Interferon alfacon-1
Also known as: Alfacon-1, CIFN, consensus interferon, IFN alfacon-1, IFN-alfacon-1, Infergen, methionyl interferon alfacon-1
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Summary
Interferon alfacon-1 is a recombinant consensus interferon‑α used experimentally for chronic viral hepatitis and certain malignancies; it mimics natural IFN‑α activity with broader antiviral potency.
Mechanism of Action
Binds IFNAR1/IFNAR2 receptor complex, activates JAK-STAT signaling, inducing antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory gene expression.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Chronic Hepatitis C treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Hepatitis C re-treatment (non-responders/relapsers)AntiviralModerate
- Melanoma (adjuvant)OncologyLow
- Chronic hepatitis CAntiviralModerate
- Antiproliferative / oncology (investigational)OncologyLow
- Hairy cell leukemiaOncologyLow
- Chronic hepatitis BAntiviral / HepatologyModerate
- Antiviral activity (broad)AntiviralLow
Contraindications
- Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalHigh
- PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Decompensated cirrhosisHepatic ImpairmentHigh
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
- Decompensated liver diseaseHepatic ImpairmentHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfacon-1 or E. coli-derived productsImmunologicHigh
- Severe bone marrow suppressionHematologicHigh
- Severe psychiatric disorders (untreated)PsychiatricHigh
Adverse Effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, headache)SystemicCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- ThrombocytopeniaHematologicCommonLow platelet count
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
- NeutropeniaHematologicUncommonLow neutrophil count
- Depression / Mood changesPsychiatricCommon
- Depression and suicidal ideationPsychiatricCommon
- Neutropenia / leukopeniaHematologicCommon
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Flu‑like syndrome (fever, myalgia)SystemicCommon
Drug Interactions
- AzathioprineHigh
- Immunosuppressive agents (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus)Moderate
- RibavirinModerate
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- Theophylline / CYP1A2 substratesModerate
- Myelosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine, hydroxyurea)High
Population Constraints
- Pediatric patients (<18 years)AgeRelative
- Patients with active substance use disorderBehavioralRelative
- Pediatric patients (<12 y)AgeRelative
- Patients with cardiac diseaseCardiovascularRelative
- Patients with renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Elderly patients (>65 years)AgeRelative
- Elderly (>65 y)AgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNo marketing authorization in European Union.
- United StatesInvestigationalNot FDA‑approved; used only in clinical trials.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNot licensed; available only under research protocols.
FDA approved in 1997 (NDA 020528) for chronic HCV infection. Voluntarily withdrawn from the US market by AstraZeneca in 2013. Not currently approved or actively marketed in major jurisdictions.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interferon alfacon-1?
Interferon alfacon-1 is a recombinant consensus interferon‑α used experimentally for chronic viral hepatitis and certain malignancies; it mimics natural IFN‑α activity with broader antiviral potency.
What is Interferon alfacon-1 used for?
Interferon alfacon-1 is educationally associated with: Chronic Hepatitis C treatment, Hepatitis C re-treatment (non-responders/relapsers), Melanoma (adjuvant), Chronic hepatitis C, Antiproliferative / oncology (investigational), Hairy cell leukemia, Chronic hepatitis B, Antiviral activity (broad). Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interferon alfacon-1 administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interferon alfacon-1?
Reported adverse effects include: Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, headache), Injection site reactions, Thrombocytopenia, Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), Neutropenia, Depression / Mood changes, Depression and suicidal ideation, Neutropenia / leukopenia, Elevated liver enzymes, Flu‑like syndrome (fever, myalgia). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interferon alfacon-1?
Recorded contraindications: Severe autoimmune disease, Pregnancy, Decompensated cirrhosis, Autoimmune hepatitis, Decompensated liver disease, Hypersensitivity to interferon alfacon-1 or E. coli-derived products, Severe bone marrow suppression, Severe psychiatric disorders (untreated). Consult a qualified clinician before use.