Entolimod
| Entolimod | ||
|---|---|---|
| other names |
CBLB502 |
|
| Mass / length primary structure | 35 kDa | |
| Identifier | ||
| External IDs |
|
|
| Drug information | ||
| DrugBank | DB12304 | |
| Drug class | Immunomodulator | |
Entolimod ( CBLB502 ) is a drug against the effects of ionizing radiation ( radiation sickness ). It was developed in the US Cleveland BioLabs in 2008 according to the Animal Efficacy Rule .
It is also being investigated for use in cancer therapy .
Mechanism of action
Entolimod is an agonist on toll-like receptor 5. It works by preventing the suicide of irradiated cells in the intestines and bone marrow. This so-called apoptosis is actually a protective mechanism of the body in which tissue that has become unsuitable is removed. However, it is dangerous for radioactively contaminated people because the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow and cells in the intestinal mucosa die off. Researchers led by Lyudmila Burdelya from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo , New York , have further developed a protein from the flagella of Salmonella that can stop apoptosis.
Studies
Researchers have shown that entolimod protects mice and monkeys from the effects of ionizing radiation in experiments. The scientists hope to be able to give the preparation to cancer patients in the future so that tumors can be irradiated more effectively with fewer side effects . Victims of nuclear accidents and attacks are supposed to protect the agent from death from radiation sickness .
The agent with the working name CBLB502 saved 87 percent of the mice from the effects of radiation in animal experiments when it was injected into the animals 30 minutes beforehand. A comparison group without protection all died within ten days. The best comparison drug available was able to save 54 percent of the animals from death. However, the drug did not interfere with radiation therapy: cancerous ulcers in the mice were not protected in the same way as the healthy tissue. Some mice also survived smaller doses of radiation if they were given the agent an hour after exposure. In rhesus monkeys , an entolimod syringe saved almost two thirds of the animals from a radiation dose that otherwise kills seven out of ten animals. However, it remains to be seen whether apoptosis plays the same role in humans as it does in laboratory animals.
Web links
source
- Science , Vol. 320, p. 226, 2008
