WorldAugust 27, 2026

endopeptidase

EN-doh-PEP-ti-days

Definition

A type of enzyme that breaks down proteins by cleaving internal peptide bonds within the protein chain, rather than acting on the terminal ends.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'endon' meaning 'within' and the term 'peptidase', which refers to enzymes that break down peptides. It describes the enzyme's specific biochemical function of cutting inside a protein molecule.

In the news

The article refers to 'neutral endopeptidase inhibitor' (NEPi) as one of the two active ingredients in the drug Entresto. Understanding this enzyme type is critical to grasping how the medicine works to treat heart failure.

A 'close call' on plausibility: Patents Court finds Novartis' Entresto patent application sufficient in Accord's UK revocation challenge

Read the full article ↗

Mishcon de Reya LLP

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