Interferon Alfa-2a
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1224 · Recovery · Sources fetched 2026-09-11 · Editorial standards
Interferon Alfa-2a is a recovery research peptide. Interferon Alfa-2a is an interferon alpha/beta receptor agonist used in the treatment of various neoplasms and viral infections.
Interferon Alfa-2a is a recombinant interferon classified as an interferon alpha/beta receptor agonist. It functions by binding to and activating interferon alpha/beta receptors, initiating a cascade of intracellular events that modulate immune responses and inhibit cell proliferation. Approved by the FDA in 1986, it is used for conditions such as neoplasms, including melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, and viral infections like Hepatitis C. Research has explored its use in combination therapies for myeloproliferative disorders such as polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, particularly in patients resistant or intolerant to other treatments.
1 Mechanism of action
Interferon alpha/beta receptor agonist (agonist)
Primary targets: Interferon alpha/beta receptor
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Indicated / studied for
- Neoplasms
- Melanoma
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
- Lymphoma
- Hepatitis C
- Kidney Neoplasms
- Behcet Syndrome
3 Chemical and physical properties
| Purity (typical) | Not independently verified |
|---|---|
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | Interferon alpha/beta receptor |
4 Research studies (8)
- Pegylated interferon alfa-2a for polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia resistant or intolerant to hydroxyurea
Blood (2019) - Interferon Alfa
(2006) · Review - Hepatitis B: Screening, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
American family physician (2019) - Peginterferon Alfa
(2006) · Review - Combination therapy with ruxolitinib and pegylated interferon alfa-2a in newly diagnosed patients with polycythemia vera
Blood advances (2024) - Telaprevir
Drugs in R&D (2010) · Review - Novel Therapies in Polycythemia Vera
Current hematologic malignancy reports (2020) · Review - Pharmacokinetics of peginterferons
Seminars in liver disease (2003) · Review
5 Safety and risk profile
5.1 Regulatory status
Interferon Alfa-2a is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.
6 Frequently asked questions
- What is Interferon Alfa-2a?
- Interferon Alfa-2a is a recombinant interferon that acts as an agonist for the interferon alpha/beta receptor. It is used in medical treatments to modulate the immune system and inhibit cell growth.
- What is Interferon Alfa-2a used for?
- Interferon Alfa-2a is used to treat various conditions, including different types of neoplasms such as melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and lymphoma, as well as viral infections like Hepatitis C. It is also studied for other conditions like Behcet Syndrome.
- How does Interferon Alfa-2a work?
- Interferon Alfa-2a works by binding to and activating the interferon alpha/beta receptor. This activation triggers a series of intracellular signals that lead to changes in gene expression, ultimately affecting immune responses and inhibiting the proliferation of certain cells.
- Is Interferon Alfa-2a FDA approved?
- Yes, Interferon Alfa-2a received FDA approval in 1986, making it an established treatment option for its indicated uses.
7 References
- Interferon Alfa-2a — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
- Interferon Alfa-2a — published literature (699 records) PubMed. View source
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