Bulevirtide

Last updated

Bulevirtide
Bulevirtide.svg
Clinical data
Trade names Hepcludex
Other namesMyrB, Myrcludex-B [1]
Routes of
administration
Subcutaneous
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
CAS Number
DrugBank
UNII
KEGG
ChEMBL
Chemical and physical data
Formula C248H355N65O72
Molar mass 5398.951 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  • CCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)NCC(=O)N[C@H](C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CO)C(=O)N[C@H](C(=O)N1CCC[C@H]1C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N1CCC[C@H]1C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)NCC(=O)N[C@@H](Cc1ccccc1)C(=O)N[C@@H](Cc1ccccc1)C(=O)N1CCC[C@H]1C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](Cc1c[nH]cn1)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(=O)O)C(=O)N1CCC[C@H]1C(=O)N[C@@H](C)C(=O)N[C@@H](Cc1ccccc1)C(=O)NCC(=O)N[C@@H](C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CO)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N1CCC[C@H]1C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](Cc1c[nH]c2ccccc12)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](Cc1ccccc1)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N1CCC[C@H]1C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](Cc1c[nH]cn1)C(=O)N[C@@H](Cc1c[nH]c2ccccc12)C(=O)N1CCC[C@H]1C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(N)=O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@H](C(=O)NCC(N)=O)C(C)C)C(C)C)[C@@H](C)O
  • InChI=1S/C248H355N65O72/c1-16-17-18-19-20-21-22-23-24-25-38-75-193(327)265-118-196(330)304-205(133(15)316)241(378)295-163(104-188(256)322)224(361)283-152(91-127(6)7)216(353)303-175(122-315)232(369)306-204(129(10)11)248(385)313-88-53-74-182(313)239(376)301-172(107-191(259)325)246(383)312-87-50-70-178(312)235(372)291-150(89-125(2)3)209(346)268-120-195(329)274-154(93-135-56-32-27-33-57-135)217(354)296-168(95-137-60-36-29-37-61-137)242(379)308-83-49-72-180(308)237(374)294-167(111-201(339)340)230(367)286-157(98-140-115-261-123-269-140)220(357)277-148(76-78-183(251)317)213(350)282-151(90-126(4)5)215(352)300-173(112-202(341)342)247(384)307-82-47-68-176(307)233(370)273-132(14)208(345)279-153(92-134-54-30-26-31-55-134)210(347)267-119-194(328)271-130(12)206(343)280-160(101-185(253)319)226(363)302-174(121-314)231(368)288-161(102-186(254)320)225(362)299-171(106-190(258)324)245(382)311-86-52-73-181(311)238(375)293-166(110-200(337)338)229(366)285-156(96-138-113-263-144-64-41-39-62-142(138)144)219(356)290-165(109-199(335)336)227(364)284-155(94-136-58-34-28-35-59-136)218(355)298-170(105-189(257)323)244(381)310-85-51-71-179(310)236(373)292-162(103-187(255)321)223(360)275-146(66-43-45-80-249)212(349)289-164(108-198(333)334)228(365)287-158(99-141-116-262-124-270-141)221(358)297-169(97-139-114-264-145-65-42-40-63-143(139)145)243(380)309-84-48-69-177(309)234(371)278-149(77-79-197(331)332)211(348)272-131(13)207(344)281-159(100-184(252)318)222(359)276-147(67-44-46-81-250)214(351)305-203(128(8)9)240(377)266-117-192(260)326/h26-37,39-42,54-65,113-116,123-133,146-182,203-205,263-264,314-316H,16-25,38,43-53,66-112,117-122,249-250H2,1-15H3,(H2,251,317)(H2,252,318)(H2,253,319)(H2,254,320)(H2,255,321)(H2,256,322)(H2,257,323)(H2,258,324)(H2,259,325)(H2,260,326)(H,261,269)(H,262,270)(H,265,327)(H,266,377)(H,267,347)(H,268,346)(H,271,328)(H,272,348)(H,273,370)(H,274,329)(H,275,360)(H,276,359)(H,277,357)(H,278,371)(H,279,345)(H,280,343)(H,281,344)(H,282,350)(H,283,361)(H,284,364)(H,285,366)(H,286,367)(H,287,365)(H,288,368)(H,289,349)(H,290,356)(H,291,372)(H,292,373)(H,293,375)(H,294,374)(H,295,378)(H,296,354)(H,297,358)(H,298,355)(H,299,362)(H,300,352)(H,301,376)(H,302,363)(H,303,353)(H,304,330)(H,305,351)(H,306,369)(H,331,332)(H,333,334)(H,335,336)(H,337,338)(H,339,340)(H,341,342)/t130-,131-,132-,133+,146-,147-,148-,149-,150-,151-,152-,153-,154-,155-,156-,157-,158-,159-,160-,161-,162-,163-,164-,165-,166-,167-,168-,169-,170-,171-,172-,173-,174-,175-,176-,177-,178-,179-,180-,181-,182-,203-,204-,205-/m0/s1
  • Key:WQNDXLHKAMIGEX-WOAPPVHJSA-N

Bulevirtide, sold under the brand name Hepcludex, is an antiviral medication for the treatment of chronic hepatitis D (in the presence of hepatitis B). [4]

Contents

The most common side effects include raised levels of bile salts in the blood and reactions at the site of injection. [4]

Bulevirtide works by attaching to and blocking a receptor (target) through which the hepatitis delta and hepatitis B viruses enter liver cells. [4] By blocking the entry of the virus into the cells, it limits the ability of HDV to replicate and its effects in the body, reducing symptoms of the disease. [4]

Bulevirtide was approved for medical use in the European Union in July 2020. [4]

Structural formula

Bulevirtide is a 47-amino acid peptide with the following sequence: [6]

CH3(CH2)12CO-Gly-Thr-Asn-Leu-Ser-Val-Pro-Asn-Pro-Leu-Gly-Phe-Phe-Pro-Asp-His-Gln-Leu-Asp-Pro-Ala-Phe-Gly-Ala-Asn-Ser-Asn-Asn-Pro-Asp-Trp-Asp-Phe-Asn-Pro-Asn-Lys-Asp-His-Trp-Pro-Glu-Ala-Asn-Lys-Val-Gly-NH2 (C13H27CO-GTNLSVPNPLGFFPDHQLDPAFGANSNNPDWDFNPNKDHWPEANKVG-NH2)

Medical uses

Bulevirtide is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection in plasma (or serum) HDV-RNA positive adult patients with compensated liver disease. [4] [7]

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action

Bulevirtide binds and inactivates the sodium/bile acid cotransporter, blocking both HBV and HDV viruses from entering hepatocytes. [8]

The hepatitis B virus uses its surface lipopeptide pre-S1 for docking to mature liver cells via their sodium/bile acid cotransporter (NTCP) and subsequently entering the cells. Myrcludex B is a synthetic N-acylated pre-S1 [9] [10] that can also dock to NTCP, blocking the virus's entry mechanism. [11]

The drug is also effective against hepatitis D because the hepatitis D virus uses the same entry receptor as HBV and is only effective in the presence of a hepatitis B virus infection. [11]

Pre-clinical data in mice suggests that pharmacological inhibition of NTCP-mediated bile salt uptake may also be effective to lower hepatic bile salt accumulation in cholestatic conditions. This reduces hepatocellular damage. [12] An increased ratio of phospholipid to bile salts seen in bile upon NTCP inhibition may further contribute to the protective effect as bile salts are less toxic in presence of phospholipids. [13]

Related Research Articles

Hepatitis D is a type of viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis delta virus (HDV). HDV is one of five known hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. HDV is considered to be a satellite because it can propagate only in the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Transmission of HDV can occur either via simultaneous infection with HBV (coinfection) or superimposed on chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis B carrier state (superinfection).

<i>Hepadnaviridae</i> Family of viruses

Hepadnaviridae is a family of viruses. Humans, apes, and birds serve as natural hosts. There are currently 18 species in this family, divided among 5 genera. Its best-known member is hepatitis B virus. Diseases associated with this family include: liver infections, such as hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinomas, and cirrhosis. It is the sole accepted family in the order Blubervirales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viral hepatitis</span> Liver inflammation from a viral infection

Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation due to a viral infection. It may present in acute form as a recent infection with relatively rapid onset, or in chronic form, typically progressing from a long-lasting asymptomatic condition up to a decompensated hepatic disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamivudine</span> Chemical compound

Lamivudine, commonly called 3TC, is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B when other options are not possible. It is effective against both HIV-1 and HIV-2. It is typically used in combination with other antiretrovirals such as zidovudine, dolutegravir, and abacavir. Lamivudine may be included as part of post-exposure prevention in those who have been potentially exposed to HIV. Lamivudine is taken by mouth as a liquid or tablet.

Phospholipase A<sub>2</sub> Peripheral membrane protein

The enzyme phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4, PLA2, systematic name phosphatidylcholine 2-acylhydrolase) catalyses the cleavage of fatty acids in position 2 of phospholipids, hydrolyzing the bond between the second fatty acid “tail” and the glycerol molecule:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cholestasis</span> Medical condition

Cholestasis is a condition where the flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum is impaired. The two basic distinctions are:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SV40 large T antigen</span> Proto-oncogene derived from polyomavirus SV40

SV40 large T antigen is a hexamer protein that is a dominant-acting oncoprotein derived from the polyomavirus SV40. TAg is capable of inducing malignant transformation of a variety of cell types. The transforming activity of TAg is due in large part to its perturbation of the retinoblastoma (pRb) and p53 tumor suppressor proteins. In addition, TAg binds to several other cellular factors, including the transcriptional co-activators p300 and CBP, which may contribute to its transformation function. Similar proteins from related viruses are known as large tumor antigen in general.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agitoxin</span>

Agitoxin is a toxin found in the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus. Other toxins found in this species include charybdotoxin (CTX). CTX is a close homologue of Agitoxin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neurophysin II</span> Cleavage product of the arginine vasopressin gene

Neurophysin II is a carrier protein with a size of 19,687.3 Da and is made up of a dimer of two virtually identical chains of amino acids. Neurophysin II is a cleavage product of the AVP gene. It is a neurohypophysial hormone that is transported in vesicles with vasopressin, the other cleavage product, along axons, from magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus to the posterior lobe of the pituitary. Although it is stored in neurosecretory granules with vasopressin and released with vasopressin into the bloodstream, its biological action is unclear. Neurophysin II is also known as a stimulator of prolactin secretion.

Big dynorphin is an endogenous opioid peptide of the dynorphin family that is composed of both dynorphin A and dynorphin B. Big dynorphin has the amino acid sequence: Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg-Arg-Ile-Arg-Pro-Lys-Leu-Lys-Trp-Asp-Asn-Gln-Lys-Arg-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg-Arg-Gln-Phe-Lys-Val-Val-Thr. It has nociceptive and anxiolytic-like properties, as well as effects on memory in mice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toll-like receptor 6</span> Protein found in humans

Toll-like receptor 6 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TLR6 gene. TLR6 is a transmembrane protein, member of toll-like receptor family, which belongs to the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) family. TLR6 acts in a heterodimer form with toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Its ligands include multiple diacyl lipopeptides derived from gram-positive bacteria and mycoplasma and several fungal cell wall saccharides. After dimerizing with TLR2, the NF-κB intracellular signalling pathway is activated, leading to a pro-inflammatory cytokine production and activation of innate immune response. TLR6 has also been designated as CD286.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KIF4A</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

Kinesin family member 4A is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KIF4A gene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sodium/bile acid cotransporter</span> Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens

Sodium/bile acid cotransporter also known as the Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) or liver bile acid transporter (LBAT) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC10A1 (solute carrier family 10 member 1) gene.

Salmon calcitonin (sCT) is the type of calcitonin hormone found in salmon.

RVD-Hpα (pepcan-12) is an endogenous neuropeptide found in human and mammalian brain, which was originally proposed to act as a selective agonist for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. It is a 12-amino acid polypeptide having the amino acid sequence Arg-Val-Asp-Pro-Val-Asn-Phe-Lys-Leu-Leu-Ser-His and is an N-terminal extended form of hemopressin, a 9-AA polypeptide derived from the α1 subunit of hemoglobin which has previously been shown to act as a CB1 inverse agonist. All three polypeptides have been isolated from various mammalian species, with RVD-Hpα being one of the more abundant neuropeptides expressed in mouse brain, and these neuropeptides represent a new avenue for cannabinoid research distinct from the previously known endogenous lipid-derived cannabinoid agonists such as anandamide. Recently it was shown that RVD-Hpα (also called Pepcan-12) is a potent negative allosteric modulator at CB1 receptors, together with other newly described N-terminally extended peptides (pepcans).

The transmission of hepadnaviruses between their natural hosts, humans, non-human primates, and birds, including intra-species host transmission and cross-species transmission, is a topic of study in virology.

This family of proteins are found both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In mammals, they are transmembrane proteins with functions in the liver and in the intestine. They are members of the solute carrier family of cotransporter genes which include SLC10A1 and SLC10A2.

Leumorphin, also known as dynorphin B1–29, is a naturally occurring endogenous opioid peptide. Derived as a proteolytic cleavage product of residues 226-254 of prodynorphin, leumorphin is a nonacosapeptide and has the sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg-Arg-Gln-Phe-Lys-Val-Val-Thr-Arg-Ser-Gln-Glu-Asp-Pro-Asn-Ala-Tyr-Ser-Gly-Glu-Leu-Phe-Asp-Ala. It can be further reduced to dynorphin B and dynorphin B-14 by pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1, an enzyme of the endopeptidase family. Leumorphin behaves as a potent and selective κ-opioid receptor agonist, similarly to other endogenous opioid peptide derivatives of prodynorphin.

<i>Woolly monkey hepatitis B virus</i> Species of virus

The woolly monkey hepatitis B virus (WMHBV) is a viral species of the Orthohepadnavirus genus of the Hepadnaviridae family. Its natural host is the woolly monkey (Lagothrix), an inhabitant of South America categorized as a New World primate. WMHBV, like other hepatitis viruses, infects the hepatocytes, or liver cells, of its host organism. It can cause hepatitis, liver necrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because nearly all species of Lagothrix are threatened or endangered, researching and developing a vaccine and/or treatment for WMHBV is important for the protection of the whole woolly monkey genus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Epidemiology of hepatitis D</span> Instance, distribution, and control of Hepatitis D

The epidemiology of hepatitis D occurs worldwide. Although the figures are disputed, a recent systematic review suggests that up to 60 million individuals could be infected. The major victims are the carriers of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), who become superinfected by the HDV, and intravenous drug users who are the group at highest risk. The infection usually results in liver damage ; this is most often a chronic and severe hepatitis rapidly conducive to cirrhosis.

References

  1. Deterding K, Wedemeyer H (2019). "Beyond Pegylated Interferon-Alpha: New Treatments for Hepatitis Delta". AIDS Reviews. 21 (3): 126–134. doi:10.24875/AIDSRev.19000080. PMID   31532397. S2CID   202674681.
  2. "Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard—June 2024) Instrument 2024". Federal Register of Legislation. 30 May 2024. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  3. "Hepcludex 2 mg powder for solution for injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)". (emc). 30 March 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Hepcludex EPAR". European Medicines Agency (EMA). 26 May 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020. Text was copied from this source which is copyright European Medicines Agency. Reproduction is authorized provided the source is acknowledged.
  5. "Hepcludex Product information". Union Register of medicinal products. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  6. Sauter M, Blank A, Stoll F, Lutz N, Haefeli WE, Burhenne J (September 2021). "Intact plasma quantification of the large therapeutic lipopeptide bulevirtide". Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 413 (22): 5645–5654. doi:10.1007/s00216-021-03384-7. PMC   8410713 . PMID   34018034.
  7. "Summary of opinion: Hepcludex" (PDF). European Medicines Agency. 28 May 2020.
  8. Francisco EM (29 May 2020). "Hepcludex". European Medicines Agency. Archived from the original on 15 June 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  9. Volz T, Allweiss L, Ben MBarek M, Warlich M, Lohse AW, Pollok JM, et al. (May 2013). "The entry inhibitor Myrcludex-B efficiently blocks intrahepatic virus spreading in humanized mice previously infected with hepatitis B virus". Journal of Hepatology. 58 (5): 861–867. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2012.12.008. PMID   23246506.
  10. Abbas Z, Abbas M (August 2015). "Management of hepatitis delta: Need for novel therapeutic options". World Journal of Gastroenterology. 21 (32): 9461–9465. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i32.9461 . PMC   4548107 . PMID   26327754.
  11. 1 2 Spreitzer H (14 September 2015). "Neue Wirkstoffe – Myrcludex B". Österreichische Apothekerzeitung (in German) (19/2015): 12.
  12. Na+ -taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide inhibition has hepatoprotective effects in cholestasis in mice. Slijepcevic D, Roscam Abbing RLP, Fuchs CD, Haazen LCM, Beuers U, Trauner M, Oude Elferink RPJ, van de Graaf SFJ. Hepatology. 2018 Sep;68(3):1057-1069. doi: 10.1002/hep.29888
  13. Roscam Abbing RL, Slijepcevic D, Donkers JM, Havinga R, Duijst S, Paulusma CC, et al. (January 2020). "Blocking Sodium-Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide Stimulates Biliary Cholesterol and Phospholipid Secretion in Mice". Hepatology. 71 (1): 247–258. doi:10.1002/hep.30792. PMC   7003915 . PMID   31136002.