Pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety of recombinant human DNase in cystic fibrosis.

Recombinant human DNase (rhDNase) is a mucolytic agent that is primarily used to improve mucociliary clearance in cystic fibrosis (CF). rhDNase is a recombinant human enzyme that is synthesized in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line. rhDNase enzymatically cleaves extracellular DNA into molecules of shorter length. CF sputum shows high concentrations of DNA released by disintegrating inflammatory cells. Free DNA contributes to the abnormally high viscosity of CF sputum and therefore forms an important target in the treatment of CF lung disease. Clinical studies have shown that daily nebulization of rhDNase is associated with an increase in lung function and a decrease in the frequency of exacerbations in patients with CF.