Desipramine

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Tricyclic antidepressant medication

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

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used primarily in the treatment of depression. It is also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Desipramine is marketed under the brand names Norpramin and Pertofrane.

Medical uses

Desipramine is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder. It is also prescribed for anxiety disorders, chronic pain conditions such as neuropathic pain, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Mechanism of action

Desipramine works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and, to a lesser extent, serotonin, thereby increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This action helps to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Side effects

Common side effects of desipramine include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and drowsiness. Serious side effects can include cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and orthostatic hypotension.

Contraindications

Desipramine should not be used in individuals with a history of myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, or bipolar disorder without careful monitoring. It is also contraindicated in patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Pharmacokinetics

Desipramine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and has a bioavailability of 60-70%. It is highly protein-bound (90%) and is metabolized in the liver. The elimination half-life of desipramine ranges from 12 to 54 hours, and it is excreted primarily through the kidneys.

History

Desipramine was first introduced in the 1960s and has been used extensively since then for the treatment of depression and other conditions.

See also

• Tricyclic antidepressant
• Major depressive disorder
• Anxiety disorder
• Chronic pain
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

External links

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