Oxyphenbutazone

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

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

Oxyphenbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was once commonly used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is a metabolite of phenylbutazone, another NSAID, and shares similar pharmacological effects.

Pharmacology

Oxyphenbutazone works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, oxyphenbutazone helps alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.

Medical uses

Oxyphenbutazone was primarily used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory disorders. It was valued for its ability to reduce pain and swelling in affected joints.

Side effects

Like other NSAIDs, oxyphenbutazone can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and gastric ulceration. More serious side effects can include renal impairment, hepatic dysfunction, and hematological abnormalities such as agranulocytosis.

History

Oxyphenbutazone was developed in the mid-20th century and was widely used until concerns about its safety profile led to a decline in its use. The development of newer NSAIDs with improved safety profiles has largely replaced oxyphenbutazone in clinical practice.

Regulatory status

Due to its side effect profile, oxyphenbutazone is no longer widely used and is not approved for use in many countries. It has been largely replaced by other NSAIDs that offer similar efficacy with fewer risks.

Related pages

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Phenylbutazone
• Cyclooxygenase

• 

  Oxyphenbutazone