Interferon alfa-2a is a form of recombinant human interferon used to stimulate the innate antiviral response in the treatment of hepatitis B and C viruses. Interferon a (human leukocyte protein moiety reduced).
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Interferon alpha binds to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c) which, upon dimerization, activate two Jak (Janus kinase) tyrosine kinases (Jak1 and Tyk2). These transphosphorylate themselves and phosphorylate the receptors. The phosphorylated INFAR receptors then bind to Stat1 and Stat2 (signal transducers and activators of transcription)which dimerize and activate multiple (~100) immunomodulatory and antiviral proteins. Interferon alpha binds less stably to type I interferon receptors than interferon beta.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and chronic myelogenous leukemia.Curator reviewed · 10 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C860H1353N227O255S9 · 19241.1 Da
- First approval
- Canada, 1997 · United States, 1986
- Also known as
- Interferon Alfa 2A · Interferon alfa-2a (genetical recombination) · Interferon alfa-2a (recombinant) · Interferon alfa-2a, recombinant · Interferon alfa-2a,recombinant
- Code names
- RO 22-8181
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Interferon alfa-2a, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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