Why does Pluvicto (Lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide) not contain amino acids?

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From the FDA Drug Label

The chemical name is 2-[4-[2-[[4-[[(2S)-1-[[(5S)-5-carboxy-5-[[(1S)-1,3-dicarboxy propyl]carbamoylamino]pentyl]amino]-3-naphthalen-2-yl-1-oxopropan-2-yl]carbamoyl]cyclohexyl]methylamino]-2-oxoethyl]-4,7,10-tris(carboxylatomethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetrazacyclododec-1-yl]acetate; lutetium-177(3+). Each single-dose vial contains acetic acid (0.30 mg/mL), sodium acetate (0. 41 mg/mL), gentisic acid (0.39 mg/mL), sodium ascorbate (50.0 mg/mL), pentetic acid (0.10 mg/mL), and water for injection (q.s. to 1 mL).

The FDA drug label does not mention amino acids as an ingredient in Pluvicto (Lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide), but it does describe the chemical structure and components of the solution.

  • Key components: acetic acid, sodium acetate, gentisic acid, sodium ascorbate, pentetic acid, and water for injection.
  • Chemical structure: The chemical name and formula are provided, but they do not directly answer the question about amino acids. The label does provide information on the chemical structure of lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan, which includes a complex molecule with various functional groups, but it does not explicitly state the presence or absence of amino acids 1.

From the Research

Introduction to Pluvicto

Pluvicto, also known as Lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan, is a radioligand therapeutic agent used for the treatment of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-expressing metastatic prostate cancer 2. The active part of the radiopharmaceutical is lutetium-177, which is linked to a ligand that binds to PSMA, a transmembrane enzyme overexpressed in primary and metastatic prostate cancers.

Composition of Pluvicto

The composition of Pluvicto does not contain amino acids. This is because the ligand used in Pluvicto is a synthetic molecule designed to bind specifically to PSMA, rather than a naturally occurring amino acid or peptide.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of Pluvicto involves the binding of the ligand to PSMA on the surface of prostate cancer cells, allowing the delivery of beta-radiation from the lutetium-177 to the cancer cells, resulting in their death 3. This targeted approach minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Treatment Regimen

The recommended dose of Pluvicto is 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) intravenously every 6 weeks for up to six doses, or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity 3. The treatment regimen may vary depending on the individual patient's response and tolerance to the therapy.

Safety and Efficacy

Pluvicto has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, with a significant improvement in overall survival compared to best standard of care alone 3, 4. The most common adverse reactions include fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, anemia, decreased appetite, and constipation.

Comparison with Other Therapies

Pluvicto has been compared to other therapies, including chemotherapy and androgen receptor pathway inhibitors, and has been shown to be a valuable addition to the treatment options for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer 5.

Future Directions

Further research is needed to optimize the use of Pluvicto, including the selection of patients, sequencing of therapy, and the use of dosimetry to individualize treatment plans 5, 6. Additionally, the development of new ligands and radiopharmaceuticals may further improve the efficacy and safety of targeted radiotherapies for prostate cancer.

Dosing and Administration

The dosing and administration of Pluvicto are as follows:

  • Dose: 7.4 GBq (200 mCi)
  • Administration: Intravenous injection every 6 weeks for up to six doses
  • Duration: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
  • Caveats: Patients should be monitored for adverse reactions and toxicity, and the treatment regimen may be adjusted accordingly.

Key Points

The key points to note about Pluvicto are:

  • It is a radioligand therapeutic agent that targets PSMA-expressing metastatic prostate cancer cells
  • It does not contain amino acids
  • It has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials
  • The recommended dose is 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) intravenously every 6 weeks for up to six doses
  • Further research is needed to optimize its use and develop new targeted radiotherapies for prostate cancer.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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