Albinterferon Alfa-2B
Also known as: alb-interferon alfa-2b, albIFN alfa-2b, Albinterferon, Albinterferon alfa‑2b, Albuferon, IFN‑α2b‑albumin, IFN‑α2b‑albumin fusion, Joulferon, YFGN-IFN-alfa-2b
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Summary
Albinterferon alfa‑2b is a recombinant fusion of human interferon‑α2b with albumin designed for subcutaneous administration to treat chronic hepatitis C; development was discontinued before regulatory approval.
Mechanism of Action
Activates IFNAR signaling leading to antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects; albumin fusion extends half‑life.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Reduced dosing frequency vs. standard interferonPharmacokinetic AdvantageModerate
- Chronic hepatitis C viral infectionAntiviral TherapyModerate
- Chronic hepatitis C infectionAntiviralModerate
- Chronic Hepatitis C treatment (genotype 1)Antiviral / HepatologyModerate
- Improved patient adherenceDosing ConvenienceModerate
- Chronic Hepatitis C treatment (genotypes 2/3)Antiviral / HepatologyModerate
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to interferon‑α or albuminAllergyHigh
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh C)Liver DiseaseHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon or albuminAllergyHigh
- Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalModerate
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
- Decompensated liver disease / Child-Pugh B or C cirrhosisHepaticHigh
- Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., suicidal ideation)PsychiatricHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or albuminImmunologic / AllergicHigh
Adverse Effects
- Hematologic toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
- Flu‑like syndromeSystemicCommon
- NeutropeniaHematologicUncommonLow neutrophil count
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue)Systemic / ConstitutionalCommon
- Pulmonary adverse events (cough, dyspnea, interstitial pneumonitis)RespiratoryUncommon
- Depression and suicidal ideationPsychiatricUncommon
- Pulmonary hypertensionCardiovascular/pulmonaryRare
- DepressionPsychiatricCommon
- Flu‑like syndrome (fever, myalgia, fatigue)SystemicCommon
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, insomnia)Psychiatric / NeurologicalCommon
Drug Interactions
- Theophylline / MethylxanthinesModerate
- RibavirinModerate
- CorticosteroidsLow
- ImmunosuppressantsModeratePotential interaction with immune pathways or infection risk
- Nucleoside analogues (e.g., zidovudine, didanosine)Moderate
Population Constraints
- Children (<18 years)AgeRelative
- Pediatric patients (<18 years)AgeRelative
- Elderly (>65 years)AgeRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing pulmonary diseaseRespiratoryRelative
- Elderly patients (>65 years)AgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing psychiatric conditionsPsychiatricRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveAbsolute
- Renal impairment (severe)RenalRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionInvestigationalNo marketing authorization granted.
- United StatesInvestigationalPhase III halted; never submitted for NDA.
- United KingdomInvestigationalNot approved by MHRA; clinical program terminated.
Phase III trials halted; not approved in US, EU, or other jurisdictions.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Albinterferon Alfa-2B?
Albinterferon alfa‑2b is a recombinant fusion of human interferon‑α2b with albumin designed for subcutaneous administration to treat chronic hepatitis C; development was discontinued before regulatory approval.
What is Albinterferon Alfa-2B used for?
Albinterferon Alfa-2B is educationally associated with: Reduced dosing frequency vs. standard interferon, Chronic hepatitis C viral infection, Chronic hepatitis C infection, Chronic Hepatitis C treatment (genotype 1), Improved patient adherence, Chronic Hepatitis C treatment (genotypes 2/3). Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Albinterferon Alfa-2B administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Albinterferon Alfa-2B?
Reported adverse effects include: Hematologic toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Injection site reactions, Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), Flu‑like syndrome, Neutropenia, Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue), Pulmonary adverse events (cough, dyspnea, interstitial pneumonitis), Depression and suicidal ideation, Pulmonary hypertension, Depression, Flu‑like syndrome (fever, myalgia, fatigue), Elevated liver enzymes, Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, insomnia). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Albinterferon Alfa-2B?
Recorded contraindications: Hypersensitivity to interferon‑α or albumin, Severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh C), Hypersensitivity to interferon or albumin, Severe autoimmune disease, Pregnancy, Autoimmune hepatitis, Decompensated liver disease / Child-Pugh B or C cirrhosis, Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., suicidal ideation), Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or albumin. Consult a qualified clinician before use.