Imunovir™
Through Helix’s drug distribution division Rivex Pharma, the product Imunovir™ is distributed in Canada.
PHARMACOLOGY:
Mechanism(s) that might explain the results of the clinical studies employing inosine pranobex have not been completely elucidated. However, possible antiviral and immunomodulating properties of this drug may be involved. Serum uric acid concentration rose with increasing inosine pranobex doses. Hyperuricemic levels (greater than 7.5 mg%) were seen at doses equal to or exceeding 3 g/day. At doses of 4 g/day, about 60% of the subjects had serum uric acid levels in excess of 7 mg%; 30% of the subjects exceeded 7.5 mg%. Urinary uric acid excretion was also elevated after inosine pranobex administration. The time for urine normalization was usually longer than that required for normalization of serum uric acid level. In 1 case, uricosuria was found to last more than 9 days, and another case was reported in which 3 weeks were required to restore uric acid excretion to normal level.
Inosine pranobex is composed of inosine and the p-acetamidobenzoic acid salt of N, N-dimethylamido-2-propanol. The principal metabolite (about 80%) of p-acetamidobenzoic acid is O-acylglucuronide and the principal metabolite of N, N-dimethylamine-2-propanol is N, N-dimethylamino-2-propanol-N-oxide. Virtually 100% of the metabolites was recovered in urine within 8 through 24 hours postadministration period. Each of the components of inosine pranobex is rapidly metabolized, the inosine and p-acetamidobenzoic acid more extensively than N, N-dimethylamino-2-propanol.
INDICATIONS:
May be beneficial in retarding neurological deterioration and prolonging life in patients with slowly progressive subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
Inosine pranobex is not indicated for any condition other than subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
Imunovir™ is also known in different parts of the world as Isoprinosine®, Viruxan®, Prinosine® and Virimun®. A pilot study in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been published (see Abstract), but its use in this indication is still considered investigational1. Imunovir™ is approved for the treatment of SSPE in Canada.
Imunovir™ is available in 500 mg tablets and is supplied in packages of 100 blistered tablets. It is a prescription-only medication in Canada.
Imunovir™ is the trademark of Newport Pharmaceuticals Limited.
1Diaz-Mitoma, Turgonyi & Kumar Clinical Improvement in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is Associated with Enhanced Natural Killer Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity J. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 2003; 11, 71 – 95
For more information about Rivex Pharma, please go to http://www.rivexpharma.com.
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