Interferon alfacon-1 is a recombinant interferon similar the interferon alfa subtype which is used to treat hepatitis C infections. The 166-amino acid sequence of Interferon alfacon-1 was derived by scanning the sequences of several natural interferon alpha subtypes and assigning the most frequently observed amino acid in each corresponding position.
- 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. The resulting actions include gene transcription, inhibition of cellular growth, alteration of the state of cellular differentiation, interference with oncogene expression, alteration of cell surface antigen expression, increasing phagocytic activity of macrophages, and augmentation of the cytotoxicity of lymphocytes for target cells.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcomaCurator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C860H1353N227O255S9 · 19343.0 Da
- First approval
- Canada, 2009 · United States, 1997
- Also known as
- IFN Alfacon-1 · IFN-Con1
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Interferon alfacon-1, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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