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Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1B

Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1B is a promising drug currently being studied in clinical trials for its potential to treat various medical conditions. This article explores the ongoing research into its effectiveness and safety in treating ventilator-associated pneumonia, post-aggressive immunosuppression, and candidemia. These trials aim to evaluate how this drug can improve patient outcomes in intensive care settings and combat specific infections.

Table of Contents

What is Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b?

Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b, also known as rIFN-γ, is a laboratory-made version of a naturally occurring protein in our bodies called interferon gamma. This medication is designed to boost the immune system and help fight various diseases[1]. It is available under brand names such as Imukin and Immukine[2].

Medical Conditions Treated

Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b is being studied for its potential to treat several medical conditions, including:

  • Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): A type of lung infection that occurs in patients on mechanical ventilation[1].
  • Post-Aggressive Immunosuppression: A condition where the immune system is weakened following a severe illness or injury[2].
  • Candidemia: A bloodstream infection caused by Candida yeast species[3].

How It Works

Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b works by enhancing the body’s immune response. It helps activate certain immune cells, such as macrophages, which play a crucial role in fighting infections. The medication also helps in:

  • Improving the body’s ability to recognize and destroy harmful pathogens[1].
  • Boosting the expression of important immune markers, such as HLA-DR, which helps in presenting antigens to other immune cells[2].
  • Potentially reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with VAP[1].
  • Assisting in clearing infections, such as candidemia, from the bloodstream[3].

Administration and Dosage

Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it’s injected just under the skin. The dosage and duration of treatment can vary depending on the specific condition being treated:

  • For VAP: 100 μg/day for a total duration of 5 days[1].
  • For post-aggressive immunosuppression: 0.1 mg daily for 3 days[2].
  • For candidemia: 50 μg/m² of body surface area, with the duration determined by the healthcare provider[3].

Current Clinical Trials

Several clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the effectiveness of Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b:

  • The IGNORANT study is investigating its use in treating VAP in intensive care patients[1].
  • The INFINITY trial is examining its effect on post-aggressive immunosuppression in intensive care units[2].
  • A study is evaluating its safety and efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for candidemia[3].

These trials aim to determine how well the medication works, identify patients who might benefit most from the treatment, and understand its effects on the immune system.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

As with any medication, Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b may cause side effects. Some potential concerns include:

  • Hypersensitivity reactions: Some patients may be allergic to the medication or its components[2].
  • Liver and kidney function: Patients with severe liver or kidney problems may need special consideration[2][3].
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The medication is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women[1][2][3].

It’s important to discuss any concerns or existing medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b.

Trial Name Condition Main Objective Key Inclusion Criteria Primary Endpoint
IGNORANT study Ventilator-acquired pneumonia Evaluate efficacy in reducing mechanical ventilation duration Adults in ICU, mechanical ventilation >5 days, first VAP episode, mHLA-DR < 8000 AB/C Mechanical ventilation-free days through D28
INFINITY study Post-aggressive immunosuppression Improve days alive without mechanical ventilation at D28 Adults in ICU, SOFA score ≥6, mHLA-DR < 8000 AB/C Number of days alive without mechanical ventilation on day 28
Candidemia study Candidemia Evaluate efficacy and safety as adjunctive treatment Adults with positive blood culture for Candida species within 120 hours Time to first negative blood culture

FAQ

  • What is Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1B? Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1B is a laboratory-made version of a naturally occurring protein in the body that helps regulate immune responses. It is being studied as a potential treatment for various medical conditions, particularly those involving the immune system.
  • What medical conditions are being studied with this drug? The clinical trials are investigating the use of Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1B in treating ventilator-associated pneumonia, post-aggressive immunosuppression in intensive care patients, and candidemia (a bloodstream infection caused by Candida species).
  • How is the drug administered in these trials? In the trials, the drug is typically administered through subcutaneous injection, which means it's injected just under the skin. The dosage and duration of treatment vary depending on the specific trial and condition being studied.
  • What are the main goals of these clinical trials? The main goals of these trials are to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1B in treating the specified conditions. Researchers are looking at outcomes such as reduced duration of mechanical ventilation, improved immune response, and faster clearance of infections.
  • Are there any known side effects or contraindications for this drug? While the trials are still ongoing, some known contraindications include hypersensitivity to the drug or its components, severe liver failure, and a history of epileptic seizures. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also typically excluded from these trials. As with any medication, potential side effects are being closely monitored during the studies.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1B

  • Study on Preventing Infections in ICU Patients with Interferon Gamma and Sodium Chloride

    Recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Study on the Effect of Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b for Patients with Post-Aggressive Immunosuppression in Intensive Care

    Recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Study on Recombinant Human Interferon Gamma 1b and Sodium Chloride for Treating Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in ICU Patients

    Recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Study of Recombinant Interferon-Gamma 1b Combined with Standard Treatment for Patients with Candidemia: Safety and Effectiveness Evaluation

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany Greece The Netherlands Romania

Glossary

  • Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): A type of lung infection that occurs in people who are on mechanical ventilation breathing machines in hospitals.
  • Post-aggressive immunosuppression: A condition where the immune system is weakened following a severe illness or injury, making the patient more susceptible to infections.
  • Candidemia: A bloodstream infection caused by Candida species, a type of yeast that can cause serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
  • mHLA-DR: A marker on certain immune cells that can indicate the state of the immune system. Low levels may suggest immunosuppression.
  • SOFA score: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, a scoring system used to determine the extent of a person's organ function or rate of failure in intensive care units.
  • Subcutaneous injection: A method of administering medication by injecting it into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle.
  • Immunotherapy: Treatment that uses certain parts of a person's immune system to fight diseases such as cancer or infections.
  • Mycological outcome: The result of treatment on fungal infections, often measured by the presence or absence of the fungus after treatment.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-recombinant-human-interferon-gamma-1b-and-sodium-chloride-for-treating-ventilator-associated-pneumonia-in-icu-patients/
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effect-of-recombinant-human-interferon-gamma-1b-for-patients-with-post-aggressive-immunosuppression-in-intensive-care/
  3. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-safety-and-effectiveness-of-recombinant-human-interferon-gamma-1b-with-standard-therapy-for-patients-with-candidemia/