Last reviewed · How we verify
Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme)
Dornase alfa is a recombinant human deoxyribonuclease that cleaves extracellular DNA in airway secretions, reducing mucus viscosity and improving clearance in cystic fibrosis lungs.
Dornase alfa is a recombinant human deoxyribonuclease that cleaves extracellular DNA in airway secretions, reducing mucus viscosity and improving clearance in cystic fibrosis lungs. Used for Cystic fibrosis with FEV1 ≥40% predicted, Improvement of pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Jena |
| Drug class | Recombinant enzyme |
| Target | Extracellular DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pulmonology / Respiratory |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
In cystic fibrosis patients, neutrophil-derived DNA accumulates in thick airway secretions, contributing to airway obstruction and chronic infection. Dornase alfa enzymatically degrades this extracellular DNA, reducing sputum viscosity and improving mucociliary clearance. This allows better airflow and reduces bacterial colonization and inflammation in the lungs.
Approved indications
- Cystic fibrosis with FEV1 ≥40% predicted
- Improvement of pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis patients
Common side effects
- Voice hoarseness
- Pharyngitis
- Laryngitis
- Rash
- Chest pain
- Dyspnea
Key clinical trials
- I-SPY COVID-19 TRIAL: An Adaptive Platform Trial for Critically Ill Patients (PHASE2)
- Intrapleural Alteplase-Tyloxapol vs Intrapleural Alteplase-DNase in Pleural Infection
- Pleural Irrigation With Normal Saline Versus Intrapleural Fibrinolytic (NA)
- Efficacy of Pulmozyme® on Arterial Recanalization in Post-thrombectomy Patients Managed for Ischemic Stroke (NETs-target) (PHASE2)
- Investigator Initiated Study to Assess the Safety of Combination of CLS-015 With Anti-CD-19 CAR-T Cells in Patients With Stable/Progressive Large B Cell Lymphoma at Lymphodepletion. (PHASE1)
- VATS Surgery Compared to Drainage in the Treatment of Pleural Empyema (NA)
- Dornase Alfa and Cisplatin in Refractory Germ Cell Cancer. (PHASE2)
- Inhaled Dornase Alpha to Reduce Respiratory Failure After Severe Trauma (PHASE3)
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 |