History
There are many different present technologies involved in the AA Protein. Some of the technologies that we chose to focus on are the present allergy treatments such as asthma medications, non-sedating antihistamines, and EpiPens. We also focused on gene therapy, which also plays a large role in this project.
Asthma treatments have developed into many different types and ways of administration. Some of these types are the metered-dose inhaler, the nebulizer, as well as oral administration. The metered-dose inhaler was introduced in 1956 and delivers a precise amount of asthma medication into the patient's lungs via inhalation. The original form of the metered-dose inhaler was made for the cosmetic industry to be used as a perfume dispenser. The nebulizer was introduced in the 1960s. It was made for patients who were not able to inhale deeply. It simply delivers a continuous dose of medication that is inhaled over time. It breaks down the medication into small aerosol particles making the medication more of a mist once it leaves the nebulizer. This enables the patients to take it in gradually, yet effectively. Another type of allergy medication is steroids. They are used to relieve the inflammation in the airways that cause asthma. Steroids and other inflammatory drugs also help patients by reducing the amount of mucus production in the airways and preventing asthma attacks by making the airways less sensitive to asthma triggers. They are used as inflammatory medications in many other circumstances that have to do with inflammation in the body. They are also used for patients recovering from cancer. They help rebuild the muscle tissue and restore testosterone levels in men after suffering from testicular cancer. Steroids are also used by athletes (illegally) to make them stronger also by building up the muscle tissue. The bronchodilator is another form of medication used to relieve asthma symptoms. It was invented in 1957. It was made originally for quick asthma relief by the dilation of the bronchial airways. It is now used for that purpose and it also can be used for a longer term effect. Here is an example of how the inhaler evolved through the years. In the past, a chemical called chlorofluorocarbon was used to deliver the aerosolized medications. Modern inhalers use a chemical called hydrofluoroalkane, which is more environmentally friendly.
The non-sedating antihistamine (or second generation antihistamine) was invented during the 1980s and it was made to improve the ability of first generation, stop drowsiness of first generation and you don't have to take it as often. The non -sedating antihistamine has not changedmuch since its perfection in the 1980s. It can be used to treat colds as well as allergy symptoms.
The EpiPen was first made as the ComboPen, invented by Shel Kaplan. The ComboPen was a device filled with an antidote used in the military that stopped a phosphorus-containing organic chemical in the body that disrupts the mechanism that helps the nerves bring messages to organs. Later, Shel Kaplan decided to make the ComboPen into and EpiPen, a device that brings epinephrine to the body. The EpiPen was made in the 1977. Originally, the EpiPen was the ComboPen. The ComboPen was a device in the military that stopped a chemical in the body that contained phosphorus. This organic chemical would stop the communication between the nerves and the organs. On May 8, 1898, there was a Class I recall of EpiPens in countries such as the United States, Germany, Israel, Denmark, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Greece and South Africa. They needed an EpiPen recall because of manufacturing mistakes in these countries. The contents put in the EpiPen may have been defective. Other than this, there have not been many medical changes to the EpiPen, besides simple design changes. For example, in 2010, the EpiPen added a new safety cap that automatically expands over the needle after use to help prevent accidental needle sticks. The same concept and idea of EpiPens is used in other medications, such as Antihistamines, or steroids.
Gene therapy was invented in the 1980s when a group of scientists were able to isolate genes from DNA. In doing this, they made the major breakthrough in how to cure what originally could not be cured. Gene therapy was that breakthrough. It provides the opportunity to modify the genetic makeup of a cell. This way, unimaginable cures could be found and practiced. It was invented based on the discovery that retroviruses were effective in carrying genes into mouse DNA. From there, scientists took it to people and started to cure many things such as ADA, and severe hereditary immunodeficiency diseases, inherited retinal disease, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis, and some cancers.. However, since the idea is still relatively new, more research must be done in many other instances. It can be called a "work in progress." However, it is predicted that gene therapy will be successful in treating chronic lymphatic leulaemia and haemophilia B, Huntington’s disease, and sickle cell anemia.
Time Lines:
Asthma Medications:
Non Sedating Antihistamines:
EpiPens:
Gene Therapy:
Asthma treatments have developed into many different types and ways of administration. Some of these types are the metered-dose inhaler, the nebulizer, as well as oral administration. The metered-dose inhaler was introduced in 1956 and delivers a precise amount of asthma medication into the patient's lungs via inhalation. The original form of the metered-dose inhaler was made for the cosmetic industry to be used as a perfume dispenser. The nebulizer was introduced in the 1960s. It was made for patients who were not able to inhale deeply. It simply delivers a continuous dose of medication that is inhaled over time. It breaks down the medication into small aerosol particles making the medication more of a mist once it leaves the nebulizer. This enables the patients to take it in gradually, yet effectively. Another type of allergy medication is steroids. They are used to relieve the inflammation in the airways that cause asthma. Steroids and other inflammatory drugs also help patients by reducing the amount of mucus production in the airways and preventing asthma attacks by making the airways less sensitive to asthma triggers. They are used as inflammatory medications in many other circumstances that have to do with inflammation in the body. They are also used for patients recovering from cancer. They help rebuild the muscle tissue and restore testosterone levels in men after suffering from testicular cancer. Steroids are also used by athletes (illegally) to make them stronger also by building up the muscle tissue. The bronchodilator is another form of medication used to relieve asthma symptoms. It was invented in 1957. It was made originally for quick asthma relief by the dilation of the bronchial airways. It is now used for that purpose and it also can be used for a longer term effect. Here is an example of how the inhaler evolved through the years. In the past, a chemical called chlorofluorocarbon was used to deliver the aerosolized medications. Modern inhalers use a chemical called hydrofluoroalkane, which is more environmentally friendly.
The non-sedating antihistamine (or second generation antihistamine) was invented during the 1980s and it was made to improve the ability of first generation, stop drowsiness of first generation and you don't have to take it as often. The non -sedating antihistamine has not changedmuch since its perfection in the 1980s. It can be used to treat colds as well as allergy symptoms.
The EpiPen was first made as the ComboPen, invented by Shel Kaplan. The ComboPen was a device filled with an antidote used in the military that stopped a phosphorus-containing organic chemical in the body that disrupts the mechanism that helps the nerves bring messages to organs. Later, Shel Kaplan decided to make the ComboPen into and EpiPen, a device that brings epinephrine to the body. The EpiPen was made in the 1977. Originally, the EpiPen was the ComboPen. The ComboPen was a device in the military that stopped a chemical in the body that contained phosphorus. This organic chemical would stop the communication between the nerves and the organs. On May 8, 1898, there was a Class I recall of EpiPens in countries such as the United States, Germany, Israel, Denmark, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Greece and South Africa. They needed an EpiPen recall because of manufacturing mistakes in these countries. The contents put in the EpiPen may have been defective. Other than this, there have not been many medical changes to the EpiPen, besides simple design changes. For example, in 2010, the EpiPen added a new safety cap that automatically expands over the needle after use to help prevent accidental needle sticks. The same concept and idea of EpiPens is used in other medications, such as Antihistamines, or steroids.
Gene therapy was invented in the 1980s when a group of scientists were able to isolate genes from DNA. In doing this, they made the major breakthrough in how to cure what originally could not be cured. Gene therapy was that breakthrough. It provides the opportunity to modify the genetic makeup of a cell. This way, unimaginable cures could be found and practiced. It was invented based on the discovery that retroviruses were effective in carrying genes into mouse DNA. From there, scientists took it to people and started to cure many things such as ADA, and severe hereditary immunodeficiency diseases, inherited retinal disease, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis, and some cancers.. However, since the idea is still relatively new, more research must be done in many other instances. It can be called a "work in progress." However, it is predicted that gene therapy will be successful in treating chronic lymphatic leulaemia and haemophilia B, Huntington’s disease, and sickle cell anemia.
Time Lines:
Asthma Medications:
- 1550 BC: The Ebers Papyrus describes ancient Egyptian inhalation treatments for asthma.
- 1600 AD: Documented asthma attacks date back to this time.
- 1774: Joseph Priestly (1733-1804), credited with the discovery of oxygen, publishes his work on "dephlogisticated air" oxygen 3 months after a report by Carl Sheele.
- 1816: Rene T.H. Laennec (1776-1856) invents the stethoscope for chest auscultation and lays the foundation for modern pulmonology with his book Diseases of the Chest.
- 1860: Stokes and Hoppe-Seyler demonstrate the oxygen transport function of hemoglobin.
- 1897: Gustav Killian performs the first bronchoscopy in Germany.
- 1899: Dr. Thomas Willis defines specific Asthma symptoms for diagnosis.
- 1908: In 1908 George Poe demonstrated his mechanical respirator by asphyxiating dogs and seemingly bringing them back to life.
- 1943: Dr. Edwin R. Levine, MD began training technicians in basic inhalation therapy for post-surgical patients.
- 1946: Dr. Levine and his technicians formed the Inhalation Therapy Association.
- 1957: The bronchodilator was invented for quick asthma relief.
- 1961: Metaproterenol, the beta-2 bronchodilator is introduced.
- 1982: California passes the first modern licensure law governing the profession of respiratory care.
- 2004: Vermont becomes the 48th state to pass a Respiratory Care Act, effectively bringing legal credentialing to all 48 contiguous states in the United States.
- 2011-2012: The four scientists Rachel, Alicia, Clare and Laurel come up with an amazing invention idea
- 2031-2042: The Anti-Allergy Protein is invented
Non Sedating Antihistamines:
- 1910: Henry Dale and Patrick Laidlaw found out about how allergic reactions occur and named histamines
- 1937: They and other scientists invented the first antihistamine, but it was too weak and toxic for humans
- 1942- 1943: Bernard N. Halpern made the first usable antihistamine, Phenbenzamine
- 1955: By this time, researchers had developed six different classes of antihistamines
- 1980s: Researchers released the new and improved second generation/ non sedative antihistamines
- 2011-2012: The four scientists Rachel, Alicia, Clare and Laurel come up with an amazing invention idea
- 2031-2042: The Anti-Allergy Protein is invented
EpiPens:
- World War II- ComboPen invented, used for the American Military
- 1977- Shel Kaplan develops EpiPen
- -1980- EpiPen made public
- - 2009- Shel Kaplan dies at age 70
- -1998- Class I recall of EpiPens in United States, Germany, Israel, Denmark, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Greece and South Africa
- -2010- EpiPen gets a makeover: changes the model of the EpiPen, does not change the contents of the it, though
- -2011, CONTINUING- millions of people have prescriptions for EpiPens
Gene Therapy:
- 1980 – Richard Mulligan, an M.I.T. researcher, shows that genetically engineered mouse-leukemia retroviruses were effective messengers for carrying human genes into mouse DNA.
- 1989 – Dr. French Anderson, Eli Gilboa and Dr. Michael Blaese win approval from an National Institutes of Health (NIH) advisory panel for a test that would transfer bacterial genes into immune cells of terminal cancer patients. The trial paves the way for dozens of gene-therapy efforts.
- 1990 - Dr. French Anderson and Michael Blaese perform the world’s first officially approved gene therapy by manipulating human genes. The patient is a 4 year-old girl named Ashanti DeSilva. She inherited a defective gene from both parents and suffered from ADA (adenosine deaminase) deficiency. The scientists introduce millions of Ashanthi’s own white blood cells into her bloodstream that were extracted from Ashanthi’s blood and genetically engineered to contain a corrected (”therapeutic”) copy of the adenosine deaminase gene. The scientists hope these cells will restore Ashanthi’s immune function by producing a normal version of the defective enzyme. The treatment appears to have been a success.
- 1999 - The sudden death of Jesse Gelsinger, a patient undergoing experimental treatment for a rare liver disorder at the University of Pennsylvania, raises scores of questions about various aspects of gene therapy. Penn officials say Gelsinger’s immune system had a severe inflammatory reaction that caused multiple organs in his body to fail.
- 1999 - NIH discovers that researchers did not report 6 gene therapy patient deaths. Public backlash intensifies
- 2000 - Reporters uncover hundreds of unreported cases of “adverse effects” for gene therapy trail.
- 2001 - First germline gene transfer – 30 children born as a result of ooplasmic transfer. Ooplasmic transfer (also referred to as ooplasmic or cytoplasmic transplantation) is a fertility procedure used by women who cannot conceive because of defects in their ooplasm – their eggs’ cytoplasm. The procedure is performed by inserting healthy ooplasm from donor eggs into the eggs with defective ooplasm. By inserting healthy ooplasm from the donor eggs into the mother’s defective eggs, a small amount of mitochondrial DNA is transferred into the egg. This is considered germline gene transfer because the mitochondrial DNA of these children, and of their offspring, will always be from the donating mother.
- 2002 - Two children who were cured of “bubble baby syndrome” (X-SCID), were discovered to have developed a leukemia-type disease.
- 2003 - FDA temporarily halts gene therapy trials using retroviral vectors in blood stem cells. This is the first restriction of government regulation of gene therapy trails since they were allowed in 1989.
- 2011-2012: The four scientists Rachel, Alicia, Clare and Laurel come up with an amazing invention idea
- 2031-2042: The Anti-Allergy Protein is invented