Mr. Jinx health/stuff update

Feline Omega Interferon. Interferons are specialized proteins produced by the body to direct the immune response. Type 1 interferons enhance the activity of CD8+ lymphocytes and of NK cells and inhibit overproduction of B cells and antibody synthesis. They also exert direct antiviral action by stimulating cellular enzymes to inactivate viral (e.g., herpesvirus and calicivirus) RNA (mRNA); against HIV, this action occurs only in macrophages, not in T-cells. Virbagen Feline Omega interferon , produced from feline cells by recombinant technology, has recently been licensed in Europe for treatment of FeLV and FIV; however, it is not yet available in the U.S. Word from Virbac, the manufacturer, projected availability in Canada in May, 2005, in the U.S. “after that.” Neither has happened to date. It can, however, be procured from abroad for use in the U.S. (The North American rights to recombinant feline interferon were sold by the Japanese developer, Toray, to Scherring Plough, not Virbac. For whatever reason, Schering Plough has not marketed a product.) Several studies have shown substantial improvement in health and survival rates of FIV+ animals receiving it, though in a recent FIV study, short-term administration did not improve viral load and produced only modest white cell gains. Particularly useful in treatment of FIV-related oral inflammation. Most common side effect is fever spike several hours after injection. Usual protocol for administration is a series of five daily injections, repeated at day 14 and day 60. In a 2006 update on use for symptomatic FIV, Virbac recommended monitoring clinical and hematological status after each group of five injections and stopping therapy in the event of either nonresponse or a return to normality. For the first time, it also recommended subsequent five-injection series in the event of relapse. Some people give individual injections as maintenance every three to four weeks following the end of the 3 x 5 protocol, a practice not endorsed by the manufacturer. Dosage: 1MU/kg SubQ. Some people give the interferon in a highly dilute form for mucosal absorption, the method widely used to give alpha interferon. (Bud’s Dosage: 4 MU in five-injections series, followed by monthly injections) U.S. procurement information available on request. Read more . . . “Interferons and FIV”

Note: Human Alpha Interferon has been used for viral infections and inflammatory conditions common among cats with FIV. Because high-dose injectable Human Alpha Interferon (unlike Feline Omega) provokes a foreign-substance immune response in cats, it quickly loses potency. Oral administration in a highly dilute form is usual, but its efficacy has not been universally supported. A new Italian study has found clear clinical benefit and survival value for cats treated with low dose oral huIFN-α. Although viral load remained unaffected, a strong immunomodulating effect was evident. However, the study did not make use of the recombinant interferon currently available; it used a mixed “natural” interferon-α containing multiple molecular subtypes of huIFN-α, instead of only one, as with the recombinant product. When contacted, the head of the research team said that he regarded the type of interferon used as integral to the result. Multiferon, the trade name for a mixed natural huIFN-a product manufactured by Viragen, is made in Sweden and currently being marketed for human use in other countries. Alfaferone, the product used in the study, is produced in Italy. A mixed natural interferon-α is available in the U.S. called Alferon. To view (in a new window) reports on informal trials with natural interferon-α among members of the FIV-HealthScience forum, click here. Procurement and dosage information available on request.
Read more . . . “Interferons and FIV”

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