Interferon species selection

This approach appears somewhat irrational and without much scientific merit, since many of these new molecules are minimally toxic or nontoxic by this sort of acute evaluation. As in the case of interferons or monoclonal antibodies, the toxic effects observed in humans might not be predicted from safety assessments in rodents. An appropriate test species should be selected. Is the rat or mouse the appropriate species to evaluate a species-specific rDNA protein such as human growth hormone or interferons, or would nonhuman primates be more suitable Does the nonhuman primate really offer any advantages There is some consensus that the nonhuman primate may be a more appropriate species for testing some rDNA human proteins. 

Among the most highly selective cytokine biopharmaceuticals are the interferons. Interferons are members of a large family of related proteins that may be divided into two categories type I and type II interferons. Type I interferons (i.e., a- and P-interferon) possess antiviral and anti-proliferative properties, whereas type II interferons (i.e., y-interferon) have immunostimulatory activity. Several animal species were examined for their responsiveness to interferons, and with the exception of nonhuman primates, all tested animal species were found to be unresponsive [15]. 

Scientifically-soimd safety evaluation of interleukins and interferons should include studies that demonstrate the extent of species specificity of the molecule selection of a pharmacologically active species single- and multiple-dose toxicology and pharmacokinetic profiles an assessment of reversibility of toxic effects the timeframe and consequences of antibody production in animals the influence of route of administration, formulation, and dosing schedule on pharmacokinetics, and on local and systemic toxicity. 

---