Ro 45-2081, a TNF receptor fusion protein, prevents inflammatory responses in the airways.

The TNF receptor fusion protein, Ro 45-2081, inhibited allergic and non-allergic inflammatory responses in the airways. Treatment of sensitized guinea-pigs with Ro 45-2081 reduced allergen-induced influx of inflammatory cells into the lungs, abolished edema formation and inhibited hyperreactivity to substance P. Administration of Ro 45-2081 after allergen challenge reversed the influx of inflammatory cells into the lungs. Sephadex-induced neutrophil influx into the lungs of rats was also blocked by Ro 45-2081. The effects of Ro 45-2081 suggest that inhibitors of TNF may have potential as therapeutics for inflammatory diseases in the lung.