BIOCALCIN ® is a salmon Calcitonin based drug
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Drugs that affect bone metabolism
Indications BIOCALCIN ® - Salmon Calcitonin
BIOCALCIN ® is indicated in the treatment of hypercalcemia associated with malignant tumors, hyperparathyroidism and calcium intoxication.
The same drug is used in the treatment of osteoporosis and various syndromes such as Paget's disease and Sudeck's disease.
Mechanism of action BIOCALCIN ® - Salmon calcitonin
BIOCALCIN ® is a drug based on synthetic salmon calcitonin, obtained in the laboratory through recombinant DNA technology and therefore without the risks associated with common extraction procedures.
Taken parenterally by injection, it acts on bone metabolism to be subsequently metabolized in the kidney and excreted in the urine.
This protein hormone, physiologically secreted by the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid, controls normal bone metabolism in concert with the parathyroid hormone, acting at the intestinal level, reducing the absorption of this element introduced through food, at the renal level, increasing the reabsorption of phosphates, promoting the excretion of calcium and inhibiting the activation of vitamin D, at the level of the bone tissue, blocking the osteosorbent activity of the osteoclasts.
The aforesaid actions, possible thanks to the interaction with specific cellular receptors, are flanked by the marked antalgic and anti-inflammatory activity, which justify their use in diseases such as Paget's disease.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. INHALED SALMON CALCITONIN.
Pharm Res. 2011 Aug 5.
Investigations into the Fate of Inhaled Salmon Calcitonin at the Respiratory Epithelial Barrier.
Baginski L, Tewes F, Buckley ST, Healy AM, Bakowsky U, Ehrhardt C.
Different studies attempt to characterize the pharmacokinetic and clinical characteristics of inhaled salmon calcitonin. The main problem seems to be represented by proteases expressed at the level of the respiratory tract.
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ORAL FORM OF CALCITONIN IN FUTURE CLINICAL PRACTICE
Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2010 Nov; 10: 1617-29. Epub 2010 Oct 11.
Oral salmon calcitonin - pharmacology in osteoporosis.
Henriksen K, Bay-Jensen AC, Christiansen C, Karsdal MA.
Experimental studies demonstrate the importance of new pharmaceutical formulations for salmon calcitonin in the treatment of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis. The limits relating to the sensitivity of the hormone to enzymatic digestion could be overcome by the design of new delivery methods, capable of making the therapy more effective.
3. CALCITONIN IN THE TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIC PATHOLOGIES
BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010 Apr 5; 11: 62.
Investigation of the direct effects of salmon calcitonin on humanosteoarthritic chondrocytes.
Sondergaard BC, Madsen SH, Segovia-Silvestre T, Paulsen SJ, Christiansen T, Pedersen C, Bay-Jensen AC, Karsdal MA.
Salmon calcitonin treatment has been shown to be effective in increasing the synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen in human cartilage. This property could be important in the treatment of osteoarthritis diseases.
Method of use and dosage
BIOCALCIN ®
Intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous injection vials of 50 or 100 I.U. of synthetic salmon calcitonin:
this drug should only be administered by physicians specializing in the treatment of bone or systemic pathologies.
Usually the slow intravenous route is used in the treatment of hypercalcemia, while osteoporosis and bone tissue diseases are treated through intramuscular or subcutaneous administration.
Dosages vary significantly from patient to patient based on their physio-pathological conditions.
Warnings BIOCALCIN ® - Salmon Calcitonin
Treatment with BIOCALCIN ® must necessarily be defined and monitored by a specialist doctor, in order to minimize side effects and maximize therapeutic ones.
Particular attention must be paid to patients with reduced renal, hepatic and heart failure functions for whom periodic medical checks should be defined.
The control by skin test of any allergies to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients should be carried out before taking calcitonin in order to avoid the appearance of unpleasant and dangerous side effects.
Treatment with this hormone, especially when prolonged over time, could facilitate the appearance of antibodies to calcitonin, capable of reducing the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The important metabolic effects of the drug and the absence of studies capable of characterizing the safety profile of calcitonin when taken during pregnancy, also extend the contraindications to the period of pregnancy and lactation.
Interactions
There are currently no pharmacokinetic studies that have demonstrated the presence of pharmacologically relevant interactions or capable of significantly varying the pharmacological efficacy of BIOCALCIN ®.
Contraindications BIOCALCIN ® - Salmon Calcitonin
The use of BIOCALCIN ® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to one of its excipients.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
The use of BIOCALCIN ® can be associated with the appearance of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vasomotor phenomena and tingling in the hands.
More rarely, the appearance of skin rashes and allergic manifestations of various kinds has been observed, for which it was necessary to suspend the treatment.
Local reactions at the injection site have been observed in different patients.
Note
BIOCALCIN ® can only be sold under strict medical prescription.
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