Biologic effects after a single dose of poly(I):poly(C12U) in healthy volunteers

C. W. Hendrix, J. B. Margolick, B. G. Petty, R. B. Markham, L. Nerhood, H. Farzadegan, P. O.P. Ts'o, P. S. Lietman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Poly(I):poly(C12U) (mismatched double-stranded RNA; atvogen), an interferon inducer, is active against human immunodeficiency virus in vitro. To determine the extent and duration of the biologic effects of poly(I):poly(C12U), we administered a single dose of the drug to healthy volunteers in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2-week crossover study. We analyzed blood for alpha and gamma interferons, neopterin, 2',5'- oligoadenylate synthetase, lymphocyte surface markers, lymphocyte proliferation after exposure to soluble antigens and mitogens, and natural killer cell activity. Minimal biologic effects were observed after administration of a single 200-mg dose to four volunteers; therefore, the dose was increased to 600 mg in 10 subjects. Only neopterin levels and symptoms were greater after administration of 600 mg of poly(I):poly(C12U) than after administration of placebo (Wilcoxon signed rank sum test, P = 0.06). A definite response in 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity, however, was seen in a few subjects. Neither alpha nor gamma interferon was detectable in serum after poly(I):poly(C12U) dosing. The neopterin changes after administration of poly(I):poly(C12U) were similar at both poly(I):poly(C12U) dose levels, with an early decrease at 6 h, a peak at 1 day, and a gradual decrease toward the baseline over the following 3 days. A mild flu-like syndrome occurred in one-half of the subjects following administration of poly(I):poly(C12U) and in only one subject following administration of placebo. This syndrome resolved within 16 h after poly(I):poly(C12U) dosing. We conclude that poly(I):poly(C12U) does not induce measurable levels of interferon and causes only minimal biologic or toxic effects among those parameters measured after administration of a single dose in the 200- to 600-mg dose range in healthy volunteers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)429-435
Number of pages7
JournalAntimicrobial agents and chemotherapy
Volume37
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Biologic effects after a single dose of poly(I):poly(C12U) in healthy volunteers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this