ALTU-135 enzyme therapy for cystic fibrosis

Individuals who have cystic fibrosis, an exocrine disorder, have little pancreatic enzyme produced by their bodies, so they must take enzyme supplements for proper digestion. ALTU-135 (TheraCLEC-Total), produced by Altus Pharmaceuticals, is an experimental type of enzyme supplement containing lipase, protease, and amylase. In a clinical trial of ALTU-135, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo randomly assigned 117 individuals with cystic fibrosis to treatment with low doses, mid-range doses, or high doses of the supplement for 28 days. The researchers report that the mid-range and high doses improved fat, protein, and carbohydrate absorption. Individuals who had the worst fat and protein malabsorption were most helped by ALTU-135. The study was published in the November 2006 issue of Pediatrics.