Last reviewed · How we verify
Interferon-Alpha
Interferon-Alpha activates the innate immune system by binding to interferon-alpha receptors on immune cells, enhancing their antiviral and anti-tumor activity.
Interferon-Alpha activates the innate immune system by binding to interferon-alpha receptors on immune cells, enhancing their antiviral and anti-tumor activity. Used for Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Melanoma, Renal cell carcinoma.
At a glance
| Generic name | Interferon-Alpha |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Interferon, alpha interferon, Intron® A, Roferon® A, Veldona, IFN-alpha lozenge, low dose IFN lozenge, Pegintron®, Schering Plough |
| Sponsor | University of Birmingham |
| Drug class | Cytokine; Immunomodulator |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology; Immunology; Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Interferon-Alpha is a cytokine that binds to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR) on the surface of immune cells and other tissues. This binding triggers intracellular signaling cascades that upregulate antiviral proteins, enhance natural killer cell and macrophage activity, and promote apoptosis in malignant cells. It also has direct antiproliferative effects on tumor cells and can enhance MHC expression to improve immune recognition.
Approved indications
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Melanoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Multiple myeloma
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue)
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Leukopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression/mood changes
- Thyroid dysfunction
Key clinical trials
- Virotherapy and Natural History Study of KHSV-Associated Multricentric Castleman s Disease With Correlates of Disease Activity (PHASE2)
- Physician/Patient Choice of Either High-Dose Recombinant Interferon Alfa-2B or Ipilimumab, Versus Pembrolizumab in Treating Patients With Stage III-IV High Risk Melanoma That Has Been Removed by Surgery (PHASE3)
- Octreotide Acetate and Recombinant Interferon Alfa-2b or Bevacizumab in Treating Patients With Metastatic or Locally Advanced, High-Risk Neuroendocrine Tumor (PHASE3)
- A Study of Bomedemstat (IMG-7289/MK-3543) Compared to Best Available Therapy (BAT) in Participants With Essential Thrombocythemia and an Inadequate Response or Intolerance of Hydroxyurea (MK-3543-006) (PHASE3)
- Nivolumab, Fluorouracil, and Interferon Alpha 2B for the Treatment of Unresectable Fibrolamellar Cancer (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Effectiveness of Zidovudine vs. Zidovudine Plus Alpha Interferon vs. Interferon for Treatment of HIV
- High-Dose Interferon Alfa in Treating Patients With Stage II or Stage III Melanoma (PHASE3)
- Polarized Dendritic Cell (aDC1) Based Treatment, Interferon Alpha-2, Rintatolimod, and Celecoxib for the Treatment of HLA-A2+ Refractory Melanoma (PHASE2)
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 |