Pholcodine

Overview of Pholcodine use in medicine

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

Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) that is used to treat dry coughs. It is a morphine derivative, but unlike morphine, it has little to no analgesic or euphoric effects. Pholcodine is primarily used in the treatment of non-productive coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections.

Pharmacology

Pholcodine works by acting on the central nervous system to suppress the cough reflex. It is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized in the liver. The drug has a long half-life, which allows for less frequent dosing compared to other cough suppressants.

Uses

Pholcodine is indicated for the symptomatic relief of unproductive coughs. It is often found in combination with other ingredients in cough syrups and lozenges. Due to its opioid nature, it is important to use pholcodine as directed to avoid potential side effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects of pholcodine include drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Rarely, it can cause allergic reactions or respiratory depression, especially if taken in large doses or in combination with other central nervous system depressants.

Regulation and Availability

Pholcodine is available over-the-counter in some countries, while in others it may require a prescription. Its use is regulated due to its potential for abuse and the risk of side effects.

Controversies and Concerns

There have been concerns about the use of pholcodine in patients with a history of asthma or other respiratory conditions, as it may exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, there is ongoing research into the potential for pholcodine to cause sensitization to neuromuscular blocking agents used in anesthesia, which could lead to anaphylactic reactions.

Also see

• Cough medicine
• Opioid
• Antitussive
• Respiratory system

References

• 

  Pholcodine 2D Structure

• 

  Pholcodine 3D Animation

• 

  Pholcodine 2D Structure

• 

  Pholcodine 3D Animation