Dornase alfa explained

Dornase alfa, sold under the brand name Pulmozyme, is used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. It is a recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase), an enzyme which selectively cleaves DNA. Dornase alfa hydrolyzes the DNA present in sputum/mucus and reduces viscosity in the lungs, promoting improved clearance of secretions. It is produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Medical uses

Dornase alfa is indicated for the management of people with cystic fibrosis to improve pulmonary function.

Society and culture

Legal status

Dornase alfa is an orphan drug.^[1]

Research

Dornase alfa has been shown to improve lung function in non-cystic fibrosis pre-term infants atelectasis.^{[2] [3]}

Notes and References

1. Collier. Joe. Dornase-alfa and orphan drugs. The Lancet. 1 September 1995. 346. 8975. 633. 10.1016/S0140-6736(95)91460-9. 7651014. 5456247.
2. Erdeve O, Uras N, Atasay B, Arsan S. Efficacy and safety of nebulized recombinant human DNase as rescue treatment for persistent atelectasis in newborns: case-series. . Croat Med J . 2007 . 48 . 2 . 234–9 . 17436388 . 2080511 .
3. Hendriks T, de Hoog M, Lequin MH, Devos AS, Merkus PJ. DNase and atelectasis in non-cystic fibrosis pediatric patients. . Crit Care . 2005 . 9 . 4 . R351-6 . 16137347 . 10.1186/cc3544 . 1269442 . free .