Re: Some More Virbagen Omega Info

[Melbeach]

Here's some more info that applies to anemic FeLV cats:   From the Product Information (http://www.emea.eu.int/vetdocs/PDFs/EPAR/virbagenomega/V-061-PI-en.pdf) file: � in anaemic cats, mortality rate of about 60% at 4, 6, 9 and 12 months was reduced by approximately 30% following treatment with interferon. � in non-anaemic cats, mortality rate of 50 % in cats infected by FeLV was reduced by 20% following treatment with interferon. In cats infected by FIV, mortality was low (5%) and was not influenced by the treatment.   This one here is encouraging: http://vetinterferon.nexenservices.com/aff_abstract.php?id=141&lang=eng. If you look at the chart on page 2, anemia got way better on day 14, but tapered back down at day 120. Still way up at day 60 though!   Of course these are just two studies and we all know how that works. Other studies might say the exact opposite. Still encouraging though.   -Kyle   ----- Original Message ----- From: Melbeach To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 8:04 PM Subject: Some More Virbagen Omega Info Found some more info on VO ya'll might be interested in.   From Virbac's FAQ: http://www.virbagenomega.com/uk/faqcat Q: After reconstitution of Virbagen� Omega, can the vial be stored overnight and used on an animal the next day? A: Studies have demonstrated a stability of the molecule up to 3 weeks minimum at +4�C. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the fact that there is no preservative in the formulation of the product, the risk of contamination with fungus or bacteria exists. Nevertheless, if injections are performed in asepsis conditions (sterile needles...), the risk of contamination will be minimum. Q: Can Virbagen� Omega be frozen after reconstitution? A: Feline omega interferon is a glycoprotein which is very stable in general. After resuspension, stability studies showed that the solution was stable for at least 3 weeks at +4�C. According to knowledge on the molecule, it does not seem there is any risk linked to freezing the solution. Nevertheless, precise data concerning this type of storage are not available to date. In any case, several cycles of freezing-thawing are not recommended.   The official pdf documents filed with the European Medicines Agency are here: http://www.emea.eu.int/vetdocs/vets/Epar/virbagenomega/virbagenomega.htm The "Scientific Discussion" is real detailed and informative. The "Product Information" looks like the official Product Insert info.   Australian FDA info: http://www.apvma.gov.au/gazette/gazette0111p14.shtml   A study where only 1 round of 5 injections was applied for FeLV, instead of the recommended 3 rounds: http://vetinterferon.nexenservices.com/aff_abstract.php?id=55&lang=eng   I was interested in possible interference with Immunoregulin and/or continuing with Immunoregulin after VO therapy is complete. The Scientific Discussion has a small blurb that says "Due to the indications for use, concomitant use of immunological products is not recommended." Yet interestingly, the Product Information is silent on this. So I emailed Virbac and they said: "Unfortunately, as far as I am aware, ImmunoRegulin is not available in Europe and we do not have any data on the use of it either concurrently with Virbagen Omega or before/after VO treatment. There are products available in Europe (Baypamun HK and Acemannan) that are similar in concept to ImmunoRegulin. My understanding of these products is that they work by inducing the production of endogenous cytokines (including Interferons) but that placebo controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a significant benefit of treatment with these products. On this basis I can see little benefit in continuing with ImmunoRegulin treatment as Virbagen Omega effectively bypasses the need to produce endogenous type 1 interferons and will stimulate an immunological cascade itself." Anyone know what that means?   -Kyle