1. Interferon alfa-n1 Drugbank ID : DB00011
Protein chemical formula : C860H1353N227O255S9
Protein average weight :
Half life : 1.2 hours (mammalian reticulocytes, in vitro); 20 hours (yeast, in vivo); 10 hours (Escherichia coli, in vivo).

2. Description : Indication : Pharmacodynamics :
Purified, natural (n is for natural) glycosylated human interferon alpha proteins 166 residues
Indication :
For treatment of venereal or genital warts caused by the Human Papiloma Virus.
Pharmacodynamics :
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.

3. 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.

4. Drug Interaction: Targets : Affected organisms :
Aminophylline : Interferon increases the effect and toxicity of theophylline
Dyphylline : Interferon increases the effect and toxicity of theophylline
Oxtriphylline : Interferon increases the effect and toxicity of theophylline
Theophylline : ionterferon increases the effect and toxicity of theophylline
Targets :
Interferon alpha/beta receptor 2,Interferon alpha/beta receptor 1
Affected organisms :
Humans and other mammals

5. Categories : Sequence :
Antiviral Agents and Immunologic Factors and Immunosuppressive Agents
Sequence :
CDLPQTHSLGSRRTLMLLAQMRKISLFSCLKDRHDFGFPQEEFGNQFQKAETIPVLHEMIQQIFNLFSTKDSSAAWDETLLDKFYTELYQQLNDLEACVIQGVGVTETPLMKEDSILAVRKYFQRITLYLKEKKYSPCAWEVVRAEIMRSFSLSTNLQESLRSKE

6. Brands : Wellferon
Company : GlaxoSmithKline
Description : Wellferon is a highly purified blend of natural human alpha interferons, obtained from human lymphoblastoid cells following induction with Sendai virus. Wellferon resembles human leukocyte interferon in that it is a mixture of natural alpha subtypes but differs in that these are present in different proportions. It also differs from recombinant alpha interferon preparations made from bacteria or other host cells, which contain only a single subtype.
Used for/Prescribed for : For the treatment of patients with hairy cell leukemia, juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis, condylomata acuminata, chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C infections.
Formulation : Each vial of clear, colorless solution contains: interferon alpha-n1 (lns) [purified human lymphoblastoid interferon] 3, 5 or 10 mega units. 1 mega unit (Mu)=1´10International Units (IU) of lymphoblastoid interferon. Formulated in 1 mL tris-glycine buffered normal saline with human albumin at a concentration of 1.5 mg/mL as a stabilizer. The final product contains Namalwa cell DNA <10 pg/mL.
Form : solution
Route of administration : injection

7. Contraindication : hypersensitivity Side effects : Most side/adverse effects, except the flu-like syndrome, are dose-related . They are usually mild to moderate at systemic doses less than 10 million Units per day }; hematologic and hepatic toxicities tend to be more frequent with doses above 10 million Units, and cardiovascular and neurologic toxicities tend to be more frequent with doses above 30 million Units . However, patient sensitivity varies . Drug interaction : Alpha interferons may alter the activity of certain enzymes. In particular, they reduce the activity of P450 cytochromes. The metabolism of drugs such as cimetidine, phenytoin, warfarin, theophylline, diazepam and propranolol by these enzyme systems may therefore be impaired in patients receiving alpha interferons. Several cytotoxic drugs e.g., cyclophosphamide, are also metabolized by these enzymes.

8. References : http://www. drugs. com/mmx/wellferon. html http://www