Interferon alfa-2c
Also known as: Berofor Alpha 2, IFN-α2c, IFN‑α2c, IFNA2C, Interferon alfa 2c, Interferon alpha‑2c, rIFN-α2c
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Summary
Recombinant human interferon alfa‑2c, a 189‑amino‑acid cytokine (~19.5 kDa) used experimentally for antiviral and anticancer indications.
Mechanism of Action
Binds the interferon‑α/β receptor (IFNAR1/IFNAR2) activating the JAK‑STAT signaling cascade, inducing expression of antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory genes.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Antiviral therapyInfectious DiseaseModerate
- ImmunomodulationImmunologyLow
- Condylomata acuminataAntiviral / DermatologyLow
- Hairy cell leukemiaOncologyModerate
- Kaposi's sarcomaOncologyLow
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)OncologyModerate
- Chronic hepatitis BAntiviral / HepatologyLow
- Oncology adjunctCancerModerate
Contraindications
- Severe hepatic dysfunction / decompensated cirrhosisHepaticHigh
- Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalHigh
- Severe renal impairmentOrganModerateKidney function concerns
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any excipientAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
- Severe depression or psychiatric illnessPsychiatricModerate
- Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressionTransplantModerate
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
- Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, suicidal ideation)PsychiatricHigh
Adverse Effects
- Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, headache)SystemicCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Hematologic abnormalitiesHematologicUncommon
- Fatigue and astheniaConstitutionalCommon
- Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, cognitive disturbance)NeuropsychiatricCommon
- Flu‑like syndromeSystemicCommon
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicCommon
- Injection site reactionLocalCommonRedness, swelling, itching, bruising, or pain at the injection site
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Zidovudine (AZT)Moderate
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)Moderate
- RibavirinModerate
- CorticosteroidsLow
- ClozapineHigh
- TheophyllineModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing psychiatric disordersPsychiatricRelative
- Elderly (>75 y)AgeRelative
- Patients with cardiovascular diseaseComorbidityRelative
- Elderly patients (≥65 years)Age RelatedRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNot authorized for marketing.
- United StatesInvestigationalInvestigational New Drug (IND) status only.
- United KingdomUnapprovedAvailable only within clinical trials.
Not approved by major regulatory agencies; available only in clinical‑trial or compassionate‑use settings.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interferon alfa-2c?
Recombinant human interferon alfa‑2c, a 189‑amino‑acid cytokine (~19.5 kDa) used experimentally for antiviral and anticancer indications.
What is Interferon alfa-2c used for?
Interferon alfa-2c is educationally associated with: Antiviral therapy, Immunomodulation, Condylomata acuminata, Hairy cell leukemia, Kaposi's sarcoma, Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), Chronic hepatitis B, Oncology adjunct. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interferon alfa-2c administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interferon alfa-2c?
Reported adverse effects include: Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, headache), Injection site reactions, Hematologic abnormalities, Fatigue and asthenia, Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, cognitive disturbance), Flu‑like syndrome, Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Injection site reaction, Elevated liver enzymes, Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interferon alfa-2c?
Recorded contraindications: Severe hepatic dysfunction / decompensated cirrhosis, Severe autoimmune disease, Severe renal impairment, Pregnancy, Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any excipient, Severe depression or psychiatric illness, Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppression, Autoimmune hepatitis, Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, suicidal ideation). Consult a qualified clinician before use.