Methods and compositions for treating herpes infections

Abstract

A method of treatment or prophylaxis of herpes infections and associated disease states by administration of compositions comprising immunoglobulins. Methods comprising intravenous and topical administration of immunoglobulins are provided.

1 - 5 . (canceled)  
     
     
         6 . A pharmaceutical composition for topical administration in the treatment or prophylaxis of herpetic disease in mammals, comprising, 
 a) an effective amount of immunoglobulin G (IgG) prepared from pooled human plasma;    b) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient appropriate for use in topical formulations.    
     
     
         7 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , further comprising at least one material that enhances absorption through the skin or other affected area.  
     
     
         8 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , wherein the effective amount of IgG is from about 0.05% to about 35%, by weight, of the composition.  
     
     
         9 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , wherein the effective amount of IgG is from about 3% to about 16%, by weight, of the composition.  
     
     
         10 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , wherein the composition is prepared as a formulation selected from the group consisting of an paraffinic-base ointment, a water-miscible-base ointment, an oil-in-water base cream, and gels.  
     
     
         11 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , wherein the composition is prepared as a formulation suited for ophthalmic use.  
     
     
         12 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the effective amount of IgG is dissolved or suspended in an aqueous solvent.  
     
     
         13 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 11 , wherein the formulation is adapted for prolonged delivery of IgG or for use during sleep.  
     
     
         14 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , wherein the composition is prepared as a formulation suited for application to the buccal mucosa.  
     
     
         15 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 14 , wherein the formulation is a lozenge.  
     
     
         16 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , wherein the composition is prepared as a formulation suited for vaginal use.  
     
     
         17 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 16 , wherein the formulation is a dosage form suitable for vaginal insertion.  
     
     
         18 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 17 , wherein the dosage form is a suppository, gel, or tablet.  
     
     
         19 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , wherein the pooled human plasma is obtained from donors that are not screened based on their HSV-neutralizing antibody level.  
     
     
         20 . A method of treatment or prophylaxis of herpetic disease in mammals, the method comprising, 
 administering topically to a mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising immunoglobulin G (IgG) prepared from pooled human plasma.    
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the herpetic disease is selected from the group consisting of chickenpox, shingles, zoster oticus, zoster varicellosus, keratitis, herpes digitalis, herpes facialis, herpes genitalis, herpes gladiatorum, and herpes stomatitis.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the herpetic disease is female herpes genitales.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the pooled human plasma is obtained from donors that are not screened based on their HSV-neutralizing antibody level.  
     
     
         24 . A method of treatment or prophylaxis of ocular herpetic disease in mammals, the method comprising, 
 administering topically to a mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising immunoglobulin G (IgG) prepared from pooled human plasma.    
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the herpetic disease is keratitis.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the composition is a suspension administered directly to an infected eye of a mammal.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the pooled human plasmin is obtained from donors that are not screened based on their HSV-neutralizing antibody level.