Ziv-aflibercept

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Ziv-aflibercept

Ziv-aflibercept (pronounced as ziv af li ber sept) is a biopharmaceutical drug used primarily in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and macular degeneration. It is a recombinant fusion protein that works by inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Etymology

The name "Ziv-aflibercept" is derived from the combination of "Ziv", which is a prefix used by Sanofi to denote humanized therapeutic proteins, and "aflibercept", which is the international nonproprietary name for the drug. The term "aflibercept" itself is a combination of "afl" (from VEGF Trap), "i" (for immunoglobulin G1 Fc segment), and "bercept" (a common stem for receptor molecules).

Mechanism of Action

Ziv-aflibercept works by binding to VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF), thereby inhibiting their interaction with the receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. This prevents the activation of these receptors, which in turn inhibits angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form. By blocking angiogenesis, Ziv-aflibercept deprives the cancer cells of the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow and spread.

Related Terms

  • Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels, a process that is often co-opted by cancer cells to fuel their growth and spread.
  • Biopharmaceutical: A type of drug that is produced using biotechnology, often involving the use of living organisms.
  • Colorectal cancer: A type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.
  • Macular degeneration: A medical condition that results in loss of vision in the center of the visual field.
  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): A signal protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels.

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