Dornase alfa is a synthetic form of human deoxyribonuclease I used to break down extracellular DNA in the lungs, a major source of mucous viscosity in cystic fibrosis. It is produced in genetically modified Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using recombinant DNA technology.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Dornase alfa is a biosynthetic form of human DNase I. The enzyme is involved in endonucleolytic cleavage of extracellular DNA to 5´-phosphodinucleotide and 5´-phosphooligonucleotide end products. It has no effect on intracellular DNA. Optimal activity is dependent on the presence of divalent cations such as calcium and magnesium. Extracellular DNA is a viscous anionic polymer and its breakdown appears to improve the viscosity and viscoelasticity of purulent sputum of individuals with CF, thus reducing airflow obstruction. Dornase alfa does not seem to have any effect on non-purulent sputum.
- Primary indication
- Used as adjunct therapy in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C1321H1999N339O396S9 · 29253.9 Da
- First approval
- Canada, 1996 · United States, 1993
- Also known as
- Deoxyribonuclease (human clone 18-1 protein moiety) · Dornase alfa, recombinant · Dornase alpha · Recombinant deoxyribonuclease (DNAse)
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Dornase alfa, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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