Propranolol

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

A medication used to treat high blood pressure ("beta blocker").

Information about Propranolol

Propranolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker (beta-blocker) that is widely used for the therapy of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris and hyperthyroidism.

Liver safety of Propranolol

Propranolol has yet to be convincingly associated with clinically apparent liver injury and is often used in patients with liver disease and cirrhosis.

Mechanism of action of Propranolol

Propranolol (proe pran' oh lol) was the prototype beta-blocker developed for therapy of hypertension and is considered nonselective, acting on both the beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Beta-1 adrenergic blockade reduces the heart rate and myocardial contractility by slowing AV conduction and suppressing automaticity. Beta-2 blockade also affects peripheral vascular resistance and can cause bronchospasm and hypoglycemia. The beta-2 blockade is responsible for the majority of adverse effects associated with propranolol.

FDA approval information for Propranolol

Propranolol was approved for use in the United States in 1967 and is still commonly used, with several million prescriptions filled yearly. Propranolol is indicated for the management of hypertension, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis and prevention of migraine and vascular headaches. Propranolol is also used to treat essential tremor, to decrease the heart rate in patients with hyperthyroidism, and to prevent recurrent variceal hemorrhage.

FDA approval information for Propranolol

Propranolol is available in multiple generic forms and under the trade name of Inderal in tablets of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 90 mg, as well as extended or sustained release capsules of 60, 80, 120 and 160 mg. Liquid formulations for oral and parenteral administration are also available. The typical dose of propranolol in adults is 60 to 240 mg daily in 2 divided doses (one with extended release formulations), with subsequent dose modification based upon efficacy and tolerance.

Side effects of Propranolol

Common side effects of propranolol include bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, depression, memory loss, incontinence, cold limbs and less commonly severe hypotension, heart failure and bronchospasm. Sudden withdrawal can trigger rebound hypertension. Beta-blockers are contraindicated in patients with asthma, bradycardia and heart failure and should be used cautiously in the elderly and in patients with diabetes.

Antihypertensive agents

• Dailymed label info on Propranolol
• FDA Propranolol

Propranolol

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  Propranolol

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  Propranolol 3D Structure

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  Propranolol 80mg

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  Propranolol Tablets

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  Propranolol HCI Sandoz 10mg

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  Propranolol

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  Propranolol 3D Structure

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  Propranolol 80mg

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  Propranolol Tablets

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  Propranolol HCI Sandoz 10mg