Production and medical uses of IFN

The first recombinant IFN to become available for clinical studies was IFN-a2A, in 1980. Shortly afterwards the genes coding for additional IFN-as were cloned and expressed, allowing additional clinical studies. The anti-viral, anti-tumour and immuno-modulatory properties of these IFNs assured their approval for a variety of medical uses. rhIFN-as manufactured/ marketed by a number of companies (Table 4.8) are generally produced in E. coli. 

Clinical trials have shown the recombinant IFNs to be effective in the treatment of various cancer types, with rhIFN-a2A and -a2B both approved for treatment of hairy cell leukaemia. This is a rare B lymphocyte neoplasm for which few effective treatments were previously available. Administration of the rIFNs promotes significant regression of the cancer in up to 90% of patients. 

Infergen (interferon acon-1, or consensus interferon) is an engineered IFN recently approved for the treatment of hepatitis C (Table 4.8). The development of Infergen entailed initial 

Ongoing clinical trials continue to assess the efficacy of rIFN preparations in treating a variety of cancers. Some trials suggest that treatments are most effective when administered in the early stages of cancer development. rhIFN-as have also proved effective in the treatment of various viral conditions, most notably viral hepatitis. Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver. It may be induced by toxic substances, immunological abnormalities or by viruses (infectious hepatitis). The main viral causative agents are  

This disease may be acute (rapid onset, often accompanied by severe symptoms but of brief duration) or chronic (very long duration). 

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