What is Durvalumab? Durvalumab is an investigational human monoclonal antibody directed against the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein. Signals from PD-L1 help tumours avoid detection by the immune system. Durvalumab blocks these signals, countering the tumourâs immune-evading tactics. The antibody belongs to an emerging class of immunotherapies commonly referred to as checkpoint inhibitors, because they remove checks the body places on immune activation.
(At the same time, it also causes the kidneys to eliminate potassium.) The body then becomes overloaded with salt and water, and this worsens the heart failure. Spironolactone inhibits the action of aldosterone thereby causing the kidneys to excrete salt and fluid in the urine while retaining potassium. Therefore, spironolactone is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, a drug that promotes the output of urine (diuretic) while allowing the kidneys to retain potassium. The FDA approved spironolactone in October 1985.
Spironolactone, the first member of the class, is also used in the management of hyperaldosteronism (including Conn's syndrome) and female hirsutism (due to additional antiandrogen actions). Most antimineralocorticoids, including spironolactone, are steroidal spirolactones.