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interferon α 2b + ribavirin
Interferon α-2b activates innate immunity and has direct antiviral activity, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis, together suppressing hepatitis C virus replication.
Interferon α-2b activates innate immunity and has direct antiviral activity, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis, together suppressing hepatitis C virus replication. Used for Chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
At a glance
| Generic name | interferon α 2b + ribavirin |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | The Immunobiological Technology Institute (Bio-Manguinhos) / Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) |
| Drug class | Antiviral combination therapy |
| Target | Interferon-α receptor; viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Virology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Interferon α-2b binds to interferon-α receptors on infected cells, triggering JAK-STAT signaling and upregulation of antiviral genes that inhibit viral protein synthesis and promote apoptosis of infected cells. Ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and depletes cellular guanosine pools, further reducing viral replication. The combination has synergistic antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Hematologic toxicity (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Psychiatric effects (depression, anxiety)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Headache
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Interferon α 2b Pharmacovigilance Study (PHASE4)
- Boceprevir/PegIFN α-2b/Riba in HCV+ Gt1 Menopausal Women, Nonresponders to PegIFN/Riba or Treatment-naives (MEN_BOC) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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