Elobixibat

An article about the medication Elobixibat

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

Elobixibat is a medication used in the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). It is classified as a bile acid transporter inhibitor, specifically targeting the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT). By inhibiting this transporter, elobixibat increases the secretion of bile acids into the colon, which in turn stimulates colonic motility and improves bowel function.

Mechanism of Action

Elobixibat works by inhibiting the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT), also known as the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT). This inhibition reduces the reabsorption of bile acids in the ileum, leading to an increased concentration of bile acids in the colon. The presence of bile acids in the colon enhances fluid secretion and colonic motility, thereby alleviating symptoms of constipation.

Pharmacokinetics

Elobixibat is minimally absorbed into the systemic circulation, which limits its systemic side effects. The drug acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily affecting the ileum and colon. The pharmacokinetic profile of elobixibat supports its use as a targeted therapy for constipation with minimal systemic exposure.

Clinical Use

Elobixibat is indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. It is typically administered orally, and the dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's response and tolerance to the medication. Patients using elobixibat may experience an increase in bowel movement frequency and a reduction in straining during defecation.

Side Effects

Common side effects of elobixibat include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. These side effects are generally mild to moderate in intensity and tend to decrease with continued use of the medication. Patients are advised to report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider.

Related pages

• Chronic idiopathic constipation
• Bile acid
• Ileal bile acid transporter
• Gastrointestinal motility

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  Elobixibat skeletal structure