Therapeutic potential for orally administered type 1 interferons.
Interferons (IFNs), with annual global sales valued at more than US$4 billion, have therapeutic value in the treatment of viral, neoplastic and autoimmune diseases. Parenteral administration by high-dose injection can, however, cause serious side effects. Significant improvement in the therapeutic index of IFNs could be achieved with oral administration. Using this route, dose-related side effects are not seen, and efficacy is maintained in both animal studies and human clinical trials. Oral IFN administration appears to mimic a natural innate immune response. As such, it may represent an alternative delivery strategy to make better use of these critical cytokines.
Beilharz
MW
Department of Microbiology, The University of Western Australia, QE II Medical Centre, L Block, Monash Avenue, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia 6009.