To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Immunex IL-4 Receptor Shown Safe in Mild Asthma Patients URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1EEA2.htm Doctor's Guide February 25, 1997
SEATTLE, Feb. 25, 1997 -- A new approach to stopping an allergic response was shown to be safe in patients enrolled in a Phase I study that was highlighted this weekend at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology meeting in San Francisco. The study of soluble Interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) was presented by lead investigator Larry Borish, M.D., of National Jewish Hospital in Denver, CO. The study evaluated drug safety, pharmacokinetics (blood levels of IL-4R in the body) and explored the biologic activity of IL-4R. IL-4R is an immune system protein, manufactured by Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX) that binds to and neutralizes the biological activity of another immune system protein, IL-4. "IL-4 is believed to be a mediator in the allergic response," said Dr. Borish. "By blocking IL-4, it is hoped that we can prevent or stop an allergic reaction." Sixteen mild asthmatic patients were evaluated in the study. Patients inhaled a single dose (five dose levels were evaluated) and were followed for seven days. Sixty-nine percent of patients in the study, which was not placebo-controlled, reported a decrease in asthma symptoms, after receiving a dose of IL-4R. Asthma symptoms included wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness and nocturnal asthma. The drug was well tolerated. Additional Phase I/II studies are now underway to further explore the safety, efficacy and optimal method of administration of IL-4R for treating allergic asthma. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.