A protease-resistant decapeptide that blocks bradykinin-driven swelling.
Also known as: Firazyr
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Icatibant is a synthetic decapeptide peptidomimetic that selectively antagonizes the bradykinin B2 receptor. Because hereditary angioedema attacks are driven by excess bradykinin, blocking this receptor addresses the cause of the swelling, and it is an approved therapeutic for acute attacks. This page is educational only.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic decapeptide (peptidomimetic)
Primary research or clinical context: Approved for acute attacks of hereditary angioedema
Peptidomimetic stability
Icatibant contains five non-natural amino acids that make it resistant to peptidases, allowing subcutaneous self-administration during an attack. It exemplifies how incorporating unnatural residues converts a fragile peptide sequence into a durable receptor blocker.
Targeting the mediator
By competitively occupying the B2 receptor, icatibant prevents bradykinin from increasing vascular permeability. It is notably ineffective for ACE-inhibitor-induced angioedema, a distinction frequently used to teach the specificity of receptor-targeted peptides.
FAQ about Icatibant
What is Icatibant?+
Icatibant is a synthetic decapeptide peptidomimetic that selectively antagonizes the bradykinin B2 receptor. Because hereditary angioedema attacks are driven by excess bradykinin, blocking this receptor addresses the cause of the swelling, and it is an approved therapeutic for acute attacks. This page is educational only.
Is Icatibant an approved medicine?+
Icatibant: Approved for acute attacks of hereditary angioedema. Always follow licensed medical guidance for approved products.
What is the typical length of Icatibant?+
Icatibant is commonly described as approximately 10 amino acids (Bradykinin B2 antagonist).