bovactant

Bovactant is a natural pulmonary surfactant derived from bovine lung lavage. It is a complex mixture consisting primarily of phospholipids (approximately 90%), neutral lipids, and surfactant-associated proteins, specifically SP-B and SP-C. Its primary therapeutic indication is the treatment and prevention of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants, a condition caused by a deficiency of endogenous surfactant. Bovactant works by spreading as a thin film over the alveolar surface, significantly reducing surface tension at the air-liquid interface. This action prevents alveolar collapse during expiration, improves lung compliance, and enhances gas exchange. The development of this specific bovine surfactant is closely associated with researchers at the Universitaetsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (University of Kiel), and it was originally brought to market by Boehringer Ingelheim before being acquired by Lyomark Pharma.

Brand names

Alveofact

Other names

phospholipid fraction, bovine lungbovine lung surfactantbovine surfactant