Browsing by Subject "Antirheumatic Agents"

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    Development of an antirheumatic drug
    (1988) Voyi, Kuku Vinolia Vuyelwa; Jackson, Graham Ellis
    The diamino-diamide ligands have been investigated in an attempt to develop an antirheumatic drug. The ligands N,N'-di-(2-dimethylamino)ethyloxamide and N,N'di-(2-diethylamino)ethyloxamide, were synthesised and characterised using the physical techniques, NMR, mass- and infrared spectrometry. The stability constants of the complexes of Mg, Ca, Zn and several first transition metal-ions with the ligands were determined potentiometrically. The solution conformation of the CuII complexes were determined using visible spectrophotometry. Finally the physico-chemical studies were carried out. Firstly by studying the interaction of the copper complex with albumin at the physiological pH 7.4 using visible spectrophotometry. Secondly by determining the superoxide dismutase activity of the ligand by reduction of nitrobluetetrazolium using visible spectrophotometry. Lastly the ligands and the carr, CuII, MgII and ZnII metalions were monitored in vitro using the computer blood plasma model.
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    Superheroes in autoimmune warfare: Biologic therapies in current SA practice
    (2014) Tarr, G; Hodkinson, B; Reuter, H
    Biologic drugs targeting immune cells or cytokines underlying systemic inflammation have dramatically improved outcomes in patients with rheumatological and autoimmune diseases. Nine biologic drugs are currently available in South Africa (SA) - all showing good efficacy and safety profiles. Their high cost and potential adverse events preclude them from being used as first-line agents. They are therefore indicated for severe disease refractory to standard therapies, and their use must be initiated by a specialist. The most important adverse effect of this class of drugs is infection and, in SA, tuberculosis is of particular concern. As new targets in the immune system are identified, new biologics will be developed. The current challenges are to optimise standard care for all patients with autoimmune diseases, and to offer the appropriate biologic to patients with refractory disease.