HMM101 Introduction to Medical Biotechnology - Protein Therapeutics

This set of flashcards reviews key concepts regarding protein therapeutics, their production, advantages, and challenges in medical biotechnology.

What are protein therapeutics created by?

Majority are created through recombinant DNA technology.

What are the primary advantages of protein therapeutics over small molecules?

1. Highly specific functions 2. Less likelihood of interfering with normal function 3. Reduced chances of eliciting immune responses 4. Replacement for absent proteins without gene therapy need 5. Potentially faster FDA approval 6. Patentable unique forms and functions.

How are proteins produced in transgenic animals?

By producing proteins in the milk of transgenic animals like rabbits.

What is glyco-engineering?

A technology used to modify the carbohydrate portion of proteins to enhance their stability and function.

What is the function of monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy?

They target specific antigens on cancer cells to induce immune responses or block growth.

What does PEGylation of proteins involve?

The attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to proteins to improve their solubility and half-life.

What is the therapeutic use of Epoetin-alpha?

To stimulate red blood cell production in patients with anemia.

What is the purpose of immunogenicity assessment in protein-based therapeutics?

To measure the tendency of proteins to trigger an unwanted immune response.

Define the term 'biopharmaceuticals'.

Medical drugs produced using biotechnology, primarily involving living organisms.

What is the primary challenge faced by protein therapeutics regarding administration?

Protein solubility, stability, and potential immune reactions.

What does systemic delivery of protein therapeutics refer to?

Administering these therapeutics to circulate throughout the body to exert their effects.

Why is the history of protein therapeutics significant?

It helps in understanding the evolution and development of new therapies using biotechnology.

What are the four functional classifications of protein therapeutics?

1. Enzymatic or regulatory activity 2. Special targeting activity 3. Protein vaccines 4. Protein diagnostics.

What role do biomarkers play in protein therapeutics?

They are indicators used for assessing therapeutic efficacy and monitoring disease.

How does gene therapy differ from protein therapeutics?

Gene therapy involves altering the genes to treat or prevent illness, while protein therapeutics involve administering proteins directly.

What is the role of clinical trials in the development of protein therapeutics?

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and side effects of new therapies before they can be approved for public use.

What are the two main types of reactions that can occur with protein therapeutics?

Allergic reactions and neutralizing antibody responses.

What is the mechanism through which antibody-drug conjugates exert their action?

They deliver cytotoxic drugs directly to target cancer cells by linking them to monoclonal antibodies.

What are the challenges in the production and stability of protein therapeutics?

Solubility, appropriate post-translational modifications, scaling up production, and regulatory compliance.

How can antibodies lead to allergic reactions?

By eliciting immune responses against non-human proteins, leading to potential hypersensitivity.