Abstract: Highly stable, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a biologically active recombinant lipophilic protein such as human .beta.-interferon and interleukin-2 dissolved in a non-toxic, inert, therapeutically compatible aqueous-based carrier at pH ranges of from about 6.8 to 7.8 and about 8.5 to 10, which formulations contain a stabilizer for the protein selected from the group comprising human serum album, human serum albumin and dextrose or human plasma protein fraction, and at a pH range of from about 2 to 4, which latter formulations optionally contain a carbohydrate and/or protein stabilizer, are disclosed. Further, preferred formulation processes to prepare said compositions are described which avoid highly alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A sterile, stable lyophilized formulation of selectively oxidized microbially produced recombinant IL-2 in which the recombinant IL-2 is admixed with a water soluble carrier such as mannitol that provides bulk, and a sufficient amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate to ensure the solubility of the recombinant IL-2 in water. The formulation is suitable for reconstitution in aqueous injections for parenteral administration and it is stable and well tolerated in human patients. FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred method of purifying recombinant IL-2 suitable for use in preparing the formulations of the present invention.