How does thalidomide work for leprosy?
Thalidomide is highly effective in the treatment of patients with chronic or recurrent ENL. It acts by inhibition of selective gene expression of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) involved in the pathogenesis of nerve damage in leprosy and other mechanisms contributing to its anti-inflammatory effect [13,14].
What is the mechanism of action of thalidomide?
First established as agents with antiangiogenic properties, thalidomide and IMiDs inhibit the production of interleukin (IL)-6, which is a growth factor for the proliferation of myeloma cells. In addition, they activate apoptotic pathways through caspase 8-mediated cell death.
What is Type 2 lepra reaction?
Type 2 lepra reaction is an immunologically mediated Gell and Coomb’s type III hypersensitivity reaction. It presents in patients with lepromatous and borderline lepromatous leprosy usually before, during and rarely after multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy.
When was thalidomide used for leprosy?
During the mid-1960s, the drug thalidomide was reintroduced as treatment for a complication of leprosy called Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Although the evidence was not fully established, very soon the drug was heralded as the drug of choice for the management of ENL reactions in leprosy.
What is the thalidomide tragedy?
In November 1961, thalidomide was taken off the market due to massive pressure from the press and public. Experts estimate that thalidomide led to the death of approximately 2,000 children and serious birth defects in more than 10,000 children, about 5,000 of them in West Germany.
How does a proteasome inhibitor work?
Proteasome inhibitors are a type of drug that prevents proteasomes, the garbage disposal system of the cell, from chewing up excess proteins. The proteins build up and kill the myeloma cells.
What is a leprae reaction?
What is a lepra reaction? Lepra reactions are inflammatory reactions occurring in leprosy, due to circulating immune complexes, vasculitis, or T-cell reaction which may be induced by treatment.
What is Phocomelia?
Phocomelia is a rare birth defect that can affect the upper and/or lower limbs. In people with this condition, the bones of the affected limb are either missing or underdeveloped. The limb is, therefore, extremely shortened and in severe cases, the hand or foot may be attached directly to the trunk.
Why is thalidomide still used today?
Thalidomide research continues as doctors find new uses for the drug. Research has shown some promise in using thalidomide to treat inflammatory skin conditions, such as cutaneous lupus and Behcet’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and many types of cancer.
What is thalidomide prescribed for?
Thalidomide is a sedative that used to be prescribed to treat anxiety, tension, gastritis and insomnia.
Was thalidomide FDA approved?
The drug thalidomide has a long FDA history. It was approved in Europe in 1957, but was rejected for approval in the United States because of concerns about neuropathy associated with use of the drug.
What was thalidomide used for?
This medication is used to treat or prevent certain skin conditions related to Hansen’s disease, once known as leprosy (erythema nodosum leprosum). Thalidomide is also used to treat a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma). It works in Hansen’s disease by reducing swelling and redness (inflammation).