Matthias Vogel

Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte

Since its release as anti-anemic drug, recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) gradually entered the illicit way to sports competitions as endurance-enhancing drug. Novel modifications biopharmaceutically introduced into the rEPO molecule in the form of carbohydrate or polyethylene glycol moieties made robust and sensitive test methods vital to doping co...

The development of a new class of erythropoietin mimetic agents (EMA) for treating anemic conditions has been initiated with the discovery of oligopeptides capable of dimerizing the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor and thus stimulating erythropoiesis. The most promising amino acid sequences have been mounted on various different polymeric structures o...

Human erythropoietin (hEPO) is an erythropoiesis stimulating hormone frequently employed in anti-anemia therapy. Its capability to increase the amount of red blood cells however makes hEPO and its derivatives also attractive to dishonest athletes aiming at an artificial and illicit enhancement of their endurance performance. A major objective of th...

AICAR (5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxyamide ribonucleoside) arguably provides performance-enhancing properties even in the absence of physical exercise and, therefore, the substance is banned in elite sports since 2009. Due to the natural presence of AICAR in human blood and urine, uncovering the misuse by direct qualitative analysis is not possible. En...

Hormonal contraception is one of the most commonly used methods for preventing unintended pregnancies, but its potential link to an increased risk of depression remains controversial. Clinical and epidemiological studies provide conflicting evidence, often influenced by group-related biases. To address these uncertainties, our research examines the...

Objective Sulfonylureas (SUs) are still among the mostly prescribed antidiabetic drugs with an established mode of action: release of insulin from pancreatic β-cells. In addition, effects of SUs on adipocytes by activation of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) have been described, which might explain their ins...

Since its introduction to the market in 1960, hormonal contraception has been heralded as a groundbreaking advancement in women's sexual autonomy, swiftly emerging as a cornerstone in the prevention of unintended pregnancies. Even today, after over six decades, oral hormonal contraception remains a pivotal contraceptive method in many Western natio...

Hormonal contraception is a widely adopted method for preventing unintended pregnancies, giving women effective control over their reproductiveness. However, a concerning association has been observed between hormonal contraception and an increased risk of mental illness, particularly depression. The evidence for this association primarily relies o...

The modulatory interactions between neurotensin (NT) and the dopaminergic neurotransmitter system in the brain suggest that NT may be associated with the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). NT exerts its neurophysiological effects by interactions with the human NT receptors type 1 (hNTS1) and 2 (hNTS2). Therefore, both receptor subtypes are pr...

Depressionen sind laut der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) eine weit verbreitete Erkrankung mit einer weltweiten Prävalenz von 3,8 Prozent. Über die Risikofaktoren für die Entwicklung einer Depression ist wenig bekannt. Es scheint jedoch klar zu sein, dass sie multifaktoriell bedingt ist und ein komplexes Zusammenspiel von sozialen, psychischen u...

Steroid hormone use is still popular among athletes; according to the 2021 testing figures of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), almost 900 samples tested positive for steroids. Steroids are also widely used for medical reasons, e.g., hormonal contraception, hormone replacement therapy, or cancer treatment. In addition to the desired therapeutic...

Depression is a common disorder with a worldwide prevalence of 3.8 %, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Little is known about the risk factors for the development of depression. However, it seems clear that it is multifactorial and requires a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. A possible influence...

In 2018, high levels of the IARC class IIA carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) were analytically verified in the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) valsartan, resulting in extensive regulatory action on angiotensin-II-receptor antagonists and recall of finished drug products by the pharmaceutical industry to ensure patient safety. The root...

Heat sterilization of glucose solutions can lead to the formation of various glucose degradation products (GDPs) due to oxidation, hydrolysis, and dehydration. GDPs can have toxic effects after parenteral administration due to their high reactivity. In this study, the application of the F0 concept to modify specific time/temperature models during h...

During heat sterilization of glucose solutions, a variety of glucose degradation products (GDPs) may be formed. GDPs can cause cytotoxic effects after parenteral administration of these solutions. The aim of the current study therefore was to develop a simple and quick high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method by which the major GDP...

Mammalian ω3- and ω6-PUFAs are synthesized from essential fatty acids (EFAs) or supplied by the diet. PUFAs are constitutive elements of membrane architecture and precursors of lipid signaling molecules. EFAs and long-chain (LC)-PUFAs are precursors in the synthesis of endocannabinoid ligands of Gi/o protein-coupled cannabinoid receptor (CB)1 and C...

Sotatercept (formerly ACE-011) is a glycosylated, dimeric fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the human activin receptor type IIA (ActRIIA) and the Fc region of human IgG1. The protein-based drug candidate acts as ligand trap which competitively binds to activin A and other members of the transforming growth factor beta superfami...

Rationale: Therapeutic approaches concerning attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly include the administration of drugs amplifying cerebral dopamine and norepinephrine signals. Among these, compounds belonging to the Prohibited List as established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) are present such as amfetamine or methylphen...