calfactant

Calfactant is a sterile intratracheal suspension derived from natural surfactant extracted from calf lungs. It is composed primarily of phospholipids (including phosphatidylcholine and disaturated phosphatidylcholine), neutral lipids, and hydrophobic surfactant-associated proteins B (SP-B) and C (SP-C)[2][5][8]. Calfactant acts as a replacement for endogenous pulmonary surfactant in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to lung surfactant deficiency[1][2][3]. By adsorbing to the air-liquid interface in the alveoli, it reduces surface tension and stabilizes alveoli during breathing cycles—mimicking the function of natural human lung surfactants[6][7]. This action improves lung compliance and gas exchange. Calfactant has been shown to decrease the incidence of RDS-related complications such as mortality and air leaks in clinical trials[2][5].

Brand names

Infasurf

Other names

calf lung surfactant extractCLSE