Avonex (Biogen Inc)
Avonex (Biogen Inc) - General Information
Human interferon beta (166 residues), glycosylated, MW=22.5kD. It is produced by mammalian cells (Chinese Hamster Ovary cells) into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of Avonex is identical to that of natural human interferon beta.
Pharmacology of Avonex (Biogen Inc)
Interferon beta upregulates the expression of MHC I proteins, allowing for increased presentation of peptides derived from viral antigens. This enhances the activation of CD8+ T cells that are the precursors for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and makes the macrophage a better target for CTL-mediated killing. Type I interferons also induce the synthesis of several key antiviral mediators including 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5' A synthetase), beta-2 microglobulin and neopterin.
Avonex (Biogen Inc) for patients
Avonex (Biogen Inc) Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with Rebif. Due to its potential to cause neutropenia and lymphopenia, proper monitoring of patients is required if Rebif® is given in combination with myelosuppressive agents.
Also, the potential for hepatic injury should be considered when Rebif� is used in combination with other products associated with hepatic injury, or when new agents are added to the regimen of patients already on Rebif.
Avonex (Biogen Inc) Contraindications
Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon, human albumin, or any other component of the formulation.
Additional information about Avonex (Biogen Inc)
Avonex (Biogen Inc) Indication: For treatment of relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis, also for condyloma acuminatum
Mechanism Of Action: Interferon beta binds to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c) which, upon dimerization, activate two Jak (Janus kinase) tyrosine kinases (Jak1 and Tyk2). These transphosphorylate themselves and phosphorylate the receptors. The phosphorylated INFAR receptors then bind to Stat1 and Stat2 (signal transducers and activators of transcription) which dimerize and activate multiple (~100) immunomodulatory and antiviral proteins. Interferon beta binds more stably to type I interferon receptors than interferon alpha.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Interferon beta-1a
Synonyms: Fibroblast interferon; IFN-beta; Interferon beta precursor
Drug Category: Antiviral Agents; Immunomodulatory Agents
Drug Type: Biotech; Approved; Investigational
Other Brand Names containing Interferon beta-1a: Avonex (Biogen Inc); Belerofon;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: 10 hrs
Dosage Forms of Avonex (Biogen Inc): Solution Intramuscular
Liquid Subcutaneous
Chemical IUPAC Name: Human interferon beta
Chemical Formula: C908H1408N246O252S7
Interferon beta-1a on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interferon_beta-1a
Organisms Affected: Not Available
