Dasotraline

Overview of the drug Dasotraline

Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies

Diagram of engineered monoclonal antibodies

Engineered monoclonal antibodies are a class of biological therapies that are designed to target specific antigens on the surface of cells. These antibodies are produced using recombinant DNA technologies and are used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Structure and Function

Monoclonal antibodies are composed of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, forming a Y-shaped molecule. The tips of the "Y" contain the antigen-binding sites, which are highly specific to the target antigen. This specificity allows monoclonal antibodies to bind to their target with high affinity, blocking or modulating the function of the antigen.

Types of Engineered Monoclonal Antibodies

There are several types of engineered monoclonal antibodies, each designed for specific therapeutic purposes:

• Chimeric antibodies: These antibodies are composed of murine (mouse) variable regions and human constant regions. They are less immunogenic than fully murine antibodies.

• Humanized antibodies: These antibodies are mostly human, with only the antigen-binding sites derived from murine sources. This reduces the risk of immune reactions.

• Fully human antibodies: These are entirely human in origin, produced using transgenic mice or phage display technologies.

• Bispecific antibodies: These antibodies are engineered to bind two different antigens simultaneously, offering unique therapeutic mechanisms.

Applications in Medicine

Engineered monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases:

• Cancer therapy: Monoclonal antibodies can target specific tumor antigens, leading to direct tumor cell killing or recruitment of immune cells to attack the tumor.

• Autoimmune diseases: By targeting specific components of the immune system, monoclonal antibodies can reduce inflammation and tissue damage in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

• Infectious diseases: Monoclonal antibodies can neutralize pathogens or their toxins, providing passive immunity or enhancing the host's immune response.

Production

The production of engineered monoclonal antibodies involves several steps:

1. Antigen identification: The target antigen is identified and characterized. 2. Hybridoma technology: B cells from immunized animals are fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas that produce the desired antibody. 3. Recombinant DNA technology: Genes encoding the antibody are cloned and expressed in suitable host cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells. 4. Purification and formulation: The antibodies are purified and formulated for clinical use.

Challenges and Future Directions

While engineered monoclonal antibodies have shown great promise, there are challenges such as high production costs, potential for immune reactions, and the development of resistance. Ongoing research aims to improve antibody design, reduce immunogenicity, and enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Related Pages

• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Biopharmaceutical
• Immunotherapy
• Hybridoma technology

Dasotraline is a medication that was under development for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder. It is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (DNRI), which means it works by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.

Pharmacology

Dasotraline is classified as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It has a long half-life, which allows for once-daily dosing. The drug's mechanism of action involves blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, thereby increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft. This action is thought to contribute to its therapeutic effects in ADHD and binge eating disorder.

Development

Dasotraline was developed by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals. It was investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of ADHD and binge eating disorder. However, as of the latest updates, the development of dasotraline for these indications has faced challenges, and its approval status remains uncertain.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials for dasotraline have shown mixed results. In studies for ADHD, dasotraline demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms compared to placebo. However, concerns about side effects and the overall benefit-risk profile have been raised. In trials for binge eating disorder, dasotraline showed promise in reducing binge eating episodes.

Side Effects

Common side effects of dasotraline include insomnia, decreased appetite, and dry mouth. Some patients may experience increased heart rate and blood pressure. As with other medications affecting neurotransmitter levels, there is a potential for more serious side effects, which necessitates careful monitoring by healthcare providers.

Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of dasotraline has been complex. While it has shown potential in clinical trials, regulatory agencies have requested additional data to better understand its safety and efficacy profile. As a result, its approval for clinical use has been delayed.

Related pages

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Binge eating disorder
• Dopamine reuptake inhibitor
• Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

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  Dasotraline