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DNase
DNase is a recombinant deoxyribonuclease enzyme that breaks down extracellular DNA in viscous secretions, reducing mucus viscosity and improving airway clearance.
DNase is a recombinant deoxyribonuclease enzyme that breaks down extracellular DNA in viscous secretions, reducing mucus viscosity and improving airway clearance. Used for Cystic fibrosis (to improve airway clearance and reduce respiratory infections), Bronchiectasis (off-label use in some cases).
At a glance
| Generic name | DNase |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pulmozyme (Dornase alfa), pulmozyme, Pulmozyme |
| Sponsor | The Hospital for Sick Children |
| Drug class | Recombinant enzyme |
| Target | Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory / Pulmonary |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
DNase cleaves extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that accumulates in airway secretions, particularly in cystic fibrosis patients where neutrophil-derived DNA contributes to thick, sticky mucus. By degrading this DNA, the enzyme reduces sputum viscosity and elasticity, facilitating better mucociliary clearance and improving lung function. This mechanism helps reduce airway obstruction and infection risk in patients with compromised airway clearance.
Approved indications
- Cystic fibrosis (to improve airway clearance and reduce respiratory infections)
- Bronchiectasis (off-label use in some cases)
Common side effects
- Voice hoarseness
- Pharyngitis
- Laryngitis
- Chest pain
- Hemoptysis
- Dyspnea
Key clinical trials
- Intravenous DNase I for the Treatment of Sepsis (IDEALSepsisI) (PHASE1)
- Intrapleural Alteplase-Tyloxapol vs Intrapleural Alteplase-DNase in Pleural Infection
- Pleural Irrigation With Normal Saline Versus Intrapleural Fibrinolytic (NA)
- Chest Drain Regular Flushing in Complicated Parapneumonic Effusions and Empyemas (NA)
- VATS Surgery Compared to Drainage in the Treatment of Pleural Empyema (NA)
- Once Daily Intrapleural Enzyme Therapy in Complicated Parapneumonic Effusion or Empyema (PHASE4)
- Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Saline Irrigation as an Add-On Therapy for Retained Pleural Infections [LYTICS +] (PHASE2)
- I-TRUST: Implementation of Teleophthalmology in Rural Health Systems Study (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- DNase CI brief — competitive landscape report
- DNase updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- The Hospital for Sick Children portfolio CI