Infergen (InterMune Inc)
Infergen (InterMune Inc) - General Information
Consensus sequence derived Interferon alpha, differs from human interferon alpha by 20 residues (88% identical to IFN alpha 2a) (this sequence is still alfa-2a, needs to be fixed).
Pharmacology of Infergen (InterMune Inc)
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. Interferon alpha also induce the synthesis of several key antiviral mediators, including 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5' A synthetase) and protein kinase R.
Infergen (InterMune Inc) for patients
If home use is determined to be desirable by the physician, instructions on appropriate use should be given by a health care professional. The patient must be instructed as to the proper dosage and administration. Information included in the MEDICATION GUIDE should be fully reviewed with the patient; it is not a disclosure of all, or possible, adverse effects. The most common adverse reactions occurring with INFERGEN therapy are flu-like symptoms including fatigue, fever, rigors, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, and increased sweating. Non-narcotic analgesics and bedtime administration of INFERGEN may be used to prevent or lessen some of these symptoms. Additionally, patients must be thoroughly instructed in the importance of proper disposal procedures and cautioned against the reuse of needles, syringes, or re-entry of the drug product. A puncture-resistant container for the disposal of used syringes and needles should be used by the patient and should be disposed of according to the directions provided by the health care provider.
Infergen (InterMune Inc) Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with Infergen. Infergen should be used cautiously in patients who are receiving agents that are known to cause myelosuppression or with agents known to be metabolized via the cytochrome P-450 pathway.9 Patients taking drugs that are metabolized by this pathway should be monitored closely for changes in the therapeutic and/or toxic levels of concomitant drugs.
Infergen (InterMune Inc) Contraindications
Infergen is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to alpha interferons, to E coli-derived products, or to any component of the product.
Additional information about Infergen (InterMune Inc)
Infergen (InterMune Inc) Indication: For treatment of hairy cell leukemia, malignant melanoma, and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma
Mechanism Of Action: Interferon alpha 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 alpha binds less stably to type I interferon receptors than interferon beta.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Interferon alfacon-1
Synonyms: Interferon alpha-2 precursor; Interferon alpha-A; LeIF A
Drug Category: Antineoplastic Agents; Antiviral Agents; Immunomodulatory Agents
Drug Type: Biotech; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Interferon alfacon-1: Infergen (InterMune Inc);
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Infergen (InterMune Inc): Solution Subcutaneous
Chemical IUPAC Name: Not Available
Chemical Formula: C860H1353N227O255S9
Interferon alfacon-1 on Wikipedia: Not Available
Organisms Affected: Not Available
