Abstract: Interferons represent an important class of biopharmaceutical products, which have a proven track record in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, the treatment of particular cancers, and the enhancement of the immune response against infectious agents. The present invention provides a new form of murine interferon-&agr;, which has applications in diagnosis and therapy.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 12, 2001
Date of Patent:
April 15, 2003
Assignee:
ZymoGenetics, Inc.
Inventors:
Scott R. Presnell, Andrew L. Feldhaus, Zeren Gao
Abstract: Members of the serine protease family play a role in carefully controlled processes, such as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, complement activation, fertilization, and hormone production. These enzymes are also used in a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, and industrial contexts. Zfaix1 is a new member of the serine protease family.