AbstractThe pharmacological and immunological properties of interferons, especially those
of interferon beta, and the corresponding treatment strategies are described,
and the results of studies with different interferons in coronavirus infections
are analysed. Furthermore, the data obtained with high-dosed native interferon
beta in life-threatening acute viral diseases as well as the results of clinical
pilot studies with high-dosed recombinant interferon beta-1a are provided
because they serve as the rationale for the proposed therapeutic regimen to be
applied in acute viral infections. This regimen differs from those approved for
treatment of multiple sclerosis and consists of interferon beta-1a administered
as a 24 hour intravenous infusion at a daily dose of up to 90 µg for
3–5 consecutive days. Since under this regimen transient severe side
effects can occur, it is analysed which patients are suitable for this kind of
treatment in general and if patients with severe coronavirus infections could
also be treated accordingly.
Background: Pilot studies of adjuvant therapy with topically applied interferons (IFN) have shown promising results in reducing the recurrence of condylomata acuminata (CA). Objective: The aim of this multicenter placebo-controlled, double-blind study was to confirm the efficacy and safety of topically applied IFN in a large sample of patients. Methods: After removal of CA by CO2 laser surgery, electrocautery or cryosurgery, 120 patients applied either recombinant IFN-β (0.15 or 1.0 × 106 IU/g) or placebo gel to the affected areas 5 times daily for 4 weeks. The patients were followed for a total of 24 weeks or until recurrence of CA was observed, respectively. Results: In the 105 patients evaluated for efficacy after 24 weeks, recurrence rates were 75% (27/36 patients) in the placebo group, 62% (21/34) in the 1.0 × 106 IU/g group (n.s.) and 54% (19/35) in the 0.15 × 106 IU/g group (p = 0.034). Only few mild adverse events were noted, which were almost limited to the application site. Conclusion: Topical application of gel containing 0.15 × 106 IU/g recombinant IFN-β is safe and appears to reduce the recurrence of CA after surgical treatment.
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