Elapegademase

Elapegademase (pronunciation: eh-luh-peg-uh-dee-mase) is a recombinant enzyme used in the treatment of adenosine deaminase severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID).

Etymology

The term "Elapegademase" is derived from the name of the enzyme it replaces, adenosine deaminase, and the method of its delivery, pegylation. The prefix "Ela-" is an abbreviation for "enzyme", "peg-" refers to the pegylation process, and "-demase" is a modification of "deaminase", the enzyme it replaces.

Pharmacology

Elapegademase is a recombinant form of the enzyme adenosine deaminase. It is used to replace the deficient enzyme in patients with ADA-SCID, a rare genetic disorder that impairs the immune system and causes severe combined immunodeficiency. The drug is administered via intramuscular injection.

Related Terms

Adenosine Deaminase: The enzyme that is deficient in patients with ADA-SCID. Elapegademase is a recombinant form of this enzyme.
ADA-SCID: A rare genetic disorder that impairs the immune system and causes severe combined immunodeficiency. Elapegademase is used to treat this condition.
Pegylation: A process that improves the delivery of certain drugs, including elapegademase. The term "peg-" in "elapegademase" refers to this process.
Recombinant: Referring to an organism, cell, or molecule (such as a protein) that has been genetically engineered. Elapegademase is a recombinant form of the enzyme adenosine deaminase.