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Second messenger system animation. IP3 signal transduction pathway
Created by Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28036 More information about inositol trisphosphate from the WIkipedia article about IP3 : Inositol trisphosphate or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (also commonly known as triphosphoinositol; abbreviated InsP3 or IP3), together with diacylglycerol, is a secondary messenger molecule used in signal transduction in biological cells. It is made by
Pharmacodynamics definitions. Receptor desensitization
The following pharmacological definition has been taken from the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Department Glossary at Boston University School of Medicine. Desensitization: A decline in the response to repeated or sustained application of an agonist that is a consequence of changes at the level of the receptor. The copyright of the text is hold by
Degarelix (Firmagon) for prostate cancer: now approved by FDA
Related to EMEA’s positive opinion on degarelix (Firmagon) for prostate cancer, FDA issues this press release dated Dec. 29, 2008: FDA Approves Drug for Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the injectable drug degarelix, the first new drug in several years for prostate cancer.
Ibandronic acid (Bondronat) for the treatment of hypercalcaemia and bony metastases. Australian Prescriber review
From Australian Prescriber: Ibandronic acid Bondronat (Hospira) vials containing 6 mg/6 mL Approved indications: hypercalcaemia, bony metastases of breast cancer Australian Medicines Handbook section 10.3.1 Bisphosphonates can reduce the hypercalcaemia of malignant disease by inhibiting the resorption of bone. Clodronate, pamidronate and zoledronic acid are already available for this indication. They are now
Pramipexole (Sifrol): dopamine agonist for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
From Australian Prescriber: Pramipexole Sifrol (Boehringer Ingelheim) 125 microgram, 250 microgram and 1 mg tablets Approved indications: Parkinson’s disease, restless legs syndrome Australian Medicines Handbook section 16.2.1
Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Yentreve): a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for major depression. Australian prescriber review
From Australian Prescriber: Duloxetine Cymbalta (Eli Lilly) 30 mg and 60 mg capsules Approved indication: major depression Australian Medicines Handbook section 18.1.2 Duloxetine is a new antidepressant which selectively inhibits serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake. It also weakly inhibits dopamine uptake. (See details of its mechanism of action)
Temsirolimus (Torisel): kinase inhibitor for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Australian Prescriber review
From Australian Prescriber: Temsirolimus Torisel (Wyeth) vials containing 25 mg/mL concentrate Approved indication: advanced renal cell carcinoma Australian Medicines Handbook section 14.2.3 About 30% of patients with renal cell carcinoma have advanced or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Chemotherapy is generally ineffective and nephrectomy is the mainstay of treatment for disease confined to
Paricalcitol (Zemplar): a vitamin D analogue for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Australian Prescriber review
From Australian Prescriber: Paricalcitol Zemplar (Abbott) 1 microgram, 2 microgram and 4 microgram capsules 5 microgram/mL in 1 mL and 2 mL ampoules Approved indication: secondary hyperparathyroidism Australian Medicines Handbook section 10.3.2 In chronic renal failure there is reduced production of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. This affects calcium homeostasis and leads to
Panitumumab (Vectibix) for metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Australian Prescriber review
From Australian Prescriber: Panitumumab Vectibix (Amgen) vials containing 20 mg/mL in 5 mL, 10 mL or 20 mL volume Approved indication: metastatic colorectal carcinoma Australian Medicines Handbook section 14.2.1 Panitumumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody for the treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinomas expressing the epidermal growth factor receptor. It is indicated for patients whose tumours
Anti-thymocyte globulin (Thymoglobuline) for renal transplant rejection and aplastic anaemia. Australian Prescriber review
From Australian Prescriber: Anti-thymocyte globulin Thymoglobuline (Genzyme) vials containing 25 mg freeze-dried powder Approved indication: renal transplant rejection and aplastic anaemia Australian Medicines Handbook section 14.5.3 Anti-thymocyte globulin is indicated for the prophylaxis of renal graft rejection as well as the treatment of steroid-resistant renal transplant rejection. Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for
FDA approves gadofosveset trisodium (Vasovist) as first contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
FDA press release about the approval of Vasovist (gadofosveset trisodium), the first contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography. Dated December 24, 2008. FDA Approves First Imaging Agent to Enhance Scans of Blood Flow Helps detect possible blood vessel problems The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Vasovist Injection (gadofosveset trisodium), the first contrast imaging agent for
Genetic variants of cytochrome P-450 linked to decreased response to clopidogrel (Plavix,Iscover and others)
From Physician’s First Watch: Genetic Variants Linked to Decreased Response to Clopidogrel, Increased Cardiovascular Risk Polymorphisms in the gene encoding the cytochrome P-450 2C19 enzyme (CYP2C19) not only confer reduced response to clopidogrel, but also are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events, according to three studies published online by the New England Journal of
Quetiapine extended release tablets (Seroquel XR): efficacy, tolerability and adherence.
Information about quetiapine extended release tablets, from the National Prescribing Service RADAR “There is no evidence that extended-release tablets improve efficacy, tolerability or adherence Once-daily dosing with quetiapine extended-release tablets is equivalent to twice-daily dosing with quetiapine immediate-release tablets, e.g. quetiapine extended release 600 mg once daily is equivalent to quetiapine immediate release 300 mg
Romiplostim (Nplate) for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Review by Australian Prescriber
Australian Prescriber review of romiplostim, first bone marrow stimulator, for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Romiplostim Nplate (Amgen) vials containing 375 microgram and 625 microgram for reconstitution Approved indication: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Australian Medicines Handbook Appendix A One of the causes of thrombocytopenia is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. As the platelets are destroyed by antiplatelet
Maraviroc (Selzentry, Celsentri), a CCR5 inhibitor for the treatment of HIV infection. An Australian Prescriber review
A review from the Australian Prescriber website of a new drug for the treatment of HIV infection: Maraviroc Celsentri (Pfizer) 150 mg and 300 mg film-coated tablets Approved indication: HIV infection Australian Medicines Handbook section 5.4 Highly active antiretroviral therapy has improved survival for patients infected by HIV, but long-term toxicity and the development of