The present invention relates to novel interferon gamma polypeptide
variants having interferon gamma (IFNG) activity, methods for their
preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide
variants and their use in the treatment of diseases, in particular for
the treatment of interstitial pulmonary diseases, such as idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis.These novel polypeptide variants all comprise the
substitution S99T as compared to the amino acid sequence of huIFNG or
fragments thereof. By performing this mutation the naturally occurring
N-glycosylation site present at position 97 is significantly better
utilized.Preferably, the variants comprise further modifications, e.g. in
order to increase the AUC of such variants when administered
subcutaneously.