Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc): Full Drug Profile

Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc) - General Information

Thyrotropin alfa is a heterodimeric glycoprotein comprised of two non-covalently linked subunits, an alpha subunit of 92 amino acid residues containing two N-linked glycosylation sites and a beta subunit of 118 residues containing one N-linked glycosylation site. The amino acid sequence of thyrotropin alfa is identical to that of human pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone.

Pharmacology of Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc)

Binding of thyrotropin alfa to TSH receptors on normal thyroid epithelial cells or on well-differentiated thyroid cancer tissue stimulates iodine uptake and organification. Thyrogen is an exogenous source of human TSH that offers an additional diagnostic tool in the follow-up of patients with a history of well-differentiated thyroid cancer.

Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc) for patients

Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc) Interactions

Formal interaction studies between Thyrogen and other medicinal products have not been performed. In clinical trials, no interactions were observed between Thyrogen and the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T ₃ ) and thyroxine (T ₄ ) when administered concurrently.

The use of Thyrogen allows for radioiodine imaging while patients are euthyroid on triiodothyronine (T ₃ ) and/or thyroxine (T ₄ ). Data on radioiodine ¹³¹ l kinetics indicate that the clearance of radioiodine is approximately 50% greater in euthyroid patients than in hypothyroid patients, who have decreased renal function. Thus radioiodine retention is less in euthyroid patients at the time of imaging and this factor should be considered when selecting the activity of radioiodine for use in radioiodine imaging.

Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc) Contraindications

Additional information about Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc)

Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc) Indication

For detection of residueal or recurrent thyroid cancer

Mechanism Of Action

Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc) binds to the thyrotropin receptors found on any residual thyroid cells or tissues. This stimulates radioactive iodine uptake for better radiodiagnostic imaging.

Generic Name

Thyrotropin Alfa

Synonyms

FSH-B; FSH-beta; Follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit; Follitropin beta chain precursor

Drug Category

Diagnostic Agents

Drug Type

Biotech; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Thyrotropin Alfa

Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc);

Half Life

5 +/- 10 hrs

Dosage Forms of Thyrogen (Genzyme Inc)

Powder, for solution Intramuscular

Chemical IUPAC Name

Human alpha thyrotropin

Chemical Formula

C975H1513N267O304S26

Organisms Affected

Humans and other mammals