Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

interferon-a-2a

Interferon-alpha-2a works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight viral infections and cancer.

Interferon-alpha-2a works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight viral infections and cancer. Used for Multiple myeloma, Hairy cell leukemia.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

It does this by binding to the interferon-alpha receptor, triggering a cascade of signaling events that ultimately lead to the production of antiviral and antiproliferative proteins.

Approved indications

• Multiple myeloma
• Hairy cell leukemia

Common side effects

• Flu-like symptoms
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Myalgia
• Chills

Key clinical trials

• A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Three Experimental Drugs Compared With Telaprevir (a Licensed Product) for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Treatment-experienced Adults (PHASE3)
• Efficacy of Peginterferon Alpha 2a Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Being Treated With Nucleoside(Acid) Analogues (PHASE4)
• Efficay of Extended Peginterferon Alpha 2a Treatment in HBeAg Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
• A Study of MabThera/Rituxan (Rituximab) Alone and in Combination With Roferon-A in Patients With Follicular or Other CD20+ Low-Grade (Indolent) Lymphoma (PHASE3)
• Augmenting Response to Entecavir With Peginterferon a-2a for the Treatment of HBeAg-positive Chronic Hepatitis B (PHASE4)
• TMC649128HPC1002 - a Trial inGenotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) - Infected Participants to Determine the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Antiviral Activity of TMC649128, Alone and Combined With Pegylated Interferon + Ribavirin (PHASE1)
• HRN 004- Peginterferon a-2a Plus Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in HIV Infected Persons Who Have Failed to Achieve a Sustained Virologic Response Following Previous Interferon Therapy (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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