Pegloticase
Encyclopedia
Pegloticase is a drug for the treatment of severe, treatment-refractory, chronic gout
, developed by Savient Pharmaceuticals. In September 2010, the FDA approved pegloticase for marketing in the United States after two clinical trials demonstrated that the drug lowered uric acid levels and reduced deposits of uric acid crystals in joints and soft tissue.
, both enzymes metabolise uric acid
to allantoin
. This reduces the risk of precipitates, since allantoin is five to ten times more soluble than uric acid.
In contrast to rasburicase, pegloticase is pegylated to increase its elimination half life from about eight hours to ten or twelve days and to decrease the immunogenicity of the foreign uricase protein. This modification allows for an application just once every two to four weeks, making this drug suitable for long-term treatment.
Gout
Gout is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint. The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most commonly affected . However, it may also present as tophi, kidney stones, or urate...
, developed by Savient Pharmaceuticals. In September 2010, the FDA approved pegloticase for marketing in the United States after two clinical trials demonstrated that the drug lowered uric acid levels and reduced deposits of uric acid crystals in joints and soft tissue.
Mechanism of action
Pegloticase is a recombinant porcine-like uricase. Similarly to rasburicaseRasburicase
Rasburicase is a recombinant version of a urate oxidase enzyme that occurs in many mammals but not in humans.-Uses:Rasburicase is approved for use by the U.S...
, both enzymes metabolise uric acid
Uric acid
Uric acid is a heterocyclic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen with the formula C5H4N4O3. It forms ions and salts known as urates and acid urates such as ammonium acid urate. Uric acid is created when the body breaks down purine nucleotides. High blood concentrations of uric acid...
to allantoin
Allantoin
Allantoin is a chemical compound with formula C4H6N4O3. It is also called 5-ureidohydantoin or glyoxyldiureide. It is a diureide of glyoxylic acid....
. This reduces the risk of precipitates, since allantoin is five to ten times more soluble than uric acid.
In contrast to rasburicase, pegloticase is pegylated to increase its elimination half life from about eight hours to ten or twelve days and to decrease the immunogenicity of the foreign uricase protein. This modification allows for an application just once every two to four weeks, making this drug suitable for long-term treatment.
External links
- Krystexxa (pegloticase) Injection, for intravenous infusion: Full prescribing information