Identification
- Summary
Interferon alfa is an immunomodulator used to treat hepatitis B and C as well as certain types of cancer including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and renal cell carcinoma.
- Generic Name
- Interferon alfa
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB05258
- Background
Natural interferon alpha or Multiferon is obtained from the leukocyte fraction of human blood following induction with Sendai virus. Interferon alfa contains several naturally occurring IFN-α subtypes and is purified by affinity chromatography. Interferon alpha proteins are mainly involved in innate immune response against viral infection. They come in 13 subtypes that are called IFNA1, IFNA2, IFNA4, IFNA5, IFNA6, IFNA7, IFNA8, IFNA10, IFNA13, IFNA14, IFNA16, IFNA17, IFNA21. Multiferon consists of the 6 major subtypes are IFN-α1, IFN-α2, IFN-α8, IFN-α10, IFN-α14 and IFN-α21. Of these, IFN-α2 and IFN-α14 are glycosylated.
- Type
- Biotech
- Groups
- Investigational
- Biologic Classification
- Protein Based Therapies
Interferons - Protein Structure
- Protein Chemical Formula
- Not Available
- Protein Average Weight
- 20700.0 Da (range 19300-22100)
- Sequences
>Inteferon alpha-1 CDLPETHSLDNRRTLMLLAQMSRISPSSCLMDRHDFGFPQEEFDGNQFQKAPAISVLHEL IQQIFNLFTTKDSSAAWDEDLLDKFCTELYQQLNDLEACVMQEERVGETPLMNADSILAV KKYFRRITLYLTEKKYSPCAWEVVRAEIMRSLSLSTNLQERLRRKE
>Inteferon alpha-2 CDLPQTHSLGSRRTLMLLAQMRKISLFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFGNQFQKAETIPVLHEMI QQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLDKFYTELYQQLNDLEACVIQGVGVTETPLMKEDSILAVR KYFQRITLYLKEKKYSPCAWEVVRAEIMRSFSLSTNLQESLRSKE
>Interferon alpha-8 CDLPQTHSLGNRRALILLAQMRRISPFSCLKDRHDFEFPQEEFDDKQFQKAQAISVLHEM IQQTFNLFSTKDSSAALDETLLDEFYIELDQQLNDLESCVMQEVGVIESPLMYEDSILAV RKYFQRITLYLTEKKYSSCAWEVVRAEIMRSFSLSINLQKRLKSKE
>Interferon alpha-10 CDLPQTHSLGNRRALILLGQMGRISPFSCLKDRHDFRIPQEEFDGNQFQKAQAISVLHEM IQQTFNLFSTEDSSAAWEQSLLEKFSTELYQQLNDLEACVIQEVGVEETPLMNEDSILAV RKYFQRITLYLIERKYSPCAWEVVRAEIMRSLSFSTNLQKRLRRKD
>Interferon alpha-14 CNLSQTHSLNNRRTLMLMAQMRRISPFSCLKDRHDFEFPQEEFDGNQFQKAQAISVLHEM MQQTFNLFSTKNSSAAWDETLLEKFYIELFQQMNDLEACVIQEVGVEETPLMNEDSILAV KKYFQRITLYLMEKKYSPCAWEVVRAEIMRSLSFSTNLQKRLRRKD
>Interferon alpha-21 CDLPQTHSLGNRRALILLAQMGRISPFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFDGNQFQKAQAISVLHEM IQQTFNLFSTKDSSATWEQSLLEKFSTELNQQLNDLEACVIQEVGVEETPLMNVDSILAV KKYFQRITLYLTEKKYSPCAWEVVRAEIMRSFSLSKIFQERLRRKE
Download FASTA Format- Synonyms
- HuIFN-alpha-Le
- IFN-α
- Interferon alfa
- Natural alpha interferon
Pharmacology
- Indication
Investigated for use/treatment in hepatitis (viral, C), leukemia (lymphoid), leukemia (myeloid), leukemia (unspecified), and melanoma.
Reduce drug development failure ratesBuild, train, & validate machine-learning modelswith evidence-based and structured datasets.Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.- Associated Conditions
- Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
Avoid life-threatening adverse drug eventsImprove clinical decision support with information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events & improve clinical decision support.- Pharmacodynamics
Not Available
- Mechanism of action
Natural alpha interferon offers multiple subtypes of interferon which may work together as a 'cocktail-in-one', while recombinant versions only exhibit a single subtype." Viragen offers MultiferonT at a cost which is competitive with recombinant interferon regimens.
Natural alpha interferon contains the multiple subtype composition that is characteristic of interferon produced by the human body. It is believed that this results in a broader spectrum of specific anti-viral and immunoregulatory activity with the subtypes acting synergistically to give a wide-ranging response.
Target Actions Organism UInterferon alpha/beta receptor 1 Not Available Humans - Absorption
Not Available
- Volume of distribution
Not Available
- Protein binding
Not Available
- Metabolism
Proteolyzed by endogenous proteases.
- Route of elimination
Reticulo-endothilial system, kidneys and liver.
- Half-life
Not Available
- Clearance
Not Available
- Adverse Effects
Improve decision support & research outcomesWith structured adverse effects data, including: blackbox warnings, adverse reactions, warning & precautions, & incidence rates.Improve decision support & research outcomes with our structured adverse effects data.- Toxicity
Not Available
- Pathways
- Not Available
- Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
- Not Available
Interactions
- Drug Interactions
- This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Drug Interaction Integrate drug-drug
interactions in your softwareAbaloparatide The therapeutic efficacy of Abaloparatide can be decreased when used in combination with Interferon alfa. Abatacept The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Abatacept is combined with Interferon alfa. Abciximab The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Abciximab is combined with Interferon alfa. Acenocoumarol The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Interferon alfa. Acetaminophen The metabolism of Acetaminophen can be decreased when combined with Interferon alfa. Acetylsalicylic acid The risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Acetylsalicylic acid is combined with Interferon alfa. Acyclovir The metabolism of Acyclovir can be decreased when combined with Interferon alfa. Adalimumab The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Adalimumab is combined with Interferon alfa. Adenovirus type 7 vaccine live The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Adenovirus type 7 vaccine live is combined with Interferon alfa. Agomelatine The metabolism of Agomelatine can be decreased when combined with Interferon alfa. 
Identify potential medication risksEasily compare up to 40 drugs with our drug interaction checker.Get severity rating, description, and management advice.Learn more - Food Interactions
- Not Available
Products
Drug product information from 10+ global regionsOur datasets provide approved product information including:dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.- International/Other Brands
- Multiferon
Categories
- Drug Categories
- Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins
- Anti-Infective Agents
- Antiviral Agents
- Biological Factors
- Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inhibitors
- Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inhibitors (strength unknown)
- Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
- Cytokines
- Immunologic Factors
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Interferon Type I
- Interferon-alpha
- Interferons
- Myelosuppressive Agents
- Peptides
- Proteins
- Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
- Description
- Not Available
- Kingdom
- Organic Compounds
- Super Class
- Organic Acids
- Class
- Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
- Sub Class
- Amino Acids, Peptides, and Analogues
- Direct Parent
- Peptides
- Alternative Parents
- Not Available
- Substituents
- Not Available
- Molecular Framework
- Not Available
- External Descriptors
- Not Available
- Affected organisms
- Humans and other mammals
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- Not Available
- CAS number
- Not Available
References
- General References
- Yonezawa A, Morita R, Takaori-Kondo A, Kadowaki N, Kitawaki T, Hori T, Uchiyama T: Natural alpha interferon-producing cells respond to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 with alpha interferon production and maturation into dendritic cells. J Virol. 2003 Mar;77(6):3777-84. [Article]
- External Links
- PubChem Substance
- 347910052
- Wikipedia
- Interferon
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials
Phase Status Purpose Conditions Count 4 Completed Diagnostic Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection 1 4 Completed Prevention Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection 1 4 Completed Treatment Carcinoma, Basal Cell (BCC) 1 4 Completed Treatment Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection 4 4 Completed Treatment Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection / Genotyping 1 4 Completed Treatment Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection / Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections 1 4 Completed Treatment Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection / Neoplasms 1 4 Completed Treatment Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection / Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 1 4 Completed Treatment Conjunctival Intraepithelial Neoplasia / Corneal Intraepithelial Neoplasia 1 4 Completed Treatment Fatty Liver / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection 1
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
- Not Available
- Packagers
- Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Injection, solution Injection, solution Subcutaneous Injection, solution Parenteral - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
- Not Available
Properties
- State
- Liquid
- Experimental Properties
- Not Available
Targets
Build, predict & validate machine-learning models
Use our structured and evidence-based datasets to unlock newinsights and accelerate drug research.
Use our structured and evidence-based datasets to unlock new insights and accelerate drug research.
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- General Function
- Type i interferon receptor activity
- Specific Function
- Associates with IFNAR2 to form the type I interferon receptor. Receptor for interferons alpha and beta. Binding to type I IFNs triggers tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of proteins including JA...
- Gene Name
- IFNAR1
- Uniprot ID
- P17181
- Uniprot Name
- Interferon alpha/beta receptor 1
- Molecular Weight
- 63524.81 Da
Enzymes
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Inhibitor
- General Function
- Oxidoreductase activity, acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen, reduced flavin or flavoprotein as one donor, and incorporation of one atom of oxygen
- Specific Function
- Cytochromes P450 are a group of heme-thiolate monooxygenases. In liver microsomes, this enzyme is involved in an NADPH-dependent electron transport pathway. It oxidizes a variety of structurally un...
- Gene Name
- CYP1A2
- Uniprot ID
- P05177
- Uniprot Name
- Cytochrome P450 1A2
- Molecular Weight
- 58293.76 Da
References
- Delaporte E, Renton KW: Cytochrome P4501A1 and cytochrome P4501A2 are downregulated at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels by conditions resulting in interferon-alpha/beta induction. Life Sci. 1997;60(10):787-96. doi: 10.1016/s0024-3205(97)00006-4. [Article]
Drug created at November 18, 2007 18:22 / Updated at January 27, 2022 21:15