Protein Antibody Conjugate – UPSC Prelims

This is a new concept of combining two different approaches to drug delivery. Namely, Biological drugs and Antibody-Drug Conjugates(ADC).

Both these methods are combined to produce Protein Antibody Conjugate or PACs. This PAC can be used for targeted drug delivery.

Protein‐antibody conjugates(PACs) are used for antibody‐directed delivery of protein to specific cells.

This method ensures the precise and effective delivery of drugs to specific cells. Hence, this method could have an impact on treating diseases like pancreatic cancer.

A biologic drug (biologics) is a product that is produced from living organisms or contains components of living organisms. They can be composed of sugars, proteins, or nucleic acids or complex combinations of these substances.

The biological drug works by targeting a defective protein in the system by delivering proteins to it.

For example in case of insulin treatment. If a person is short of insulin, (which is a protein), then s/he will get an insulin shot to balance the system.

Conventional Drugs are made from chemical processes to create the active ingredient compound in a traditional lab.

On the other hand, a biologics drug is defined as a drug derived from living cells. They are not chemically manufactured.

Conventional Drugs generally have well-defined chemical structures. On the other hand, biologics are complex mixtures that are not easily identified or characterized.

Antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs are a class of biopharmaceutical drugs designed as a targeted therapy for treating diseases like cancer.

Unlike chemotherapy, ADCs are intended to target and kill tumour cells while sparing healthy cells.