What is the drug interferon used for?
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Interferon alfa-2b injection is used to treat hepatitis B and C, lymphoma (lymph node cancer), malignant melanoma (skin cancer), genital warts, hairy cell leukemia (blood cell cancer), and Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-related tumor). Interferons are substances produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors.
How is Intron A produced?
INTRON A® (interferon alfa-2b) is a water-soluble protein produced by recombinant DNA techniques. It is obtained from a clone of E. coli, which has a genetically engineered plasmid hybridized with an interferon alfa-2b gene from human leukocytes.
Is Intron A available?
Merck has discontinued all presentations of Intron A solution for injection. Merck has discontinued all presentations of Intron A powder for injection.
Who makes Intron A?
Interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b products | |
---|---|
Product | Manufacturer |
Intron-A/IntronA | Schering-Plough |
Realderon | Teva |
Reaferon EC | GNC Vector |
Why was Intron A discontinued?
Intron A Discontinued Based on an evaluation of clinical use and the availability of alternative therapies, Merck is discontinuing recombinant interferon alfa-2b (Intron A), in all strengths. Supply availability should continue over the next 1-2 years depending on product formulation and dose strength.
Is peginterferon an immunosuppressant?
Yes, Plegridy is an immunosuppressant because it affects how the immune system works. It is thought to work by stopping the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath.
Who created interferon medication?
Interferon can also be produced by recombinant mammalian cells. Before the early 1970s, large scale production of human interferon had been pioneered by Kari Cantell. He produced large amounts of human alpha interferon from large quantities of human white blood cells collected by the Finnish Blood Bank.