Peficitinib

An overview of the drug Peficitinib

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

Peficitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAK inhibitor) used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is a small molecule that selectively inhibits the activity of Janus kinases, which are enzymes involved in the signaling pathways of various cytokines and growth factors.

Mechanism of Action

Peficitinib works by inhibiting the activity of Janus kinases, which are crucial for the signaling of several cytokines involved in the inflammatory process. By blocking these pathways, peficitinib reduces inflammation and the immune response, which are central to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis.

Pharmacokinetics

Peficitinib is administered orally and is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it exerts its effects on the immune system. The drug undergoes metabolism in the liver and is excreted primarily through the kidneys.

Clinical Use

Peficitinib is primarily used for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is often used in combination with other therapies to achieve better control of the disease.

Side Effects

Common side effects of peficitinib include headache, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections. More serious side effects can include increased risk of infections, liver enzyme abnormalities, and hematological changes such as anemia and neutropenia.

Development and Approval

Peficitinib was developed as part of ongoing research into JAK inhibitors for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. It has been approved for use in several countries and is undergoing further studies to evaluate its efficacy and safety in other conditions.

Related pages

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Janus kinase inhibitor
• Cytokine

• 

  Peficitinib

• 

  Peficitinib