Abstract: A method of treating chronic coughing in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of interferon; a method of treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a patient comprising orally administering to the patient a composition comprising interferon.

Abstract: The use of low doses of IFN-gamma in the treatment of interferon-sensitive diseases is described. The IFN-gamma can be administered orally, preferably buccally or sublingually, or parenterally in low doses to activate monocyte, neutrophil, or B cell function, to decrease acute inflammation, or to treat cancer, bacterial or fungal diseases, or fibrosis in a patient suffering from such disease states. Pharmaceutical formulations containing low doses of IFN-gamma in combination with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier and suitable for oral administration are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing unstimulated whole saliva in a patient. The method comprises orally administering an effective amount of a disaccharide, such as maltose, trehalose, or anhydrous crystalline maltose, to the patient in a dosage form such as a lozenge. The disaccharide can also be administered in combination with an effective amount of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof, such as a vitamin C ester. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a disaccharide in combination with vitamin C, or a derivative thereof, such as a vitamin C ester. The method is used to treat diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the expression of aquaporin proteins by contacting aquaporin producing cells with interferon-&agr; is described. The method enables treatment of patients afflicted with disease states characterized by xerosis.

Abstract: Neoplastic disease, hyperallergenicity, autoimmune disorders characterized by chronic tissue degenerative inflammation and immuno-resistant viral infections are treated by the administration of interferon at a dosage of about 0.1 to about 5 IU/lb per day by contacting said interferon with oral/pharyngeal mucosa. Interferon is administered in solution or in a novel solid unitary dosage form adapted to be dissolved in saliva when placed in the mouth.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the expression of aquaporin proteins by contacting aquaporin producing cells with interferon-&agr; is described. The method enables treatment of patients afflicted with disease states characterized by xerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing unstimulated whole saliva in a patient. The method comprises orally administering an effective amount of a disaccharide, such as maltose, trehalose, or anhydrous crystalline maltose, to the patient in a dosage form such as a lozenge. The disaccharide can also be administered in combination with an effective amount of vitamin C, or a derivative thereof, such as a vitamin C ester. The invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a disaccharide in combination with vitamin C, or a derivative thereof, such as a vitamin C ester. The method is used to treat diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome and xerostomia.

Abstract: Improved methods for administering an interferon (IFN) to a warm-blooded vertebrate are described. The methods employ oral administration of the IFN to the vertebrate in very low dosages, for example, 0.1 to 1.5 IU per pound of body eight per dose.

Abstract: Hyperallergenic conditions are treated by the administration of interferon at a dosage of from about 0.01 to about 5 IU/lb./day such that the interferon is held in contact with the patient's oral and pharyngeal mucosae. In preferred embodiments, IFN-.alpha. is administered in a solid dosage form, e.g., a saliva-dissolvable lozenge.

Abstract: Autoimmune disorders are treated by the administration of human interferon, particularly IFN-.alpha. or IFN-.beta., at a dosage of from about 0.01 to about 5 IU/lb./day such that the interferon is held in contact with the patient's oral and pharyngeal mucosae. The interferon is administered in a solid dosage form, e.g., a saliva-dissolvable lozenge.

Abstract: Viral infections are treated by the administration of alpha-interferon at a dosage of from about 0.01 to about 5 IU/lb./day such that the interferon is held in contact with the patient's oral and pharyngeal mucosae. The IFN-.alpha. is administered in a solid dosage from, e.g., a saliva-dissolvable lozenge.

Abstract: Neoplastic diseases are treated by the administration of human interferon, particularly IFN-.alpha., at a dosage of from about 0.01 to about 5 IU/lb./day such that the interferon is held in contact with the patient's oral and pharyngeal mucosae. The interferon is administered in a solid dosage from, e.g., a saliva-dissolvable lozenge.

Abstract: Bacterial infections are treated by the administration of alpha-interferon at a dosage of from about 0.1 to about 5 IU/lb./day such that the interferon is held in contact with the patient's oral and pharyngeal mucosae. The method is particularly suitable for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. IFN-.alpha. is administered in solution or in the form of a saliva-dissolvable lozenge.

Abstract: Development of parasitic infections is Prevented in humans and animals exposed to infective parasitic agents by contacting the oral and pharyngeal mucosa of the human or animal with effective amounts of interferon.

Abstract: Neoplastic disease, hyperallergenicity, autoimmune disorders characterized by chronic tissue degenerative inflammation and immuno-resistant viral infections are treated by the administration of interferon at a dosage of about 0.1 to about 5 IU/lb per day by contacting said interferon with oral/pharyngeal mucosa. Interferon is administered in solution or in a novel solid unitary dosage form adapted to be dissolved in saliva when placed in the mouth.

Abstract: Low doses of interferon contacted with the oral and pharyngeal mucosa of a patient in conjunction with administration of radiation therapy or chemotherapy reduces the toxic side effects associated with administration of said cancer therapy.

Abstract: A biologically active interferon can be administered to an animal in conjunction with the administration of a vaccine to improve the vaccine efficiency and allow the use of a smaller vaccination dose. This procedure will cause a less severe vaccine infection in the animal than if no interferon was administered.

Abstract: The appetite of a warm-blooded vertebrate can be regulated by administering to the vertebrate a biological active fraction of interferon in an amount effective to modulate the vertebrate's food intake or efficiency in utilizing food. The appetite of a cow can be stimulated by the oral or intravenous administration of bovine fibroblast interferon or by interferon secreted nasally by the cow in response to inoculation with a vaccinal virus strain such as that of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. The appetite of swine can be enhanced by oral administration of bovine fibroblast interferon.

Abstract: Interferon glycoprotein isolates of heterologous species origin are subjected to treatment in a digestive environment and non-species-specific biologically active fractions thereof are administered, preferably through digestive tract tissue, to the circulatory system of mammals, including humans, to secure antiviral, antiproliferative (e.g., antineoplastic) and immunomodulatory (e.g., immunopotentiating) effects ordinarily associated only with parenteral administration of homologous species interferon.