Thymopentin treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Although the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown, there is solid evidence that immunological factors play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. It seems that a hyporeactivity of local (intraarticular) T-suppressor cells would permit an excessive immune response that ultimately leads to the classical symptoms and signs of inflammation and cartilage damage. Thymopentin is a synthetic pentapeptide (Arg-Lys-Asp-Val-Tyr) which represents the active biologic site (sequence 32-36) of the native thymic hormone thymopoietin, containing 49 amino acids. Thymopoietin and thymopentin have been shown to possess immuno-normalizing properties in a number of animal model systems. Low concentrations of the hormone characteristically stimulate the OKT4-positive cells, whereas higher concentrations additionally induce stimulation of OKT8-positive cells. This report summarizes the clinical experience collected by Italian investigators, and discusses the results with a view to previously published papers.

Management of viral infections with thymopentin.

Recurrent herpes simplex-, herpes zoster- and human papilloma virus infections are sometimes difficult to control by traditional antiviral therapy. Although detectable immune disturbances are not regularly associated with the clinical presentation, a compromised cellular immunity has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of those diseases. Thymopentin (Arg-Lys-Asp-Val-Tyr) is a synthetic pentapeptide corresponding to the active structure of the natural 49 amino acids containing thymic hormone thymopoietin, which has shown impressive immunoregulatory activity in many animal model systems and human in-vitro tests. Cumulative clinical experience with this drug has suggested that it would be of particular value in certain recurrent viral diseases. This report summarizes some of the individual studies performed so far, and discusses the mechanisms of action within the context of relevant published articles in this field. Contrary to antiviral drugs, thymopentin's effect appears to be long-lasting also after discontinuation of treatment. The drug seems to be extremely safe and no serious adverse reactions have been reported to date.

[Evaluation of the use of thymopentin in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis]. / Valutazione dell'impiego di timopentina in pazienti affetti da sclerosi sistemica progressiva.

Although the exact etiology of progressive systemic sclerosis (SSP) is still unknown, it is felt that immunologic disorders may be implicated in its pathogenesis. On the basis of these considerations, an open study with an immunomodulating drug, thymopentin, was performed in 20 SSP outpatients. These subjects were initially treated with thymopentin three times a week for three consecutive months (phase I); during a second study phase lasting three months, 10 patients continued to receive thymopentin and the remaining 10 placebo (phase II). A significant improvement in various clinical, laboratory and instrumental findings was seen following thymopentin treatment. During phase II, those on placebo regressed to basal conditions, while an added improvement was noted in those who continued with thymopentin.

Tolmetin sodium in clinical practice: a survey of 32,207 treated patients.

A total of 32,207 patients with various rheumatic disorders were treated with the non-steroidal antiphlogistic tolmetin in the course of a post-marketing survey performed in Italy with the co-operation of 4,205 general practitioners. The treatment proved effective in about 90% of patients treated. The tolerability of the drug was excellent or good in 91% of cases. Side-effects involving mostly the gastro-intestinal tract occurred in 12.3% of cases, but treatment was discontinued in only 3.6% of patients. The results confirm the remarkable therapeutic activity and the good tolerability of tolmetin sodium.