Flurbiprofen sodium

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

Flurbiprofen sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation. It is a sodium salt form of flurbiprofen, which is a derivative of propionic acid.

Pharmacology

Flurbiprofen sodium works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation and pain. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, flurbiprofen sodium alleviates symptoms of inflammation such as swelling, pain, and fever.

Mechanism of Action

Flurbiprofen sodium is a non-selective inhibitor of the COX enzymes. It binds to the active site of the COX enzymes, preventing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2, the precursor of other prostaglandins and thromboxanes. This action reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Pharmacokinetics

Flurbiprofen sodium is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract when administered orally. It has a high protein binding rate of approximately 99%, primarily to albumin. The drug is metabolized in the liver via cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP2C9, and is excreted primarily in the urine. The elimination half-life of flurbiprofen sodium is approximately 3 to 6 hours.

Clinical Uses

Flurbiprofen sodium is used in the management of various conditions associated with pain and inflammation. These include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Postoperative pain
• Dysmenorrhea

Adverse Effects

Common adverse effects of flurbiprofen sodium include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, and gastric ulceration. Other potential side effects include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Edema
• Hypertension
• Rash

Serious adverse effects may include gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and hepatic dysfunction.

Contraindications

Flurbiprofen sodium is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to flurbiprofen or other NSAIDs
• History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
• Active peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Severe heart failure

Interactions

Flurbiprofen sodium may interact with other medications, including:

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding
• Antihypertensive drugs, potentially reducing their efficacy
• Diuretics, which may have reduced effectiveness
• Lithium, leading to increased serum lithium levels

Special Populations

Pregnancy and Lactation

Flurbiprofen sodium is classified as pregnancy category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not recommended during the third trimester due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.

Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of flurbiprofen sodium in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may be at greater risk for adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment. Caution is advised when prescribing flurbiprofen sodium to this population.

See Also

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Cyclooxygenase
• Prostaglandin

External Links

• Drugs.com: Flurbiprofen
• MedlinePlus: Flurbiprofen