Interferon alfa-2a

Identification

Summary

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.

Generic Name
Interferon alfa-2a
DrugBank Accession Number
DB00034
Background

Interferon a (human leukocyte protein moiety reduced). A type I interferon consisting of 165 amino acid residues with lysine in position 23. This protein is produced by recombinant DNA technology and resembles interferon secreted by leukocytes. It is used extensively as an antiviral or antineoplastic agent. An oral form is being developed by Amarillo Biosciences.

Type
Biotech
Groups
Approved, Investigational
Biologic Classification
Protein Based Therapies
Interferons
Protein Structure
Protein Chemical Formula
C860H1353N227O255S9
Protein Average Weight
19241.1 Da
Sequences
>DB00034 sequence
CDLPQTHSLGSRRTLMLLAQMRKISLFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFGNQFQKAETIPVLHEMI
QQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLDKFYTELYQQLNDLEACVIQGVGVTETPLMKEDSILAVR
KYFQRITLYLKEKKYSPCAWEVVRAEIMRSFSLSTNLQESLRSKE
Download FASTA Format
Synonyms
  • Interferon alfa-2a
  • Interferon alfa-2a (genetical recombination)
  • Interferon alfa-2a (recombinant)
  • Interferon alfa-2a, recombinant
  • Interferon alfa-2a,recombinant
  • Interferon alpha-2a
  • Interferon-alfa-2a
  • Recombinant human interferon alfa-2a
  • Recombinant human interferon-alfa-2a
  • rIFN-alpha-2a
  • SH-polypeptide-46
External IDs
  • RO 22-8181
  • RO-22-8181
  • RO-228181

Pharmacology

Indication

For the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Also for the treatment of oral warts arising from HIV infection.

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Associated Conditions
Indication TypeIndicationCombined Product DetailsApproval LevelAge GroupPatient CharacteristicsDose Form
Treatment ofChronic hepatitis c virus (hcv) infection•••••••••••••••••• ••••• •••••••••••••••••
Used as adjunct in combination to treatChronic hepatitis c virus (hcv) infectionRegimen in combination with: Ribavirin (DB00811)•••••••••••••••••••••• •• •••••••••• •••• •••••••• ••••••••• • ••••••••••••••••
Treatment ofChronic myeloid leukemia (cml)•••••••••••••••••••••
Treatment ofCutaneous t-cell lymphoma (ctcl)•••••••••••••••••••••
Treatment ofHairy cell leukemia (hcl)•••••••••••••••••••••
Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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Pharmacodynamics

Upregulates the expression of MHC I proteins, allowing for increased presentation of peptides derived from viral antigens. This enhances the activation of CD8+ T cells that are the precursors for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and makes the macrophage a better target for CTL-mediated killing. Interferon alpha also induce the synthesis of several key antiviral mediators, including 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5' A synthetase) and protein kinase R.

Mechanism of action

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.

TargetActionsOrganism
AInterferon alpha/beta receptor 1Not AvailableHumans
AInterferon alpha/beta receptor 2Not AvailableHumans
Absorption

Absorption is high (greater than 80%) when administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

Volume of distribution
  • 0.223 to 0.748 L/kg [healthy people]
Protein binding

Not Available

Metabolism
Not Available
Route of elimination

Alpha-interferons are totally filtered through the glomeruli and undergo rapid proteolytic degradation during tubular reabsorption, rendering a negligible reappearance of intact alfa interferon in the systemic circulation.

Half-life

The IM half-life of interferon alfa-2a is 6 hours to 8 hours; the half-life for IV infusion is 3.7 hours to 8.5 hours (mean 5.1 hours).

Clearance
  • 2.14 - 3.62 mL/min/kg [healthy]
Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

Interferon alfa-2 may cause serious adverse effects such as anemia; autoimmune diseases, including vasculitis, arthritis, hemolytic anemia, and erythematosus syndrome; cardiotoxicity; hepatotoxicity; hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; transient ischemic attacks; leukopenia; neurotoxicity; peripheral neuropathy; and thrombocytopenia. Some lesser side effects that may not need medical attention include blurred vision, change in taste or metallic taste, cold sores or stomatitis, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin or itching, flu-like syndrome, increased sweating, leg cramps, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, skin rash, unusual tiredness, weight loss, and partial loss of hair.

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs Browse all" title="About SNP Mediated Effects/ADRs" id="snp-actions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions Learn More" title="About Drug Interactions" id="structured-interactions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
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.
DrugInteraction
AbataceptThe risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Interferon alfa-2a is combined with Abatacept.
AbciximabThe risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Abciximab is combined with Interferon alfa-2a.
AcenocoumarolThe metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Interferon alfa-2a.
AcetaminophenThe metabolism of Acetaminophen can be decreased when combined with Interferon alfa-2a.
Acetylsalicylic acidThe risk or severity of bleeding can be increased when Acetylsalicylic acid is combined with Interferon alfa-2a.
Food Interactions
  • Avoid alcohol.

Products

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International/Other Brands
Roferon A (Hoffmann-La Roche Inc) / Veldona (Amarillo Biosciences)
Brand Name Prescription Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Roferon A Soln Inj 6 MillionLiquid6000000 unit / mLIntramuscular; SubcutaneousHoffmann La Roche1989-12-311997-08-26Canada flag
Roferon A Sterile Pws 18m Unit/vialPowder, for solution18000000 unit / vialIntramuscular; SubcutaneousHoffmann La Roche1991-12-311996-09-30Canada flag
Roferon A Sterile Pws 3m Unit/vialPowder, for solution3000000 unit / vialIntramuscular; SubcutaneousHoffmann La Roche1991-12-311996-09-30Canada flag
Roferon A Sterile Pws 9m Unit/vialPowder, for solution9000000 unit / vialIntramuscular; SubcutaneousHoffmann La Roche1991-12-311996-09-30Canada flag
Roferon-AInjection, solution11.1 ug/0.5mLSubcutaneousGenentech, Inc.1986-06-042008-10-31US flag

Categories

ATC Codes
L03AB04 — Interferon alfa-2a
Drug Categories
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
47RRR83SK7
CAS number
76543-88-9

References

General References
  1. IlacaBak: Interferon alfa 2a ATC Sınıflaması [Link]
UniProt
P01563
Genbank
J00207
PubChem Substance
46506712
RxNav
5879
Therapeutic Targets Database
DAP000801
PharmGKB
PA164779048
RxList
RxList Drug Page
Drugs.com
Drugs.com Drug Page
Wikipedia
Peginterferon_alfa-2a
FDA label
Download (204 KB)

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Learn More" title="About Clinical Trials" id="clinical-trials-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
4CompletedTreatmentChronic Hepatitis B Infection1
4CompletedTreatmentChronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection / End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)1
3CompletedTreatmentBehçet's Disease / Uveitis1
3CompletedTreatmentHepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection1
3CompletedTreatmentLymphoma1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
  • F Hoffmann La Roche Ltd.
  • F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
SolutionSubcutaneous3000000 IU
InjectionSubcutaneous
Injection, solutionIntramuscular; Parenteral; Subcutaneous
Injection, solutionParenteral; Subcutaneous
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous
LiquidIntramuscular; Subcutaneous6000000 unit / mL
Powder, for solutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous18000000 unit / vial
Powder, for solutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous3000000 unit / vial
Powder, for solutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous9000000 unit / vial
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous11.1 ug/0.5mL
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous22.2 ug/0.5mL
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous33.3 ug/0.5mL
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous3000000 IU
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous4500000 MIU
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous6000000 IU
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous9000000 IU
InjectionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous3 MIU/0.5ml
LiquidIntramuscular; Subcutaneous3000000 unit / mL
LiquidIntramuscular; Subcutaneous4500000 IU/mL
SolutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous9000000 IU/ml
SolutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous18000000 IU/3mL
SolutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous3 m / mL
SolutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous6000000 IU/mL
SolutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous36000000 unit / mL
SolutionIntramuscular; Subcutaneous9000000 unit / .9 mL
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Patent NumberPediatric ExtensionApprovedExpires (estimated)Region
CA2172664No2000-10-032016-03-26Canada flag

Properties

State
Liquid
Experimental Properties
PropertyValueSource
water solubility100 mg/mlNot Available
hydrophobicity-0.336Not Available
isoelectric point5.99Not Available

Targets

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Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Yes
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
References
  1. Dhalluin C, Ross A, Huber W, Gerber P, Brugger D, Gsell B, Senn H: Structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic analysis of the binding of the 40 kDa PEG-interferon-alpha2a and its individual positional isomers to the extracellular domain of the receptor IFNAR2. Bioconjug Chem. 2005 May-Jun;16(3):518-27. [Article]
  2. Cironi P, Swinburne IA, Silver PA: Enhancement of cell type specificity by quantitative modulation of a chimeric ligand. J Biol Chem. 2008 Mar 28;283(13):8469-76. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M708502200. Epub 2008 Jan 29. [Article]
Kind
Protein
Organism
Humans
Pharmacological action
Yes
General Function
Type i interferon receptor activity
Specific Function
Associates with IFNAR1 to form the type I interferon receptor. Receptor for interferons alpha and beta. Involved in IFN-mediated STAT1, STAT2 and STAT3 activation. Isoform 1 and isoform 2 are direc...
Gene Name
IFNAR2
Uniprot ID
P48551
Uniprot Name
Interferon alpha/beta receptor 2
Molecular Weight
57758.24 Da
References
  1. Dhalluin C, Ross A, Huber W, Gerber P, Brugger D, Gsell B, Senn H: Structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic analysis of the binding of the 40 kDa PEG-interferon-alpha2a and its individual positional isomers to the extracellular domain of the receptor IFNAR2. Bioconjug Chem. 2005 May-Jun;16(3):518-27. [Article]
  2. Cironi P, Swinburne IA, Silver PA: Enhancement of cell type specificity by quantitative modulation of a chimeric ligand. J Biol Chem. 2008 Mar 28;283(13):8469-76. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M708502200. Epub 2008 Jan 29. [Article]

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
  1. 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 June 13, 2005 13:24 / Updated at January 02, 2024 23:41