Interferon alfa-2c

Summary

Interferon alfa-2c is a recombinant human type I interferon that differs from alfa-2a and alfa-2b by a single amino acid substitution. It was developed and approved primarily in Europe (notably Germany) for treatment of hairy cell leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and certain viral conditions. It is less widely used globally compared to alfa-2a and alfa-2b.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to cell surface type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1/IFNAR2), activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway (primarily JAK1 and TYK2), leading to upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes that exert antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects.

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Condylomata acuminataAntiviral / DermatologyLow
• Hairy cell leukemiaOncologyModerate
• Kaposi's sarcomaOncologyLow
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)OncologyModerate
• Chronic hepatitis BAntiviral / HepatologyLow

Contraindications

• Severe hepatic dysfunction / decompensated cirrhosisHepaticHigh
• Severe renal impairmentOrganModerateKidney function concerns
• Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or any excipientAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
• Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressionTransplantModerate
• Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
• Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression, suicidal ideation)PsychiatricHigh

Adverse Effects

• Flu-like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia, headache)SystemicCommon
• Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
• Fatigue and astheniaConstitutionalCommon
• Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, cognitive disturbance)NeuropsychiatricCommon
• Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicCommon
• Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon

Drug Interactions

• Zidovudine (AZT)Moderate
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)Moderate
• RibavirinModerate
• ClozapineHigh
• TheophyllineModerate

Population Constraints

• PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
• Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
• Patients with pre-existing psychiatric disordersPsychiatricRelative
• Patients with cardiovascular diseaseComorbidityRelative
• Elderly patients (≥65 years)Age RelatedRelative

Regulatory Status

• European UnionApprovedApproved: Hairy cell leukemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia, Condylomata acuminata, Kaposi's sarcomaApproved in Germany and select European countries under brand name Berofor Alpha 2; not universally approved across all EU member states.
• United StatesUnapprovedNot FDA-approved; interferon alfa-2a (Roferon-A) and alfa-2b (Intron A) are the approved US variants.
• United KingdomUnknownLimited information on MHRA approval; alfa-2a and alfa-2b are the predominant approved forms in the UK.

Approved in some European countries (e.g., Germany under the brand name Berofor Alpha 2). Not approved by the US FDA. Less widely available than interferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.