Poractant Alfa

Poractant Alfa

Definition

A sterile, non-pyrogenic pulmonary surfactant and extract composed of natural porcine lung surfactant consisting of 99% polar lipids, mainly phospholipids, and 1% hydrophobic low molecular weight proteins, including the surfactant associated proteins SP-B and SP-C, that can be used to replace and mimic endogenous pulmonary surfactant. Upon intratracheal administration, poractant alfa compensates for the deficiency of endogenous lung surfactant and restores surface activity to the lungs. This reduces surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the alveoli during ventilation and stabilizes the alveoli against collapse at resting transpulmonary pressures. This may improve poor lung expansion, inadequate gas exchange, and may improve oxygenation.

Also known as Curosurf, PORACTANT ALFA — per NCIT

Also identified as