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 . A method of treatment or prophylaxis of herpetic disease in mammals, the method comprising administering topically to a mammal a composition comprising:
 a) an effective amount of immunoglobulin G (IgG) prepared from pooled human plasma; and   b) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient appropriate for use in topical formulations.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises at least one material that enhances absorption through the skin or other affected area. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the effective amount of IgG is from about 0.05% to about 35%, by weight, of the composition. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the effective amount of IgG is from about 3% to about 16%, by weight, of the composition. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , 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. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is prepared as a formulation suited for ophthalmic use. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the effective amount of IgG is dissolved or suspended in an aqueous solvent. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the formulation is adapted for prolonged delivery of IgG or for use during sleep. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is prepared as a formulation suited for application to the buccal mucosa. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the formulation is a lozenge. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is prepared as a formulation suited for vaginal use. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the formulation is a dosage form suitable for vaginal insertion. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the dosage form is a suppository, gel, or tablet. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the pooled human plasma is obtained from donors that are not screened based on their HSV-neutralizing antibody level. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1 , 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. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the herpetic disease is female herpes genitales. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the herpetic disease is an ocular herpetic disease 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the herpetic disease is keratitis. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is a suspension administered directly to an infected eye of a mammal. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the pooled human plasmin is obtained from donors that are not screened based on their HSV-neutralizing antibody level.