Actimmune
Drug Study

Dr. Pichurko and the CF clinic is proud to offer the opportunity to participate in a study.  This study is a two phase study of interferon gamma-1B injections.

The study is utilizing ACTIMMUNE (Interferon gamma-1b) which is approved the FDA as a subcutaneous treatment for an immune deficiency disorder, malignant osteopetrosis (bone disorder), among other illnesses.  It is not yet approved in the treatment of CF.  Over 2,000 people have received this injection.

If you agree to participate in the study, Dr. Joseph will explain the details in full.  As a summary, all participants will be assigned randomly to one of 3 study groups.  The protocol for the study is that patients receive injections three times a week for four weeks.  Medication is given together with Tylenol prior to bedtime.

Involvement will last about 5 weeks and involve 6 outpatient visits.  You will be compensated for your time.

In order to be considered for this study, patients must have an FEV1 > 50% predicted value, and can not be taking any of the following medications:

        1. Anti-inflammatory drugs (Motrin, naprosyn)

        2. Inhaled antibiotics (Tobi, Colistin)

        3. Macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin or azithromycin)

        4. Corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or other investigational drugs (ask Dr. Pichurko)

If you would like to be considered for involvement in this study, please contact Joseph at (248) 849-5718.  He will be able to determine if you are eligible for participation and explain in detail the study procedure.