase type 2 inhibitor, a small molecule modulator of p38-MAPK, a small molecule modulator of intracellular molecules involved in inflammation pathways, or mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical or diagnostic composition is lyophilized.

[0123] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of making any of the antibody or antibody fragments containing any of the VH, VL or CDR amino acid sequences disclosed herein in a recombinant host cell, e.g., a yeast, fungi, mammalian cell, insect cell, bacterium, avian cell or egg, or a plant cell, and preferably a yeast, filamentous fungus or mammalian cell.

[0124] This includes by way of example bacterial, fungal, yeast, mammalian, insect, plant and avian cells. Preferred host cells are yeast, fungi, especially filamentous fungi and mammalian cells. Yeast and filamentous fungi include, but are not limited to Pichia pastoris, Pichia finlandica, Pichia trehalophila, Pichia koclamae, Pichia membranaefaciens, Pichia minuta (Ogataea minuta, Pichia lindneri), Pichia opuntiae, Pichia thermotolerans, Pichia salictaria, Pichia guercuum, Pichia pijperi, Pichia stiptis, Pichia methanolica, Pichia sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, Kluyveromyces sp., Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Fusarium sp., Fusarium gramineum, Fusarium venenatum, Physcomitrella patens and Neurospora crassa. Pichia sp., any Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, any Kluyveromyces sp., Candida albicans, any Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, any Fusarium sp. and Neurospora crassa.

[0125] Examples of invertebrate cells include insect cells such as Drosophila S2 and Spodoptera Sf9, as well as plant cells. Examples of useful mammalian host cell lines include Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and COS cells. More specific examples include monkey kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth in suspension culture, Graham et al., J. Gen Virol., 36:59 (1977)); Chinese hamster ovary cells/−DHFR(CHO, Urlaub and Chasin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 77:4216 (1980)); mouse sertoli cells (TM4, Mather, Biol. Reprod., 23:243-251 (1980)); human lung cells (W138, ATCC CCL 75); human liver cells (Hep G2, HB 8065); and mouse mammary tumor (MMT 060562, ATCC CCL51). The selection of the appropriate host cell is deemed to be within the skill in the art. Preferred mammalian cells for antibody expression include CHO cells and COS cells. In an exemplary embodiment the recombinant host cells are polyploidal yeast cells of the genus Pichia.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment the host cell will comprise a Pichia pastoris cell, preferably diploidal. In preferred embodiment the host cell will secrete the anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment into the culture medium containing host cells, e.g., Pichia pastoris, at concentrations which are at least 10-25 mg/liter of said antibody.

[0127] Methods for producing recombinant host cells, e.g., yeast, fungi, mammalian cells, insect cells, plant cells, avian cells, bacteria, et al., that contain heterologous antibody coding sequences and which express and secrete functional antibodies are well known. In an exemplary embodiment the host cells that express the antibodies or fragments according to the invention are diploidal Pichia pastoris. However, other yeast or fungi, including haploid forms, may be used.

[0128] If using diploid Pichia, these methods in general comprise producing a recombinant diploidal yeast or fungal cell that expresses and secretes the antibody by: (i) introducing at least one expression vector containing one or more heterologous polynucleotides encoding the variable regions and optionally the constant regions of said antibody or antibody fragment, which sequences are operably linked to a promoter and a signal sequence into a host cell, e.g., a haploid yeast or fungal cell; (ii) producing by mating or spheroplast fusion a polyploidal yeast or fungi from said first and/or second haploid yeast or fungal cells; (iii) selecting polyploidal yeast or fungal cells that stably express said antibody; and (iv) producing stable polyploidal yeast or fungal cultures from said polyploidal yeast or fungal cells that stably express said antibody into the culture medium.

[0129] However, the yeast used may include any of the following genera: Arxiozyma; Ascobotryozyma; Citeromyces; Debaryomyces; Dekkera; Eremothecium; Issatchenkia; Kazachstania; Kluyveromyces; Kodamaea; Lodderomyces; Pachysolen; Pichia; Saccharomyces; Saturnispora; Tetrapisispora; Torulaspora; Williopsis; or Zygosaccharomyces. In certain embodiments, the yeast genera is Pichia. In certain embodiments, the species of Pichia is selected from Pichia pastoris, Pichia methanolica or Hansenula polymorpha (Pichia angusta). Suitable filamentous fungi which may be used to express the subject antibodies or fragments are identified supra.

[0130] More specifically, the invention contemplates methods of making any anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment containing any of the VH, VL or CDR amino acid sequences disclosed herein in a recombinant cell, wherein the recombinant cell comprises a heterologous polynucleotide encoding an anti-PCSK9 antibody containing a VH amino acid sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% identical to any of the VH amino acid sequences in SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 292, SEQ ID NO: 332, SEQ ID NO: 372, SEQ ID NO: 412, SEQ ID NO: 452, SEQ ID NO: 492, SEQ ID NO: 532, SEQ ID NO: 572, SEQ ID NO: 612, SEQ ID NO: 652, SEQ ID NO: 692; SEQ ID NO: 732, SEQ ID NO: 772, SEQ ID NO: 812, SEQ ID NO: 852, SEQ ID NO: 892, or SEQ ID NO: 932 or encoding a variant thereof wherein at least one framework residue (FR residue) or CDR residue has been altered, e.g., substituted with an amino acid present at the corresponding position in a rabbit anti-PCSK9 antibody VH polypeptide or a conservative amino acid substitution.

[0131] In other embodiments, the heterologous polynucleotide further comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding an anti-PCSK9 VL amino acid sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% identical to any of the VL amino acid sequences in SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 312, SEQ ID NO: 352, SEQ ID NO: 392, SEQ ID NO: 432, SEQ ID NO: 472, SEQ ID NO: 512, SEQ ID NO: 542, SEQ ID NO: 582, SEQ ID NO: 622, SEQ ID NO: 662, SEQ ID NO: 702, SEQ ID NO: 742, SEQ ID NO: 782, SEQ ID NO: 822, SEQ ID NO: 862, SEQ ID NO: 902, or SEQ ID NO: 942 or encoding a variant thereof wherein at least one framework residue (FR residue) or CDR residue has been altered, e.g., substituted with an amino acid present at the corresponding position in a rabbit anti-PCSK9 antibody VL polypeptide or a conservative amino acid substitution. In other embodiments, the heterologous polynucleotide comprises a sequence encoding VH and VL polypeptides at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% identical to any of the VH and VL amino acid sequences in contained in SEQ ID NO: 12 and SEQ ID NO: 32; SEQ ID NO: 52 and SEQ ID NO: 72; SEQ ID NO: 92 and SEQ ID NO: 112; SEQ ID NO: 132 and SEQ ID NO: 152; SEQ ID NO: 172 and SEQ ID NO: 192; SEQ ID NO: 212 and SEQ ID NO: 232; SEQ ID NO: 252 and SEQ ID NO: 272; SEQ ID NO: 292 and SEQ ID NO: 312; SEQ ID NO: 332 and SEQ ID NO: 352; SEQ ID NO: 372 and SEQ ID NO: 392; SEQ ID NO: 412 and SEQ ID NO: 432; SEQ ID NO: 452 and SEQ ID NO: 472; SEQ ID NO: 492 and SEQ ID NO: 512; SEQ ID NO: 532 and SEQ ID NO: 552; SEQ ID NO: 572 and SEQ ID NO: 592; SEQ ID NO: 612 and SEQ ID NO: 632; SEQ ID NO: 652 and SEQ ID NO: 672; SEQ ID NO: 692 and SEQ ID NO: 712; SEQ ID NO: 732 and SEQ ID NO: 752; SEQ ID NO: 772 and SEQ ID NO: 792; SEQ ID NO: 812 and SEQ ID NO: 832; SEQ ID NO: 852 and SEQ ID NO: 872; SEQ ID NO: 892 and SEQ ID NO: 912; SEQ ID NO: 932 and SEQ ID NO: 952; or any combination of VH and VL sequences which are at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% identical to any of the VH and VL amino acid sequences exemplified herein.

[0132] In other embodiments, the heterologous polynucleotide encodes an anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment wherein the antibody or fragment contains at least one CDR, at two or all three of the CDRs contained in a VL polypeptide and/or at least one CDR, two or all three of the CDRs contained in a VH polypeptide, wherein said VH and VL polypeptide sequences are selected from those in SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 32; SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 72; SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 112; SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 152; SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 192; SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 272; SEQ ID NO: 292, SEQ ID NO: 312; SEQ ID NO: 332, SEQ ID NO: 352; SEQ ID NO: 372, SEQ ID NO: 392; SEQ ID NO: 412, SEQ ID NO: 432; SEQ ID NO: 452, SEQ ID NO: 472; SEQ ID NO: 492, SEQ ID NO: 512; SEQ ID NO: 532; SEQ ID NO: 552; SEQ ID NO: 572; SEQ ID NO: 592; SEQ ID NO: 612; SEQ ID NO: 632; SEQ ID NO: 652; SEQ ID NO: 672; SEQ ID NO: 692; SEQ ID NO: 712; SEQ ID NO: 732; SEQ ID NO: 752; SEQ ID NO: 772; SEQ ID NO: 792; SEQ ID NO: 812; SEQ ID NO: 832; SEQ ID NO: 852; SEQ ID NO: 872; SEQ ID NO: 892; SEQ ID NO: 912; SEQ ID NO: 932; SEQ ID NO: 952; or mixtures thereof.

[0133] In some aspects, the invention comprises an isolated polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide encoding an anti-PCSK9 VH antibody amino acid sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99% identical or identical to the VH polypeptide sequences in SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 292, SEQ ID NO: 332, SEQ ID NO: 372, SEQ ID NO: 412, SEQ ID NO: 452, SEQ ID NO: 492, SEQ ID NO: 532, SEQ ID NO: 572, SEQ ID NO: 612, SEQ ID NO: 652, SEQ ID NO: 692, SEQ ID NO: 732, SEQ ID NO: 772, SEQ ID NO: 812, SEQ ID NO: 852, SEQ ID NO: 892, or SEQ ID NO: 932, or encoding a variant thereof wherein at least one framework residue (FR residue) or CDR residue has been altered, e.g., substituted with an amino acid present at the corresponding position in a rabbit anti-PCSK9 antibody VH polypeptide or a conservative amino acid substitution. In other embodiments, the invention comprises a vector comprising the polynucleotide sequence above. In other embodiments, the invention comprises a host cell comprising the vector mentioned above. In certain embodiments, the host cell mentioned above is a yeast cell belonging to the genus Pichia.

[0134] In some aspects, the invention comprises an isolated polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence encoding an anti-PCSK9 VL antibody amino acid sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% identical or identical to any one of those in SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 312, SEQ ID NO: 352, SEQ ID NO: 392, SEQ ID NO: 432, SEQ ID NO: 472, SEQ ID NO: 512, SEQ ID NO: 552, or SEQ ID NO: 592, SEQ ID NO: 632, SEQ ID NO: 672, SEQ ID NO: 712, SEQ ID NO: 752, SEQ ID NO: 792, SEQ ID NO: 832, SEQ ID NO: 872, SEQ ID NO: 912, or SEQ ID NO: 952, or encoding a variant thereof wherein at least one framework residue (FR residue) or CDR residue has been altered, e.g., substituted with an amino acid present at the corresponding position in a rabbit anti-PCSK9 antibody VL polypeptide or a conservative amino acid substitution. In other embodiments, the invention comprises a vector comprising any combination of the polynucleotide sequence above. In certain embodiments, the invention comprises a host cell comprising one or more vectors containing any of the polynucleotides mentioned above. In certain embodiments, the invention embraces a host cell containing any of the afore-mentioned polynucleotides or a vector containing, e.g., a yeast, fungal, insect, plant, avian, bacterial or mammalian cell, and in an exemplary embodiment a yeast cell belonging to the genus Pichia.

[0135] In some aspects, the invention comprises an isolated nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide that hybridizes under stringent conditions to SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 32; SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 72; SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 112; SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 152; SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 192; SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 272; SEQ ID NO: 292, SEQ ID NO: 312; SEQ ID NO: 332, SEQ ID NO: 352; SEQ ID NO: 372, SEQ ID NO: 392; SEQ ID NO: 412; SEQ ID NO: 432; SEQ ID NO: 452; SEQ ID NO: 472; SEQ ID NO: 492; SEQ ID NO: 512; SEQ ID NO: 532; SEQ ID NO: 552; SEQ ID NO: 572; SEQ ID NO: 592; SEQ ID NO: 612; SEQ ID NO: 632; SEQ ID NO: 652; SEQ ID NO: 672; SEQ ID NO: 692; SEQ ID NO: 712; SEQ ID NO: 732; SEQ ID NO: 752; SEQ ID NO: 772; SEQ ID NO: 792; SEQ ID NO: 812; SEQ ID NO: 832; SEQ ID NO: 852; SEQ ID NO: 872; SEQ ID NO: 892; SEQ ID NO: 912; SEQ ID NO: 932; SEQ ID NO: 952; a codon degenerate thereof; or mixtures thereof, which encodes the VH or VL region of an antibody that binds PCSK9.

[0136] The invention also pertains to the use of anti-PCSK9 antibodies and binding fragments thereof containing or encoded by any of the afore-mentioned amino acid or polynucleotides sequences and variants thereof for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of any of the diseases and disorders disclosed herein, i.e., especially disorders associated with PCSK9 or aberrant expression thereof.

[0137] The invention also contemplates the use of fragments of anti-PCSK9 antibodies and binding fragments thereof containing or encoded by any of the afore-mentioned amino acid or polynucleotides sequences and variants thereof for the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9 or aberrant expression thereof. Other specific embodiments of the invention relate to the production of anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments thereof in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, or yeast cells (for example diploid yeast such as diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains.

[0232] Different preferred embodiments of the invention are listed below and are further described in more detail in the Detailed Written Description and in the Examples section of this application.

[0233] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment that competes with and/or specifically binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on human PCSK9 as an anti-human PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0234] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein said antibody or antibody fragment pacifically binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on human PCSK9 as an anti-human PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0235] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein said epitope(s) are identified using a binding assay that detects the binding of said anti-human PCSK9 antibody to one or more peptides in a library of 10-15-mer peptides which are overlapping peptide fragments of human PCSK9 that correspond to all or substantially all of the length of the human PCSK9 polypeptide.

[0236] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein said binding assay is a Western immunoblot assay which detects specific binding of the antibody or antibody fragment to one or more of said 10-15 mer peptides in said library by the use of a chemiluminescent label which emits a detectable chemiluminescent signal when specific binding of said antibody or antibody fragment to a peptide in said library occurs.

[0237] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human antibody PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein said antibody or antibody fragment contains at least 2 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0238] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human antibody PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment contains at least 3 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0239] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human antibody PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment contains at least 4 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0240] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human antibody PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment contains at least 5 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0241] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human antibody PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment contains all 6 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0242] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human antibody PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein said antibody or antibody fragment contains (a) a variable heavy chain comprising a CDR1 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 324, SEQ ID NO: 364, SEQ ID NO: 404, SEQ ID NO: 444, SEQ ID NO: 484, SEQ ID NO: 524, SEQ ID NO: 564, SEQ ID NO: 604, SEQ ID NO: 644, SEQ ID NO: 684, SEQ ID NO: 724, SEQ ID NO: 764, SEQ ID NO: 804, SEQ ID NO: 844, SEQ ID NO: 884, and SEQ ID NO: 924; a CDR2 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 286, SEQ ID NO: 326, SEQ ID NO: 366, SEQ ID NO: 406, SEQ ID NO: 446, SEQ ID NO: 486, SEQ ID NO: 526, SEQ ID NO: 566, SEQ ID NO: 606, SEQ ID NO: 646, SEQ ID NO: 686, SEQ ID NO: 726, SEQ ID NO: 766, SEQ ID NO: 806, SEQ ID NO: 846, SEQ ID NO: 886, and SEQ ID NO: 926; and a CDR3 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 288, SEQ ID NO: 328, SEQ ID NO: 368, SEQ ID NO: 408, SEQ ID NO: 448, SEQ ID NO: 488, SEQ ID NO: 528, SEQ ID NO: 568, SEQ ID NO: 608, SEQ ID NO: 648, SEQ ID NO: 688, SEQ ID NO: 728, SEQ ID NO: 768, SEQ ID NO: 808, SEQ ID NO: 848, SEQ ID NO: 888, and SEQ ID NO: 928; and/or

• • [0243] (b) a variable light chain comprising a CDR1 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 264, SEQ ID NO: 304, SEQ ID NO: 344, SEQ ID NO: 384, SEQ ID NO: 424, SEQ ID NO: 464, SEQ ID NO: 504, SEQ ID NO: 544, SEQ ID NO: 584, SEQ ID NO: 624, SEQ ID NO: 664, SEQ ID NO: 704, SEQ ID NO: 744, SEQ ID NO: 784, SEQ ID NO: 824, SEQ ID NO: 864, SEQ ID NO: 904, and SEQ ID NO: 944; a CDR2 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 266, SEQ ID NO: 306, SEQ ID NO: 346, SEQ ID NO: 386, SEQ ID NO: 426, SEQ ID NO: 466, SEQ ID NO: 506, SEQ ID NO: 546, SEQ ID NO: 586, SEQ ID NO: 626, SEQ ID NO: 666, SEQ ID NO: 706, SEQ ID NO: 746, SEQ ID NO: 786, SEQ ID NO: 826, SEQ ID NO: 866, SEQ ID NO: 906, and SEQ ID NO: 946; and a CDR3 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 268, SEQ ID NO: 308, SEQ ID NO: 348, SEQ ID NO: 388, SEQ ID NO: 428, SEQ ID NO: 468, SEQ ID NO: 508, SEQ ID NO: 548, SEQ ID NO: 588, SEQ ID NO: 628, SEQ ID NO: 668, SEQ ID NO: 708, SEQ ID NO: 748, SEQ ID NO: 788, SEQ ID NO: 828, SEQ ID NO: 868, SEQ ID NO: 908, and SEQ ID NO: 948, with the further proviso that one or two residues of any of the afore-identified CDR polypeptides may be substituted with another amino acid, preferably a conservative amino acid substitution.

[0244] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28.

[0245] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68.

[0246] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 84, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 88; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 104, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 106, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 108.

[0247] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 124, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 146, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 148.

[0248] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 164, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 166, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 168; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 184, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 186, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 188.

[0249] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 204, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 206, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 208; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 224, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 226, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 228.

[0250] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 244, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 246, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 248; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 264, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 266, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 268.

[0251] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 284, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 286, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 288; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 304, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 306, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 308.

[0252] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 324, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 346, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 348.

[0253] Another preferred embodiments of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 368; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 384, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 386, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 388.

[0254] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 404, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 406, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 424, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 426, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 428.

[0255] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 444, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 446, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 448; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 464, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 466, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 468.

[0256] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 484, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 486, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 488; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 504, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 506, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 508.

[0257] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 524, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 526, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 528; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 544, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 546, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 548.

[0258] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 564, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 566, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 568; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 584, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 586, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 588.

[0259] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 604, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 606, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 608; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 624, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 626, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 628.

[0260] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 644, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 646, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 648; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 664, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 666, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 668.

[0261] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 684, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 686, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 688; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 704, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 706, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 708.

[0262] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 724, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 726, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 728; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 744, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 746, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 748.

[0263] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 764, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 766, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 768; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 784, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 786, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 788.

[0264] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 804, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 806, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 808; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 824, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 826, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 828.

[0265] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 844, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 846, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 848; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 864, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 866, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 868.

[0266] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 884, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 886, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 888; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 904, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 906, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 908.

[0267] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 924, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 926, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 928; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 944, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 946, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 948.

[0268] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 and/or the variable light chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 22.

[0269] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO: 22, respectively.

[0270] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 42 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 62.

[0271] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 42 and SEQ ID NO: 62, respectively.

[0272] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 82 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 102.

[0273] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 82 and SEQ ID NO: 102, respectively.

[0274] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 122 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 142.

[0275] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 122 and SEQ ID NO: 142, respectively.

[0276] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 162 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 182.

[0277] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 162 and SEQ ID NO: 182, respectively.

[0278] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 202 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 222.

[0279] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 202 and SEQ ID NO: 222, respectively.

[0280] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 242 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 262.

[0281] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 242 and SEQ ID NO: 262, respectively.

[0282] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 282 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 302.

[0283] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 282 and SEQ ID NO: 302, respectively.

[0284] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 322 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 342.

[0285] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 322 and SEQ ID NO: 342, respectively.

[0286] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 362 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 382.

[0287] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 362 and SEQ ID NO: 382, respectively.

[0288] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 402 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 422.

[0289] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment 55, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 402 and SEQ ID NO: 422, respectively.

[0290] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 442 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 462.

[0291] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 442 and SEQ ID NO: 462, respectively.

[0292] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 482 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 502.

[0293] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 482 and SEQ ID NO: 502, respectively.

[0294] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 522 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 542.

[0295] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 522 and SEQ ID NO: 542, respectively.

[0296] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 562 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 582.

[0297] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 562 and SEQ ID NO: 582, respectively.

[0298] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 602 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 622.

[0299] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 602 and SEQ ID NO: 622, respectively.

[0300] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 642 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 662.

[0301] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 642 and SEQ ID NO: 662, respectively.

[0302] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 682 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 702.

[0303] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 682 and SEQ ID NO: 702, respectively

[0304] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment of wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 722 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 742.

[0305] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 722 and SEQ ID NO: 742, respectively

[0306] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment of wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 762 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 782.

[0307] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 762 and SEQ ID NO: 782, respectively.

[0308] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 802 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 822.

[0309] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 802 and SEQ ID NO: 822, respectively.

[0310] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment of wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 842 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 862.

[0311] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 842 and SEQ ID NO: 862, respectively.

[0312] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment of wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 882 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 902.

[0313] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 882 and SEQ ID NO: 902, respectively.

[0314] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment of, wherein the variable heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 922 and the variable light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 942.

[0315] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 922 and SEQ ID NO: 942, respectively.

[0316] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 21.

[0317] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 41 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 61.

[0318] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 81 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 101.

[0319] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 121 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 141.

[0320] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 161 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 181.

[0321] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 201 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 221.

[0322] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 241 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 261.

[0323] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 281 and the light chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 301.

[0324] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 321 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 341.

[0325] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 361 and the light chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 381.

[0326] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 401 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 421.

[0327] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 441 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 461.

[0328] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 481 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 501.

[0329] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 521 and the light chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 541.

[0330] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the heavy chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 561 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 581.

[0331] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 601 and the light chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 621.

[0332] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 641 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 661.

[0333] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment of wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 681 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 701.

[0334] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 721 and the light chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 741.

[0335] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 761 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 781.

[0336] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment of wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 801 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 821.

[0337] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 841 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 861.

[0338] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 881 and the light chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 901.

[0339] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the heavy chain comprises SEQ ID NO: 921 and the light chain comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 941.

[0340] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is selected from the group consisting of chimeric, humanized, and human antibodies or antibody fragments.

[0341] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is selected from the group consisting of scFvs, camelbodies, nanobodies, IgNAR, F_ab fragments, F_ab′ fragments, MetMab like antibodies, monovalent antibody fragments, and F_(ab′)2 fragments.

[0342] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment substantially or entirely lacks N-glycosylation and/or O-glycosylation.

[0343] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment comprises a human constant domain.

[0344] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody is an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 antibody.

[0345] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment comprises an Fc region that has been modified to alter at least one of effector function, half-life, proteolysis, or glycosylation.

[0346] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the Fc region contains one or more mutations that alter or eliminate N- and/or O-glycosylation.

[0347] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is a humanized antibody or antibody fragment.

[0348] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the antibody or antibody fragment binds to PCSK9 with a dissociation constant (K_d) of less than or equal to 10⁻² M, 5×10⁻³ M, 10⁻³ M, 5×10⁻⁴ M, 10⁻⁴ M, 5×10⁻⁵ M, 10⁻⁵ M, 5×10⁻⁶ M, 10⁻⁶ M, 5×10⁻⁷ M, 10⁻⁷ M, 5×10⁻⁸ M, 10⁻⁸ M, 5×10⁻⁹ M, 10⁻⁹ M, 5×10⁻¹⁰ M, 10⁻¹⁰ M, 5×10⁻¹¹ M, 10⁻¹¹ M, 5×10⁻¹² M, 10⁻¹² M, 5×10⁻¹³ M, or 10⁻¹³ M.

[0349] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment binds to PCSK9 with a dissociation constant (K_d) of less than or equal to 10⁻¹¹ M, 5×10⁻¹² M, or 10⁻¹² M.

[0350] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, which binds to PCSK9 with an off-rate of less than or equal to 10⁻⁴ S⁻¹, 5×10⁻⁵ S⁻¹, 10⁻⁵ S⁻¹, 5×10⁻⁶ S⁻¹, 10⁻⁶ S⁻¹, 5×10⁻⁷ S⁻¹, or 10⁻⁷ S⁻¹.

[0351] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is directly or indirectly attached to a detectable label or therapeutic agent.

[0352] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, which when administered to a human subject inhibits or neutralizes at least one biological effect elicited by PCSK9.

[0353] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment which when administered to a human subject reduces serum cholesterol.

[0354] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is capable of inhibiting the binding of PCSK9 to LDLR.

[0355] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment binds to PCSK9 with a K_D that is less than about 100 nM.

[0356] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment binds to PCSK9 with a K_D that is less than about 10 nM.

[0357] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment binds to PCSK9 with a K_D that is less than about 1 nM.

[0358] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment binds to PCSK9 with a K_D that is between about 1 and about 10 nM.

[0359] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment binds to PCSK9 with a K_D that is between about 0.1 and about 1 nM.

[0360] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment binds to PCSK9 with a K_D that is between 0.12 and 7.99 nM.

[0361] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is attached to at least one effector moiety.

[0362] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein effector moiety comprises a chemical linker.

[0363] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is attached to one or more detectable moieties.

[0364] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment, wherein detectable moiety comprises a fluorescent dye, enzyme, substrate, bioluminescent material, radioactive material, chemiluminescent moiety, or mixtures thereof.

[0365] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is attached to one or more functional moieties.

[0366] An anti-idiotypic antibody produced against an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0367] A composition suitable for therapeutic, prophylaxis, or a diagnostic use comprising a therapeutically, prophylactically or diagnostically effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0368] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition, which is suitable for subcutaneous administration containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0369] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition which is suitable for intravenous administration containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0370] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition, which is suitable for topical administration containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0371] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition, which is lyophilized containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0372] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier, preservative, or mixture thereof.

[0373] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, further comprising another active agent.

[0374] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the other active agent is selected from the group consisting of the following: statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, pantethine, anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones.

[0375] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the ACE inhibitor is selected from: Capoten (captopril), Vasotec (enalapril), Prinivil, Zestril (lisinopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Monopril (fosinopril), Altace (ramipril), Accupril (quinapril), Aceon (perindopril), Mavik (trandolapril), Univasc (moexipril),

[0376] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the ARB is selected from: Cozaar (losartan), Diovan (valsartan), Avapro (irbesartan), Atacand (candesartan), and Micardis (telmisartan).

[0377] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the Antiarrhythmic is selected from Tambocor (flecamide), Procanbid (procainamide), Cordarone (amiodarone), and Betapace (sotalol).

[0378] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the anticlotting agent is selected from Anticlotting agents which may be used in combination with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments include: Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), Tenecteplase, Alteplase, Urokinase, Reteplase, and Streptokinase.

[0379] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention wherein the Beta blocker is selected from Sectral (acebutolol), Zebeta (bisoprolol), Brevibloc (esmolol), Inderal (propranolol), Tenormin (atenolol), Normodyne, Trandate (labetalol), Coreg (carvedilol), Lopressor, and Toprol-XL (metoprolol).

[0380] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the calcium channel blocker is selected from: Norvasc (amlodipine), Plendil (felodipine), Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Tiazac (diltiazem), Calan, Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM (verapamil), Adalat, Adalat CC, Procardia, Procardia XL (nifedipine), Cardene, Cardene SR (nicardipine), Sular (nisoldipine), Vascor (bepridil), and Caduet which is a combination of a statin cholesterol drug and amlodipine.

[0381] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the diuretic is selected from: Lasix (furosemide), Bumex (bumetanide), Demadex (torsemide), Esidrix (hydrochlorothiazide), Zaroxolyn (metolazone), and Aldactone (spironolactone).

[0382] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the heart failure drug is selected from Dobutrex (dobutamine), and Primacor (milrinone).

[0383] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing an antibody or fragment according to the invention, wherein the vasodilator is selected from Dilatrate-SR, Iso-Bid, Isonate, Isorbid, Isordil, Isotrate, Sorbitrate (isosorbide dinitrate), IMDUR (isorbide mononitrate), and BiDil (hydralazine with isosorbide dinitrate.

[0384] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the blood thinner is selected Warfarin (coumadin), Heparin, Lovenox, and Fragmin.

[0385] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition of containing an antibody according to the invention wherein the composition further comprises another therapeutic agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein.

[0386] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition further comprises another therapeutic agent that blocks or inhibits cholesterol synthesis.

[0387] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition further comprises a statin.

[0388] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the statin is selected atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, or mixtures thereof.

[0389] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition further comprises another therapeutic agent that elevates the HDL level, or an agent which decreases triglyceride levels, or both.

[0390] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition further comprises a fibrate.

[0391] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the fibrate comprises bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0392] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition further comprises a bile sequestering agent.

[0393] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein bile sequestering agent comprises cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, or mixtures thereof.

[0394] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition further comprises an agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestines.

[0395] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the agent comprises ezetimibe.

[0396] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition comprises an agent that that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production, inhibits VLDL secretions, or both.

[0397] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention wherein the agent comprises acipimox.

[0398] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition further comprises an agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestines.

[0399] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing an antibody according to the invention, wherein the agent comprises orlistat, lipstatin, or mixtures thereof.

[0400] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the composition further comprises an agent that is an anti-hypertensive, an agent that treats angina, or both.

[0401] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein said anti-hypertensive or anti-angina agent is selected from a diuretic, an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a calcium channel blocker, a renin inhibitor, an ACE inhibitor, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, aa aldosterone antagonist, a vasodilator or an alpha-2 agonist.

[0402] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the diuretics include bumetanide, thacrynic acid, furosemide, and torsemide; a thiazide diuretic such as epitizide, hydrochlorothiazide or chlorothiazide, or bendroflumethiazide; a thiazide-like diuretic such as indapamide, chlorthalidone, or metolazone; a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone; the adrenergic receptor antagonists include beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, oxprenolol, pindolol, propranolol, or timolol; the alpha blockers include doxazosin, phentolamine, indoramin, phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, terazosin, and tolazoline; mixed alpha+beta blockers such as bucindolol, carvedilol, and labetalol; the calcium channel blockers include dihydropyridines such as amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, and nitrendipine; non-dihydropyridines such as diltiazem and verapamil; renin inhibitors such as Aliskiren; ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril, and benazepril; angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, and valsartan; aldosterone antagonists such as eplerenone and spironolactone; vasodilators such as sodium nitroprusside; and Alpha-2 agonists such as Clonidine, Guanabenz, Methyldopa, Moxonidine, Guanethidine or Reserpine; or a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate), pentaerythritol tetranitrate, isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate.

[0403] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, which further comprises at least one other agent, wherein the combination allows for mitigation of undesirable side effects of at least one other agent contained therein.

[0404] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention which further comprises at least one therapeutic agent for inflammation.

[0405] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the therapeutic agent for inflammation comprises a cyclooxygenase type 1 inhibitor, a cyclooxygenase type 2 inhibitor, a small molecule modulator of p38-MAPK, a small molecule modulator of intracellular molecules involved in inflammation pathways, or mixtures thereof.

[0406] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, which is lyophilized, stabilized and/or or formulated for administration by injection.

[0407] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method for blocking, inhibiting or neutralizing one or more biological effects associated with PCSK9 comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one antibody or composition according to the invention.

[0408] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a patient, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent.

[0409] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to method for treating or preventing elevated serum cholesterol levels in a patient in need thereof or at risk of developing elevated serum cholesterol levels because of an existing condition, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of at least one antibody according to an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent.

[0410] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method wherein the condition treated is selected from the group consisting of hypercholesterolemia, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, sitosterolemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, vascular inflammation, xanthoma, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and angina.

[0411] Another preferred embodiment is a method for treating or preventing a disorder involving cholesterol or lipid homeostasis or complications associated therewith, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of at least one antibody according to an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent.

[0412] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of treatment wherein the treated condition is selected from hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, and sitosterolemia using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent.

[0413] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the at least one isolated anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody inhibits the binding of PCSK9 to LDLR.

[0414] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the at least one isolated anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment results in blocking or inhibition of cholesterol synthesis.

[0415] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering separately or co-administering another agent, which agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which blocks or inhibits cholesterol synthesis.

[0416] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the administration is part of a therapeutic regimen that further includes the administration of at least one of the following: statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, pantethine, anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones.

[0417] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the ACE inhibitor is selected from: Capoten (captopril), Vasotec (enalapril), Prinivil, Zestril (lisinopril), Lotensin (benazepril), Monopril (fosinopril), Altace (ramipril), Accupril (quinapril), Aceon (perindopril), Mavik (trandolapril), Univasc (moexipril),

[0418] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the ARB is selected from: Cozaar (losartan), Diovan (valsartan), Avapro (irbesartan), Atacand (candesartan), and Micardis (telmisartan).

[0419] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the antiarythmic is selected from: Tambocor (flecamide), Procanbid (procainamide), Cordarone (amiodarone), and Betapace (sotalol).

[0420] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the anti-clotting agent is selected from: Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), Tenecteplase, Alteplase, Urokinase, Reteplase, and Streptokinase.

[0421] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the Beta-blocker is selected from: Sectral (acebutolol), Zebeta (bisoprolol), Brevibloc (esmolol), Inderal (propranolol), Tenormin (atenolol), Normodyne, Trandate (labetalol), Coreg (carvedilol), Lopressor, and Toprol-XL (metoprolol).

[0422] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the calcium channel blocker is selected from: Norvasc (amlodipine), Plendil (felodipine), Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Tiazac (diltiazem), Calan, Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM (verapamil), Adalat, Adalat CC, Procardia, Procardia XL (nifedipine), Cardene, Cardene SR (nicardipine), Sular (nisoldipine), Vascor (bepridil), and Caduet which is a combination of a statin cholesterol drug and amlodipine.

[0423] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the antidiuretic is selected from: Lasix (furosemide), Bumex (bumetanide), Demadex (torsemide), Esidrix (hydrochlorothiazide), Zaroxolyn (metolazone), and Aldactone (spironolactone).

[0424] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the heart failure drug is selected from Dobutrex (dobutamine), and Primacor (milrinone).

[0425] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the vasodilator is selected from: Dilatrate-SR, Iso-Bid, Isonate, Isorbid, Isordil, Isotrate, Sorbitrate (isosorbide dinitrate), IMDUR (isorbide mononitrate), and BiDil (hydralazine with isosorbide dinitrate.

[0426] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method containing an antibody according to the invention, wherein the blood thinner is selected from Warfarin (coumadin), Heparin, Lovenox, and Fragmin.

[0427] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which blocks or inhibits cholesterol synthesis is administered simultaneously with the antibody or composition containing.

[0428] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein another agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which blocks or inhibits cholesterol synthesis is administered. sequentially relative to the administration of the antibody or composition containing.

[0429] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent that blocks or inhibits cholesterol synthesis protein comprises a statin.

[0430] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the statin is selected from atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, or mixtures thereof.

[0431] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that elevates the HDL level, an agent that decreases triglyceride levels, or both.

[0432] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises a fibrate.

[0433] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the fibrate agent comprises bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0434] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering a bile sequestering agent.

[0435] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the bile sequestering agent comprises cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, or mixtures thereof.

[0436] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestines.

[0437] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises ezetimibe.

[0438] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent 174, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production, inhibits VLDL secretions, or both.

[0439] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises acipimox.

[0440] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestines.

[0441] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises orlistat, lipstatin, or mixtures thereof.

[0442] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent 174, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that is an anti-hypertensive, one that treats angina, or both.

[0443] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein said anti-hypertensive or anti-angina agent is selected from a diuretic, an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a calcium channel blocker, a renin inhibitor, an ACE inhibitor, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, aa aldosterone antagonist, a vasodilator or an alpha-2 agonist.

[0444] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the diuretics include bumetanide, thacrynic acid, furosemide, and torsemide; a thiazide diuretic such as epitizide, hydrochlorothiazide or chlorothiazide, or bendroflumethiazide; a thiazide-like diuretic such as indapamide, chlorthalidone, or metolazone; a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone; the adrenergic receptor antagonists include beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, oxprenolol, pindolol, propranolol, or timolol; the alpha blockers include doxazosin, phentolamine, indoramin, phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, terazosin, and tolazoline; mixed alpha+beta blockers such as bucindolol, carvedilol, and labetalol; the calcium channel blockers include dihydropyridines such as amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, and nitrendipine; non-dihydropyridines such as diltiazem and verapamil; renin inhibitors such as Aliskiren; an ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril, and benazepril; angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, and valsartan; aldosterone antagonists such as eplerenone and spironolactone; vasodilators such as sodium nitroprusside; and Alpha-2 agonists such as Clonidine, Guanabenz, Methyldopa, Moxonidine, Guanethidine or Reserpine; or a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate), pentaerythritol tetranitrate, isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate.

[0445] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering at least one other agent, wherein the combination allows for mitigation of undesirable side effects of at least one other agent.

[0446] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment or composition containing and the at least one other agent are administered concurrently.

[0447] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is administered before or after the at least one other agent.

[0448] A method for lowering serum cholesterol level in a subject comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention or a composition containing.

[0449] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein administering the at least one isolated anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment or composition inhibits PCSK9 binding to LDLR.

[0450] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which decreases serum cholesterol.

[0451] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which decreases cholesterol is administered simultaneously with the antibody or composition containing.

[0452] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which decrease serum cholesterol is administered sequentially.

[0453] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent that reduces serum cholesterol comprises a statin.

[0454] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the statin comprises atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, or a combination thereof.

[0455] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that elevates the HDL level, an agent that decreases triglyceride levels, or both.

[0456] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises a fibrate.

[0457] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the fibrate comprises bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0458] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the method further comprises administering a bile sequestering agent.

[0459] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the bile sequestering agent comprises cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, or mixtures thereof.

[0460] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestines.

[0461] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises ezetimibe.

[0462] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of any one containing an antibody according to the invention wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production, inhibits VLDL secretions, or both.

[0463] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises acipimox, Gemfibrozil or nicotinic acid, and nicotinic acid analogs.

[0464] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestines.

[0465] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises orlistat, lipstatin, or mixtures thereof.

[0466] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is administered before or after other active agent.

[0467] Another embodiment relates to a method of increasing LDLR protein level in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one isolated antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention or a composition containing as described herein.

[0468] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein administering the at least one isolated anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment inhibits PCSK9 binding to LDLR.

[0469] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering another agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or one which decreases serum cholesterol.

[0470] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which decrease serum cholesterol is administered simultaneously with the antibody or antibody composition.

[0471] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which reduces serum cholesterol is administered sequentially with respect to the antibody or antibody composition.

[0472] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent that reduces serum cholesterol protein comprises a statin.

[0473] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the statin comprises atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, or a combination thereof.

[0474] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that elevates the HDL level, an agent that decreases triglyceride levels, or both.

[0475] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the other agent comprises a fibrate.

[0476] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the fibrate comprises bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0477] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent 234, wherein the method further comprises administering a bile sequestering agent.

[0478] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the bile sequestering agent comprises cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, or mixtures thereof.

[0479] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestines.

[0480] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises ezetimibe.

[0481] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that inhibits hepatic triglyceride production, inhibits VLDL secretions, or both.

[0482] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the agent comprises acipimox, Gemfibrozil or nicotinic acid, or a nicotinic acid analog.

[0483] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that decreases lipid absorption in the intestines.

[0484] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent 250, wherein the agent comprises orlistat, lipstatin, or mixtures thereof.

[0485] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the method further comprises administering an agent that is an anti-hypertensive, treats angina, or both.

[0486] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the agent comprises amlodipine, diuretic, an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a calcium channel blocker, a renin inhibitor, an ACE inhibitor, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, aa aldosterone antagonist, a vasodilator, a nitrate or an alpha-2 agonist.

[0487] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the diuretics include bumetanide, thacrynic acid, furosemide, and torsemide; a thiazide diuretic such as epitizide, hydrochlorothiazide or chlorothiazide, or bendroflumethiazide; a thiazide-like diuretic such as indapamide, chlorthalidone, or metolazone; a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride, triamterene, or spironolactone; the adrenergic receptor antagonists include beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, nadolol, oxprenolol, pindolol, propranolol, or timolol; the alpha blockers include doxazosin, phentolamine, indoramin, phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, terazosin, and tolazoline; mixed alpha+beta blockers such as bucindolol, carvedilol, and labetalol; the calcium channel blockers include dihydropyridines such as amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, and nitrendipine; non-dihydropyridines such as diltiazem and verapamil; renin inhibitors such as Aliskiren; an ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril, and benazepril; angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, and valsartan; aldosterone antagonists such as eplerenone and spironolactone; vasodilators such as sodium nitroprusside; and Alpha-2 agonists such as Clonidine, Guanabenz, Methyldopa, Moxonidine, Guanethidine or Reserpine; or a nitrate such as nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate), pentaerythritol tetranitrate, isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate.

[0488] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the antibody or antibody fragment or composition containing and at least one other agent are administered concurrently.

[0489] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the antibody or antibody fragment or composition containing and at least one other agent are administered separately, optionally by different dosing methods.

[0490] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is administered before or after the at least one other agent.

[0491] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent wherein the antibody or antibody fragment or composition containing are administered with an agent that inhibits inflammation.

[0492] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, wherein the therapeutic agent for inflammation comprises a cyclooxygenase type 1 inhibitor, a cyclooxygenase type 2 inhibitor, a small molecule modulator of p38-MAPK, a small molecule modulator of intracellular molecules involved in inflammation pathways, or mixtures thereof.

[0493] Another preferred embodiment relates to a method using an effective amount of at least one antibody according to the invention or a composition containing optionally with another active agent, that is used to treat or prevent a disease or the complications of a disease or condition selected from hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, dyslipidemias, elevated total serum cholesterol, elevated LDL, elevated triglycerides, elevated VLDL, low HDL, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, familial combined hyperlipidemia, familial hypertriglyceridemia, familial hypercholesterolemias, including heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, homozygous hypercholesterolemia, familial defective apoplipoprotein B-100; polygenic hypercholesterolemia; remnant removal disease, hepatic lipase deficiency; dyslipidemia secondary to any of the following: dietary indiscretion, hypothyroidism, drugs including estrogen and progestin therapy, beta-blockers, and thiazide diuretics; nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure, Cushing's syndrome, primary biliary cirrhosis, glycogen storage diseases, hepatoma, cholestasis, acromegaly, insulinoma, isolated growth hormone deficiency, and alcohol-induced hypertriglyceridemia. atherosclerotic diseases such as coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke (ischaemic and hemorrhagic), angina pectoris, cerebrovascular disease and acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, reducing the risk of: nonfatal heart attacks, fatal and non-fatal strokes, certain types of heart surgery, hospitalization for heart failure, chest pain in patients with heart disease, and/or cardiovascular events because of established heart disease such as prior heart attack, prior heart surgery, and/or chest pain with evidence of clogged arteries, or the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events.

[0494] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid or nucleic acids which encode for and when expressed in a suitable host cell result in the expression of an anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment or the variable heavy or light chain thereof, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids competes with and/or specifically binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on human PCSK9 as an anti-human PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0495] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention wherein said expressed antibody or antibody fragment specifically binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on human PCSK9 as an anti-human PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0496] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein said epitope(s) can be identified is a binding assay that detects the binding of an anti-human PCSK9 antibody to one or more peptides in a library of 10-15-mer peptides which are overlapping fragments that correspond to all or substantially all of the length of the human PCSK9 polypeptide.

[0497] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention wherein the epitope bound thereby is determined using a Western immunoblot assay which detects specific binding of the antibody or antibody fragment to one or more of said 10-15 mer peptides in said library by the use of a chemiluminescent label which emits a detectable chemiluminescent signal when specific binding of said antibody or antibody fragment to a peptide in said library occurs.

[0498] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein said expressed antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids contains at least 2 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0499] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein said expressed anti-human anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids contains at least 3 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0500] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein said expressed anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids contains at least 4 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0501] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein said expressed anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids contains at least 5 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0502] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention wherein said expressed antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids contains all 6 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of an anti-PCSK9 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1, Ab2, Ab3, Ab4, Ab5, Ab6, Ab7, Ab8, Ab9, Ab10, Ab11, Ab12, Ab13, Ab14, Ab15, Ab16, Ab17, Ab18, Ab19, Ab20, Ab21, Ab22, Ab23 and Ab24.

[0503] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention wherein said expressed anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids contains (a) a variable heavy chain comprising a CDR1 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 324, SEQ ID NO: 364, SEQ ID NO: 404, SEQ ID NO: 444, SEQ ID NO: 484, SEQ ID NO: 524, SEQ ID NO: 564, SEQ ID NO: 604, SEQ ID NO: 644, SEQ ID NO: 684, SEQ ID NO: 724, SEQ ID NO: 764, SEQ ID NO: 804, SEQ ID NO: 844, SEQ ID NO: 884, and SEQ ID NO: 924; a CDR2 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 286, SEQ ID NO: 326, SEQ ID NO: 366, SEQ ID NO: 406, SEQ ID NO: 446, SEQ ID NO: 486, SEQ ID NO: 526, SEQ ID NO: 566, SEQ ID NO: 606, SEQ ID NO: 646, SEQ ID NO: 686, SEQ ID NO: 726, SEQ ID NO: 766, SEQ ID NO: 806, SEQ ID NO: 846, SEQ ID NO: 886, and SEQ ID NO: 926; and a CDR3 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 288, SEQ ID NO: 328, SEQ ID NO: 368, SEQ ID NO: 408, SEQ ID NO: 448, SEQ ID NO: 488, SEQ ID NO: 528, SEQ ID NO: 568, SEQ ID NO: 608, SEQ ID NO: 648, SEQ ID NO: 688, SEQ ID NO: 728, SEQ ID NO: 768, SEQ ID NO: 808, SEQ ID NO: 848, SEQ ID NO: 888, and SEQ ID NO: 928; and/or

• • [0504] (b) a variable light chain comprising a CDR1 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 264, SEQ ID NO: 304, SEQ ID NO: 344, SEQ ID NO: 384, SEQ ID NO: 424, SEQ ID NO: 464, SEQ ID NO: 504, SEQ ID NO: 544, SEQ ID NO: 584, SEQ ID NO: 624, SEQ ID NO: 664, SEQ ID NO: 704, SEQ ID NO: 744, SEQ ID NO: 784, SEQ ID NO: 824, SEQ ID NO: 864, SEQ ID NO: 904, and SEQ ID NO: 944; a CDR2 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 266, SEQ ID NO: 306, SEQ ID NO: 346, SEQ ID NO: 386, SEQ ID NO: 426, SEQ ID NO: 466, SEQ ID NO: 506, SEQ ID NO: 546, SEQ ID NO: 586, SEQ ID NO: 626, SEQ ID NO: 666, SEQ ID NO: 706, SEQ ID NO: 746, SEQ ID NO: 786, SEQ ID NO: 826, SEQ ID NO: 866, SEQ ID NO: 906, and SEQ ID NO: 946; and a CDR3 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 268, SEQ ID NO: 308, SEQ ID NO: 348, SEQ ID NO: 388, SEQ ID NO: 428, SEQ ID NO: 468, SEQ ID NO: 508, SEQ ID NO: 548, SEQ ID NO: 588, SEQ ID NO: 628, SEQ ID NO: 668, SEQ ID NO: 708, SEQ ID NO: 748, SEQ ID NO: 788, SEQ ID NO: 828, SEQ ID NO: 868, SEQ ID NO: 908, and SEQ ID NO: 948, with the further proviso that one or two residues of any of the afore-identified CDR polypeptides may be substituted with another amino acid.

[0505] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28.

[0506] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68.

[0507] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that express an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 84, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 88; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 104, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 106, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 108.

[0508] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 124, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 146, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 148.

[0509] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 164, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 166, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 168; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 184, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 186, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 188.

[0510] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein said expressed anti-human PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment contains a variable heavy chain that comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 204, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 206, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 208; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 224, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 226, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 228.

[0511] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 244, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 246, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 248; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 264, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 266, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 268.

[0512] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 284, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 286, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 288; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 304, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 306, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 308.

[0513] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 324, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 346, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 348.

[0514] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 368; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 384, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 386, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 388.

[0515] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 404, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 406, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 424, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 426, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 428.

[0516] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 444, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 446, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 448; and the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 464, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 466, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 468.

[0517] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 484, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 486, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 488; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 504, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 506, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 508.

[0518] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 524, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 526, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 528; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 544, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 546, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 548.

[0519] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 564, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 566, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 568; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 584, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 586, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 588.

[0520] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 604, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 606, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 608; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 624, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 626, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 628.

[0521] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 644, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 646, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 648; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 664, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 666, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 668.

[0522] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 684, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 686, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 688; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 704, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 706, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 708.

[0523] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 724, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 726, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 728; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 744, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 746, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 748.

[0524] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 764, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 766, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 768; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 784, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 786, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 788.

[0525] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 804, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 806, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 808; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 824, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 826, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 828.

[0526] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 844, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 846, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 848; and/or the variable light chain comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 864, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 866, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 868.

[0527] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 884, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 886, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 888; and/or the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 904, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 906, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 908.

[0528] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 924, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 926, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 928; and/or the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises the CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 944, the CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 946, and the CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO: 948.

[0529] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 and/or the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 22.

[0530] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO: 22, respectively.

[0531] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 42 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 62.

[0532] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 42 and SEQ ID NO: 62, respectively.

[0533] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 82 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 102.

[0534] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 82 and SEQ ID NO: 102, respectively.

[0535] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 122 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 142.

[0536] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 122 and SEQ ID NO: 142, respectively.

[0537] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 162 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 182.

[0538] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 162 and SEQ ID NO: 182, respectively.

[0539] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 202 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 222.

[0540] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 202 and SEQ ID NO: 222, respectively.

[0541] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 242 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 262.

[0542] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, 47, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 242 and SEQ ID NO: 262, respectively.

[0543] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 282 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 302.

[0544] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 282 and SEQ ID NO: 302, respectively.

[0545] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 322 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 342.

[0546] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 322 and SEQ ID NO: 342, respectively.

[0547] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 362 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 382.

[0548] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 362 and SEQ ID NO: 382, respectively.

[0549] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 402 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 422.

[0550] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, 55, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 402 and SEQ ID NO: 422, respectively.

[0551] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 442 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 462.

[0552] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 442 and SEQ ID NO: 462, respectively.

[0553] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 482 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 502.

[0554] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 482 and SEQ ID NO: 502, respectively.

[0555] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 522 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 542.

[0556] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 522 and SEQ ID NO: 542, respectively.

[0557] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 562 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 582.

[0558] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 562 and SEQ ID NO: 582, respectively.

[0559] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 602 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 622.

[0560] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 602 and SEQ ID NO: 622, respectively.

[0561] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 642 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 662.

[0562] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 642 and SEQ ID NO: 662, respectively.

[0563] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 682 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 702.

[0564] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 682 and SEQ ID NO: 702, respectively

[0565] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 722 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 742.

[0566] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 722 and SEQ ID NO: 742, respectively

[0567] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 762 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 782.

[0568] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 762 and SEQ ID NO: 782, respectively

[0569] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 802 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 822.

[0570] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 802 and SEQ ID NO: 822, respectively.

[0571] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 842 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 862.

[0572] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 842 and SEQ ID NO: 862, respectively.

[0573] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 882 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 902.

[0574] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 882 and SEQ ID NO: 902, respectively.

[0575] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 922 and the variable light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 942.

[0576] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the variable heavy and light chains are each at least 90% identical to the variable heavy and light chains in SEQ ID NO: 922 and SEQ ID NO: 942, respectively.

[0577] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 21.

[0578] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 41 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 61.

[0579] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence is at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 81 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 101.

[0580] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 121 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 141.

[0581] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 161 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 181.

[0582] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 201 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 221.

[0583] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 241 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 261.

[0584] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 281 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 301.

[0585] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 321 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 341.

[0586] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 361 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 381.

[0587] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 401 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 421.

[0588] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 441 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 461.

[0589] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 481 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 501.

[0590] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 521 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 541.

[0591] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 561 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 581.

[0592] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 601 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 621.

[0593] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 641 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 661.

[0594] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises s a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 681 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 701.

[0595] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 721 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 741.

[0596] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 761 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 781.

[0597] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence that is at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 801 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 821.

[0598] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence that is at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 841 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 861.

[0599] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence that is at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 881 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 901.

[0600] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids that encode an antibody according to the invention wherein the heavy chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises SEQ ID NO: 921 and the light chain encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a sequence at least 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 941.

[0601] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention wherein the antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids is selected from the group consisting of chimeric, humanized, and human antibodies or antibody fragments.

[0602] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the expressed antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids is selected from the group consisting of scFvs, camelbodies, nanobodies, IgNAR, F_ab fragments, F_ab′ fragments, MetMabs, monovalent antibody fragments, and F_(ab′)2 fragments.

[0603] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the expressed antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids substantially or entirely lacks N-glycosylation and/or O-glycosylation.

[0604] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the expressed antibody or antibody fragment encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids comprises a human constant domain.

[0605] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the expressed antibody encoded by said nucleic acid or nucleic acids is an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 antibody.

[0606] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a nucleic acid or nucleic acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein said nucleic acid or nucleic acids which encode said antibody or antibody fragment comprise a sequence encoding a VH and a VL region at least 80, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 32; SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 72; SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO: 112; SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 152; SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 192; SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 272; SEQ ID NO: 292, SEQ ID NO: 312; SEQ ID NO: 332, SEQ ID NO: 352; SEQ ID NO: 372, SEQ ID NO: 392; SEQ ID NO: 412, SEQ ID NO: 432; SEQ ID NO: 452, SEQ ID NO: 472; SEQ ID NO: 492, SEQ ID NO: 512, SEQ ID NO: 532, SEQ ID NO: 552, SEQ ID NO: 572, SEQ ID NO: 592, SEQ ID NO: 612, SEQ ID NO: 632, SEQ ID NO: 652, SEQ ID NO: 672; SEQ ID NO: 692; SEQ ID NO: 712; SEQ ID NO: 732; SEQ ID NO: 752; SEQ ID NO: 772; SEQ ID NO: 792; SEQ ID NO: 812; SEQ ID NO: 832; SEQ ID NO: 852; SEQ ID NO: 872; SEQ ID NO: 892; SEQ ID NO: 912; SEQ ID NO: 932; SEQ ID NO: 952; or a codon degenerate thereof.

[0607] A vector or vectors comprising the nucleic acid sequence or sequences encoding an antibody according to the invention.

[0608] A host cell comprising nucleic acid sequence or sequences encoding an antibody according to the invention or a vector or vectors containing.

[0609] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an host cell containing a nucleic acid or acids encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein said host cell is a mammalian, bacterial, fungal, yeast, avian or insect cell.

[0610] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an host cell encoding an antibody according to the invention, which comprises a filamentous fungi or a yeast.

[0611] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an host cell encoding an antibody according to the invention, which comprises a filamentous fungi or yeast include Pichia pastoris, Pichia finlandica, Pichia trehalophila, Pichia koclamae, Pichia membranaefaciens, Pichia minuta (Ogataea minuta, Pichia lindneri), Pichia opuntiae, Pichia thermotolerans, Pichia salictaria, Pichia guercuum, Pichia pijperi, Pichia stiptis, Pichia methanolica, Pichia sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, Kluyveromyces sp., Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Fusarium sp., Fusarium gramineum, Fusarium venenatum, Physcomitrella patens and Neurospora crassa. Pichia sp., any Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, any Kluyveromyces sp., Candida albicans, any Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, any Fusarium sp. and Neurospora crassa.

[0612] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an host cell encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein said host cell is a mammalian cell.

[0613] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an host cell encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein said host cell is a CHO, COS, BHK, myeloma, monkey kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth in suspension culture), mouse sertoli cell; human lung cell; human liver cell, or a mouse mammary tumor cell.

[0614] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an host cell encoding an antibody according to the invention, wherein the mammalian cell is a CHO cell.

[0615] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an host cell encoding an antibody according to the invention, which is yeast cell belonging to the genus Pichia.

[0616] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an host cell encoding an antibody according to the invention, which is a Pichia pastoris.

[0617] A method of making the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, by expressing nucleic acids which encode for the expression of said antibody or antibody fragment in a recombinant host cell.

[0618] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method using a cell that expresses an antibody according to the invention wherein the host cell is selected from a bacteria, yeast, fungi, insect cell, plant cell, avian cell, or mammalian cell.

[0619] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using a cell that expresses an antibody according to the invention, wherein the host cell is a yeast or a filamentous fungi, which may optimally be polyploidal.

[0620] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using a cell that expresses an antibody according to the invention, wherein said a yeast or a filamentous fungi include Pichia pastoris, Pichia finlandica, Pichia trehalophila, Pichia koclamae, Pichia membranaefaciens, Pichia minuta (Ogataea minuta, Pichia lindneri), Pichia opuntiae, Pichia thermotolerans, Pichia salictaria, Pichia guercuum, Pichia pijperi, Pichia stiptis, Pichia methanolica, Pichia sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, Kluyveromyces sp., Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Fusarium sp., Fusarium gramineum, Fusarium venenatum, Physcomitrella patens and Neurospora crassa. Pichia sp., any Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, any Kluyveromyces sp., Candida albicans, any Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, any Fusarium sp. and Neurospora crassa.

[0621] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using a cell that expresses an antibody according to the invention, wherein said host cell is a mammalian cell.

[0622] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using a cell that expresses an antibody according to the invention, wherein said host cell is a CHO, COS, BHK, myeloma, monkey kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth in suspension culture), mouse sertoli cell; human lung cell; human liver cell, or a mouse mammary tumor cell.

[0623] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using a cell that expresses an antibody according to the invention, wherein the mammalian cell is a CHO cell.

[0624] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of 383, wherein the recombinant host cell is a polyploid yeast culture that stably expresses and secretes into the culture medium at least 10-25 mg/liter of said antibody or antibody fragment.

[0625] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using a cell that expresses an antibody according to the invention, wherein the cell is a polyploidal yeast made by a method that comprises:

• • [0626] (i) introducing at least one expression vector containing one or more heterologous polynucleotides encoding said antibody operably linked to a promoter and a signal sequence into a haploid yeast cell;
  • [0627] (ii) producing by mating or spheroplast fusion a polyploidal yeast from said first and/or second haploid yeast cell;
  • [0628] (iii) selecting polyploidal yeast cells that stably express said antibody; and
  • [0629] (iv) producing stable polyploidal yeast cultures from said polyploidal yeast cells that stably express said antibody into the culture medium.

[0630] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using a yeast cell that expresses an antibody according to the invention, wherein said yeast is of the genera Pichia.

[0631] Another preferred embodiment relates to any therapeutic or diagnostic method that comprises the administration of a therapeutically or diagnostically effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[0632] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using an antibody according to the invention, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is administered by a means selected from buccal, epicutaneous, epidural, inhalation, intraarterial, intracardial, intracerebroventricular, intradermal, intramuscular, intranasal, intraocular, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intrathecal, intravenous, oral, parenteral, rectally via an enema or suppository, subcutaneous, subdermal, sublingual, transdermal, and transmucosal.

[0633] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using an antibody according to the invention, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is administered by a means selected from subcutaneous, intravenous, intraarterial, intracardial, intracerebroventricular, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intrathecal, and parenteral.

[0634] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using an antibody according to the invention, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is administered by subcutaneous means.

[0635] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using an antibody according to the invention wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is administered by intravenous means.

[0636] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using an antibody according to the invention, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is contained in a powder, liquid, gel, drop, or other means of administration.

[0637] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition containing an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, which is suitable for administration by a means selected from buccal, epicutaneous, epidural, inhalation, intraarterial, intracardial, intracerebroventricular, intradermal, intramuscular, intranasal, intraocular, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intrathecal, intravenous, oral, parenteral, rectally via an enema or suppository, subcutaneous, subdermal, sublingual, transdermal, and transmucosal.

[0638] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition containing an antibody according to the invention, wherein the composition is administrable by a means selected from subcutaneous, intravenous, intraarterial, intracardial, intracerebroventricular, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intrathecal, and parenteral.

[0639] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to an composition encoding an antibody according to the invention, which is administrable by subcutaneous means.

[0640] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition which is administrable by intravenous means.

[0641] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a composition which comprises a powder, liquid, gel, drop, liposomal, or other dosage form.

[0642] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention to isolate, detect or purify PCSK9 in a sample.

[0643] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates a method of using an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention to detect the levels of PCSK9 in vivo or ex vivo.

[0644] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using the subject antibodies to assess whether a patient should be administered an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment or other therapy.

[0645] Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to detection method using the subject antibodies to assess the efficacy of a treatment method the objective of which is to reduce cholesterol or alter lipid levels.

[0646] Antibodies and binding fragments thereof that bind to PCSK9 are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention bind to PCSK9 and prevent PCSK9 from functioning in various ways. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention block or reduce the ability of PCSK9 to interact with other substances, e.g., LDLR. For example, in some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to PCSK9 in a manner that prevents or reduces the likelihood that PCSK9 will bind to LDLR. In other embodiments, antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention bind to PCSK9 but do not block PCSK9's ability to interact with LDLR. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention are human monoclonal antibodies.

[0647] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, altering the interactions between PCSK9 and LDLR can increase the amount of LDLR available for binding to LDL, which in turn decreases the amount of serum LDL-C in a subject, resulting in a reduction in the subject's serum cholesterol level. As such, an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention can be used in various methods and compositions for treating subjects with elevated serum cholesterol levels, at risk of elevated serum cholesterol levels, or which could benefit from a reduction in their serum cholesterol levels. These conditions include any of the afore-mentioned conditions. Thus, various methods and techniques for lowering, maintaining, or preventing an increase in serum cholesterol are also described herein. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention allows for binding between PCSK9 and LDLR, but the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention prevents or reduces the adverse activity of PCSK9 on LDLR. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention prevents or reduces the binding of PCSK9 to LDLR.

[0648] For convenience, the following sections generally outline the various meanings of the terms used herein. Following this discussion, general aspects regarding antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention are discussed, followed by specific examples demonstrating the properties of various embodiments of the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention and how they can be employed.

[0649] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, cell lines, animal species or genera, and reagents described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims. As used herein the singular forms “a”, “and”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a cell” includes a plurality of such cells and reference to “the protein” includes reference to one or more proteins and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

[0650] The term “proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9” or “PCSK9” refers to a polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 961 and/or SEQ ID NO: 962 or fragments thereof, as well as related polypeptides, which include, but are not limited to, allelic variants, splice variants, derivative variants, substitution variants, deletion variants, and/or insertion variants including the addition of an N-terminal methionine, fusion polypeptides, and interspecies homologs. In certain embodiments, a PCSK9 polypeptide includes terminal residues, such as, but not limited to, leader sequence residues, targeting residues, amino terminal methionine residues, lysine residues, tag residues, and/or fusion protein residues. “PCSK9” has also been referred to as FH3, NARC1, HCHOLA3, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, and neural apoptosis regulated convertase 1. The PCSK9 gene encodes a proprotein convertase protein that belongs to the proteinase K subfamily of the secretory subtilase family. The term “PCSK9” denotes both the proprotein (SEQ ID NO: 961) and the product generated following autocatalysis of the proprotein (SEQ ID NO: 962). When only the autocatalyzed product is being referred to (such as for an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention that selectively binds to the cleaved PCSK9), the protein can be referred to as the “mature,” “cleaved”, “processed” or “active” PCSK9. When only the inactive form is being referred to, the protein can be referred to as the “inactive”, “pro-form”, or “unprocessed” form of PCSK9. The term PCSK9 as used herein also includes naturally occurring alleles, such as the mutations D374Y, S127R and F216L. The term PCSK9 also encompasses PCSK9 molecules incorporating post-translational modifications of the PCSK9 amino acid sequence, such as PCSK9 sequences that have been glycosylated, PEGylated, PCSK9 sequences from which its signal sequence has been cleaved, PCSK9 sequence from which its pro domain has been cleaved from the catalytic domain but not separated from the catalytic domain.

[0651] The term “PCSK9 activity” includes any biological effect of PCSK9. In certain embodiments, PCSK9 activity includes the ability of PCSK9 to interact or bind to a substrate or receptor. In some embodiments, PCSK9 activity is represented by the ability of PCSK9 to bind to a LDL-R receptor (LDLR). In some embodiments, PCSK9 binds to and catalyzes a reaction involving LDLR. In some embodiments, PCSK9 activity includes the ability of PCSK9 to alter (e.g., reduce) the availability of LDLR. In some embodiments, PCSK9 activity includes the ability of PCSK9 to increase the amount of LDL-C in a subject. In some embodiments, PCSK9 activity includes the ability of PCSK9 to decrease the amount of LDLR that is available to bind to LDL. In some embodiments, “PCSK9 activity” includes any biological activity resulting from PCSK9 signaling. Exemplary activities include, but are not limited to, PCSK9 binding to LDLR, PCSK9 enzyme activity that cleaves LDLR or other proteins, PCSK9 binding to proteins other than LDLR that facilitate PCSK9 action, PCSK9 altering APOB secretion (Sun X-M et al, “Evidence for effect of mutant PCSK9 on apoliprotein B secretion as the cause of unusually severe dominant hypercholesterolemia, Human Molecular Genetics 14: 1161-1169, 2005 and Ouguerram K et al, “Apolipoprotein B100 metabolism in autosomal-dominant hypercholesterolemia related to mutations in PCSK9, Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 24: 1448-1453, 2004), PCSK9's role in liver regeneration and neuronal cell differentiation (Seidah N G et al, “The secretory proprotein convertase neural apoptosis-regulated convertase 1 (NARC-1): Liver regeneration and neuronal differentiation” PNAS 100: 928-933, 2003), and PCSK9's role in hepatic glucose metabolism (Costet et al., “Hepatic PCSK9 expression is regulated by nutritional status via insulin and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c” J. Biol. Chem. 281(10):6211-18, 2006).

[0652] The term “hypercholesterolemia,” as used herein, refers to a condition in which cholesterol levels are elevated above a desired level. In some embodiments, this denotes that serum cholesterol levels are elevated. In some embodiments, the desired level takes into account various “risk factors” that are known to one of skill in the art (and are described or referenced herein).

[0653] The term “Recombinant cell” or “recombinant host cell” herein in general refers to any cell engineered to express one or more antibody polypeptides according to the invention. This includes by way of example bacterial, fungal, yeast, mammalian, invertebrate such as insect, plant and avian cells. Preferred host cells are yeast, fungi, especially filamentous fungi and mammalian cells. Yeast and filamentous fungi include, but are not limited to Pichia pastoris, Pichia finlandica, Pichia trehalophila, Pichia koclamae, Pichia membranaefaciens, Pichia minuta (Ogataea minuta, Pichia lindneri), Pichia opuntiae, Pichia thermotolerans, Pichia salictaria, Pichia guercuum, Pichia pijperi, Pichia stiptis, Pichia methanolica, Pichia sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, Kluyveromyces sp., Kluyveromyces lactis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Fusarium sp., Fusarium gramineum, Fusarium venenatum, Physcomitrella patens and Neurospora crassa. Pichia sp., any Saccharomyces sp., Hansenula polymorpha, any Kluyveromyces sp., Candida albicans, any Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma reesei, Chrysosporium lucknowense, any Fusarium sp. and Neurospora crassa.

[0654] Examples of invertebrate cells include insect cells such as Drosophila S2 and Spodoptera Sf9, as well as plant cells. Examples of useful mammalian host cell lines include Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and COS cells. More specific examples include monkey kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth in suspension culture, Graham et al., J. Gen Virol., 36:59 (1977)); Chinese hamster ovary cells/−DHFR(CHO, Urlaub and Chasin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 77:4216 (1980)); mouse sertoli cells (TM4, Mather, Biol. Reprod., 23:243-251 (1980)); human lung cells (W138, ATCC CCL 75); human liver cells (Hep G2, HB 8065); and mouse mammary tumor (MMT 060562, ATCC CCL51). The selection of the appropriate host cell is deemed to be within the skill in the art. Preferred mammalian cells for antibody expression include CHO cells and COS cells. In an exemplary embodiment the recombinant host cells are polyploidal yeast cells of the genus Pichia.

[0655] Mating Competent Yeast Species:

[0656] In the present invention this is intended to broadly encompass any diploid or tetraploid yeast which can be grown in culture. Such species of yeast may exist in a haploid, diploid, or other polyploid form. The cells of a given ploidy may, under appropriate conditions, proliferate for an indefinite number of generations in that form. Diploid cells can also sporulate to form haploid cells. Sequential mating can result in tetraploid strains through further mating or fusion of diploid strains. The present invention contemplates the use of haploid yeast, as well as diploid or other polyploid yeast cells produced, for example, by mating or spheroplast fusion.

[0657] Mating competent yeast include yeast which are a member of the Saccharomycetaceae family, which includes the genera Arxiozyma; Ascobotryozyma; Citeromyces; Debaryomyces; Dekkera; Eremothecium; Issatchenkia; Kazachstania; Kluyveromyces; Kodamaea; Lodderomyces; Pachysolen; Pichia; Saccharomyces; Saturnispora; Tetrapisispora; Torulaspora; Williopsis; and Zygosaccharomyces. Other types of yeast potentially useful in the invention include Yarrowia; Rhodosporidium; Candida; Hansenula; Filobasium; Sporidiobolus; Bullera; Leucosporidium and Filobasidella.

[0658] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mating competent yeast is a member of the genus Pichia. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the mating competent yeast of the genus Pichia is one of the following species: Pichia pastoris, Pichia methanolica, and Hansenula polymorphs (Pichia angusta). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the mating competent yeast of the genus Pichia is the species Pichia pastoris.

[0659] Haploid Yeast Cell:

[0660] A cell having a single copy of each gene of its normal genomic (chromosomal) complement.

[0661] Polyploid Yeast Cell:

[0662] A cell having more than one copy of its normal genomic (chromosomal) complement.

[0663] Diploid Yeast Cell:

[0664] A cell having two copies (alleles) of essentially every gene of its normal genomic complement, typically formed by the process of fusion (mating) of two haploid cells.

[0665] Tetraploid Yeast Cell:

[0666] A cell having four copies (alleles) of essentially every gene of its normal genomic complement, typically formed by the process of fusion (mating) of two haploid cells. Tetraploids may carry two, three, four or more different expression cassettes. Such tetraploids might be obtained in S. cerevisiae by selective mating homozygotic heterothallic a/a and alpha/alpha diploids and in Pichia by sequential mating of haploids to obtain auxotrophic diploids. For example, a [met his] haploid can be mated with [ade his] haploid to obtain diploid [his]; and a [met arg] haploid can be mated with [ade arg] haploid to obtain diploid [arg]; then the diploid [his]×diploid [arg] to obtain a tetraploid prototroph. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that reference to the benefits and uses of diploid cells may also apply to tetraploid cells.

[0667] Yeast Mating:

[0668] The process by which two haploid yeast cells naturally fuse to form one diploid yeast cell.

[0669] Meiosis:

[0670] The process by which a diploid yeast cell undergoes reductive division to form four haploid spore products. Each spore may then germinate and form a haploid vegetatively growing cell line.

[0671] Selectable Marker:

[0672] A selectable marker is a gene or gene fragment that confers a growth phenotype (physical growth characteristic) on a cell receiving that gene as, for example through a transformation event. The selectable marker allows that cell to survive and grow in a selective growth medium under conditions in which cells that do not receive that selectable marker gene cannot grow. Selectable marker genes generally fall into several types, including positive selectable marker genes such as a gene that confers on a cell resistance to an antibiotic or other drug, temperature when two temperature sensitive (“ts”) mutants are crossed or a is mutant is transformed; negative selectable marker genes such as a biosynthetic gene that confers on a cell the ability to grow in a medium without a specific nutrient needed by all cells that do not have that biosynthetic gene, or a mutagenized biosynthetic gene that confers on a cell inability to grow by cells that do not have the wild type gene; and the like. Suitable markers include but are not limited to: ZEO; G418; LYS3; MET1; MET3a; ADE1; ADE3; URA3; and the like.

[0673] Expression Vector:

[0674] These DNA vectors contain elements that facilitate manipulation for the expression of a foreign protein within the target host cell. Conveniently, manipulation of sequences and production of DNA for transformation is first performed in a bacterial host, e.g. E. coli, and usually vectors will include sequences to facilitate such manipulations, including a bacterial origin of replication and appropriate bacterial selection marker. Selection markers encode proteins necessary for the survival or growth of transformed host cells grown in a selective culture medium. Host cells not transformed with the vector containing the selection gene will not survive in the culture medium. Typical selection genes encode proteins that (a) confer resistance to antibiotics or other toxins, (b) complement auxotrophic deficiencies, or (c) supply critical nutrients not available from complex media. Exemplary vectors and methods for transformation of yeast are described, for example, in Burke, D., Dawson, D., & Stearns, T. (2000). Methods in yeast genetics: a Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory course manual. Plainview, N.Y.: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

[0675] Expression vectors for use in the methods of the invention will further include yeast specific sequences, including a selectable auxotrophic or drug marker for identifying transformed yeast strains. A drug marker may further be used to amplify copy number of the vector in a yeast host cell.

[0676] The polypeptide coding sequence of interest is operably linked to transcriptional and translational regulatory sequences that provide for expression of the polypeptide in yeast cells. These vector components may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: an enhancer element, a promoter, and a transcription termination sequence. Sequences for the secretion of the polypeptide may also be included, e.g. a signal sequence, and the like. A yeast origin of replication is optional, as expression vectors are often integrated into the yeast genome. In one embodiment of the invention, the polypeptide of interest is operably linked, or fused, to sequences providing for optimized secretion of the polypeptide from yeast diploid cells.

[0677] Nucleic acids are “operably linked” when placed into a functional relationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For example, DNA for a signal sequence is operably linked to DNA for a polypeptide if it is expressed as a preprotein that participates in the secretion of the polypeptide; a promoter or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it affects the transcription of the sequence. Generally, “operably linked” means that the DNA sequences being linked are contiguous, and, in the case of a secretory leader, contiguous and in reading frame. However, enhancers do not have to be contiguous. Linking is accomplished by ligation at convenient restriction sites or alternatively via a PCR/recombination method familiar to those skilled in the art (Gateway® Technology; Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif.). If such sites do not exist, the synthetic oligonucleotide adapters or linkers are used in accordance with conventional practice.

[0678] Promoters are untranslated sequences located upstream (5′) to the start codon of a structural gene (generally within about 100 to 1000 bp) that control the transcription and translation of particular nucleic acid sequences to which they are operably linked. Such promoters fall into several classes: inducible, constitutive, and repressible promoters (that increase levels of transcription in response to absence of a repressor). Inducible promoters may initiate increased levels of transcription from DNA under their control in response to some change in culture conditions, e.g., the presence or absence of a nutrient or a change in temperature.

[0679] The promoter fragment may also serve as the site for homologous recombination and integration of the expression vector into the same site in the host genome; alternatively a selectable marker is used as the site for homologous recombination.

[0680] Examples of suitable promoters useful in Pichia include the AOX1 and promoter (Cregg et al. (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol. 9:1316-1323); ICL1 promoter (Menendez et al. (2003) Yeast 20(13): 1097-108); glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter (GAP) (Waterham et al. (1997) Gene 186(1):37-44); and FLD1 promoter (Shen et al. (1998) Gene 216(1):93-102). The GAP promoter is a strong constitutive promoter and the AOX and FLD1 promoters are inducible.

[0681] Other yeast promoters include ADH1, alcohol dehydrogenase II, GAL4, PHO3, PHO5, Pyk, and chimeric promoters derived therefrom. Additionally, non-yeast promoters may be used in the invention such as mammalian, insect, plant, reptile, amphibian, bacterial, fungal, viral, and avian promoters. Most typically the promoter will comprise a mammalian promoter (potentially endogenous to the expressed genes) or will comprise a yeast or viral promoter that provides for efficient transcription in yeast systems.

[0682] The polypeptides of interest may be produced recombinantly not only directly, but also as a fusion polypeptide with a heterologous polypeptide, e.g. a signal sequence or other polypeptide having a specific cleavage site at the N-terminus of the mature protein or polypeptide. In general, the signal sequence may be a component of the vector, or it may be a part of the polypeptide coding sequence that is inserted into the vector. The heterologous signal sequence selected preferably is one that is recognized and processed through one of the standard pathways available within the host cell. The S. cerevisiae alpha factor pre-pro signal has proven effective in the secretion of a variety of recombinant proteins from P. pastoris. Other yeast signal sequences include the alpha mating factor signal sequence, the invertase signal sequence, and signal sequences derived from other secreted yeast polypeptides. Additionally, these signal peptide sequences may be engineered to provide for enhanced secretion in diploid yeast expression systems. Other secretion signals of interest also include mammalian signal sequences, which may be heterologous to the protein being secreted, or may be a native sequence for the protein being secreted. Signal sequences include pre-peptide sequences, and in some instances may include propeptide sequences. Many such signal sequences are known in the art, including the signal sequences found on immunoglobulin chains, e.g., K28 preprotoxin sequence, PHA-E, FACE, human MCP-1, human serum albumin signal sequences, human Ig heavy chain, human Ig light chain, and the like. For example, see Hashimoto et. al. Protein Eng 11(2) 75 (1998); and Kobayashi et. al. Therapeutic Apheresis 2(4) 257 (1998).

[0683] Transcription may be increased by inserting a transcriptional activator sequence into the vector. These activators are cis-acting elements of DNA, usually about from 10 to 300 bp, which act on a promoter to increase its transcription. Transcriptional enhancers are relatively orientation and position independent, having been found 5′ and 3′ to the transcription unit, within an intron, as well as within the coding sequence itself. The enhancer may be spliced into the expression vector at a position 5′ or 3′ to the coding sequence, but is preferably located at a site 5′ from the promoter.

[0684] Expression vectors used in eukaryotic host cells may also contain sequences necessary for the termination of transcription and for stabilizing the mRNA. Such sequences are commonly available from 3′ to the translation termination codon, in untranslated regions of eukaryotic or viral DNAs or cDNAs. These regions contain nucleotide segments transcribed as polyadenylated fragments in the untranslated portion of the mRNA.

[0685] Construction of suitable vectors containing one or more of the above-listed components employs standard ligation techniques or PCR/recombination methods. Isolated plasmids or DNA fragments are cleaved, tailored, and re-ligated in the form desired to generate the plasmids required or via recombination methods. For analysis to confirm correct sequences in plasmids constructed, the ligation mixtures are used to transform host cells, and successful transformants selected by antibiotic resistance (e.g. ampicillin or Zeocin) where appropriate. Plasmids from the transformants are prepared, analyzed by restriction endonuclease digestion and/or sequenced.

[0686] As an alternative to restriction and ligation of fragments, recombination methods based on att sites and recombination enzymes may be used to insert DNA sequences into a vector. Such methods are described, for example, by Landy (1989) Ann. Rev. Biochem. 58:913-949; and are known to those of skill in the art. Such methods utilize intermolecular DNA recombination that is mediated by a mixture of lambda and E. coli-encoded recombination proteins. Recombination occurs between specific attachment (att) sites on the interacting DNA molecules. For a description of att sites see Weisberg and Landy (1983) Site-Specific Recombination in Phage Lambda, in Lambda II, Weisberg, ed. (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.: Cold Spring Harbor Press), pp. 211-250. The DNA segments flanking the recombination sites are switched, such that after recombination, the att sites are hybrid sequences comprised of sequences donated by each parental vector. The recombination can occur between DNAs of any topology.

[0687] Att sites may be introduced into a sequence of interest by ligating the sequence of interest into an appropriate vector; generating a PCR product containing att B sites through the use of specific primers; generating a cDNA library cloned into an appropriate vector containing att sites; and the like.

[0688] Folding, as used herein, refers to the three-dimensional structure of polypeptides and proteins, where interactions between amino acid residues act to stabilize the structure. While non-covalent interactions are important in determining structure, usually the proteins of interest will have intra- and/or intermolecular covalent disulfide bonds formed by two cysteine residues. For naturally occurring proteins and polypeptides or derivatives and variants thereof, the proper folding is typically the arrangement that results in optimal biological activity, and can conveniently be monitored by assays for activity, e.g. ligand binding, enzymatic activity, etc.

[0689] In some instances, for example where the desired product is of synthetic origin, assays based on biological activity will be less meaningful. The proper folding of such molecules may be determined on the basis of physical properties, energetic considerations, modeling studies, and the like.

[0690] The expression host may be further modified by the introduction of sequences encoding one or more enzymes that enhance folding and disulfide bond formation, i.e. foldases, chaperonins, etc. Such sequences may be constitutively or inducibly expressed in the yeast host cell, using vectors, markers, etc. as known in the art. Preferably the sequences, including transcriptional regulatory elements sufficient for the desired pattern of expression, are stably integrated in the yeast genome through a targeted methodology.

[0691] For example, the eukaryotic PDI is not only an efficient catalyst of protein cysteine oxidation and disulfide bond isomerization, but also exhibits chaperone activity. Co-expression of PDI can facilitate the production of active proteins having multiple disulfide bonds. Also of interest is the expression of BIP (immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein); cyclophilin; and the like. In one embodiment of the invention, each of the haploid parental strains expresses a distinct folding enzyme, e.g. one strain may express BIP, and the other strain may express PDI or combinations thereof.

[0692] The terms “desired protein” or “desired antibody” are used interchangeably and refer generally to a parent antibody or fragment specific to a target, i.e., PCSK9 or a chimeric or humanized antibody or a binding portion thereof derived therefrom or one containing the same CDRs or epitopic specificity as any of the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or fragments described herein. The term “antibody” is intended to include any polypeptide chain-containing molecular structure with a specific shape that fits to and recognizes an epitope, where one or more non-covalent binding interactions stabilize the complex between the molecular structure and the epitope. The archetypal antibody molecule is the immunoglobulin, and all types of immunoglobulins, IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, IgD, etc., from all sources, e.g. human, rodent, rabbit, cow, sheep, pig, dog, other mammals, chicken, other avians, etc., are considered to be “antibodies.” A preferred source for producing antibodies useful as starting material according to the invention is rabbits. Numerous antibody coding sequences have been described; and others may be raised by methods well-known in the art. Examples thereof include chimeric antibodies, human antibodies and other non-human mammalian antibodies, humanized antibodies, single chain antibodies (such as scFvs), camelbodies, nanobodies, IgNAR (single-chain antibodies derived from sharks), small-modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIPs), and antibody fragments such as Fabs, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, monovalent antibody fragments such as MetMab like molecules, IgNars and the like. See Streltsov V A, et al., Structure of a shark IgNAR antibody variable domain and modeling of an early-developmental isotype, Protein Sci. 2005 November; 14(11):2901-9. Epub 2005 Sep. 30; Greenberg A S, et al., A new antigen receptor gene family that undergoes rearrangement and extensive somatic diversification in sharks, Nature. 1995 Mar. 9; 374(6518):168-73; Nuttall S D, et al., Isolation of the new antigen receptor from wobbegong sharks, and use as a scaffold for the display of protein loop libraries, Mol. Immunol. 2001 August; 38(4):313-26; Hamers-Casterman C, et al., Naturally occurring antibodies devoid of light chains, Nature. 1993 Jun. 3; 363(6428):446-8; Gill D S, et al., Biopharmaceutical drug discovery using novel protein scaffolds, Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2006 December; 17(6):653-8. Epub 2006 Oct. 19.

[0693] The present invention includes in particular includes monovalent antibody molecules that bind PCSK9, which are analogous to MetMab molecules. MetMab is a monovalent antibody specific to Met. (Met is a protein encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in Park et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 84, 7479—(1987), or fragments thereof, as well as related polypeptides, which include, but are not limited to, allelic variants, splice variants, derivative variants, substitution variants, deletion variants, and/or insertion variants, fusion polypeptides, and interspecies homologs). The MetMab antibody, is a monovalent antibody known by different names including OA-5d5 (Genentech) and is also called One Armed 5d5, 5d5, MetMab, PRO143966, among others). Antibody OA-5d5, including its structure and properties, and methods for making and using it, are described in U.S. Publication No. 2007/0092520. In one embodiment, an anti-PCSK9 antibody according to the invention may comprise a single Fab region linked to an Fc region. In such embodiment, an antibody of the invention may comprise light and heavy chain variable domains as described herein. In such an embodiment, the antibody is monovalent and may comprise an intact Fc region. In another such embodiment, the Fc region may comprise at least one protuberance (knob) and at least one cavity (hole), wherein the presence of the protuberance and cavity enhances formation of a complex between an Fc polypeptide comprising the protuberance and an Fc polypeptide comprising the cavity, for example as described in WO 2005/063816. In one embodiment, the Fc region of an antibody of the invention may comprise a first and a second Fc polypeptide, wherein the first and second polypeptide each comprises one or more mutations with respect to wild type human Fc. In one embodiment, a cavity mutation is T366S, L368A and/or Y407V. In another embodiment, a protuberance mutation is T366W. In a specific embodiment, a monovalent antibody according to the subject invention may comprise a one-armed antibody synthesized as described in WO2005/063816. In such embodiment, the one-armed antibody may comprise Fc mutations constituting “knobs” and “holes” as described in WO2005/063816. For example, a hole mutation can be one or more of T366A, L368A and/or Y407V in an Fc polypeptide, and a cavity mutation can be T366W. The invention is also directed to an anti-human PCSK9 monovalent agent that binds with the same PCSK9 epitope and/or competes with an anti-PCSK9 antibody for binding to PCSK9 as an antibody or antibody fragment disclosed herein.

[0694] For example, antibodies or antigen binding fragments may be produced by genetic engineering. In this technique, as with other methods, antibody-producing cells are sensitized to the desired antigen or immunogen. The messenger RNA isolated from antibody producing cells is used as a template to make cDNA using PCR amplification. A library of vectors, each containing one heavy chain gene and one light chain gene retaining the initial antigen specificity, is produced by insertion of appropriate sections of the amplified immunoglobulin cDNA into the expression vectors. A combinatorial library is constructed by combining the heavy chain gene library with the light chain gene library. This results in a library of clones which co-express a heavy and light chain (resembling the Fab fragment or antigen binding fragment of an antibody molecule). The vectors that carry these genes are co-transfected into a host cell. When antibody gene synthesis is induced in the transfected host, the heavy and light chain proteins self-assemble to produce active antibodies that can be detected by screening with the antigen or immunogen.

[0695] Antibody coding sequences of interest include those encoded by native sequences, as well as nucleic acids that, by virtue of the degeneracy of the genetic code, are not identical in sequence to the disclosed nucleic acids, and variants thereof. Variant polypeptides can include amino acid (aa) substitutions, additions or deletions. The amino acid substitutions can be conservative amino acid substitutions or substitutions to eliminate non-essential amino acids, such as to alter a glycosylation site, or to minimize misfolding by substitution or deletion of one or more cysteine residues that are not necessary for function. Variants can be designed so as to retain or have enhanced biological activity of a particular region of the protein (e.g., a functional domain, catalytic amino acid residues, etc). Variants also include fragments of the polypeptides disclosed herein, particularly biologically active fragments and/or fragments corresponding to functional domains. Techniques for in vitro mutagenesis of cloned genes are known. Also included in the subject invention are polypeptides that have been modified using ordinary molecular biological techniques so as to improve their resistance to proteolytic degradation or to optimize solubility properties or to render them more suitable as a therapeutic agent.

[0696] Chimeric antibodies may be made by recombinant means by combining the variable light and heavy chain regions (V_L and V_H), obtained from antibody producing cells of one species with the constant light and heavy chain regions from another. Typically chimeric antibodies utilize rodent or rabbit variable regions and human constant regions, in order to produce an antibody with predominantly human domains. The production of such chimeric antibodies is well known in the art, and may be achieved by standard means (as described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,659, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). It is further contemplated that the human constant regions of chimeric antibodies of the invention may be selected from IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 constant regions.

[0697] Humanized antibodies are engineered to contain even more human-like immunoglobulin domains, and incorporate only the complementarity-determining regions of the animal-derived antibody. This is accomplished by carefully examining the sequence of the hyper-variable loops of the variable regions of the monoclonal antibody, and fitting them to the structure of the human antibody chains. Although facially complex, the process is straightforward in practice. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,287, incorporated fully herein by reference.

[0698] In addition to entire immunoglobulins (or their recombinant counterparts), immunoglobulin fragments comprising the epitope binding site (e.g., Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fab, or other fragments) may be synthesized. “Fragment” or minimal immunoglobulins may be designed utilizing recombinant immunoglobulin techniques. For instance “Fv” immunoglobulins for use in the present invention may be produced by synthesizing a fused variable light chain region and a variable heavy chain region. Combinations of antibodies are also of interest, e.g. diabodies, which comprise two distinct Fv specificities. In another embodiment of the invention, SMIPs (small molecule immunopharmaceuticals), camelbodies, nanobodies, and IgNAR are encompassed by immunoglobulin fragments.

[0699] Immunoglobulins and fragments thereof may be modified post-translationally, e.g. to add effector moieties such as chemical linkers, detectable moieties, such as fluorescent dyes, enzymes, toxins, substrates, bioluminescent materials, radioactive materials, chemiluminescent moieties and the like, or specific binding moieties, such as streptavidin, avidin, or biotin, and the like may be utilized in the methods and compositions of the present invention. Examples of additional effector molecules are provided infra.

[0700] A polynucleotide sequence “corresponds” to a polypeptide sequence if translation of the polynucleotide sequence in accordance with the genetic code yields the polypeptide sequence (i.e., the polynucleotide sequence “encodes” the polypeptide sequence), one polynucleotide sequence “corresponds” to another polynucleotide sequence if the two sequences encode the same polypeptide sequence.

[0701] A “heterologous” region or domain of a DNA construct is an identifiable segment of DNA within a larger DNA molecule that is not found in association with the larger molecule in nature. Thus, when the heterologous region encodes a mammalian gene, the gene will usually be flanked by DNA that does not flank the mammalian genomic DNA in the genome of the source organism. Another example of a heterologous region is a construct where the coding sequence itself is not found in nature (e.g., a cDNA where the genomic coding sequence contains introns, or synthetic sequences having codons different than the native gene). Allelic variations or naturally-occurring mutational events do not give rise to a heterologous region of DNA as defined herein.

[0702] A “coding sequence” is an in-frame sequence of codons that (in view of the genetic code) correspond to or encode a protein or peptide sequence. Two coding sequences correspond to each other if the sequences or their complementary sequences encode the same amino acid sequences. A coding sequence in association with appropriate regulatory sequences may be transcribed and translated into a polypeptide. A polyadenylation signal and transcription termination sequence will usually be located 3′ to the coding sequence. A “promoter sequence” is a DNA regulatory region capable of binding RNA polymerase in a cell and initiating transcription of a downstream (3′ direction) coding sequence. Promoter sequences typically contain additional sites for binding of regulatory molecules (e.g., transcription factors) which affect the transcription of the coding sequence. A coding sequence is “under the control” of the promoter sequence or “operatively linked” to the promoter when RNA polymerase binds the promoter sequence in a cell and transcribes the coding sequence into mRNA, which is then in turn translated into the protein encoded by the coding sequence.

[0703] Vectors are used to introduce a foreign substance, such as DNA, RNA or protein, into an organism or host cell. Typical vectors include recombinant viruses (for polynucleotides) and liposomes (for polypeptides). A “DNA vector” is a replicon, such as plasmid, phage or cosmid, to which another polynucleotide segment may be attached so as to bring about the replication of the attached segment. An “expression vector” is a DNA vector which contains regulatory sequences which will direct polypeptide synthesis by an appropriate host cell. This usually means a promoter to bind RNA polymerase and initiate transcription of mRNA, as well as ribosome binding sites and initiation signals to direct translation of the mRNA into a polypeptide(s). Incorporation of a polynucleotide sequence into an expression vector at the proper site and in correct reading frame, followed by transformation of an appropriate host cell by the vector, enables the production of a polypeptide encoded by said polynucleotide sequence.

[0704] “Amplification” of polynucleotide sequences is the in vitro production of multiple copies of a particular nucleic acid sequence. The amplified sequence is usually in the form of DNA. A variety of techniques for carrying out such amplification are described in a review article by Van Brunt (1990, Bio/Technol., 8(4):291-294). Polymerase chain reaction or PCR is a prototype of nucleic acid amplification, and use of PCR herein should be considered exemplary of other suitable amplification techniques.

[0705] The general structure of antibodies in vertebrates now is well understood (Edelman, G. M., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 190: 5 (1971)). Antibodies consist of two identical light polypeptide chains of molecular weight approximately 23,000 Daltons (the “light chain”), and two identical heavy chains of molecular weight 53,000-70,000 (the “heavy chain”). The four chains are joined by disulfide bonds in a “Y” configuration wherein the light chains bracket the heavy chains starting at the mouth of the “Y” configuration. The “branch” portion of the “Y” configuration is designated the F_ab region; the stem portion of the “Y” configuration is designated the F_c region. The amino acid sequence orientation runs from the N-terminal end at the top of the “Y” configuration to the C-terminal end at the bottom of each chain. The N-terminal end possesses the variable region having specificity for the antigen that elicited it, and is approximately 100 amino acids in length, there being slight variations between light and heavy chain and from antibody to antibody.

[0706] The variable region is linked in each chain to a constant region that extends the remaining length of the chain and that within a particular class of antibody does not vary with the specificity of the antibody (i.e., the antigen eliciting it). There are five known major classes of constant regions that determine the class of the immunoglobulin molecule (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE corresponding to γ, μ, α, δ, and ε (gamma, mu, alpha, delta, or epsilon) heavy chain constant regions). The constant region or class determines subsequent effector function of the antibody, including activation of complement (Kabat, E. A., Structural Concepts in Immunology and Immunochemistry, 2nd Ed., p. 413-436, Holt, Rinehart, Winston (1976)), and other cellular responses (Andrews, D. W., et al., Clinical Immunobiology, pp 1-18, W. B. Sanders (1980); Kohl, S., et al., Immunology, 48: 187 (1983)); while the variable region determines the antigen with which it will react. Light chains are classified as either κ (kappa) or λ (lambda). Each heavy chain class can be prepared with either kappa or lambda light chain. The light and heavy chains are covalently bonded to each other, and the “tail” portions of the two heavy chains are bonded to each other by covalent disulfide linkages when the immunoglobulins are generated either by hybridomas or by B cells.

[0707] The expression “variable region” or “VR” refers to the domains within each pair of light and heavy chains in an antibody that are involved directly in binding the antibody to the antigen. Each heavy chain has at one end a variable domain (V_H) followed by a number of constant domains. Each light chain has a variable domain (V_L) at one end and a constant domain at its other end; the constant domain of the light chain is aligned with the first constant domain of the heavy chain, and the light chain variable domain is aligned with the variable domain of the heavy chain.

[0708] The expressions “complementarity determining region,” “hypervariable region,” or “CDR” refer to one or more of the hyper-variable or complementarity determining regions (CDRs) found in the variable regions of light or heavy chains of an antibody (See Kabat, E. A. et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., (1987)). These expressions include the hypervariable regions as defined by Kabat et al. (“Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest,” Kabat E., et al., US Dept. of Health and Human Services, 1983) or the hypervariable loops in 3-dimensional structures of antibodies (Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol. 196 901-917 (1987)). The CDRs in each chain are held in close proximity by framework regions and, with the CDRs from the other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen binding site. Within the CDRs there are select amino acids that have been described as the selectivity determining regions (SDRs) which represent the critical contact residues used by the CDR in the antibody-antigen interaction (Kashmiri, S., Methods, 36:25-34 (2005)).

[0709] An “epitope” or “binding site” is an area or region on an antigen to which an antigen-binding peptide (such as an antibody) specifically binds. A protein epitope may comprise amino acid residues directly involved in the binding (also called immunodominant component of the epitope) and other amino acid residues, which are not directly involved in the binding, such as amino acid residues which are effectively blocked by the specifically antigen binding peptide (in other words, the amino acid residue is within the “footprint” of the specifically antigen binding peptide). The term epitope herein includes both types of amino acid binding sites in any particular region of PCSK9 that specifically binds to an anti-PCSK9 antibody. PCSK9 may comprise a number of different epitopes, which may include, without limitation, (1) linear peptide antigenic determinants, (2) conformational antigenic determinants which consist of one or more non-contiguous amino acids located near each other in a mature PCSK9 conformation; and (3) post-translational antigenic determinants which consist, either in whole or part, of molecular structures covalently attached to a PCSK9 protein such as carbohydrate groups.

[0710] The phrase that a first antibody binds “substantially” or “at least partially” the same epitope as a second antibody means that the epitope binding site for the first antibody comprises at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more of the amino acid residues on the antigen that constitutes the epitope binding site of the second antibody. Also, that a first antibody binds substantially or partially the same or overlapping epitope as a second antibody means that the first and second antibodies compete in binding to the antigen, as described above. Thus, the term “binds to substantially the same epitope or determinant as” a monoclonal antibody means that an antibody “competes” with the antibody.

[0711] The phrase “binds to the same or overlapping epitope or determinant as” an antibody of interest means that an antibody “competes” with said antibody of interest for at least one, or all residues on PCSK9 to which said antibody of interest specifically binds. The identification of one or more antibodies that bind(s) to substantially or essentially the same epitope as the monoclonal antibodies described herein can be readily determined using any one of variety of immunological screening assays in which antibody competition can be assessed. A number of such assays are routinely practiced and well known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,827, issued Aug. 26, 1997, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference). It will be understood that actually determining the epitope to which an antibody described herein binds is not in any way required to identify an antibody that binds to the same or substantially the same or overlapping epitope as the monoclonal antibody described herein.

[0712] For example, where the test antibodies to be examined are obtained from different source animals, or are even of a different Ig isotype, a simple competition assay may be employed in which the control antibody is mixed with the test antibody and then applied to a sample containing PCSK9. Protocols based upon ELISAs, radioimmunoassays, Western blotting, and the use of BIACORE analysis are suitable for use in such simple competition studies.

[0713] In certain embodiments, one would pre-mix the control anti-PCSK9 antibody with varying amounts of the test antibody (e.g., in ratios of about 1:1, 1:2, 1:10 or about 1:100) for a period of time prior to applying to the PCSK9 antigen sample. In other embodiments, the control and varying amounts of test antibody can simply be added separately and admixed during exposure to the PCSK9 antigen sample. As long as one can distinguish bound from free antibodies (e.g., by using separation or washing techniques to eliminate unbound antibodies) and control antibody from the test antibody (e.g., by using species specific or isotype specific secondary antibodies or by specifically labeling the control antibody with a detectable label) one will be able to determine if the test antibody reduces the binding of the control antibody to the PCSK9 antigens, indicating that the test antibody recognizes substantially the same epitope as the control ant-PCSK9 antibody. The binding of the (labeled) control antibody in the presence of a completely irrelevant antibody (that does not bind PCSK9) can serve as the control high value. The control low value can be obtained by incubating the labeled control antibody with the same but unlabeled control antibody, where competition would occur and reduce binding of the labeled antibody. In a test assay, a significant reduction in labeled antibody reactivity in the presence of a test antibody is indicative of a test antibody that recognizes substantially the same epitope, i.e., one that competes with the labeled control antibody. For example, any test antibody that reduces the binding of the control antibody to PCSK9 s by at least about 50%, such as at least about 60%, or more preferably at least about 70% (e.g., about 65-100%), at any ratio of: test antibody between about 1:1 or 1:10 and about 1:100 is considered to be an antibody that binds to substantially the same or overlapping epitope or determinant as the control antibody.

[0714] Preferably, such test antibody will reduce the binding of the control antibody to PCSK9 antigen preferably at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 80% or at least about 90% (e.g., about 95%) of the binding of 1 the control antibody observed in the absence of the test antibody.

[0715] Competition can also or alternatively be assessed by, for example, a flow cytometry test. In such a test, cells bearing PCSK9 can be incubated first with a control antibody that binds PCSK9, and then with the test antibody labeled with a fluorochrome or biotin. The antibody is said to compete with control antibody if the binding obtained upon preincubation with saturating amount of control antibody is about 80%, preferably about 50%, about 40% or less (e.g., about 30%) of the binding (as measured by mean of fluorescence) obtained by the test antibody without preincubation with control antibody. Alternatively, an antibody is said to compete with the control antibody if the binding obtained with a labeled control antibody (by a fluorochrome or biotin) on cells preincubated with saturating amount of test antibody is about 80%, preferably about 50%, about 40%, or less (e.g., about 30%) of the binding obtained without preincubation with the test antibody.

[0716] A simple competition assay in which a test antibody is pre-adsorbed and applied at saturating concentration to a surface onto which PCSK9 is immobilized also may be advantageously employed. The surface in the simple competition assay is preferably a BIACORE chip (or other media suitable for surface plasmon resonance analysis). The binding of a control antibody that binds PCSK9 to the PCSK9-coated surface is measured. This binding to the PCSK9-containing surface of the control antibody alone is compared with the binding of the control antibody in the presence of a test antibody. A significant reduction in binding to the PCSK9-containing surface by the control antibody in the presence of a test antibody indicates that the test antibody recognizes substantially the same epitope as the control antibody such that the test antibody “competes” with the control antibody. Any test antibody that reduces the binding of control antibody by at least about 20% or more, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 70%, or more, can be considered to be an antibody that binds to substantially the same epitope or determinant as the control antibody. Preferably, such test antibody will reduce the binding of the control antibody to PCSK9 by at least about 50% (e.g., at least about 60%, at least about 70%, or more). It will be appreciated that the order of control and test antibodies can be reversed; i.e. the control antibody can be first bound to the surface and then the test antibody is brought into contact with the surface thereafter in a competition assay. Preferably, the antibody having higher affinity for PCSK9 antigen is bound to the PCSK9-containing surface first, as it will be expected that the decrease in binding seen for the second antibody (assuming the antibodies are competing) will be of greater magnitude. Further examples of such assays are provided in e.g., Saunal and Regenmortel, (1995) J. Immunol. Methods 183: 33-41, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0717] In addition, whether an antibody binds the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as another antibody or the epitope bound by a test antibody may in particular be determined using a western-blot based assay. In this assay a library of peptides corresponding to the antigen bound by the antibody, herein PCSK9 is made, which correspond to overlapping portions of the protein, typically 10-25, 10-20 or 10-15 amino acids long. These different overlapping amino acid peptides encompassing the PCSK9 sequence are synthesized and covalently bound to a PepSpots nitrocellulose membrane (JPT Peptide technologies, Berlin, Germany). Blots are then prepared and probed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

[0718] Essentially, the immunoblot assay then detects by fluorimetric means what peptides in the library bind to the test antibody and thereby can identify what residues on the antigen, i.e., PCSK9, interact with the test antibody. (See an embodiment of this technique in U.S. Pat. No. 7,935,340, incorporated by reference herein).

[0719] The expressions “framework region” or “FR” refer to one or more of the framework regions within the variable regions of the light and heavy chains of an antibody (See Kabat, E. A. et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., (1987)). These expressions include those amino acid sequence regions interposed between the CDRs within the variable regions of the light and heavy chains of an antibody.

Anti-PCSK9 Antibodies and Binding Fragments Thereof Having Binding Activity for PCSK9

[0720] As mentioned in the Background of the invention, Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease involved in regulating the levels of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) protein (Horton et al., 32(2) Trends Biochem. Sci. 71-77 (2007); Seidah and Prat, 85(7) J. Mol. Med. 685-96 2007). PCSK9 is a prohormone-proprotein convertase in the subtilisin (S8) family of serine proteases Seidah et al., 100(3) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 928-33 (2003). Exemplary human PCSK9 amino acid sequences are presented as SEQ ID NO: 961 and SEQ ID NO: 962. An exemplary human PCSK9 coding sequence is presented as SEQ ID NO: 963. As described herein, PCSK9 proteins can also include fragments of the full length PCSK9 protein. The structure of the PCSK9 protein has recently been solved by two groups (Cunningham et al., Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, 2007, and Piper et al., Structure, 15:1-8, 2007), the entireties of both of which are herein incorporated by reference. PCSK9 includes a signal sequence, a N-terminal prodomain, a subtilisin-like catalytic domain, and a C-terminal domain.

[0721] The present invention provides novel antibodies or antibody fragments that bind PCSK9, including human PCSK9. In preferred embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention comprises one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs), of the anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments described herein.

[0722] In some embodiments, an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention will interfere with, block, reduce or modulate the interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR. In some instances an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention is denoted as “neutralizing”, e.g., if it totally prevents the interaction of PCSK9 and LDLR. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment neutralizes PCSK9, e.g., by remaining bound to PCSK9. For example, in some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention prevents or reduces the adverse influence of PCSK9 on LDLR without blocking the LDLR binding site on PCSK9. Thus, in some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention modulates or alters PCSK9's ability to result in the degradation of LDLR, without having to prevent the binding interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR. More specifically, such an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention can be specifically described as a “non-competitively neutralizing” antibody or antibody fragment. In some embodiments, the neutralizing antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to PCSK9 in a location and/or manner that prevents PCSK9 from binding to LDLR. In some embodiments, the neutralizing antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to PCSK9 in a location and/or manner that prevents endocytosis of the PCSK9/LDLR complex. Such antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention can be specifically described as “competitively neutralizing” antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention. All of the above neutralizing antibodies upon in vivo administration may result in a greater amount of free LDLR being present in a subject, which results in more LDLR binding to LDL-C (thereby reducing the amount of LDL-C in the subject). This in turn this results in a reduction in the amount of serum cholesterol present in a subject.

[0723] In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention are capable of inhibiting PCSK9-mediated activity (including binding). In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention are human, such as fully human antibodies to PCSK9.

[0724] In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to the catalytic domain of PCSK9. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to the mature form of PCSK9. In some embodiments the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds in the prodomain of PCSK9. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention selectively binds to the mature form of PCSK9. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to the catalytic domain in a manner such that PCSK9 cannot bind or bind as efficiently to LDLR. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention does not bind to the c-terminus of the catalytic domain. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention does not bind to the n-terminus of the catalytic domain. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention does not bind to the n- or c-terminus of the PCSK9 protein. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention bind to a specific conformational state of PCSK9 so as to prevent PCSK9 from interacting with LDLR. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to the V domain of PCSK9. In some more specific embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to the V domain of PCSK9 and prevents (or reduces) PCSK9 from binding to LDLR.

[0725] As mentioned, the anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments according to the invention have a variety of utilities. For example, the subject antibodies and fragments are useful in therapeutic applications, as well as diagnostically in binding assays, and are useful for affinity purification of PCSK9, in particular human PCSK9 or its ligands and in screening assays to identify other antagonists of PCSK9 activity. Some of the antibodies or antibody fragments according to the invention are useful for inhibiting binding of PCSK9 to LDLR, or inhibiting PCSK9-mediated activities.

[0726] The antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention can be used in a variety of therapeutic applications. For example, in some embodiments the PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention are useful for treating conditions associated with PCSK9, such as cholesterol related disorders (or “serum cholesterol related disorders”) including by way of example hypercholesterolemia, as further described herein.

[0727] The subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention can in particular be used for treating any subject wherein blocking, inhibiting or neutralizing the in vivo effect of PCSK9 or blocking or inhibiting the interaction of PCSK9 and LDLR is therapeutically desirable, wherein the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments may be used alone or in association with other active agents or drugs.

[0728] The subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention can also in particular be used for treating or preventing disorders of cholesterol or lipid homeostasis and disorders which may be associated therewith including by way of example hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, sitosterolemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, vascular inflammation, diabetes, obesity, angina, hypertension and xanthoma by the administration of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically bind to PCSK9, wherein the subject antibodies and antibody fragments may be used alone or in association with other active agents.

[0729] The subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention can also in particular be used for preventing or treating diseases and disorders associated with PCSK9, e.g., diseases associated with increased or decreased levels of PCSK9 and/or mutations in the PCSK9 gene that affect PCSK9 protein expression, primary sequence and/or function by administering said antibodies or fragments thereof alone or in combination with other active agents.

[0730] The subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention can also in particular be used for treating any subject having a condition or at risk of developing a condition wherein modulation of lipid or cholesterol levels is clinically desirable or where the subject has a condition that is often associated with high lipids or cholesterol.

[0731] The subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention can also in particular be used for treating or preventing disorders of cholesterol or lipid homeostasis and disorders and complications associated therewith, e.g., hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, sitosterolemia, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, acute coronary syndrome, vascular inflammation, xanthoma, hypertension, angina and related conditions by administration of the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments alone or in association with other active agents.

[0732] The subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention can also in particular be used for improving blood cholesterol markers associated with increased risk of heart disease using the subject antibodies and antibody fragments alone or in association with other active agents. These markers include, but are not limited to, high total cholesterol, high LDL, high total cholesterol to HDL ratio and high LDL-C to HDL ratio.

[0733] The subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention can also in particular be used in any of the aforementioned therapeutic indications or conditions in combination with other drugs that are typically used to treat such disorders, wherein the antibody and other drug or agent may be co-administered or separately administered. Examples of drugs include that may be co-administered with the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments or in the same therapeutic regimen include by way of example statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, and pantethine, other anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, Insulin therapies, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones, and other drugs used to treat conditions wherein the treated individual may have high cholesterol or aberrant lipid levels or lipid metabolism.

[0734] The invention further relates to compositions containing the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, especially compositions are suitable for in vivo administration, e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal, intranasal, intrathecal, vaginal, rectal, and other injectable or topical administrable dosage forms.

[0735] More specifically, the invention provides compositions containing the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, especially compositions which are suitable for in vivo administration, e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intradermal, intranasal, intrathecal, vaginal, rectal, oral and other injectable or topical dosage forms which optionally may contain another active agent such as statins, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Antiarrhythmics, Antiplatelet Drugs, aspirin, beta blockers, amiodarone, digoxin, aspirin, anti-clotting agents, digoxin, diuretics, heart failure drugs, vasodilators, blood thinners, other anti-cholesterol drugs such as holestyramine (Questran), gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), Omacor, and pantethine, other anti-hypertensives, antidiabetigenic drugs such as Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, Biguanides, Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, Insulin therapies, Meglitinides, Sulfonylurea, and Thiazolidinediones, and other drugs used to treat conditions wherein the treated individual may have high cholesterol. The invention also provides novel dosage regimens using the subject anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, alone or in association with another active, especially subcutaneous, oral and intravenous dosing regimens.

[0736] Other uses for the antibodies or antibody fragments according to the invention include, for example, diagnosis of PCSK9-associated diseases or conditions and screening assays to determine the presence or absence of PCSK9. Some of the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention described herein are useful in treating consequences, symptoms, and/or the pathology associated with PCSK9 activity.

[0737] Exemplary anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments according to the invention, and the specific CDRs thereof are identified in the following section. For the reader's convenience, each exemplified antibody or fragment, and sequences contained therein, are separately described under a Header that identifies the exemplified antibody by a specific nomenclature, e.g., Ab1, Ab2 and the like.

[0738] Antibody Ab1

[0739] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0740]

(SEQ ID NO: 1)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGFSLSSYWMTWVRQAPGKGLEYIGII

SSSGSTYYATWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVDLEITSPTTEDTATYFCARDSAFS

SGLEFNIWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDY

FPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYI

CNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKD

TLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYAST

YRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVY

TLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLD

SDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0741] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0742]

(SEQ ID NO: 2)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGFSLSSYWMTWVRQAPGKGLEYIGII

SSSGSTYYATWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVDLEITSPTTEDTATYFCARDSAFS

SGLEFNIWGPGTLVTVSS.

[0743] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab1 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0744]

(SEQ ID NO: 10)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0745] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0746]

(SEQ ID NO: 21)

AYDLTQTPASVEVAVGGTVTIKCQASQSVYSNWLSWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

DASDLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISGVQCDDAATYYCQQGQSSSDIDN

TFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKV

QWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEV

THQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0747] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0748]

(SEQ ID NO: 22)

AYDLTQTPASVEVAVGGTVTIKCQASQSVYSNWLSWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

DASDLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISGVQCDDAATYYCQQGQSSSDID

NTFGGGTEVVVK.

[0749] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab1 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0750]

(SEQ ID NO: 30)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0751] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 6; and SEQ ID NO: 8 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 24; SEQ ID NO: 26; and SEQ ID NO: 28 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0752] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 3; SEQ ID NO: 5; SEQ ID NO: 7; and SEQ ID NO: 9 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 23; SEQ ID NO: 25; SEQ ID NO: 27; and SEQ ID NO: 29 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0753] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0754] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 or SEQ ID NO: 22 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0755] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 6; and SEQ ID NO: 8 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0756] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 24; SEQ ID NO: 26; and SEQ ID NO: 28 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0757] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 3; SEQ ID NO: 5; SEQ ID NO: 7; and SEQ ID NO: 9 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0758] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 23; SEQ ID NO: 25; SEQ ID NO: 27; and SEQ ID NO: 29 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0759] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 2; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 22; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 6; and SEQ ID NO: 8) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 24; SEQ ID NO: 26; and SEQ ID NO: 28) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 22 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0760] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 2; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 22; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 3; SEQ ID NO: 5; SEQ ID NO: 7; and SEQ ID NO: 9) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 23; SEQ ID NO: 25; SEQ ID NO: 27; and SEQ ID NO: 29) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 22 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0761] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab1, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 21, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab1 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab1 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab1 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab1.

[0762] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab1, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 2 and/or SEQ ID NO: 22 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0763] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab1. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab1 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0764] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab1 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0765] Antibody Ab2

[0766] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0767]

(SEQ ID NO: 41)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGFSLSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWIGII

DAIDNTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKMTSLTTGDTATYFCARASILGY

SIATGFNIWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKD

YFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTY

ICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPK

DTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYAS

TYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV

YTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVL

DSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0768] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0769]

(SEQ ID NO: 42)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGFSLSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWIGII

DAIDNTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKMTSLTTGDTATYFCARASILGY

SIATGFNIWGPGTLVTVSS.

[0770] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab2 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0771]

(SEQ ID NO: 50)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0772] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0773]

(SEQ ID NO: 61)

AYDMTQTPASVEVAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISSHLAWYQQKSGQPPKLLIYR

ASTLESGVSSRFKGSGSGTEFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQQGYGVSDVDNG

FGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQ

WKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVT

HQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0774] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0775]

(SEQ ID NO: 62)

AYDMTQTPASVEVAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISSHLAWYQQKSGQPPKLLIYR

ASTLESGVSSRFKGSGSGTEFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQQGYGVSDVDNG

FGGGTEVVVK.

[0776] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab2 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0777]

(SEQ ID NO: 70)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0778] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 44; SEQ ID NO: 46; and SEQ ID NO: 48 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 64; SEQ ID NO: 66; and SEQ ID NO: 68 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0779] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 43; SEQ ID NO: 45; SEQ ID NO: 47; and SEQ ID NO: 49 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 63; SEQ ID NO: 65; SEQ ID NO: 67; and SEQ ID NO: 69 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0780] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0781] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41 or SEQ ID NO: 42 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61 or SEQ ID NO: 62 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0782] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 44; SEQ ID NO: 46; and SEQ ID NO: 48 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0783] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 64; SEQ ID NO: 66; and SEQ ID NO: 68 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0784] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 43; SEQ ID NO: 45; SEQ ID NO: 47; and SEQ ID NO: 49 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0785] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 63; SEQ ID NO: 65; SEQ ID NO: 67; and SEQ ID NO: 69 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0786] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 42; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 62; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 44; SEQ ID NO: 46; and SEQ ID NO: 48) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 42; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 64; SEQ ID NO: 66; and SEQ ID NO: 68) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 62 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0787] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 42; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 62; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 43; SEQ ID NO: 45; SEQ ID NO: 47; and SEQ ID NO: 49) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 42; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 63; SEQ ID NO: 65; SEQ ID NO: 67; and SEQ ID NO: 69) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 62 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0788] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab2, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 41 and SEQ ID NO: 61, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab2 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab2 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab2 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab2.

[0789] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab2, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 42 and/or SEQ ID NO: 62 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0790] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab2. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab2 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0791] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab2 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0792] Antibody Ab3

[0793] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0794]

(SEQ ID NO: 81)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGGSLTLTCTASGFSLSSYYMSWVRQAPGKGLEWIGII

YPSGSTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKITSPTVEDTATYFCARGGAYAT

LNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEP

VTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVN

HKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMI

SRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVV

SVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPP

SREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGS

FFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0795] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0796]

(SEQ ID NO: 82)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGGSLTLTCTASGFSLSSYYMSWVRQAPGKGLEWIGII

YPSGSTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKITSPTVEDTATYFCARGGAYAT

LNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[0797] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab3 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0798]

(SEQ ID NO: 90)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0799] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0800]

(SEQ ID NO: 101)

AVLTQTPSPVSAAVGGTVTISCQSSQSVYHNNLLSWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

DASKLTSGVSSRFSGSGSGTQFTLTISGVQCDDAATYYCLGGYDDDADNG

FGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQ

WKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVT

HQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0801] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0802]

(SEQ ID NO: 102)

AVLTQTPSPVSAAVGGTVTISCQSSQSVYHNNLLSWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

DASKLTSGVSSRFSGSGSGTQFTLTISGVQCDDAATYYCLGGYDDDADNG

FGGGTEVVVK.

[0803] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab3 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0804]

(SEQ ID NO: 110)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0805] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 84; SEQ ID NO: 86; and SEQ ID NO: 88 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 104; SEQ ID NO: 106; and SEQ ID NO: 108 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0806] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 83; SEQ ID NO: 85; SEQ ID NO: 87; and SEQ ID NO: 89 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 103; SEQ ID NO: 105; SEQ ID NO: 107; and SEQ ID NO: 109 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0807] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0808] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or SEQ ID NO: 82 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101 or SEQ ID NO: 102 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0809] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 84; SEQ ID NO: 86; and SEQ ID NO: 88 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0810] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 104; SEQ ID NO: 106; and SEQ ID NO: 108 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0811] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 83; SEQ ID NO: 85; SEQ ID NO: 87; and SEQ ID NO: 89 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0812] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 103; SEQ ID NO: 105; SEQ ID NO: 107; and SEQ ID NO: 109 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0813] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 82; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 102; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 84; SEQ ID NO: 86; and SEQ ID NO: 88) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 82; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 104; SEQ ID NO: 106; and SEQ ID NO: 108) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 102 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0814] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 82; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 102; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 83; SEQ ID NO: 85; SEQ ID NO: 87; and SEQ ID NO: 89) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 82; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 103; SEQ ID NO: 105; SEQ ID NO: 107; and SEQ ID NO: 109) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 102 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0815] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab3, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 81 and SEQ ID NO: 101, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab3 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab3 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab3 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab3.

[0816] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab3, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 82 and/or SEQ ID NO: 102 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0817] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab3. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab3 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0818] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab3 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0819] Antibody Ab4

[0820] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0821]

(SEQ ID NO: 121)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGIDLSSYAMIWVRQAPEKGLEYIGYI

GGIDSTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKMTSPTTEDTATYFCGRWSGTSG

YNTIWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPE

PVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNV

NHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLM

ISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRV

VSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLP

PSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDG

SFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0822] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0823]

(SEQ ID NO: 122)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGIDLSSYAMIWVRQAPEKGLEYIGYI

GGIDSTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKMTSPTTEDTATYFCGRWSGTSG

YNTIWGPGTLVTVSS.

[0824] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab4 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0825]

(SEQ ID NO: 130)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0826] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0827]

(SEQ ID NO: 141)

DVVMTQTPASVEAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSIYSNLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYG

ASNLASGVSSRFKGSRSGTEYTLTISDLECADAATYYCQCTGGGDSGNTF

GGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQW

KVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTH

QGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0828] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0829]

(SEQ ID NO: 142)

DVVMTQTPASVEAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSIYSNLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYG

ASNLASGVSSRFKGSRSGTEYTLTISDLECADAATYYCQCTGGGDSGNTF

GGGTEVVVK.

[0830] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab4 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0831]

(SEQ ID NO: 150)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0832] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 124; SEQ ID NO: 126; and SEQ ID NO: 128 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 144; SEQ ID NO: 146; and SEQ ID NO: 148 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 141 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 142, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0833] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 123; SEQ ID NO: 125; SEQ ID NO: 127; and SEQ ID NO: 129 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 143; SEQ ID NO: 145; SEQ ID NO: 147; and SEQ ID NO: 149 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 141 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 142, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0834] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0835] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121 or SEQ ID NO: 122 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0836] In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 141 or SEQ ID NO: 142 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0837] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 124; SEQ ID NO: 126; and SEQ ID NO: 128 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0838] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 144; SEQ ID NO: 146; and SEQ ID NO: 148 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 141 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 142 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0839] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 123; SEQ ID NO: 125; SEQ ID NO: 127; and SEQ ID NO: 129 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0840] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 143; SEQ ID NO: 145; SEQ ID NO: 147; and SEQ ID NO: 149 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 141 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 142 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0841] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 122; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 142; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 124; SEQ ID NO: 126; and SEQ ID NO: 128) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 122; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 144; SEQ ID NO: 146; and SEQ ID NO: 148) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 142 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0842] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 122; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 142; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 123; SEQ ID NO: 125; SEQ ID NO: 127; and SEQ ID NO: 129) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 122; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 143; SEQ ID NO: 145; SEQ ID NO: 147; and SEQ ID NO: 149) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 142 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0843] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab4, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 121 and SEQ ID NO: 141, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab4 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab4 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab4 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab4.

[0844] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab4, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 142 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 122 and/or SEQ ID NO: 142 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0845] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab4. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab4 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0846] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab4 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0847] Antibody Ab5

[0848] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0849]

(SEQ ID NO: 161)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGFSLSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWIGII

SNSGTTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKITSPTTEDTATYFCARGIYWYW

RVFNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFP

EPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICN

VNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL

MISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYR

VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTL

PPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSD

GSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0850] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0851]

(SEQ ID NO: 162)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGFSLSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWIGII

SNSGTTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKITSPTTEDTATYFCARGIYWYW

RVFNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[0852] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab5 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0853]

(SEQ ID NO: 170)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0854] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0855]

(SEQ ID NO: 181)

AVLTQTPSPVSAAVGGTVTINCQASQSVYNNLLSWYQQKPGQPPKWYDAS

NLASGVPDRFSGSGSGTQFTLTISGVQCDDAATYYCLGGYDDDADNAFGG

GTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKV

DNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQG

LSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0856] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0857]

(SEQ ID NO: 182)

AVLTQTPSPVSAAVGGTVTINCQASQSVYNNLLSWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYD

ASNLASGVPDRFSGSGSGTQFTLTISGVQCDDAATYYCLGGYDDDADNAF

GGGTEVVVK.

[0858] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab5 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0859]

(SEQ ID NO: 190)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0860] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 164; SEQ ID NO: 166; and SEQ ID NO: 168 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 161 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 162, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 184; SEQ ID NO: 186; and SEQ ID NO: 188 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 181 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 182, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0861] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 163; SEQ ID NO: 165; SEQ ID NO: 167; and SEQ ID NO: 169 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 161 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 162, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 183; SEQ ID NO: 185; SEQ ID NO: 187; and SEQ ID NO: 189 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 181 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 182, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0862] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0863] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 161 or SEQ ID NO: 162 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 181 or SEQ ID NO: 182 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0864] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 164; SEQ ID NO: 166; and SEQ ID NO: 168 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 161 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 162 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0865] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 184; SEQ ID NO: 186; and SEQ ID NO: 188 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 181 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 182 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0866] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 163; SEQ ID NO: 165; SEQ ID NO: 167; and SEQ ID NO: 169 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 161 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 162 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0867] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 183; SEQ ID NO: 185; SEQ ID NO: 187; and SEQ ID NO: 189 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 181 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 182 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0868] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 162; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 182; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 164; SEQ ID NO: 166; and SEQ ID NO: 168) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 162; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 184; SEQ ID NO: 186; and SEQ ID NO: 188) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 182 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0869] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 162; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 182; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 163; SEQ ID NO: 165; SEQ ID NO: 167; and SEQ ID NO: 169) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 162; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 183; SEQ ID NO: 185; SEQ ID NO: 187; and SEQ ID NO: 189) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 182 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0870] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab5, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 161 and SEQ ID NO: 181, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab5 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab5 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab5 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab5.

[0871] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab5, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 162 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 182 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 162 and/or SEQ ID NO: 182 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0872] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab5. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab5 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0873] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab5 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0874] Antibody Ab6

[0875] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0876]

(SEQ ID NO: 201)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSNYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRDGGGTYYASWAKGRLTISMTSSTTVTLQLNSLTAADTATYFCASDIN

DGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVK

DYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQT

YICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKP

KDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYA

STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ

VYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPV

LDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[0877] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0878]

(SEQ ID NO: 202)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSNYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRDGGGTYYASWAKGRLTISMTSSTTVTLQLNSLTAADTATYFCASDIN

DGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[0879] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab6 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0880]

(SEQ ID NO: 210)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0881] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0882]

(SEQ ID NO: 221)

ADIVMTQTPASVEVAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISAYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

RAYTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTNTY

GNTFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0883] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0884]

(SEQ ID NO: 222)

ADIVMTQTPASVEVAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISAYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

RAYTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTNTY

GNTFGGGTEVVVK.

[0885] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab6 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0886]

(SEQ ID NO: 230)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0887] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 204; SEQ ID NO: 206; and SEQ ID NO: 208 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 201 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 202, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 224; SEQ ID NO: 226; and SEQ ID NO: 228 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 221 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 222, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0888] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 203; SEQ ID NO: 205; SEQ ID NO: 207; and SEQ ID NO: 209 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 201 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 202, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 223; SEQ ID NO: 225; SEQ ID NO: 227; and SEQ ID NO: 229 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 221 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 222, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0889] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0890] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 201 or SEQ ID NO: 202 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 221 or SEQ ID NO: 222 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0891] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 204; SEQ ID NO: 206; and SEQ ID NO: 208 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 201 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 202 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0892] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 224; SEQ ID NO: 226; and SEQ ID NO: 228 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 221 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 222 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0893] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 203; SEQ ID NO: 205; SEQ ID NO: 207; and SEQ ID NO: 209 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 201 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 202 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0894] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 223; SEQ ID NO: 225; SEQ ID NO: 227; and SEQ ID NO: 229 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 221 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 222 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0895] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 202; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 222; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 204; SEQ ID NO: 206; and SEQ ID NO: 208) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 202; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 224; SEQ ID NO: 226; and SEQ ID NO: 228) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 222 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0896] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 202; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 222; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 203; SEQ ID NO: 205; SEQ ID NO: 207; and SEQ ID NO: 209) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 202; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 223; SEQ ID NO: 225; SEQ ID NO: 227; and SEQ ID NO: 229) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 222 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0897] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab6, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 201 and SEQ ID NO: 221, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab6 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab6 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab6 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab6.

[0898] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab6, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 202 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 222 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 202 and/or SEQ ID NO: 222 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0899] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab6. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab6 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0900] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab6 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0901] Antibody Ab7

[0902] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0903]

(SEQ ID NO: 241)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTVSSNYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRDGGGTYYASSAKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASDI

NDGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLV

KDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQ

TYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPK

PKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQY

ASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP

QVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPP

VLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[0904] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0905]

(SEQ ID NO: 242)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTVSSNYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRDGGGTYYASSAKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASDI

NDGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSS.

[0906] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab7 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0907]

(SEQ ID NO: 250)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0908] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0909]

(SEQ ID NO: 261)

ADIVMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTIKCQASQSISAYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIY

RAYTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQSYYSVTTNTY

GNTFGGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0910] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0911]

(SEQ ID NO: 262)

ADIVMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTIKCQASQSISAYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIY

RAYTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQSYYSVTTNTY

GNTFGGGTKVEIK.

[0912] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab7 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0913]

(SEQ ID NO: 270)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0914] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 244; SEQ ID NO: 246; and SEQ ID NO: 248 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 241 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 242, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 264; SEQ ID NO: 266; and SEQ ID NO: 268 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 261 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 262, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0915] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 243; SEQ ID NO: 245; SEQ ID NO: 247; and SEQ ID NO: 249 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 241 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 242, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 263; SEQ ID NO: 265; SEQ ID NO: 267; and SEQ ID NO: 269 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 261 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 262, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0916] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0917] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 241 or SEQ ID NO: 242 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 261 or SEQ ID NO: 262 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0918] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 244; SEQ ID NO: 246; and SEQ ID NO: 248 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 241 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 242 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0919] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 264; SEQ ID NO: 266; and SEQ ID NO: 268 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 261 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 262 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0920] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 243; SEQ ID NO: 245; SEQ ID NO: 247; and SEQ ID NO: 249 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 241 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 242 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0921] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 263; SEQ ID NO: 265; SEQ ID NO: 267; and SEQ ID NO: 269 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 261 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 262 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0922] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 242; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 262; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 244; SEQ ID NO: 246; and SEQ ID NO: 248) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 242; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 264; SEQ ID NO: 266; and SEQ ID NO: 268) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 262 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0923] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 242; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 262; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 243; SEQ ID NO: 245; SEQ ID NO: 247; and SEQ ID NO: 249) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 242; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 263; SEQ ID NO: 265; SEQ ID NO: 267; and SEQ ID NO: 269) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 262 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0924] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab7, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 241 and SEQ ID NO: 261, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab7 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab7 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab7 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab7.

[0925] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab7, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 242 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 262 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 242 and/or SEQ ID NO: 262 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0926] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab7. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab7 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0927] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab7 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0928] Antibody Ab8

[0929] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0930]

(SEQ ID NO: 281)

QEQLVESGGGLVQPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFTSDYYMCWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CISTGDGSTYYASWAKGRFTISKPSSTTVTLQMTRLTAADTATYFCARDR

YYSYAYGAYVYASDLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAA

LGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSS

SLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVF

LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKP

REEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKG

QPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNY

KTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL

SLSPGK.

[0931] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0932]

(SEQ ID NO: 282)

QEQLVESGGGLVQPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFTSDYYMCWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CISTGDGSTYYASWAKGRFTISKPSSTTVTLQMTRLTAADTATYFCARDR

YYSYAYGAYVYASDLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[0933] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab8 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0934]

(SEQ ID NO: 290)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0935] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0936]

(SEQ ID NO: 301)

ADIVMTQTPASVSEPVGGTVTINCQASESIRNYLSWYQQKPGQRPKLLIY

GASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTDFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSNYGISSRSY

VNGFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0937] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0938]

(SEQ ID NO: 302)

ADIVMTQTPASVSEPVGGTVTINCQASESIRNYLSWYQQKPGQRPKLLIY

GASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTDFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSNYGISSRSY

VNGFGGGTEVVVK.

[0939] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab8 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0940]

(SEQ ID NO: 310)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0941] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 284; SEQ ID NO: 286; and SEQ ID NO: 288 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 281 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 282, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 304; SEQ ID NO: 306; and SEQ ID NO: 308 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 301 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 302, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0942] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 283; SEQ ID NO: 285; SEQ ID NO: 287; and SEQ ID NO: 289 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 281 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 282, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 303; SEQ ID NO: 305; SEQ ID NO: 307; and SEQ ID NO: 309 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 301 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 302, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0943] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0944] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 281 or SEQ ID NO: 282 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 301 or SEQ ID NO: 302 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0945] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 284; SEQ ID NO: 286; and SEQ ID NO: 288 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 281 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 282 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0946] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 304; SEQ ID NO: 306; and SEQ ID NO: 308 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 301 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 302 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0947] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 283; SEQ ID NO: 285; SEQ ID NO: 287; and SEQ ID NO: 289 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 281 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 282 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0948] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 303; SEQ ID NO: 305; SEQ ID NO: 307; and SEQ ID NO: 309 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 301 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 302 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0949] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 282; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 302; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 284; SEQ ID NO: 286; and SEQ ID NO: 288) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 282; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 304; SEQ ID NO: 306; and SEQ ID NO: 308) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 302 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0950] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 282; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 302; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 283; SEQ ID NO: 285; SEQ ID NO: 287; and SEQ ID NO: 289) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 282; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 303; SEQ ID NO: 305; SEQ ID NO: 307; and SEQ ID NO: 309) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 302 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0951] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab8, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 281 and SEQ ID NO: 301, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab8 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab8 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab8 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab8.

[0952] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab8, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 282 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 302 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 282 and/or SEQ ID NO: 302 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0953] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab8. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab8 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0954] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab8 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0955] Antibody Ab9

[0956] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0957]

(SEQ ID NO: 321)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGIDLSSYAMGWVRQAPGKGLEYIGII

VSYGPTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKITSPTAEDTATYFCARDLDANS

SGYYGCFNIWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVK

DYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQT

YICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKP

KDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYA

STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ

VYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPV

LDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS

PGK.

[0958] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0959]

(SEQ ID NO: 322)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGIDLSSYAMGWVRQAPGKGLEYIGII

VSYGPTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSTTVDLKITSPTAEDTATYFCARDLDANS

SGYYGCFNIWGQGTLVTVSS.

[0960] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab9 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0961]

(SEQ ID NO: 330)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0962] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0963]

(SEQ ID NO: 341)

AVVLTQTPASVSAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISTALAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYA

ASPLASGVSSRFKSSGSGTEFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYGSSNIAFG

GGTELEILRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWK

VDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQ

GLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0964] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0965]

(SEQ ID NO: 342)

AVVLTQTPASVSAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISTALAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYA

ASPLASGVSSRFKSSGSGTEFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYGSSNIAFG

GGTELEIL.

[0966] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab9 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0967]

(SEQ ID NO: 350)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0968] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 324; SEQ ID NO: 326; and SEQ ID NO: 328 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 321 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 322, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 344; SEQ ID NO: 346; and SEQ ID NO: 348 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0969] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 323; SEQ ID NO: 325; SEQ ID NO: 327; and SEQ ID NO: 329 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 321 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 322, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 343; SEQ ID NO: 345; SEQ ID NO: 347; and SEQ ID NO: 349 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0970] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0971] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 321 or SEQ ID NO: 322 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 or SEQ ID NO: 342 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0972] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 324; SEQ ID NO: 326; and SEQ ID NO: 328 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 321 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 322 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0973] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 344; SEQ ID NO: 346; and SEQ ID NO: 348 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0974] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 323; SEQ ID NO: 325; SEQ ID NO: 327; and SEQ ID NO: 329 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 321 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 322 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0975] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 343; SEQ ID NO: 345; SEQ ID NO: 347; and SEQ ID NO: 349 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0976] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 322; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 342; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 324; SEQ ID NO: 326; and SEQ ID NO: 328) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 322; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 344; SEQ ID NO: 346; and SEQ ID NO: 348) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 342 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0977] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 322; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 342; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 323; SEQ ID NO: 325; SEQ ID NO: 327; and SEQ ID NO: 329) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 322; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 343; SEQ ID NO: 345; SEQ ID NO: 347; and SEQ ID NO: 349) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 342 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0978] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab9, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 321 and SEQ ID NO: 341, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab9 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab9 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab9 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab9.

[0979] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab9, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 322 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 322 and/or SEQ ID NO: 342 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[0980] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab9. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab9 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[0981] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab9 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0982] Antibody Ab10

[0983] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0984]

(SEQ ID NO: 361)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIA

CIRAGGGNYYANWAKGRFTISRTSSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCASDIN

DGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVK

DYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQT

YICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKP

KDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYA

STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ

VYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPV

LDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS

PGK.

[0985] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0986]

(SEQ ID NO: 362)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIA

CIRAGGGNYYANWAKGRFTISRTSSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCASDIN

DGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[0987] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab10 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0988]

(SEQ ID NO: 370)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[0989] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0990]

(SEQ ID NO: 381)

ANIVMTQTPASVEAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISNYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

RTSTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTVAY

GNTFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[0991] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0992]

(SEQ ID NO: 382)

ANIVMTQTPASVEAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISNYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

RTSTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTVAY

GNTFGGGTEVVVK.

[0993] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab10 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[0994]

(SEQ ID NO: 390)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[0995] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 364; SEQ ID NO: 366; and SEQ ID NO: 368 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 384; SEQ ID NO: 386; and SEQ ID NO: 388 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 381 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 382, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0996] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 363; SEQ ID NO: 365; SEQ ID NO: 367; and SEQ ID NO: 369 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 383; SEQ ID NO: 385; SEQ ID NO: 387; and SEQ ID NO: 389 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 381 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 382, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[0997] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[0998] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361 or SEQ ID NO: 362 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 381 or SEQ ID NO: 382 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[0999] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 364; SEQ ID NO: 366; and SEQ ID NO: 368 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1000] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 384; SEQ ID NO: 386; and SEQ ID NO: 388 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 381 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 382 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1001] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 363; SEQ ID NO: 365; SEQ ID NO: 367; and SEQ ID NO: 369 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1002] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 383; SEQ ID NO: 385; SEQ ID NO: 387; and SEQ ID NO: 389 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 381 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 382 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1003] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 362; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 382; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 364; SEQ ID NO: 366; and SEQ ID NO: 368) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 362; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 384; SEQ ID NO: 386; and SEQ ID NO: 388) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 382 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1004] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 362; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 382; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 363; SEQ ID NO: 365; SEQ ID NO: 367; and SEQ ID NO: 369) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 362; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 383; SEQ ID NO: 385; SEQ ID NO: 387; and SEQ ID NO: 389) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 382 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1005] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab10, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 361 and SEQ ID NO: 381, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab10 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab10 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab10 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab10.

[1006] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab10, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 382 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 362 and/or SEQ ID NO: 382 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1007] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab10. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab10 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1008] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab10 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1009] Antibody Ab11

[1010] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1011]

(SEQ ID NO: 401)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTVSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIA

CIRAGGGNYYANSAKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASDI

NDGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLV

KDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQ

TYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPK

PKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQY

ASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP

QVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPP

VLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[1012] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1013]

(SEQ ID NO: 402)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTVSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIA

CIRAGGGNYYANSAKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASDI

NDGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSS.

[1014] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab11 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1015]

(SEQ ID NO: 410)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1016] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1017]

(SEQ ID NO: 421)

ANIVMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCQASQSISNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIY

RTSTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQSYYSVTTVAY

GNTFGGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1018] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1019]

(SEQ ID NO: 422)

ANIVMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCQASQSISNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIY

RTSTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQSYYSVTTVAY

GNTFGGGTKVEIK.

[1020] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab11 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1021]

(SEQ ID NO: 430)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[1022] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 404; SEQ ID NO: 406; and SEQ ID NO: 408 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 401 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 402, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 424; SEQ ID NO: 426; and SEQ ID NO: 428 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 421 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 422, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1023] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 403; SEQ ID NO: 405; SEQ ID NO: 407; and SEQ ID NO: 409 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 401 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 402, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 423; SEQ ID NO: 425; SEQ ID NO: 427; and SEQ ID NO: 429 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 421 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 422, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1024] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1025] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 401 or SEQ ID NO: 402 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 421 or SEQ ID NO: 422 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 404; SEQ ID NO: 406; and SEQ ID NO: 408 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 401 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 402 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 424; SEQ ID NO: 426; and SEQ ID NO: 428 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 421 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 422 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 403; SEQ ID NO: 405; SEQ ID NO: 407; and SEQ ID NO: 409 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 401 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 402 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 423; SEQ ID NO: 425; SEQ ID NO: 427; and SEQ ID NO: 429 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 421 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 422 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1030] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 402; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 422; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 404; SEQ ID NO: 406; and SEQ ID NO: 408) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 402; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 424; SEQ ID NO: 426; and SEQ ID NO: 428) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 422 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1031] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 402; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 422; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 403; SEQ ID NO: 405; SEQ ID NO: 407; and SEQ ID NO: 409) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 402; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 423; SEQ ID NO: 425; SEQ ID NO: 427; and SEQ ID NO: 429) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 422 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1032] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab11, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 401 and SEQ ID NO: 421, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab11 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab11 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab11 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab11.

[1033] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab11, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 402 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 422 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 402 and/or SEQ ID NO: 422 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1034] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab11. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab11 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1035] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab11 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1036] Antibody Ab12

[1037] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1038]

(SEQ ID NO: 441)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTVSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIA

CIRAGGGNYYANSAKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASDI

NDGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLV

KDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQ

TYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPK

PKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQY

ASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP

QVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPP

VLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[1039] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1040]

(SEQ ID NO: 442)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTVSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIA

CIRAGGGNYYANSAKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASDI

NDGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSS.

[1041] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab12 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1042]

(SEQ ID NO: 450)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1043] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1044]

(SEQ ID NO: 461)

ANIVMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTIKCQASQSISNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIY

RTSTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQSYYSVTTVAY

GNTFGGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1045] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1046]

(SEQ ID NO: 462)

ANIVMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTIKCQASQSISNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIY

RTSTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQSYYSVTTVAY

GNTFGGGTKVEIK.

[1047] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab12 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1048]

(SEQ ID NO: 470)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[1049] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 444; SEQ ID NO: 446; and SEQ ID NO: 448 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 441 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 442, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 464; SEQ ID NO: 466; and SEQ ID NO: 468 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 461 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 462, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1050] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 443; SEQ ID NO: 445; SEQ ID NO: 447; and SEQ ID NO: 449 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 441 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 442, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 463; SEQ ID NO: 465; SEQ ID NO: 467; and SEQ ID NO: 469 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 461 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 462, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1051] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1052] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 441 or SEQ ID NO: 442 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 461 or SEQ ID NO: 462 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1053] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 444; SEQ ID NO: 446; and SEQ ID NO: 448 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 441 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 442 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1054] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 464; SEQ ID NO: 466; and SEQ ID NO: 468 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 461 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 462 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1055] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 443; SEQ ID NO: 445; SEQ ID NO: 447; and SEQ ID NO: 449 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 441 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 442 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1056] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 463; SEQ ID NO: 465; SEQ ID NO: 467; and SEQ ID NO: 469 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 461 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 462 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1057] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 442; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 462; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 444; SEQ ID NO: 446; and SEQ ID NO: 448) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 442; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 464; SEQ ID NO: 466; and SEQ ID NO: 468) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 462 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1058] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 442; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 462; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 443; SEQ ID NO: 445; SEQ ID NO: 447; and SEQ ID NO: 449) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 442; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 463; SEQ ID NO: 465; SEQ ID NO: 467; and SEQ ID NO: 469) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 462 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1059] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab12, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 441 and SEQ ID NO: 461, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab12 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab12 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab12 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab12.

[1060] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab12, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 442 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 462 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 442 and/or SEQ ID NO: 462 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1061] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab12. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab12 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1062] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab12 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1063] Antibody Ab13

[1064] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1065]

(SEQ ID NO: 481)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGIDLSTYGVGWVRQAPGKGLEYIGII

SSSGSTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVDLKMTSLTTEDTATYFCARDWSST

TGYYGYFNMWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVK

DYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQT

YICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKP

KDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYA

STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ

VYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPV

LDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[1066] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1067]

(SEQ ID NO: 482)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGIDLSTYGVGWVRQAPGKGLEYIGII

SSSGSTYYASWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVDLKMTSLTTEDTATYFCARDWSST

TGYYGYFNMWGPGTLVTVSS.

[1068] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab13 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1069]

(SEQ ID NO: 490)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1070] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1071]

(SEQ ID NO: 501)

AFELTQTPSPVSAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISTALAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

GASNLESGVPSRFSGSGSGTQFTLTISDLECADAAIYYCQSSYGSSTLA

FGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKV

QWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACE

VTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1072] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1073]

(SEQ ID NO: 502)

AFELTQTPSPVSAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISTALAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

GASNLESGVPSRFSGSGSGTQFTLTISDLECADAAIYYCQSSYGSSTLA

FGGGTEVVVK.

[1074] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab13 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1075]

(SEQ ID NO: 510)
RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQS
GNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPV
TKSFNRGEC.

[1076] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 484; SEQ ID NO: 486; and SEQ ID NO: 488 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 481 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 482, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 504; SEQ ID NO: 506; and SEQ ID NO: 508 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 501 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 502, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1077] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 483; SEQ ID NO: 485; SEQ ID NO: 487; and SEQ ID NO: 489 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 481 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 482, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 503; SEQ ID NO: 505; SEQ ID NO: 507; and SEQ ID NO: 509 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 501 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 502, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1078] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1079] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 481 or SEQ ID NO: 482 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 501 or SEQ ID NO: 502 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1080] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 484; SEQ ID NO: 486; and SEQ ID NO: 488 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 481 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 482 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1081] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 504; SEQ ID NO: 506; and SEQ ID NO: 508 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 501 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 502 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1082] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 483; SEQ ID NO: 485; SEQ ID NO: 487; and SEQ ID NO: 489 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 481 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 482 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1083] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 503; SEQ ID NO: 505; SEQ ID NO: 507; and SEQ ID NO: 509 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 501 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 502 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1084] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 482; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 502; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 484; SEQ ID NO: 486; and SEQ ID NO: 488) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 482; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 504; SEQ ID NO: 506; and SEQ ID NO: 508) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 502 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1085] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 482; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 502; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 483; SEQ ID NO: 485; SEQ ID NO: 487; and SEQ ID NO: 489) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 482; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 503; SEQ ID NO: 505; SEQ ID NO: 507; and SEQ ID NO: 509) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 502 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1086] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab13, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 481 and SEQ ID NO: 501, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab13 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab13 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab13 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab13.

[1087] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab13, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 482 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 502 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 482 and/or SEQ ID NO: 502 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1088] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab13. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab13 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1089] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab13 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1090] Antibody Ab14

[1091] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1092]

(SEQ ID NO: 521)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTGSGFSFSSIAYMCWIRQAPGKGLEWI

GCIGSGSGNTYYANWAKGRFTISKSSSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCAS

DTNNGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALG

CLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSS

LGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVF

LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTK

PREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKA

KGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPE

NNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYT

QKSLSLSPGK.

[1093] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1094]

(SEQ ID NO: 522)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTGSGFSFSSIAYMCWIRQAPGKGLEWI

GCIGSGSGNTYYANWAKGRFTISKSSSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCAS

DTNNGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSS.

[1095] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab14 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1096]

(SEQ ID NO: 530)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSG

VHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRV

EPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVV

DVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDW

LNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQ

VSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLT

VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1097] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1098]

(SEQ ID NO: 541)

ADIVMTQTPASVSAAVGGTVTINCQASQSISSYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLI

YRASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQGYYSVTTN

TYGNTFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYP

REAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHK

VYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1099] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1100]

(SEQ ID NO: 542)

ADIVMTQTPASVSAAVGGTVTINCQASQSISSYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLI

YRASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQGYYSVTTN

TYGNTFGGGTEVVVK.

[1101] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab14 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1102]

(SEQ ID NO: 550)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQS

GNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPV

TKSFNRGEC.

[1103] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 524; SEQ ID NO: 526; and SEQ ID NO: 528 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 521 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 522, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 544; SEQ ID NO: 546; and SEQ ID NO: 548 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 541 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 542, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1104] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 523; SEQ ID NO: 525; SEQ ID NO: 527; and SEQ ID NO: 529 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 521 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 522, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 543; SEQ ID NO: 545; SEQ ID NO: 547; and SEQ ID NO: 549 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 541 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 542, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1105] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1106] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 521 or SEQ ID NO: 522 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 541 or SEQ ID NO: 542 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1107] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 524; SEQ ID NO: 526; and SEQ ID NO: 528 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 521 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 522 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1108] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 544; SEQ ID NO: 546; and SEQ ID NO: 548 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 541 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 542 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1109] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 523; SEQ ID NO: 525; SEQ ID NO: 527; and SEQ ID NO: 529 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 521 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 522 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1110] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 543; SEQ ID NO: 545; SEQ ID NO: 547; and SEQ ID NO: 549 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 541 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 542 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1111] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 522; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 542; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 524; SEQ ID NO: 526; and SEQ ID NO: 528) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 522; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 544; SEQ ID NO: 546; and SEQ ID NO: 548) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 542 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1112] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 522; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 542; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 523; SEQ ID NO: 525; SEQ ID NO: 527; and SEQ ID NO: 529) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 522; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 543; SEQ ID NO: 545; SEQ ID NO: 547; and SEQ ID NO: 549) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 542 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1113] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab14, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 521 and SEQ ID NO: 541, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab14 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab14 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab14 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab14.

[1114] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab14, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 522 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 542 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 522 and/or SEQ ID NO: 542 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1115] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab14. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab14 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1116] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab14 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1117] Antibody Ab15

[1118] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1119]

(SEQ ID NO: 561)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWI

ACIDAGNSGSTYYASWAKGRFTISKASSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCA

SDLNDGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAAL

GCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSS

SLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSV

FLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKT

KPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISK

AKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQP

ENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHY

TQKSLSLSPGK.

[1120] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1121]

(SEQ ID NO: 562)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWI

ACIDAGNSGSTYYASWAKGRFTISKASSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCA

SDLNDGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[1122] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab15 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1123]

(SEQ ID NO: 570)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSG

VHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRV

EPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVV

DVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDW

LNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQ

VSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLT

VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1124] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1125]

(SEQ ID NO: 581)

ANIVMTQTPSPVSGAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISDYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLI

YRASTLASGVPSRFRGSGSGTEYTLTITDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTN

TYGNTFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYP

REAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHK

VYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1126] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1127]

(SEQ ID NO: 582)

ANIVMTQTPSPVSGAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISDYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLI

YRASTLASGVPSRFRGSGSGTEYTLTITDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTN

TYGNTFGGGTEVVVK.

[1128] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab15 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1129]

(SEQ ID NO: 590)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQS

GNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPV

TKSFNRGEC.

[1130] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 564; SEQ ID NO: 566; and SEQ ID NO: 568 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 561 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 562, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 584; SEQ ID NO: 586; and SEQ ID NO: 588 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 581 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 582, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1131] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 563; SEQ ID NO: 565; SEQ ID NO: 567; and SEQ ID NO: 569 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 561 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 562, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 583; SEQ ID NO: 585; SEQ ID NO: 587; and SEQ ID NO: 589 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 581 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 582, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1132] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1133] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 561 or SEQ ID NO: 562 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 581 or SEQ ID NO: 582 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1134] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 564; SEQ ID NO: 566; and SEQ ID NO: 568 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 561 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 562 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1135] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 584; SEQ ID NO: 586; and SEQ ID NO: 588 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 581 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 582 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1136] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 563; SEQ ID NO: 565; SEQ ID NO: 567; and SEQ ID NO: 569 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 561 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 562 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1137] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 583; SEQ ID NO: 585; SEQ ID NO: 587; and SEQ ID NO: 589 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 581 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 582 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1138] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 562; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 582; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 564; SEQ ID NO: 566; and SEQ ID NO: 568) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 562; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 584; SEQ ID NO: 586; and SEQ ID NO: 588) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 582 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1139] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 562; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 582; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 563; SEQ ID NO: 565; SEQ ID NO: 567; and SEQ ID NO: 569) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 562; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 583; SEQ ID NO: 585; SEQ ID NO: 587; and SEQ ID NO: 589) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 582 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1140] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab15, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 561 and SEQ ID NO: 581, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab15 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab15 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab15 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab15.

[1141] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab15, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 562 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 582 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 562 and/or SEQ ID NO: 582 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1142] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab15. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab15 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1143] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab15 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1144] Antibody Ab16

[1145] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1146]

(SEQ ID NO: 601)

QEQLVESGGGLVQPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSDYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRDGGGSYYANWAKGRLTISMTSSTTVGLKMTSLTAADTATYFCASDIN

DGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVK

DYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQT

YICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKP

KDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYA

STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ

VYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPV

LDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[1147] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1148]

(SEQ ID NO: 602)

QEQLVESGGGLVQPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSDYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRDGGGSYYANWAKGRLTISMTSSTTVGLKMTSLTAADTATYFCASDIN

DGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[1149] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab16 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1150]

(SEQ ID NO: 610)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1151] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1152]

(SEQ ID NO: 621)

ADIVMTQTPASVEAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISSYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

RASTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTVTY

GNTFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1153] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1154]

(SEQ ID NO: 622)

ADIVMTQTPASVEAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSISSYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

RASTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTVTY

GNTFGGGTEVVVK.

[1155] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab16 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1156]

(SEQ ID NO: 630)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[1157] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 604; SEQ ID NO: 606; and SEQ ID NO: 608 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 601 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 602, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 624; SEQ ID NO: 626; and SEQ ID NO: 628 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 621 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 622, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1158] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 603; SEQ ID NO: 605; SEQ ID NO: 607; and SEQ ID NO: 609 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 601 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 602, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 623; SEQ ID NO: 625; SEQ ID NO: 627; and SEQ ID NO: 629 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 621 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 622, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1159] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1160] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 601 or SEQ ID NO: 602 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 621 or SEQ ID NO: 622 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1161] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 604; SEQ ID NO: 606; and SEQ ID NO: 608 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 601 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 602 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1162] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 624; SEQ ID NO: 626; and SEQ ID NO: 628 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 621 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 622 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1163] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 603; SEQ ID NO: 605; SEQ ID NO: 607; and SEQ ID NO: 609 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 601 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 602 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1164] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 623; SEQ ID NO: 625; SEQ ID NO: 627; and SEQ ID NO: 629 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 621 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 622 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1165] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 602; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 622; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 604; SEQ ID NO: 606; and SEQ ID NO: 608) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 602; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 624; SEQ ID NO: 626; and SEQ ID NO: 628) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 622 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1166] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 602; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 622; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 603; SEQ ID NO: 605; SEQ ID NO: 607; and SEQ ID NO: 609) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 602; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 623; SEQ ID NO: 625; SEQ ID NO: 627; and SEQ ID NO: 629) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 622 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1167] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab16, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 601 and SEQ ID NO: 621, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab16 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab16 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab16 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab16.

[1168] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab16, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 602 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 622 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 602 and/or SEQ ID NO: 622 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1169] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab16. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab16 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1170] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab16 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1171] Antibody Ab17

[1172] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1173]

(SEQ ID NO: 641)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRPGSADYYASWAKGRFTISRASSSTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCASDIN

DGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVK

DYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQT

YICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKP

KDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYA

STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ

VYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPV

LDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[1174] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1175]

(SEQ ID NO: 642)

QEQLEESGGDLVKPEGSLTLTCTASGFSFSSSYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRPGSADYYASWAKGRFTISRASSSTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCASDIN

DGWLGQFNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[1176] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab17 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1177]

(SEQ ID NO: 650)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1178] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1179]

(SEQ ID NO: 661)

ADVVMTQTPASVEAAVGGTVTIKCQASLSIADYLAWYLQKPGQPPKLLIY

RASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTEYTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTNTY

GNTFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1180] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1181]

(SEQ ID NO: 662)

ADVVMTQTPASVEAAVGGTVTIKCQASLSIADYLAWYLQKPGQPPKLLIY

RASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTEYTLTISDLECADAATYYCQSYYSVTTNTY

GNTFGGGTEVVVK.

[1182] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab17 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1183]

(SEQ ID NO: 670)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[1184] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 644; SEQ ID NO: 646; and SEQ ID NO: 648 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 641 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 642, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 664; SEQ ID NO: 666; and SEQ ID NO: 668 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 661 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 662, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1185] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 643; SEQ ID NO: 645; SEQ ID NO: 647; and SEQ ID NO: 649 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 641 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 642, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 663; SEQ ID NO: 665; SEQ ID NO: 667; and SEQ ID NO: 669 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 661 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 662, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1186] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1187] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 641 or SEQ ID NO: 642 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 661 or SEQ ID NO: 662 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1188] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 644; SEQ ID NO: 646; and SEQ ID NO: 648 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 641 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 642 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1189] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 664; SEQ ID NO: 666; and SEQ ID NO: 668 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 661 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 662 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1190] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 643; SEQ ID NO: 645; SEQ ID NO: 647; and SEQ ID NO: 649 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 641 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 642 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1191] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 663; SEQ ID NO: 665; SEQ ID NO: 667; and SEQ ID NO: 669 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 661 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 662 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1192] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 642; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 662; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 644; SEQ ID NO: 646; and SEQ ID NO: 648) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 642; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 664; SEQ ID NO: 666; and SEQ ID NO: 668) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 662 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1193] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 642; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 662; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 643; SEQ ID NO: 645; SEQ ID NO: 647; and SEQ ID NO: 649) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 642; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 663; SEQ ID NO: 665; SEQ ID NO: 667; and SEQ ID NO: 669) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 662 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1194] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab17, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 641 and SEQ ID NO: 661, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab17 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab17 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab17 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab17.

[1195] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab17, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 642 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 662 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 642 and/or SEQ ID NO: 662 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1196] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab17. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab17 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1197] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab17 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1198] Antibody Ab18

[1199] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1200]

(SEQ ID NO: 681)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTVSSNYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRDGGGTYYASSAKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASDI

NDGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLV

KDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQ

TYICNVNHKPSNTKVDARVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPK

PKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQY

ASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP

QVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPP

VLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[1201] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1202]

(SEQ ID NO: 682)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTVSSNYWICWVRQAPGKGLEWIG

CIRDGGGTYYASSAKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCASDI

NDGWLGQFNLWGQGTLVTVSS.

[1203] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab18 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1204]

(SEQ ID NO: 690)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDARVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1205] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1206]

(SEQ ID NO: 701)

ADIVMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTIKCQASQSISAYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIY

RAYTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQSYYSVTTNTY

GNTFGGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYAC

EVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1207] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1208]

(SEQ ID NO: 702)

ADIVMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTIKCQASQSISAYLAWYQQKPGKVPKLLIY

RAYTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCQSYYSVTTNTY

GNTFGGGTKVEIK.

[1209] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab18 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below: RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQES VTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC (SEQ ID NO: 710).

[1210] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 684; SEQ ID NO: 686; and SEQ ID NO: 688 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 681 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 682, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 704; SEQ ID NO: 706; and SEQ ID NO: 708 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 701 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 702, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1211] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 683; SEQ ID NO: 685; SEQ ID NO: 687; and SEQ ID NO: 689 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 681 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 682, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 703; SEQ ID NO: 705; SEQ ID NO: 707; and SEQ ID NO: 709 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 701 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 702, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1212] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1213] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 681 or SEQ ID NO: 682 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 701 or SEQ ID NO: 702 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1214] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 684; SEQ ID NO: 686; and SEQ ID NO: 688 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 681 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 682 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1215] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 704; SEQ ID NO: 706; and SEQ ID NO: 708 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 701 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 702 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1216] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 683; SEQ ID NO: 685; SEQ ID NO: 687; and SEQ ID NO: 689 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 681 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 682 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1217] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 703; SEQ ID NO: 705; SEQ ID NO: 707; and SEQ ID NO: 709 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 701 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 702 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1218] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 682; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 702; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 684; SEQ ID NO: 686; and SEQ ID NO: 688) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 682; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 704; SEQ ID NO: 706; and SEQ ID NO: 708) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 702 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1219] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 682; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 702; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 683; SEQ ID NO: 685; SEQ ID NO: 687; and SEQ ID NO: 689) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 682; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 703; SEQ ID NO: 705; SEQ ID NO: 707; and SEQ ID NO: 709) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 702 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1220] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab18, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 681 and SEQ ID NO: 701, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab18 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab18 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab18 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab18.

[1221] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab18, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 682 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 702 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 682 and/or SEQ ID NO: 702 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1222] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab18. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab18 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1223] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab18 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1224] Antibody Ab19

[1225] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1226]

(SEQ ID NO: 721)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGIDLSSYAMGWVRQAPGKGLEYIGI

IVSYGPTYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKNTVYLQMNSLRAEDTATYFCARDLD

AQSSGYYGAFNIWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGC

LVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLG

TQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFP

PKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREE

QYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPR

EPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTT

PPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS

PGK.

[1227] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1228]

(SEQ ID NO: 722)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGIDLSSYAMGWVRQAPGKGLEYIGI

IVSYGPTYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKNTVYLQMNSLRAEDTATYFCARDLD

AQSSGYYGAFNIWGQGTLVTVSS.

[1229] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab19 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1230]

(SEQ ID NO: 730)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1231] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1232]

(SEQ ID NO: 741)

DIQMTQSPSTLSASVGDRVTITCQASQSISTALAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA

ASPLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPDDFATYYCQSYYGSSNIAFG

GGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWK

VDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQ

GLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1233] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1234]

(SEQ ID NO: 742)

DIQMTQSPSTLSASVGDRVTITCQASQSISTALAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA

ASPLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPDDFATYYCQSYYGSSNIAFG

GGTKVEIK.

[1235] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab19 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1236]

(SEQ ID NO: 750)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[1237] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 724; SEQ ID NO: 726; and SEQ ID NO: 728 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 721 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 722, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 744; SEQ ID NO: 746; and SEQ ID NO: 748 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 741 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 742, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1238] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 723; SEQ ID NO: 725; SEQ ID NO: 727; and SEQ ID NO: 729 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 721 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 722, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 743; SEQ ID NO: 745; SEQ ID NO: 747; and SEQ ID NO: 749 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 741 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 742, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1239] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1240] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 721 or SEQ ID NO: 722 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 741 or SEQ ID NO: 742 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1241] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 724; SEQ ID NO: 726; and SEQ ID NO: 728 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 721 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 722 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1242] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 744; SEQ ID NO: 746; and SEQ ID NO: 748 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 741 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 742 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1243] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 723; SEQ ID NO: 725; SEQ ID NO: 727; and SEQ ID NO: 729 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 721 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 722 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1244] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 743; SEQ ID NO: 745; SEQ ID NO: 747; and SEQ ID NO: 749 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 741 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 742 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1245] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 722; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 742; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 724; SEQ ID NO: 726; and SEQ ID NO: 728) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 722; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 744; SEQ ID NO: 746; and SEQ ID NO: 748) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 742 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1246] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 722; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 742; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 723; SEQ ID NO: 725; SEQ ID NO: 727; and SEQ ID NO: 729) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 722; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 743; SEQ ID NO: 745; SEQ ID NO: 747; and SEQ ID NO: 749) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 742 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1247] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab19, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 721 and SEQ ID NO: 741, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab19 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab19 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab19 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab19.

[1248] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab19, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 722 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 742 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 722 and/or SEQ ID NO: 742 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1249] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab19. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab19 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1250] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab19 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1251] Antibody Ab20

[1252] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1253]

(SEQ ID NO: 761)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGIDLSSYAMGWVRQAPGKGLEYIGI

IVSYGPTYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKSTVYLQMNSLRAEDTATYFCARDLD

AQSSGYYGAFNIWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGC

LVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLG

TQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFP

PKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREE

QYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPR

EPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTT

PPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS

PGK.

[1254] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1255]

(SEQ ID NO: 762)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGIDLSSYAMGWVRQAPGKGLEYIGI

IVSYGPTYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKSTVYLQMNSLRAEDTATYFCARDLD

AQSSGYYGAFNIWGQGTLVTVSS.

[1256] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab20 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1257]

(SEQ ID NO: 770)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1258] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1259]

(SEQ ID NO: 781)

DIQMTQSPSTLSASVGDRVTITCQASQSISTALAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA

ASPLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPDDFATYYCQSYYGSSNIAFG

GGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWK

VDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQ

GLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1260] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1261]

(SEQ ID NO: 782)

DIQMTQSPSTLSASVGDRVTITCQASQSISTALAWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYA

ASPLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPDDFATYYCQSYYGSSNIAFG

GGTKVEIK.

[1262] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab20 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1263]

(SEQ ID NO: 790)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[1264] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 764; SEQ ID NO: 766; and SEQ ID NO: 768 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 761 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 762, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 784; SEQ ID NO: 786; and SEQ ID NO: 788 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 781 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 782, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1265] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 763; SEQ ID NO: 765; SEQ ID NO: 767; and SEQ ID NO: 769 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 761 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 762, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 783; SEQ ID NO: 785; SEQ ID NO: 787; and SEQ ID NO: 789 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 781 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 782, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1266] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1267] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 761 or SEQ ID NO: 762 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 781 or SEQ ID NO: 782 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1268] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 764; SEQ ID NO: 766; and SEQ ID NO: 768 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 761 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 762 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1269] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 784; SEQ ID NO: 786; and SEQ ID NO: 788 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 781 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 782 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1270] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 763; SEQ ID NO: 765; SEQ ID NO: 767; and SEQ ID NO: 769 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 761 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 762 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1271] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 783; SEQ ID NO: 785; SEQ ID NO: 787; and SEQ ID NO: 789 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 781 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 782 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1272] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 762; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 782; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 764; SEQ ID NO: 766; and SEQ ID NO: 768) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 762; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 784; SEQ ID NO: 786; and SEQ ID NO: 788) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 782 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1273] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 762; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 782; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 763; SEQ ID NO: 765; SEQ ID NO: 767; and SEQ ID NO: 769) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 762; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 783; SEQ ID NO: 785; SEQ ID NO: 787; and SEQ ID NO: 789) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 782 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1274] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab20, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 761 and SEQ ID NO: 781, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab20 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab20 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab20 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab20.

[1275] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab20, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 762 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 782 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 762 and/or SEQ ID NO: 782 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1276] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab20. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab20 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1277] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab20 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1278] Antibody Ab21

[1279] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1280]

(SEQ ID NO: 801)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGFSLSSYAMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGAI

RSSGATFFASWVNGRFTISKTSTTVDLKITSPTPEDTATYFCARDTNDGW

YINRLDLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDY

FPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYI

CNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKD

TLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYAST

YRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVY

TLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLD

SDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1281] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1282]

(SEQ ID NO: 802)

QSVEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTVSGFSLSSYAMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGAI

RSSGATFFASWVNGRFTISKTSTTVDLKITSPTPEDTATYFCARDTNDGW

YINRLDLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[1283] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab21 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1284]

(SEQ ID NO: 810)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1285] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1286]

(SEQ ID NO: 821)

AAVLTQTPSPVSAAVGGTVSISCQSSKSVYSNYLSWFQQKPGQPPKFLIY

KASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISDVQCDDAATYYCAGGDTNISDNA

FGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQ

WKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVT

HQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1287] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1288]

(SEQ ID NO: 822)

AAVLTQTPSPVSAAVGGTVSISCQSSKSVYSNYLSWFQQKPGQPPKFLIY

KASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTQFTLTISDVQCDDAATYYCAGGDTNISDNA

FGGGTEVVVK.

[1289] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab21 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1290]

(SEQ ID NO: 830)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[1291] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 804; SEQ ID NO: 806; and SEQ ID NO: 808 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 801 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 802, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 824; SEQ ID NO: 826; and SEQ ID NO: 828 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 821 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 822, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1292] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 803; SEQ ID NO: 805; SEQ ID NO: 807; and SEQ ID NO: 809 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 801 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 802, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 823; SEQ ID NO: 825; SEQ ID NO: 827; and SEQ ID NO: 829 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 821 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 822, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1293] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1294] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 801 or SEQ ID NO: 802 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 821 or SEQ ID NO: 822 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1295] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 804; SEQ ID NO: 806; and SEQ ID NO: 808 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 801 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 802 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1296] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 824; SEQ ID NO: 826; and SEQ ID NO: 828 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 821 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 822 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1297] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 803; SEQ ID NO: 805; SEQ ID NO: 807; and SEQ ID NO: 809 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 801 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 802 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1298] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 823; SEQ ID NO: 825; SEQ ID NO: 827; and SEQ ID NO: 829 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 821 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 822 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1299] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 802; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 822; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 804; SEQ ID NO: 806; and SEQ ID NO: 808) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 802; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 824; SEQ ID NO: 826; and SEQ ID NO: 828) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 822 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1300] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 802; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 822; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 803; SEQ ID NO: 805; SEQ ID NO: 807; and SEQ ID NO: 809) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 802; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 823; SEQ ID NO: 825; SEQ ID NO: 827; and SEQ ID NO: 829) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 822 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1301] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab21, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 801 and SEQ ID NO: 821, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab21 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab21 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab21 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab21.

[1302] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab21, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 802 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 822 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 802 and/or SEQ ID NO: 822 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1303] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab21. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab21 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1304] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab21 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1305] Antibody Ab22

[1306] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1307]

(SEQ ID NO: 841)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFSLSSYAMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGA

IRSSGATFFASSVNGRFTISRDNSKNTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDTN

DGWYINRLDLWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLV

KDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQ

TYICNVNHKPSNTKVDARVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPK

PKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQY

ASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP

QVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPP

VLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG

K.

[1308] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1309]

(SEQ ID NO: 842)

EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFSLSSYAMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGA

IRSSGATFFASSVNGRFTISRDNSKNTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDTN

DGWYINRLDLWGQGTLVTVSS.

[1310] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab22 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1311]

(SEQ ID NO: 850)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDARVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1312] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1313]

(SEQ ID NO: 861)

AVLTQSPSTLSASVGDRVTITCQSSKSVYSNYLSWFQQKPGKAPKFLIYK

ASTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPDDFATYYCAGGDTNIADNAF

GGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQW

KVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTH

QGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1314] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1315]

(SEQ ID NO: 862)

AVLTQSPSTLSASVGDRVTITCQSSKSVYSNYLSWFQQKPGKAPKFLIYK

ASTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPDDFATYYCAGGDTNIADNAF

GGGTKVEIK.

[1316] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab22 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1317]

(SEQ ID NO: 870)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSG

NSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK

SFNRGEC.

[1318] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 844; SEQ ID NO: 846; and SEQ ID NO: 848 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 841 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 842, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 864; SEQ ID NO: 866; and SEQ ID NO: 868 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 861 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 862, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1319] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 843; SEQ ID NO: 845; SEQ ID NO: 847; and SEQ ID NO: 849 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 841 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 842, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 863; SEQ ID NO: 865; SEQ ID NO: 867; and SEQ ID NO: 869 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 861 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 862, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1320] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1321] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 841 or SEQ ID NO: 842 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 861 or SEQ ID NO: 862 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1322] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 844; SEQ ID NO: 846; and SEQ ID NO: 848 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 841 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 842 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1323] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 864; SEQ ID NO: 866; and SEQ ID NO: 868 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 861 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 862 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1324] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 843; SEQ ID NO: 845; SEQ ID NO: 847; and SEQ ID NO: 849 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 841 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 842 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1325] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 863; SEQ ID NO: 865; SEQ ID NO: 867; and SEQ ID NO: 869 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 861 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 862 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1326] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 842; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 862; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 844; SEQ ID NO: 846; and SEQ ID NO: 848) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 842; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 864; SEQ ID NO: 866; and SEQ ID NO: 868) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 862 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1327] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 842; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 862; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 843; SEQ ID NO: 845; SEQ ID NO: 847; and SEQ ID NO: 849) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 842; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 863; SEQ ID NO: 865; SEQ ID NO: 867; and SEQ ID NO: 869) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 862 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1328] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab22, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 841 and SEQ ID NO: 861, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab22 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab22 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab22 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab22.

[1329] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab22, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 842 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 862 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 842 and/or SEQ ID NO: 862 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1330] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab22. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab22 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1331] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab22 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1332] Antibody Ab23

[1333] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1334]

(SEQ ID NO: 881)

QSLEESGGDLVKPGASLTLTCKASGFSFSSGYYMCWVRQAPGKGLEWIAC

IYAGSGGSTFFANWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCARDG

GYAGYGYAFFNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGC

LVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLG

TQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFP

PKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREE

QYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPR

EPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTT

PPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS

PGK.

[1335] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1336]

(SEQ ID NO: 882)

QSLEESGGDLVKPGASLTLTCKASGFSFSSGYYMCWVRQAPGKGLEWIAC

IYAGSGGSTFFANWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCARDG

GYAGYGYAFFNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[1337] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab23 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1338]

(SEQ ID NO: 890)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGV

HTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEP

KSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVS

HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK

EYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTC

LVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRW

QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1339] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1340]

(SEQ ID NO: 901)

DVVMTQTPASVSEPVGGTVTIKCQASERIYSGLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYG

ASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTDFTLTISDLECDDAAIYYCQCTYYGSSYPNV

FGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQ

WKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVT

HQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1341] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1342]

(SEQ ID NO: 902)

DVVMTQTPASVSEPVGGTVTIKCQASERIYSGLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYG

ASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTDFTLTISDLECDDAAIYYCQCTYYGSSYPNV

FGGGTEVVVK.

[1343] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab23 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1344]

(SEQ ID NO: 910)

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQS

GNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPV

TKSFNRGEC.

[1345] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 884; SEQ ID NO: 886; and SEQ ID NO: 888 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 881 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 882, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 904; SEQ ID NO: 906; and SEQ ID NO: 908 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 901 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 902, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1346] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 883; SEQ ID NO: 885; SEQ ID NO: 887; and SEQ ID NO: 889 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 881 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 882, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 903; SEQ ID NO: 905; SEQ ID NO: 907; and SEQ ID NO: 909 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 901 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 902, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1347] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1348] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 881 or SEQ ID NO: 882 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 901 or SEQ ID NO: 902 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1349] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 884; SEQ ID NO: 886; and SEQ ID NO: 888 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 881 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 882 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1350] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 904; SEQ ID NO: 906; and SEQ ID NO: 908 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 901 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 902 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1351] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 883; SEQ ID NO: 885; SEQ ID NO: 887; and SEQ ID NO: 889 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 881 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 882 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1352] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 903; SEQ ID NO: 905; SEQ ID NO: 907; and SEQ ID NO: 909 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 901 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 902 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1353] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 882; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 902; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 884; SEQ ID NO: 886; and SEQ ID NO: 888) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 882; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 904; SEQ ID NO: 906; and SEQ ID NO: 908) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 902 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1354] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 882; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 902; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 883; SEQ ID NO: 885; SEQ ID NO: 887; and SEQ ID NO: 889) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 882; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 903; SEQ ID NO: 905; SEQ ID NO: 907; and SEQ ID NO: 909) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 902 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1355] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab23, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 881 and SEQ ID NO: 901, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab23 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab23 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab23 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab23.

[1356] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab23, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 882 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 902 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 882 and/or SEQ ID NO: 902 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1357] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab23. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab23 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1358] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab23 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1359] Antibody Ab24

[1360] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess a heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1361]

(SEQ ID NO: 921)

QSLEESGGDLVKPGASLTLTCKASGFSFSSGYYMCWVRQAPGKGLEWIA

CIYAGSGGSTFFANWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCAR

DGGYAGYGYAFFNLWGPGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAA

LGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPS

SSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPS

VFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAK

TKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTIS

KAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQ

PENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNH

YTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1362] In one embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1363]

(SEQ ID NO: 922)

QSLEESGGDLVKPGASLTLTCKASGFSFSSGYYMCWVRQAPGKGLEWIA

CIYAGSGGSTFFANWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVTLQMTSLTAADTATYFCAR

DGGYAGYGYAFFNLWGPGTLVTVSS.

[1364] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that possess the same epitopic specificity as Ab24 and which contain a constant heavy chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1365]

(SEQ ID NO: 930)

ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSG

VHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRV

EPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVV

DVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDW

LNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQ

VSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLT

VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

[1366] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1367]

(SEQ ID NO: 941)

DVVMTQTPASVSEPVGGTVTIKCQASERIYSGLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

GASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTDFTLTISDLECDDAAIYYCQATYYGSSYP

NVFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREA

KVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYA

CEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

[1368] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1369]

(SEQ ID NO: 942)

DVVMTQTPASVSEPVGGTVTIKCQASERIYSGLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIY

GASTLASGVPSRFKGSGSGTDFTLTISDLECDDAAIYYCQATYYGSSYP

NVFGGGTEVVVK.

[1370] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that bind the same epitope as Ab24 which contain a constant light chain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

[1371]

(SEQ ID NO: 950)
RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQS
GNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPV
TKSFNRGEC.

[1372] In another embodiment, the invention includes antibodies and antibody fragments having binding specificity to PCSK9 that contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 924; SEQ ID NO: 926; and SEQ ID NO: 928 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 921 or which contain the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 922, and/or which further contain one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 944; SEQ ID NO: 946; and SEQ ID NO: 948 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 941 or which contain the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 942, or antibodies or fragments containing combinations of sequences which are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the exemplified variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, or the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1373] The invention further contemplates anti-PCSK9 antibodies and antibody fragments comprising one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 923; SEQ ID NO: 925; SEQ ID NO: 927; and SEQ ID NO: 929 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 921 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 922, and/or one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 943; SEQ ID NO: 945; SEQ ID NO: 947; and SEQ ID NO: 949 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 941 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 942, or combinations of these polypeptide sequences or sequences which are at least 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical therewith.

[1374] In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention or fragments thereof comprise, or alternatively consist of, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1375] In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 921 or SEQ ID NO: 922 or polypeptides that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 941 or SEQ ID NO: 942 or polypeptides that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1376] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 924; SEQ ID NO: 926; and SEQ ID NO: 928 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 921 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 922 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1377] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, or three of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 944; SEQ ID NO: 946; and SEQ ID NO: 948 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 941 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 942 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1378] In a further embodiment of the invention, the antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 923; SEQ ID NO: 925; SEQ ID NO: 927; and SEQ ID NO: 929 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 921 or the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 922 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1379] In a further embodiment of the invention, the subject antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprises, or alternatively consists of, one, two, three, or four of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 943; SEQ ID NO: 945; SEQ ID NO: 947; and SEQ ID NO: 949 which correspond to the framework regions (FRs or constant regions) of the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 941 or the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 942 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1380] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 922; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 942; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 924; SEQ ID NO: 926; and SEQ ID NO: 928) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 922; and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 944; SEQ ID NO: 946; and SEQ ID NO: 948) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 942 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto.

[1381] The invention also contemplates antibody fragments that include one or more of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity to PCSK9 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more, including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 922; the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 942; the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 923; SEQ ID NO: 925; SEQ ID NO: 927; and SEQ ID NO: 929) of the variable heavy chain region of SEQ ID NO: 922; and the framework regions (SEQ ID NO: 943; SEQ ID NO: 945; SEQ ID NO: 947; and SEQ ID NO: 949) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 942 or sequences that are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1382] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-PCSK9 antibody is Ab24, comprising, or alternatively consisting of, SEQ ID NO: 921 and SEQ ID NO: 941, or an antibody or antibody fragment comprising the CDRs of Ab24 and having at least one of the biological activities set forth herein or is an anti-PCSK9 antibody that competes with Ab24 in binding PCSK9, preferably one containing sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to that of Ab24 or an antibody that binds to the same or overlapping epitope(s) on PCSK9 as Ab24.

[1383] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, antibody fragments comprise, or alternatively consist of, Fab (fragment antigen binding) fragments having binding specificity for PCSK9. With respect to antibody Ab24, the Fab fragment preferably includes the variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 922 and the variable light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 942 or sequences that are at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical thereto. This embodiment of the invention further includes Fabs containing additions, deletions, and variants of SEQ ID NO: 922 and/or SEQ ID NO: 942 which retain the binding specificity for PCSK9.

[1384] In one embodiment of the invention described herein (infra), Fab fragments may be produced by enzymatic digestion (e.g., papain) of Ab24. In another embodiment of the invention, anti-PCSK9 antibodies such as Ab24 or Fab fragments thereof may be produced via expression in mammalian cells such as CHO, NSO or HEK 293 cells, fungal, insect, or microbial systems such as yeast cells (for example haploid or diploid yeast such as haploid or diploid Pichia) and other yeast strains. Suitable Pichia species include, but are not limited to, Pichia pastoris.

[1385] In an additional embodiment, the invention is further directed to polynucleotides encoding antibody polypeptides having binding specificity to PCSK9, including the heavy and/or light chains of Ab24 as well as fragments, variants, combinations of one or more of the FRs, CDRs, the variable heavy chain and variable light chain sequences, and the heavy chain and light chain sequences set forth above, including all of them or sequences which are at least 90% or 95% identical thereto.

[1386] In another embodiment, the invention contemplates an isolated anti-PCSK9 antibody comprising a V_H polypeptide sequence selected from: SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 322, SEQ ID NO: 362, SEQ ID NO: 402, SEQ ID NO: 442, SEQ ID NO: 482, SEQ ID NO: 522, SEQ ID NO: 562, SEQ ID NO: 602, SEQ ID NO: 642, SEQ ID NO: 692, SEQ ID NO: 732, SEQ ID NO: 772, SEQ ID NO: 812, SEQ ID NO: 852, SEQ ID NO: 892, SEQ ID NO: 932, or a variant thereof; and further comprising a V_L polypeptide sequence selected from: SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 102, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 262, SEQ ID NO: 302, SEQ ID NO: 342, SEQ ID NO: 382, SEQ ID NO: 422, SEQ ID NO: 462, SEQ ID NO: 502, SEQ ID NO: 542, SEQ ID NO: 582, SEQ ID NO: 622, SEQ ID NO: 662, SEQ ID NO: 702, SEQ ID NO: 742, SEQ ID NO: 782, SEQ ID NO: 822, SEQ ID NO: 862, SEQ ID NO: 902, SEQ ID NO: 942, or a variant thereof, wherein one or more of the framework residues (FR residues) and/or CDR residues in said V_{H or} V_L polypeptide has been substituted with another amino acid residue resulting in an anti-PCSK9 antibody that specifically binds PCSK9. The invention also includes humanized and chimeric forms of these antibodies. The chimeric and humanized antibodies may include an Fc derived from IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgG5, IgG6, IgG7, IgG8, IgG9, IgG10, IgG11, IgG12, IgG13, IgG14, IgG15, IgG16, IgG17, IgG18 or IgG19 constant regions.

[1387] In one embodiment of the invention, the chimeric or humanized antibodies or fragments or V_H or V_L polypeptides originate or are derived from one or more rabbit antibodies, e.g., a rabbit antibody isolated from clonal rabbit B cell population.

[1388] In some aspects, the invention comprises a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding an anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment thereof according to the invention. In some embodiments, the invention comprises a host cell comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding an anti-PCSK9 antibody or fragment thereof according to the invention.

[1389] In some aspects, the invention comprises an isolated antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention that competes for binding to PCSK9 with an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention disclosed herein.

[1390] In some aspects, the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1391] In some aspects, the invention comprises a pharmaceutical or diagnostic composition comprising at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1392] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a patient, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of at least one isolated antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1393] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of inhibiting binding of PCSK9 to LDLR in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1394] In some aspects, the invention comprises an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention that selectively binds to PCSK9, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention binds to PCSK9 with a K_D that is less than 100 μM.

[1395] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with another active agent, e.g., an agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein or which decreases serum cholesterol.

[1396] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol level in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention as disclosed herein.

[1397] In some aspects, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies described herein, or antibodies competing therewith or possessing the same or overlapping epitopic specificity, preferably antibodies or antibody fragments comprising one or all of the CDRs of one of the exemplified anti-PCSK9 antibodies or antibody fragments, or more preferably an antibody comprising one or more variable or CDR sequences which possess at least 80, 90, or 95% identity to any of the VH, VL and CDR polypeptides described herein, and to polynucleotides encoding these antibodies and antibody fragments and host cells containing. A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to chimeric or humanized antibodies and fragments thereof (such as Fab or Fv or monovalent fragments) capable of binding to PCSK9, and preferably which inhibit, block or neutralize the biological activities of PCSK9 or which block or inhibit the binding of PCSK9 to LDLR.

[1398] In some aspects, the invention comprises an isolated antibody or antibody fragment that competes for binding to PCSK9 or binds with the same or an overlapping epitope on PCSK9 as an antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1399] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a patient, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1400] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of inhibiting binding of PCSK9 to LDLR in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1401] In some aspects, the invention comprises an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention that binds to PCSK9 with a KD that is less than 100 nM.

[1402] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method for treating or preventing a condition associated with elevated serum cholesterol levels in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with another active agent, e.g., one that reduces cholesterol levels or which elevates the availability of LDLR protein.

[1403] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol levels in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1404] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of lowering serum cholesterol level in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention, simultaneously or sequentially with another agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein.

[1405] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein level in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention.

[1406] In some aspects, the invention comprises a method of increasing LDLR protein levels in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of at least one at least one anti-PCSK9 antibody or antibody fragment according to the invention simultaneously or sequentially with an agent that elevates the availability of LDLR protein.