Gamma-globulin mfr. for intravenous injection to treat infections

摘要

Prodn. of gamma-globulin, suitable for intravenous injection, comprises treating the gamma-globulin with the enzyme pepsin or uropepsin, at a pH of 6.0-7.5, pref. 6.5-7.0. Pref. both the gamma-globulin and the enzyme are of human origin. Therapeutic agents contg. a gamma-globulin and human uropepsin or uropepsinogen as stabiliser are also claimed. Pref. 0.01-5%, esp. 0.1-1%, of enzyme is used. Used for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of bacterial and viral infections by intravenous injection of gamma-globulin. Gamma-globulin purified by known methods produces serious side-effects (sudden reduction of blood pressure, chilling, vomitting, pyrexia, cyanosis and shock) when administered intravenously. Treatment of the purified gamma-globulin by known methods (e.g. treatment with proteolytic enzymes (pepsin)) to avoid the side-effects due to complement activation give a product with a very short half-life. The present treatment, with pepin or uropepsin at neutral pH, gives a product suitable for intravenous injection, with a long circulatory half-life and with retention of the opsonic activity of the gamma globulin.