Interferon gamma-1b

Cytokine (interferon Gamma)Rx: PrescriptionCompound: Approved

Also known as: Actimmune, IFN-γ1b, IFNG, Interferon gamma-1b, rhu IFN-gamma, rIFN-γ1b

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

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Summary

Recombinant human interferon gamma-1b (Actimmune) is an immunomodulatory cytokine approved for chronic granulomatous disease and severe malignant osteopetrosis; administered subcutaneously to boost innate immunity.

Mechanism of Action

Binds interferon gamma receptor (IFNGR) activating JAK1/2-STAT1 signaling, upregulating MHC expression and enhancing macrophage microbial killing

Routes of Administration

IntramuscularSubcutaneous

Goals & Uses

  • Reduction of serious infections in chronic granulomatous diseaseImmunodeficiency / Infection ProphylaxisHigh
  • Antiviral / antitumor immunotherapyOncology / AntiviralLow
  • Adjunct in refractory infectionsInfectious DiseaseModerate
  • Chronic Granulomatous DiseaseImmunodeficiencyHigh
  • Severe Malignant OsteopetrosisBone DisorderHigh
  • Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosisFibrosis / Pulmonary DiseaseLow
  • Delay of disease progression in severe malignant osteopetrosisBone Disease / ImmunomodulationModerate

Contraindications

  • Pre-existing severe neurological or seizure disordersNeurologicalModerate
  • Hypersensitivity to interferon gamma-1bAllergyHigh
  • Severe hepatic impairmentOrganModerateLiver function concerns
  • Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalModerate
  • Pre-existing severe cardiac diseaseCardiovascularModerate
  • Hypersensitivity to interferon-gamma or E. coli-derived proteinsAllergy / ImmunologyHigh

Adverse Effects

  • Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT)HepatotoxicityUncommon
  • Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
  • Central nervous system effects (decreased mental status, gait disturbance, dizziness)NeurologicalUncommon
  • Neutropenia / thrombocytopeniaHematologicUncommon
  • NeutropeniaHematologicRareLow neutrophil count
  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, headache, fatigue)Systemic / ConstitutionalCommon
  • Injection site reactionLocalCommonRedness, swelling, itching, bruising, or pain at the injection site
  • Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
  • Flu‑like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia)SystemicCommon
  • Cardiovascular effects (hypotension, tachycardia, syncope)CardiovascularRare

Drug Interactions

  • Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine)Low
  • Live vaccinesModerate
  • Zidovudine (AZT)Moderate
  • CYP450-metabolized drugs (e.g., theophylline, warfarin, phenytoin)Moderate
  • Immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, cyclosporine)Moderate
  • Myelosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine, cyclophosphamide)Moderate

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • LactationReproductiveRelative
  • Patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseaseAutoimmuneRelative
  • Pediatric (≤2 years)AgeRelative
  • Pediatric patients < 0.5 m² BSAPediatricRelative
  • Elderly patientsAgeRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionInvestigationalNot marketed; available via compassionate use programs
  • United StatesApprovedApproved: Chronic Granulomatous Disease, Severe Malignant OsteopetrosisMarketed as Actimmune
  • United KingdomUnapprovedNo licensed product; can be accessed under special access scheme

FDA approved in 1995 (US); EMA approval withdrawn in 2013, currently available in limited EU markets under compassionate use.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Interferon gamma-1b?

Recombinant human interferon gamma-1b (Actimmune) is an immunomodulatory cytokine approved for chronic granulomatous disease and severe malignant osteopetrosis; administered subcutaneously to boost innate immunity.

What is Interferon gamma-1b used for?

Interferon gamma-1b is educationally associated with: Reduction of serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease, Antiviral / antitumor immunotherapy, Adjunct in refractory infections, Chronic Granulomatous Disease, Severe Malignant Osteopetrosis, Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Delay of disease progression in severe malignant osteopetrosis. Educational only — not medical advice.

How is Interferon gamma-1b administered?

Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Subcutaneous.

What are the potential side effects of Interferon gamma-1b?

Reported adverse effects include: Elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT), Injection site reactions, Central nervous system effects (decreased mental status, gait disturbance, dizziness), Neutropenia / thrombocytopenia, Neutropenia, Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, headache, fatigue), Injection site reaction, Elevated liver enzymes, Flu‑like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia), Cardiovascular effects (hypotension, tachycardia, syncope). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.

Who should avoid Interferon gamma-1b?

Recorded contraindications: Pre-existing severe neurological or seizure disorders, Hypersensitivity to interferon gamma-1b, Severe hepatic impairment, Severe autoimmune disease, Pre-existing severe cardiac disease, Hypersensitivity to interferon-gamma or E. coli-derived proteins. Consult a qualified clinician before use.