Interferon alfa-2b
Type of medication
| Interferon alfa-2b | |
|---|---|
| File:1RH2 Recombinant Human Interferon-Alpha 2b-02.png | |
| INN | |
| Drug class | |
| Routes of administration | Intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous |
| Pregnancy category | |
| Bioavailability | |
| Metabolism | |
| Elimination half-life | 2-3 hours |
| Excretion | Renal |
| Legal status | |
| CAS Number | 99210-65-8 |
| PubChem | 135346 |
| DrugBank | DB00011 |
| ChemSpider | |
| KEGG | D00743 |
Interferon alfa-2b is a recombinant protein used in the treatment of various viral infections and cancer. It is a type of interferon, which are proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and tumor cells. Interferon alfa-2b is produced using recombinant DNA technology and is marketed under the brand name Intron A.
Medical uses[edit]
Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Malignant melanoma
- Follicular lymphoma
- Condylomata acuminata (genital warts)
- Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV/AIDS patients
Mechanism of action[edit]
Interferon alfa-2b works by binding to specific receptors on the surface of cells, initiating a complex signaling pathway that leads to the expression of numerous genes. These genes are involved in:
- Inhibiting viral replication
- Enhancing the immune response
- Inhibiting cell proliferation
- Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death)
Administration[edit]
Interferon alfa-2b can be administered via several routes, including:
Side effects[edit]
Common side effects of interferon alfa-2b include:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches)
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
History[edit]
Interferon alfa-2b was one of the first recombinant proteins to be approved for medical use. It was developed in the 1980s and has since been used to treat millions of patients worldwide.
See also[edit]
Related pages[edit]
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