Uses
Cystic fibrosis therapy adjunct.
brand name
Pulmozyme (Genentech).
General Description
Dornase alpha (Pulmozyme) is ahighly purified solution of recombinant human deoxyribonucleaseI (rhDNAse). It is indicated for use in cystic fibrosisbecause of its ability to liquefy secretions from thelung effectively. It accomplishes this by cleaving the extracellularDNA in purulent sputum and reducing the viscosityand elasticity of the secretion.
Clinical Use
To improve pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis
Metabolism
Dornase alfa acts as a mucolytic by hydrolysing DNA that
has accumulated in sputum from decaying neutrophils.
It is expected to be metabolised by proteases present in
biological fluids.