Icatibant injection, a synthetic, highly selective peptidomimetic bradykinin B₂ receptor antagonist, is specifically designed to target and competitively inhibit the binding of endogenous bradykinin to its cognate B₂ receptor with high affinity and specificity. Unlike non-specific anti-edematous agents that only alleviate symptoms superficially, it acts by directly interrupting the ligand-receptor interaction, thereby rapidly blocking the final common pathway that leads to increased vascular permeability and tissue edema in HAE acute attacks. Through this precise mechanism of action, icatibant can quickly reverse the bradykinin-mediated pathological effects, including the disruption of endothelial cell junctions and the extravasation of fluid into interstitial spaces. As a result, it can reduce the severity of tissue edema within a short period (typically within 30 minutes to several hours after administration) and effectively relieve the full spectrum of acute HAE symptoms, ranging from cutaneous swellings and gastrointestinal distress to life-threatening upper airway obstruction. Administered via subcutaneous injection, it offers the advantages of rapid absorption, predictable pharmacokinetic profiles, and a favorable safety profile with minimal off-target effects. In clinical practice, it serves as a first-line rescue therapy for HAE acute attacks, providing patients with timely, targeted, and life-saving therapeutic intervention to mitigate acute symptoms and prevent potentially catastrophic complications.
Our Products Description






Icatibant COA
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| Certificate of Analysis | ||
| Compound name | Icatibant | |
| Grade | Pharmaceutical grade | |
| CAS No. | 130308-48-4 | |
| Quantity | 40g | |
| Packaging standard | PE bag+Al foil bag | |
| Manufacturer | Shaanxi BLOOM TECH Co., Ltd | |
| Lot No. | 202501090088 | |
| MFG | Jan 9th 2025 | |
| EXP | Jan 8th 2028 | |
| Structure |
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| Item | Enterprise standard | Analysis result |
| Appearance | White or almost white powder | Conformed |
| Water content | ≤5.0% | 0.54% |
| Loss on drying | ≤1.0% | 0.42% |
| Heavy Metals | Pb≤0.5ppm | N.D. |
| As≤0.5ppm | N.D. | |
| Hg≤0.5ppm | N.D. | |
| Cd≤0.5ppm | N.D. | |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99.0% | 99.97% |
| Single impurity | <0.8% | 0.52% |
| Total microbial count | ≤750cfu/g | 95 |
| E. Coli | ≤2MPN/g | N.D. |
| Salmonella | N.D. | N.D. |
| Ethanol (by GC) | ≤5000ppm | 500ppm |
| Storage | Store in a sealed, dark, and dry place below -20°C | |
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| Chemical Formula | C59H89N19O13S |
| Exact Mass | 1303.66 |
| Molecular Weight | 1304.54 |
| m/z | 390.14 (100.0%), 391.14 (15.1%), 392.14 (1.8%), 391.14 (1.5%), 392.15 (1.1%) |
| Elemental Analysis | C, 54.32; H, 6.88; N, 20.40; O, 15.94; S, 2.46 |

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder, with acute attacks clinically characterized by excessive bradykinin accumulation as the core initiating pathological event. Unlike the transient fluctuations of bradykinin under normal physiological conditions, this sudden and unregulated surge of bradykinin triggers a series of pro-edema biological responses. Its primary mechanism of action involves disrupting the balance between vasoconstriction and vasodilation, directly leading to a rapid and abnormal increase in vascular endothelial permeability.
This pathological alteration in vascular permeability allows plasma components and interstitial fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, resulting in localized non-pitting edema. The most commonly affected sites include the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and upper respiratory tract. Among them, cutaneous edema typically presents as well-demarcated, painful swelling that may involve the face, limbs, or trunk; gastrointestinal edema is often accompanied by severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, making it easily misdiagnosed as an acute abdominal condition; the most dangerous manifestation is upper respiratory tract edema-particularly laryngeal edema-which can rapidly lead to airway obstruction and subsequent respiratory failure. Icatibant injection provides precise therapeutic intervention for this condition.
Relieve edema in the skin
As a highly selective bradykinin B ₂ receptor antagonist, Icatibant's core logic for alleviating edema in different parts of the body is to competitively block the binding of bradykinin to B ₂ receptors on target tissue vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells, inhibiting vascular dilation and increased permeability, thereby reducing interstitial fluid accumulation. However, due to the different anatomical structures and physiological functions of the skin, intestines, and upper respiratory tract, there are significant differences in the relief process and clinical effects.
Cutaneous edema is the most common type of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attack, frequently involving the extremities, trunk, face, or genitalia.
(I)Mechanism of Action
Icatibant primarily targets the B₂ receptors on capillary endothelial cells within the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The skin's capillary network is extensive and highly permeable. During an HAE attack, the massive release of bradykinin causes endothelial cell contraction and widening of intercellular gaps, leading to plasma extravasation into the subcutaneous tissue and resulting in swelling.
(II)Relief Process and Characteristics

Rapid Onset
Following subcutaneous injection, Icatibant injection is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream via subcutaneous capillaries. It binds to target receptors in the skin within 15-30 minutes, blocking the ongoing effects of bradykinin. Initial relief of the tightness and burning sensation at the edema site is often observed first.

Pattern of Resolution
For mild to moderate cutaneous edema, the swelling typically begins to reduce within 1-2 hours after administration, with significant improvement seen within 4-6 hours. Complete resolution of severe edema (e.g., involving the face or genitalia) may require 12-24 hours. Importantly, it does not leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or tissue fibrosis.

High Specificity
It specifically inhibits bradykinin-mediated edema and is ineffective against skin swelling caused by allergies (histamine-mediated) or infections. This differential efficacy can aid in the differential diagnosis of HAE.
(III)Clinical Significance
Although cutaneous edema is rarely life-threatening, it significantly impairs patients' mobility and appearance. It enables early intervention at home, preventing the progression of edema that can lead to limb movement restriction and reducing the psychological burden associated with visible disfigurement.
Relief of Intestinal Edema
Intestinal edema is the type of HAE acute attack most prone to misdiagnosis. The lesions primarily involve the submucosa of the small intestine, with some cases extending to the colon.

(I)Mechanism of Action
It targets the B₂ receptors on vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in the intestinal submucosa. The intestinal submucosa has a dense vascular network and a well-developed smooth muscle layer. In addition to increasing vascular permeability and causing edema, bradykinin also stimulates smooth muscle spasms, thereby triggering severe abdominal pain.
(II)Significant Advantage in Shortening Disease Course
Traditional antispasmodics (e.g., pinaverium bromide) only provide temporary pain relief and cannot halt edema progression, allowing intestinal attacks to last 2-5 days. In contrast, it can shorten the disease course to 1-2 days and helps prevent complications like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by severe vomiting and diarrhea.


(III)Clinical Significance
The symptoms of an intestinal edema attack highly resemble those of acute abdominal conditions (e.g., appendicitis, intestinal obstruction), easily leading to unnecessary surgical interventions. The rapid pain relief and edema resolution provided by Icatibant can assist clinicians in quickly differentiating HAE intestinal attacks from surgical acute abdomen, thereby reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Pain Relief Precedes Edema Resolution:
Unlike the sequence observed in cutaneous edema, the effect of Icatibant injection on intestinal edema first manifests as the relief of smooth muscle spasms. After binding to B₂ receptors on smooth muscle cells, the drug rapidly inhibits bradykinin-induced intestinal hypermotility and spasms. Most patients experience significant reduction or complete cessation of paroxysmal abdominal colic within 30-60 minutes after administration.
Edema Resolution Accompanies Restoration of Digestive Function:
The resolution of intestinal mucosal edema is slightly slower than pain relief. Typically, within 2-4 hours after administration, vascular permeability in the submucosa normalizes, intestinal wall edema decreases, and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating gradually subside. Complete restoration of normal intestinal motility and absorption function usually requires 8-12 hours.

Relief of Upper Respiratory Tract Edema
Upper respiratory tract edema is the most critical type of HAE attack, involving the pharynx, larynx, and upper trachea. In severe cases, it can lead to airway obstruction and suffocation.

It targets the B₂ receptors on submucosal blood vessels and tracheal smooth muscle cells in the upper respiratory tract. The submucosal tissue in this area is loose and highly vascularized. Bradykinin-mediated increase in vascular permeability rapidly causes mucosal swelling, compressing the airway. Simultaneously, bradykinin stimulates tracheal smooth muscle contraction, further narrowing the airway.

Emergency-Level Onset
For life-threatening attacks like laryngeal edema, this drug administered via subcutaneous injection can bind to target receptors within 15 minutes, halting edema progression. It first alleviates prodromal symptoms such as throat tightness, hoarseness, and dysphagia, preventing the spread of edema to the glottis.
Dual Mechanism of Action
It not only blocks increased vascular permeability to reduce mucosal edema but also inhibits tracheal smooth muscle spasms, alleviating symptoms like wheezing and dyspnea, achieving a dual emergency effect of "edema reduction + spasm relief."


Requirement for Combined Airway Support
For patients with severe airway narrowing, Icatibant should be used in conjunction with airway support measures such as endotracheal intubation or cricothyrotomy. While the drug takes time to resolve edema, airway support ensures patient ventilation during the critical intervention window, reducing mortality.
Short Treatment Course
The relief of upper respiratory tract edema is "non-recurrent." Once the drug blocks bradykinin's effects, the edema does not recur. Most patients achieve complete restoration of airway function within 6-12 hours after administration.

Clinical Significance
Untreated HAE laryngeal edema carries a mortality rate exceeding 30%. As a first-line emergency medication, Icatibant enables rapid intervention either pre-hospital or in-hospital and is a core drug for reducing HAE mortality. Furthermore, its portability and suitability for self-administration allow patients to administer the drug at the earliest onset of symptoms, avoiding delays in seeking medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the drug icatibant used for?
Icatibant injection is used to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). Icatibant works by blocking a chemical in the body that causes swelling, inflammation, and pain for patients with HAE. This medicine is not a cure for HAE
How fast does icatibant work?
Icatibant self-administration was generally effective: first symptom improvement occurred in 5 min–2 h (HAE type I; n = 17) and 8 min–1 h (HAE type III; n = 9) for abdominal attacks and 5–30 min (HAE type I; n = 4) and 10 min–12 h (HAE type III; n = 6) for laryngeal attacks.
FIRAZYR is available as a 3-mL, prefilled, single-use syringe (30 mg). If response is inadequate or symptoms recur, additional doses may be administered at intervals of 6 hours or longer.
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