Authors:Kathleen B Orrico Abstract: Drug Target Insights, Volume 13, Issue , January-December 2019. This basic review of genetic principles will aid pharmacists in preparing for their eventual role of translating gene-drug associations into clinical practice. Genes, which are stretches of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contained on the 23 pairs of human chromosomes, determine the size and shape of every protein a living organism builds. Variation in pharmacogenes which encode for proteins central to drug action and toxicity serves as the basis of pharmacogenomics (PGx). Important online resources such as PharmGKB.org, cpicpgx.org, and PharmVar.org provide the clinician with curated and summarized PGx associations and clinical guidelines. As genetic testing becomes increasingly affordable and accessible, the time is now for pharmacists to embrace PGx-guided medication selection and dosing to personalize and improve the safety and efficacy of drug therapy. Citation: Drug Target Insights PubDate: 2019-12-03T11:36:37Z DOI: 10.1177/1177392819886875 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2019)
Authors:Aimi Syamima Abdul Manap, Shantini Vijayabalan, Priya Madhavan, Yoke Yin Chia, Aditya Arya, Eng Hwa Wong, Farzana Rizwan, Umesh Bindal, Shajan Koshy Abstract: Drug Target Insights, Volume 13, Issue , January-December 2019. Alzheimer disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is signified by cognitive decline, memory loss, and erratic behavior. Till date, no cure for Alzheimer exists and the current Alzheimer medications have limited effectiveness. However, herbal medicines may slow down the disease’s progression, which may hopefully reduce the number of cases in the years to come. Numerous studies have been done on characterizing the neuroprotective properties from plants belonging to Scrophulariaceae family, particularly Bacopa monnieri and its polyphenolic compounds known as bacosides. This review presents the findings on bacosides in therapeutic plants and their impact on Alzheimer disease pathology. These reports present data on the clinical, cellular activities, phytochemistry, and biological applications that may be used in new drug treatment for Alzheimer disease. Citation: Drug Target Insights PubDate: 2019-07-31T10:51:03Z DOI: 10.1177/1177392819866412 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2019)
Authors:Crhistian-Mario Oblitas, Francisco Galeano-Valle, Laura Vela-De La Cruz, Jorge Del Toro-Cervera, Pablo Demelo-Rodríguez Abstract: Drug Target Insights, Volume 13, Issue , January-December 2019. A 43-year-old man with a history of severe extrinsic allergic asthma treated with once-monthly omalizumab (600 mg) for the last 15 months. He presented to the emergency room with a 2-week history of right lower limb pain and chest pleuritic pain. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography showed bilateral pulmonary embolism with right-sided pulmonary infarction and ultrasound of right lower limb confirmed distal deep vein thrombosis. No other known risk factors were identified. Treatment with omalizumab was stopped during hospitalization. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Probability Scale classifies this as a probable ADR (score of 6). Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody indicated for the treatment of persistent moderate-to-severe asthma and certain chronic refractory urticaria. The EXCELS study (The Epidemiologic Study of Xolair (omalizumab): Evaluating Clinical Effectiveness and Long-term Safety in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Asthma), a postmarketing observational cohort study to assess clinical safety profile of omalizumab, showed a significant increase in venous thromboembolism. In conclusion, omalizumab has been associated with arterial and venous thromboembolic events, although the evidence is not definitive. Citation: Drug Target Insights PubDate: 2019-07-04T12:00:58Z DOI: 10.1177/1177392819861987 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2019)
Authors:Antoine Kossaify Abstract: Drug Target Insights, Volume 13, Issue , January-December 2019. Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and its prevalence is increasing with age; also it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rhythm control is advised in recent-onset atrial fibrillation, and in highly symptomatic patients, also in young and active individuals. Moreover, rhythm control is associated with lower incidence of progression to permanent atrial fibrillation. Vernakalant is a relatively new anti-arrhythmic drug that showed efficacy and safety in recent-onset atrial fibrillation. Vernakalant is indicated in atrial fibrillation (⩽7 days) in patients with no heart disease (class I, level A) or in patients with mild or moderate structural heart disease (class IIb, level B). Moreover, Vernakalant may be considered for recent-onset atrial fibrillation (⩽3 days) post cardiac surgery (class IIb, level B). Although it is mainly indicated in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation and with no structural heart disease, it can be given in moderate stable cardiac disease as alternative to Amiodarone. Similarly to electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion requires a minimal evaluation and cardioversion should be included in a comprehensive management strategy for better outcome. Citation: Drug Target Insights PubDate: 2019-07-03T11:56:16Z DOI: 10.1177/1177392819861114 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2019)
Authors:Tasmina Hydery, Valerie Azzopardi Coppenrath Abstract: Drug Target Insights, Volume 13, Issue , January-December 2019. Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and place in therapy of a phenylalanine-metabolizing enzyme indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine concentrations, pegvaliase injection.Data Sources:Searches of MEDLINE (1946-September 1, 2018) were conducted using the terms pegvaliase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). Additional data were obtained from the prescribing information, the product dossier obtained from the manufacturer, and Clinicaltrials.gov.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English language articles related to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, or safety of the combination therapy in human subjects were reviewed.Data Synthesis:Pegvaliase is a pegylated PAL enzyme that converts phenylalanine to ammonia and trans-cinnamic acid. Blood phenylalanine levels were reduced by approximately 50% to 70% in patients receiving therapeutic doses of pegvaliase. However, most patients experienced adverse events.Conclusions and Relevance:The mainstay of therapy in phenylketonuria (PKU) has historically consisted of dietary restriction of phenylalanine. Pegvaliase injection is the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved enzyme substitution therapy for patients with PKU. The therapy may be a viable option for patients with documented blood phenylalanine >600 µmol/L who have failed existing management strategies. Citation: Drug Target Insights PubDate: 2019-06-21T10:10:27Z DOI: 10.1177/1177392819857089 Issue No:Vol. 13 (2019)
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