The present invention relates generally to immunointeractive molecules and
more particularly antibodies which bind to vascular endothelial growth
factor-B (VEGF-B) or its functional or structural equivalent and inhibit
the biological activity of VEGF-B. In particular, the present invention
relates to deimmunized such as humanized or human antibodies that bind to
VEGF-B and inhibit the biological activity of VEGF-B. These antibodies
have uses in the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with
perturbations in normal vasculogenesis or angiogenesis or vascular
remodelling. The present invention further contemplates a method of
modulating diseases associated with perturbations in normal
vasculogenesis or angiogenesis or vascular remodelling by the
administration of the subject antibodies. The present invention further
provides an assay system useful for identifying antibodies which bind to
VEGF-B and block the biological activity of VEGF-B. Accordingly, a method
of screening for inhibitors of the biological activity of VEGF-B is also
provided.