
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 30, 1990                   TAG: 9005300476
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A/3   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.                                LENGTH: Short

CYSTIC FIBROSIS TESTS SOUGHT

Genentech Inc. hopes to win government approval for human tests of a genetically engineered drug intended to clear the lungs of the deadly mucus produced by cystic fibrosis.

About 30,000 American children have cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disease in which the lungs secrete large amounts of thick mucus that impairs breathing and makes patients vulnerable to infection. Most victims die by age 30.

The Genentech drug, DNase, is a mass-produced version of a natural human enzyme. Lab tests indicated that DNase, which will be given in aerosol form, loosens lung secretions, said Dr. Steven Shak, leader of the research team.

Genentech also hopes DNase will let antibiotics reach and destroy infection-causing bacteria and fight less serious but more common lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, Shak said.

Shak said Tuesday that Genentech has asked the Food and Drug Administration to approve human testing of the drug. Approval could come this year. Animal testing is not possible because no animal has a disease like cystic fibrosis.

- Associated Press

by CNB