Treatment of inflammation using 1-antichymotrypsin

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The objects of the present invention can be achieved by the administration of purified alpha 1-antichymotrypsin in suitable pharmaceutical form to patients suffering from inflammatory conditions.
The compositions of the invention include those in a form adapted for oral, topical or parenteral use and may be used for the treatment of the inflammation in mammals including humans.
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises the compound of this invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
The compound may be used alone or in combination with other serine protease inhibitors to provide a broad spectrum of treatment.
Preferably, alpha 1-antitrypsin is utilized.
The above-described compounds may be effectively utilized when applied topically to the eye in a concentration of from about 0.
05% to 5% by weight.
The compounds may be incorporated into various types of ophthalmic formulations according to known techniques.
Ophthalmic solutions and suspensions are the preferred dosage forms.
Typically such dosage forms are adjusted to isotonicity with sodium chloride.
Thickening agents such as carboxymethylcellulose, or carbopol may also be employed to enhance delivery.
The pH of such dosage forms is typically adjusted to be within the range of 6.
0 to 8.
0 with HCl or NaOH.
Unit dose compositions comprising a compound of this invention adapted for oral administration form a further suitable composition aspect of this invention.
Orally administrable composition are of use as synergistically effective blood levels can be expected at high doses and at lower doses such compositions may be used to treat inflammations in the ureal tract.
Suitably the weight of the compound of this invention in a unit dosage form of this invention will be from 50 to 500 mg and more suitably from 50 to 250 mg.
In general, the total quantity of anti-inflammatory agent present in a composition of this invention will not be greater than 1500 mg and will usually be between 100 and 1000 mg