Background of Susoctocog Alfa
Susoctocog Alfa, also recognized as Obizur or Recombinant Porcine Sequence Factor VIII, is a bio-engineered type of a blood clotting factor. The scientific journey that led to its discovery commenced with assisting patients with Hemophilia A, a blood clotting disorder. Susoctocog Alfa materialized as a biotechnological accomplishment and is an exemplary model of leveraging protein engineering for therapeutic purposes.
The gene locus for Susoctocog Alfa is extremely intricate due to its complex structure. This large protein consists of 1,650 amino acids with three discrete components (A1-A2-B-A3-C1-C2), encoded on the locus of the X chromosome. The actual protein is a heterodimer requiring multiple post-translational modifications and has variations in glycosylation patterns.
Susoctocog Alfa Function
Susoctocog Alfa has a critical role in the coagulation cascade, a physiological mechanism that stems bleeding through clot formation. Functioning as Factor VIII (FVIII), it complexes with another factor, Factor IXa (FIXa) on platelet surfaces, catalyzing the transformation of inactive substrate Factor X into its active form, Factor Xa. This process ultimately leads to clot formation, preventing uncontrollable bleeding.
Susoctocog Alfa-Related Signaling Pathways
Specific signaling pathways associated with Susoctocog Alfa primarily converge on the blood coagulation cascade. This regulatory function is especially relevant in the context of Hemophilia A.
In the presence of Hemophilia A, the lack of effective FVIII impairs the activation of Factor X. Therefore, the introduction of Susoctocog Alfa, which structurally resembles FVIII, enables the restoration of a functional coagulation cascade.
Susoctocog Alfa Related Diseases
The most pertinent Susoctocog Alfa related disease is Hemophilia A. This is noted for its deficiency or dysfunction of Factor VIII, leading to bleeding disorders. An acquired form of Hemophilia A involves the body generating antibodies against Factor VIII, interfering with its function. Susoctocog Alfa, possessing sequences identical to porcine Factor VIII, can perform the function of human Factor VIII while evading these antibodies, thereby remedying the blood clotting disorder.
The Application of Susoctocog Alfa in Medicine
Susoctocog Alfa's principal medical application involves treating clotting issues in Hemophilia A patients, particularly in acquired Hemophilia A. The therapy involves introducing Recombinant Porcine Sequence FVIII, which often proves effective among patients whose immune systems had become resistant to other forms of FVIII.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration authorized Susoctocog Alfa, marketed as Obizur, for treating bleeding episodes in adults with acquired hemophilia A. Its clinical role is expanding with continued research on its potential, such as minimizing surgical bleeding risks in patients with a known history of Factor VIII inhibitors.
Drug Candidates Related to Susoctocog Alfa
Susoctocog Alfa itself is an approved drug for specific clinical applications. Other drug candidates structurally related to Susoctocog Alfa include Recombinant Human Coagulation Factor VIII marketed under different brand names, including Advate and Adynovate. The structure and function of these medicines are similar to those of Susoctocog Alfa, except that they are derived from human factor VIII sequences.