Sfericase, a novel proteolytic enzyme.

Sfericase, a novel protease produced by a strain of Bacillus sphaericus, has endopeptidase activity. Sfericase inhibits various experimental acute inflammations and reduces viscosity of sputum obtained from subacute bronchitic rabbits by oral treatment. A low molecular fraction of serum obtained from animals given oral sfericase also has an anti-inflammatory effect. This result suggests that a secondarily produced substance might play a role in the manifestation of anti-inflammatory action. The toxicity of sfericase is as low as that of other anti-inflammatory enzymes. Sfericase is detected in serum of animals given massive oral dosage, but not at clinical dosage. Clinical studies have been carried out in more than 900 patients. In double-blind studies with serratiopeptidase, sfericase is as useful as the reference drug. Sfericase has been proven effective in some chronic inflammations, such as chronic sinusitis and difficult expectoration associated with bronchopulmonary diseases. Moreover, it has less side effects.