Dibotermin alfa

Dibotermin alfa is a type of recombinant protein used in the field of orthopedics and spinal surgery. It is a synthetic form of human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2), a protein that naturally occurs in the body and plays a crucial role in the formation of bone and cartilage.

History

Dibotermin alfa was developed by the biopharmaceutical company Wyeth, now a part of Pfizer. It was approved for use in the European Union in 2004 under the trade name InductOs. In the United States, a similar product called Infuse (containing recombinant human BMP-2) is marketed by Medtronic.

Medical Uses

Dibotermin alfa is used in orthopedic surgery to stimulate bone growth. It is particularly useful in spinal fusion surgeries and in the treatment of non-union fractures, where the normal healing process has been disrupted. The protein works by stimulating the body's own cells to produce more bone.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Dibotermin alfa can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects include pain or discomfort at the site of surgery, infection, and abnormal bone growth. In rare cases, it can cause serious complications such as nerve damage or allergic reactions.

Mechanism of Action

Dibotermin alfa works by binding to specific receptors on the surface of cells in the bone and cartilage. This triggers a cascade of events inside the cell that leads to the production of new bone and cartilage tissue.

See Also

• Bone Morphogenetic Protein
• Orthopedic surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Non-union fracture

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