What are Some Examples of Catalysis in Targeted Therapy?
- Kinase Inhibitors: Kinases are enzymes that play a crucial role in cell signaling. Drugs like imatinib are designed to inhibit specific kinases involved in cancer, utilizing catalytic principles to achieve high specificity. - Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): These are complex molecules composed of an antibody linked to a biologically active drug or cytotoxic compound. The antibody targets a specific antigen on cancer cells, delivering the drug directly to the malignant cells. The linkage often involves catalytic processes for stability and release. - Prodrugs: These are inactive compounds that can be metabolized into an active form within the body. Catalytic enzymes in the target tissues can convert these prodrugs into their active forms, ensuring that the drug is activated only at the site of the tumor.
