INTERFERON ALFA-2A, HUMAN RECOMBINANT
Chemistry - Prepared from genetically engineered cultures of E. coli with genes from humanleukocytes, interferon alfa-2a is commercially available as a sterile solution or sterile powder.
Human interferon alfa is a complex protein that contains 165 or 166 amino acids.
An article proposing using this product in cats for the treatment of FeLV states that after dilution of 3 million IU in one liter of sterile saline the resultant solution remains active for years if frozen or for months if refrigerated. However, data corroborating this is apparently not available.
DNA, and cellular proteins (oncogenes included). The mechanisms for its antineoplastic activitiesare not well understood, but are probably related these effects as well.
Uses, Indications - Thus far, interferon alfa use in veterinary medicine has primarily been centeredaround its oral administration in cats to treat non-neoplastic FeLV disease. However, studiespublished at this point have not been controlled and the usefulness of these agents after oraladministration is in question. Potentially, interferons may be useful in treating a variety of conditions (neoplastic disease, some viral infections) in veterinary species, but toxicities and high drugcosts may limit their usefulness.
Oral interferon may also be of benefit in the treatment of ocular herpes infection, but controlledstudies need to be performed.
However, there may be some absorption via upper GI mucosa.
Interferon alfa is widely distributed throughout the body, although it does not penetrate into the
CNS well. It is unknown if it crosses the placenta. Interferon alfa is freely filtered by the glomeruli, but is absorbed by the renal tubules where it is metabolized by brush border or lysosomes. Hepaticmetabolism is of minor importance. The plasma half life in cats has been reported as 2.9 hours.
Safety during pregnancy has not been established; high parenteral doses in monkeys did not causeteratogenic effects, but did increase abortifacient activity.
Human interferon alfa is a complex protein that contains 165 or 166 amino acids.
Storage, Stability, Compatibility
Commercially available products should be stored in the refrigerator; do not freeze the accompanying diluent. Do not expose solutions to room temperature for longer than 24 hours. Do not vigorously shake solutions.An article proposing using this product in cats for the treatment of FeLV states that after dilution of 3 million IU in one liter of sterile saline the resultant solution remains active for years if frozen or for months if refrigerated. However, data corroborating this is apparently not available.
Pharmacology - INTERFERON ALFA-2A, HUMAN RECOMBINANT
The pharmacologic effects of the interferons are widespread and complex. Sufficeit to say, that interferon alfa has antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulating effects. Itsantiproliferative and antiviral activities are thought to be due to its effects on the synthesis of RNA,DNA, and cellular proteins (oncogenes included). The mechanisms for its antineoplastic activitiesare not well understood, but are probably related these effects as well.
Uses, Indications - Thus far, interferon alfa use in veterinary medicine has primarily been centeredaround its oral administration in cats to treat non-neoplastic FeLV disease. However, studiespublished at this point have not been controlled and the usefulness of these agents after oraladministration is in question. Potentially, interferons may be useful in treating a variety of conditions (neoplastic disease, some viral infections) in veterinary species, but toxicities and high drugcosts may limit their usefulness.
Oral interferon may also be of benefit in the treatment of ocular herpes infection, but controlledstudies need to be performed.
Pharmacokinetics - INTERFERON ALFA-2A, HUMAN RECOMBINANT
Interferon alfa is poorly absorbed after oral administration as it is degradedby proteolytic enzymes and studies have not detected measurable levels in the systemic circulation.However, there may be some absorption via upper GI mucosa.
Interferon alfa is widely distributed throughout the body, although it does not penetrate into the
CNS well. It is unknown if it crosses the placenta. Interferon alfa is freely filtered by the glomeruli, but is absorbed by the renal tubules where it is metabolized by brush border or lysosomes. Hepaticmetabolism is of minor importance. The plasma half life in cats has been reported as 2.9 hours.
Contraindications, Precautions, Reproductive Safety
When used parenterally, consider therisks versus benefits in patients with preexisting autoimmune disease, severe cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, "brittle" diabetes, Herpes infections, hypersensitivity to the drug, or CNSdisorders.Safety during pregnancy has not been established; high parenteral doses in monkeys did not causeteratogenic effects, but did increase abortifacient activity.