Icatibant (Firazyr)
Overview
A synthetic decapeptide bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist containing five non-natural amino acids for enhanced stability and receptor selectivity. Icatibant competitively blocks bradykinin, the primary mediator of swelling in hereditary angioedema (HAE) caused by C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. By preventing bradykinin-induced vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, it rapidly reverses mucosal and subcutaneous edema.
Key Research Findings
FDA-approved in 2011 for acute attacks of hereditary angioedema in adults. FAST-3 trial demonstrated significant reduction in time to onset of symptom relief (2.0 hours vs. 19.8 hours for placebo) and time to almost complete symptom relief (Lumry et al., Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 2011). Self-administered via prefilled syringe, enabling on-demand home treatment. Second dose may be administered if symptoms persist or recur.
Subcutaneous injection
FDA Approved
Interested in Icatibant (Firazyr)?
Find a verified provider experienced with Icatibant (Firazyr) protocols in your area. All providers are credentialed and use compliant sourcing.
Find a Icatibant (Firazyr) ProviderRelated Peptides
Thymalin
InvestigationalA peptide bioregulator originally extracted from bovine thymus gland, consisting of a mixture of polypeptides that modulate immune function. Thymalin restores T-cell mediated immunity by promoting T-lymphocyte maturation and differentiation in the thymus. It also normalizes the ratio of T-helper to T-suppressor cells and enhances phagocytic activity of neutrophils and macrophages.
LL-37
Research PhaseThe only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino acid cationic peptide cleaved from the precursor protein hCAP18. LL-37 disrupts microbial membranes through electrostatic interactions and exerts broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. Beyond direct antimicrobial effects, it modulates innate immunity by recruiting immune cells, promoting angiogenesis, and regulating inflammatory cytokine release.
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
InvestigationalA 28-amino acid neuropeptide widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and immune cells. VIP acts through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to produce potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12) and promoting regulatory T-cell differentiation. It also functions as a vasodilator, bronchodilator, and neuromodulator.
Thymosin Alpha 1 (Zadaxin)
InvestigationalA 28-amino acid peptide originally isolated from thymic tissue (thymosin fraction 5) that serves as a potent immunomodulator. Thymosin alpha 1 enhances T-cell maturation, dendritic cell function, and antibody responses by activating Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR9) on innate immune cells. It promotes Th1 immune responses and augments vaccine efficacy while modulating inflammatory cytokine production.