Intact bioactivities and improved pharmacokinetic of the SL335-IFN-β-1a fusion protein that created by genetic fusion of SL335, a human anti-serum albumin fab, and human interferon-β.

Recombinant human interferon beta (rIFN-β) has long been used as a first-line treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), and any attempt to develop a long-acting rIFN-β is desirable since only one pegylated version of long-acting rIFN-β-1a (Plegridy) is currently available in clinics. Previously, we reported that SL335, a human Fab molecule specific to serum albumin, exhibits an extended serum half-life via utilizing the FcRn recycling mechanism. With the ultimate goal of developing a long-acting rIFN-®, we generated a fusion construct by linking human IFN-β cDNA to the C-terminus of the SL335 H chain at the DNA level followed by expression of the fusion protein, referred to as SL335-IFN-β-1a, in Chinese hamster ovary-S (CHO-S) cells.

Comparison of natural course, intravitreal triamcinolone, and intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment of macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

Purpose: To evaluate the natural course of the eyes with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and to compare the visual outcome and macular thickness with eyes treated with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) and intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB).

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of the patients with macular edema secondary to BRVO who were followed over 12 months. We evaluated the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) of the patients who have had no treatment for macular edema (natural course group) and compared the BCVA and CMT of the patients who had been treated with IVTA or IVB.