Use of a cytokine from the interleukin-6 family in the preparation of a composition for combined administration with interferon-alpha

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of at least one cytokine from the IL-6 family −gp130, preferably selected from among IL-11, the leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM), cardiotrophin-1, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), the cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC) and combinations thereof or a DNA sequence encoding same, in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition which is intended for combined administration with at least one IFN-α or a DNA sequence encoding same, for use in the treatment of viral diseases. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable quantity of at least one cytokin from the IL-6 family −gp130 or a DNA sequence encoding same and a pharmaceutically-acceptable quantity of at least one IFN-α or a DNA sequence encoding same, a pharmaceutical kit and a method for the treatment of viral diseases with the combined administration of the aforementioned cytokines and IFN-α.

1 - 45 . (canceled) 
     
     
         46 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable quantity of at least one IL-6 family cytokine selected from the group consisting of cardiotrophin 1 and oncostatin M, and a pharmaceutically acceptable quantity of at least one IFN-α. 
     
     
         47 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 46 , wherein the IL-6 family cytokine is the complete native cytokine. 
     
     
         48 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 46 , wherein the IFN-α is selected from the group consisting of: IFN-α-2a, IFN-α-2b, IFN-α-5, consensus Interferon, purified IFN-α, pegylated IFN-α and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         49 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 46 , wherein the IFN-α is selected from the group consisting of: pegylated IFN-α-2b, pegylated IFN-α-2a, pegylated IFN-α-5 and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         50 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 46 , additionally containing at least one excipient which is pharmaceutically compatible with the IL-6 family cytokine, and with the IFN-α. 
     
     
         51 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 46 , wherein the IL-6 family cytokine and the IFN-α are carried in separate carrier agents. 
     
     
         52 . A pharmaceutical kit for the treatment of a viral disease, comprising at least:
 a first component which comprises at least one IL-6 family cytokine selected from group consisting of cardiotrophin 1 and oncostatin M, and   a second component which comprises at least one IFN-α.   
     
     
         53 . The kit according to  claim 52 , wherein the IL-6 family cytokine is the complete native cytokine. 
     
     
         54 . The kit according to  claim 52 , wherein the IFN-α is selected from the group consisting of: IFN-α-2a, IFN-α-2b, IFN-α-5, consensus interferon, purified IFN-α, pegylated IFN-α and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         55 . The kit according to  claim 52 , wherein the IFN-α is selected from the group consisting of: pegylated IFN-α-2b, pegylated IFN-α-2a, pegylated IFN-α-5 and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         56 . The kit according to  claim 52 , wherein the first and the second components are present in separate pharmaceutical compositions. 
     
     
         57 . The kit according to  claim 52 , wherein the first and the second components are present in the same pharmaceutical composition. 
     
     
         58 . The kit according to  claim 52 , additionally comprising a third component, which comprises one or more excipients that are pharmaceutically compatible with the IL-6 family cytokine, and with the IFN-α. 
     
     
         59 . The kit according to  claim 52 , additionally comprising a third component, which comprises one or more carrier agents that are pharmaceutically compatible with the IL-6 family cytokine, and with the IFN-α. 
     
     
         60 . The kit according to  claim 52 , wherein the first component additionally comprises, at least one excipient, which is pharmaceutically acceptable and compatible with the IL-6 family cytokine, and with the IFN-α. 
     
     
         61 . The kit according to  claim 52 , wherein the second component additionally comprises, one or more excipients which are pharmaceutically acceptable and compatible with the IL-6 family cytokine, and with the IFN-α. 
     
     
         62 . A method for the treatment of a viral disease, which comprises the combined administration of a therapeutically effective quantity of at least one IL-6 family cytokine selected from the group consisting of cardiotrophin 1 and oncostatin M, and a therapeutically effective quantity of at least one IFN-α. 
     
     
         63 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the viral disease is hepatitis C. 
     
     
         64 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the IL-6 family cytokine is the complete native cytokine. 
     
     
         65 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the IFN-α is selected from the group consisting of: IFN-α-2a, IFN-α-2b, IFN-α-5, consensus Interferon, purified IFN-α, pegylated IFN-α and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         66 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the IFN-α is selected from the group consisting of: pegylated IFN-α-2b, pegylated IFN-α-2a, pegylated IFN-α-5 and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         67 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the IL-6 family cytokine and the IFN-α are present in the same pharmaceutical composition that is administered to the patient. 
     
     
         68 . The method according to  claim 62 , wherein the IL-6 family cytokine and the IFN-α are administered in separate pharmaceutical compositions.