title: Interferon-gamma therapy: evaluation of routes of administration and delivery systems.
abstract: Although different routes and delivery systems have been used to deliver interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) for the treatment of a variety of viral and neoplastic diseases, little has been reported regarding the most efficient and least toxic routes and drug delivery modes required to achieve these goals. To have a greater understanding of the best strategies to use to administer this cytokine in an efficient, stable, and safe manner, this review details aspects of IFN-gamma concerning its mechanism of action, physical properties, and pharmacokinetics. One important conclusion that is drawn from this analysis is that a consistent, local concentration of IFN-gamma is necessary to achieve an optimal therapeutic response. A critical discussion covering the advantages and limitations of the currently used methodologies to deliver IFN-gamma in such a fashion is presented.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2N8, Canada.
authors.forename: Husam M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Younes
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Amsden
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004304:Dosage Forms; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004304:Dosage Forms; D007371:Interferon-gamma