U-47700

Synthetic opioid analgesic

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

U-47700 is a synthetic opioid analgesic drug developed by Upjohn in the 1970s. It is structurally related to other opioids such as AH-7921 and is known for its potent analgesic effects. U-47700 has gained notoriety as a designer drug and has been associated with numerous cases of overdose and fatalities.

Chemical structure and properties

U-47700 is a member of the benzamide class of opioids. Its chemical structure is characterized by a 3,4-dichlorophenyl group attached to a methanone moiety, with a dimethylamino group at the 1-position and a methyl group at the 2-position of the propyl chain. This structure contributes to its high affinity for the mu-opioid receptor, which is responsible for its analgesic and euphoric effects.

Pharmacology

U-47700 acts primarily as a mu-opioid receptor agonist, similar to other opioids such as morphine and fentanyl. It produces effects such as pain relief, sedation, and euphoria. However, it also carries a high risk of respiratory depression, which can be fatal in overdose situations. The potency of U-47700 is estimated to be several times that of morphine.

Legal status

Due to its potential for abuse and associated health risks, U-47700 has been classified as a controlled substance in many countries. In the United States, it was temporarily placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in 2016, indicating that it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Health risks and safety

The use of U-47700 has been linked to numerous adverse effects, including respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and death. It is often found in combination with other substances, which can increase the risk of overdose. Users may also experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those of other opioids.

Related pages

• Opioid
• Designer drug
• Controlled Substances Act

References

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  Chemical structure of U-47700

• U-47700

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  Sample of U-47700