PHAR4007-E1
The University of Nottingham
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
A LEVEL 4 MODULE, AUTUMN SEMESTER 2021-2022
DRUG TARGETS AND PHARMACODYNAMICS
Open-book examination.
Answer ALL FOUR questions
[Suggested time to complete the paper ~3 hours]
This Assessment will be marked out of 100.
Responses should be typed using MS-Word. Should you wish to add equations or diagrams, please photograph these with appropriate resolution and clarity so that the picture subsequently inserted into the document is clearly legible. Guidance on scanning can be found through the Faculty of Science Moodle Page Guidance for Remote Learning
Save your file using your student ID as the name for your document. Also write your student ID number at the top of each page of your answers. Do not include your name.
Submit your answers containing all the work you wish to have marked as a single MS-Word document, with each page in the correct orientation, to the appropriate dropbox on the module’s Moodle page.
Although you may use any notes or resources you wish to help you complete this open-book examination, the academic misconduct policy that applies to your coursework also applies here. You must be careful to avoid plagiarism, collusion or false authorship. You are expected to be familiar with the University’s ‘Essential Guidance for Students on Academic Integrity in Online Examinations’. This guidance refers to, and does not replace, the University policy which stipulates severe penalties for academic misconduct.
Staff are not permitted to answer assessment or teaching queries during the period in which your open-book examination is live. If you spot what you think may be an error on the exam paper, note this in your submission but answer the question as written.
PHAR4007-E1
SECTION A (60 marks)
1. Steroids are endogenous hydrophobic hormones generated from cholesterol. Identify similarities and differences between the multiple molecular targets of endogenous steroids in humans. In your answer, focus on the:
a) Primary sequence comparisons of the molecular targets for the endogenous steroids [3 marks]
b) Signalling characteristics of the molecular targets for the endogenous steroids [4 marks]
c) Tissue locations of the molecular targets for the endogenous steroids
[3 marks]
Identify TWO different diseases/disorders for which named drugs in use in the clinic target enzymes which regulate the levels of endogenous steroids.
For EACH disease, d) Describe the pathology associated with the disease/disorder and identify the enzyme targetted; The substrates and products of the enzymatic reactions; How the drug acts at molecular, cellular, organ and organismal level to treat the disease/disorder; Disadvantages or common adverse effects of the use of the drug; How the drug has been developed from predecessor versions to improve its usefulness [20 marks]
PHAR4007-E1
2. Antibodies have become increasingly widespread as therapeutic alternatives to treat diseases/disorders.
a) Briefly outline the properties of monoclonal antibodies that make them useful as therapeutic options. [2.5 marks]
b) Identify reservations or disadvantages about the use of monoclonal antibodies in the clinic. [2.5 marks]
c) Identify TWO antibodies designed to target named G protein-coupled receptors, the tissue/cellular locations of those targets and the disease/disorder the antibodies are used to treat [2.5 marks]
d) Identify TWO antibody-drug conjugates and outline how they differ from ‘simple’ monoclonal antibodies. Identify the molecular/cellular targets for their use, as well as the disease/disorder they are intended to treat [2.5 marks]
e) Discuss the treatment of cancers using antibodies and related biopharmaceuticals. In your answer, compare the use of antibodies with small molecule drugs. Making use of specific named examples, Describe the pathology associated with the cancer, which is targetted by treatment with those antibodies/drugs; How the antibody/drug acts at molecular, cellular, organ and organismal level to treat the cancer; Contraindications, disadvantages or common adverse effects of the use of the antibody/drug; How the antibody/drug has been developed from predecessor versions to improve its usefulness [20 marks]
PHAR4007-E1
End
SECTION B (40 marks)
3. Calcium is an important regulator of cell function. Outline the pathways through which calcium levels inside the cell can be regulated and what impacts elevating intracellular calcium can have in different cell types. Describe how named drugs can modify intracellular calcium levels for therapeutic gain in specified diseases/disorders. [20 marks]
4. Describe adaptations evoked by long-term exposure to receptor agonists and antagonists in clinical use. In your answer, identify desirable and unwanted effects of the named ligands used. Describe any mitigating approaches during therapy to account for the adaptation phenomenon and strategies to deal with cessation of medication.
[20 marks]
