Genetic treatments Flashcards
What are inborn errors of metabolism?
Largest group of genetic diseases.Rare inherited disorders whereby the body is unable to effectively convert substrate into energy or for the synthesis of ATP (Glycolysis, and beta oxidation)
What inheritance pattern is demonstrated by phenylketonuria (PKU)?
Autosomal recessive
Which metabolism is affected by PKU?
Phenylalanine metabolism
Why is phenylalanine metabolism affected by PKU?
There is a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH)
The enzyme catalyzes the amino conversion of phenylalanine into tyrosine
Leads to an accumulation of phenylalanine and its metabolites in tissues and bodily fluids
Explain the pathophysiology of PKU in terms of phenylalanine accumulation?
Elevated levels of Phe, leads to increased production of phenyl ketones, these compounds express degrees of neurotoxicity.
What are the symptoms associated with untreated PKU?
Major cognitive impairments; behavioural difficulties; fairer skin tone, hair and eyes; lack of melanin and recurrent vomiting.
How is PKU treated?
Patients are given a low protein diet (protein diets have high Phe content) - in a combination of Tyrosine supplements
Screening program introduced to measure levels of phenylalanine upon initial recognition of disease; treatment succeeds in scientific understanding.
What is the inheritance pattern of haemophilia?
Sex-linked inherited genetic condition
What is haemophilia?
Blood clotting disorder due to
hereditary lack of coagulation factor VIII
What are some treatments are available for haemophilia ?
Replacement therapy-recombinant factor VIII
How can cryoprecipitate be used to treat haemophilia?
Prepared from plasma & purified, contains factor VIII, and platelet concentrates can be intravenously administered as a replacement therapy
Recombinant clotting factor VIII gene cloned to synthesize an increased level of factor can be used.
How do clotting preserving medications work?
Medications inhibit and reduce fibrinolysis - reducing clot degradation
What is the first phase of drug development?
Drug development relies on multiple phases to ensure efficacy
First stage discovery is based on preclinical understanding (lab-based experimental procedures to provide evidence to back hypothesis)
Animal testing to evaluate toxicity, and clinical testing to identify dosages
How many main phases are there for clinical drug testing?
Phase 1-3
3 phases
What is phase 1 for clinical testing?
Safety in healthy volunteers (<100)
What is phase II during clinical testing?
Check therapeutic effect (100-300)
What is phase III of clinical testing?
Large scale therapeutic trials (200-3000) Approval: EMA & FDA
How are NHS drugs approved?
Prescription of NHS drugs require approval by the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) for England & Wales.
Healthcare improvement in Scotland
How are NHS drugs approved?
Depending on cost-effectiveness and efficacy
Provides guidelines for treating conditions