Penfluridol

An antipsychotic 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

Penfluridol is a long-acting antipsychotic medication primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other chronic psychotic disorders. It belongs to the class of diphenylbutylpiperidine derivatives and is known for its prolonged duration of action, allowing for once-weekly dosing.

Pharmacology

Penfluridol acts as a dopamine receptor antagonist, particularly targeting the D2 receptors in the brain. This action helps to alleviate symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. The drug's long half-life contributes to its extended duration of effect, making it suitable for patients who may have difficulty adhering to daily medication regimens.

Clinical Use

Penfluridol is indicated for the management of chronic psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. Its once-weekly administration is advantageous in improving medication adherence in patients who struggle with daily dosing schedules. The medication is typically administered orally.

Side Effects

Common side effects of penfluridol include extrapyramidal symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Other potential side effects include sedation, weight gain, and anticholinergic effects like dry mouth and constipation. Long-term use may lead to tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements.

History

Penfluridol was developed in the 1960s and introduced into clinical practice in the 1970s. It was one of the first long-acting oral antipsychotics, providing an alternative to injectable depot antipsychotics. Despite its benefits, the use of penfluridol has declined with the advent of newer atypical antipsychotics that offer improved side effect profiles.

Related pages

• Antipsychotic
• Schizophrenia
• Dopamine receptor antagonist
• Extrapyramidal symptoms

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  Penfluridol