Icatibant

FDA approved

Icatibant (Firazyr) is a 10-amino acid bradykinin receptor blocker approved by the FDA in 2011 to treat acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE), a genetic condition causing sudden severe swelling.

At a glance

Where it acts: Immune & defense
Regulatory status: FDA approvedApproved by the U.S. FDA for at least one medical use.

Mechanism of Action

In HAE, excess bradykinin makes blood vessels leaky. Icatibant is a synthetic peptide that competitively blocks the bradykinin B2 receptor, reducing swelling, pain and inflammation during an attack.

Typical Dosage (Research)

Prescription-only medicine. Dosing is set by a physician according to the FDA-approved label and the condition being treated.

Side Effects & Risks

Injection site reactions (very common), fever, raised liver enzymes, dizziness and rash.

Laryngeal attacks still require emergency care after injection. May theoretically worsen heart ischemia because bradykinin has protective effects.

Who Uses Icatibant

Adults with hereditary angioedema who need on-demand treatment of attacks, often self-administered.