Interferon alfa-1b
Also known as: IFN-α1b, IFN‑α1b, Interferon alfa‑1b, Multiferon, Recombinant human interferon alpha-1b, rHuIFN-α1b, Sumiferon
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Summary
Recombinant human interferon alfa‑1b is a cytokine used as an antiviral and antitumor agent, primarily for chronic hepatitis B/C and certain malignancies in regions where it is marketed.
Mechanism of Action
Binds the IFN‑α/β receptor (IFNAR1/IFNAR2) on target cells, activating the JAK‑STAT signaling cascade and inducing expression of interferon‑stimulated genes that confer antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Chronic Hepatitis C treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Chronic Hepatitis B treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis BViral InfectionModerate
- Condylomata acuminataAntiviral / DermatologyModerate
- Hairy cell leukemiaOncologyModerate
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)OncologyModerate
- Adjuvant treatment of melanomaOncologyLow
- Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis CViral InfectionModerate
Contraindications
- Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, psychosis)PsychiatricHigh
- Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Severe renal or cardiac insufficiencyOrgan ImpairmentModerate
- Severe depression or psychiatric illnessPsychiatricModerate
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
- Decompensated liver diseaseHepatic ImpairmentHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any componentImmunologicHigh
Adverse Effects
- Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, headache)SystemicCommon
- Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, suicidal ideation)PsychiatricCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Elevated liver enzymes / hepatotoxicityHepaticUncommon
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicCommon
- DepressionPsychiatricUncommon
- Injection site reactionLocalCommonRedness, swelling, itching, bruising, or pain at the injection site
- Flu‑like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia)SystemicCommon
- Leukopenia / neutropeniaHematologicUncommon
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids)Moderate
- Live vaccinesHigh
- Zidovudine (AZT)Moderate
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)Moderate
- Theophylline / AminophyllineModerate
- RibavirinModerate
- ClozapineHigh
Population Constraints
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing psychiatric illnessPsychiatricRelative
- Patients with autoimmune diseaseAutoimmuneRelative
- Elderly patients (≥65 years)Age RelatedRelative
- Elderly (>75 years)GeriatricRelative
Regulatory Status
- CNApprovedApproved: chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis CApproved by NMPA for antiviral therapy.
- European UnionApprovedApproved: chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, melanoma (adjuvant)Marketing authorisation granted in several member states.
- United StatesUnapprovedNot FDA‑approved; available only via clinical trial or compassionate use.
- United KingdomUnknownNo independent MHRA approval identified for interferon alfa-1b specifically.
Not approved by the US FDA; approved in several EU member states, China, and Russia for hepatitis B/C and specific cancers. Marketing authorisations vary by indication.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interferon alfa-1b?
Recombinant human interferon alfa‑1b is a cytokine used as an antiviral and antitumor agent, primarily for chronic hepatitis B/C and certain malignancies in regions where it is marketed.
What is Interferon alfa-1b used for?
Interferon alfa-1b is educationally associated with: Chronic Hepatitis C treatment, Chronic Hepatitis B treatment, Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B, Condylomata acuminata, Hairy cell leukemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), Adjuvant treatment of melanoma, Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interferon alfa-1b administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interferon alfa-1b?
Reported adverse effects include: Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, headache), Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, suicidal ideation), Injection site reactions, Elevated liver enzymes / hepatotoxicity, Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Depression, Injection site reaction, Flu‑like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia), Leukopenia / neutropenia, Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interferon alfa-1b?
Recorded contraindications: Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, psychosis), Severe autoimmune disease, Pregnancy, Severe renal or cardiac insufficiency, Severe depression or psychiatric illness, Autoimmune hepatitis, Decompensated liver disease, Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any component. Consult a qualified clinician before use.