Introduction to Biologics and anti-TNF strategies. Flashcards
Describe the general censures on the naming of Monoclonal antibodies.
All monoclonal antibodies have the suffix mab in their name. Also, the source suffix which is normally before the mab reveals the cell origin.
Examples of the source suffix:
a. u- which stands for human antibody.
b. o - which stands for mouse.
c. xi - which stands for chimeric.
d. zu - which stands for humanised.
e. xi - zu- which stands for a hybrid between chimeric and humanised antibody.
The disease target can also be included in the name.
Example;
1. im - which stands for immune.
2. es - which stands for infectious disease.
3. vir - which stands for viral.
4. mel - which stands for melanoma.
5. col - which stands for colon.
Describe the overview of Tocilizumab
Tocilizumab is a humanised antibody which has activity at the IL-6 receptor. It is classed as an IL-6 inhibitor which means it binds to the IL-6 receptor and prevents IL-6 from binding.
Mode of administration: IV
Describe the overview of Abatacept
Abatacept is a recombinant fusion protein antibody that mainly functions by inhibiting the co-stimulatory interaction needed by T cells for full activation (anti-costimulation).
Mode of administration: IV.
Describe the overview of Rituximab
Rituximab (anti-CD20) is a chimeric antibody that mainly binds to the CD20 portion on pre-B cells and mature B cells thereby leading to cell depletion.
Mode of administration: IV.
Describe the overview of TNF(alpha)
TNF(alpha) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine.
It binds to the TNF receptor which can be TNFR1 and TNFR2.
TNFRs possibly may contain death domains which can lead to death by apoptosis.
There are some vital roles it plays. Some include.
a. Induction of endothelial adhesion molecules.
b. Autocrine activation and differentiation factor.
c. Defence against intracellular pathogens.
d. Comitogen for T and B cells.
e. Regulates haematopoiesis.
f. Induces other cytokines.
g. growth factor.
h. Pro-thrombotic action.
Describe the overview of some of the Anti-TNF strategies.
Infliximab: This is a chimeric anti-TNF monoclonal antibody. It is given IV every 8 weeks and is mainly reserved for patients who cannot self-administer by SC.
Adalimumab: Human anti-TNF monoclonal antibody which is given mainly by SC.
Etanercept: Recombinant soluble human TNF p75 receptor fusion protein consisting of two p75 receptors which is fused together with the Fc portion of IgG.
It is given mainly via SC.
Certolizumab pegol: TNF-alpha specific Fab fragment of humanised antibody which idd given mainly by SC.
What is a biosimilar
A biosimilar is a biological product that is highly similar to and has no clinical meaningful differences from an existing FDA-approved reference product.
