Velaglucerase alfa

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Velaglucerase alfa

Velaglucerase alfa (pronunciation: vela-gloo-ser-ase al-fa) is a type of enzyme replacement therapy used in the treatment of Gaucher's disease.

Etymology

The name "Velaglucerase alfa" is derived from the nature of the drug itself. "Vela" is a prefix often used in medical terminology to denote a relationship with a sail or sails, in this case, referring to the way the drug sails through the bloodstream to reach its target. "Glucerase" refers to the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, which the drug is designed to replace. "Alfa" is a common suffix used in the naming of biopharmaceuticals, indicating that the drug is a form of a naturally occurring human protein or enzyme.

Usage

Velaglucerase alfa is used to replace or supplement the naturally occurring enzyme glucocerebrosidase in patients with Gaucher's disease. This disease is a genetic disorder in which a person lacks enough of this enzyme to break down a certain type of fat, leading to various health problems. By providing a replacement for the missing or insufficient enzyme, velaglucerase alfa can help to alleviate the symptoms of Gaucher's disease.

Related Terms

  • Enzyme replacement therapy: A treatment method that involves replacing or supplementing a missing or deficient enzyme in patients with certain genetic disorders.
  • Gaucher's disease: A genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme glucocerebrosidase.
  • Glucocerebrosidase: An enzyme that breaks down a certain type of fat in the body. A deficiency in this enzyme can lead to Gaucher's disease.

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