Interferon-α-2a

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Abstract
Interferon-α-2a is a recombinant interferon with antiviral, antitumour and immunomodulatory properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the drug offers therapeutic Benefit in patients with some forms of chronic viral hepatitis. Remission, as measured by clearance of viral DNA and hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg), and normalisation of serum alanine aminotransferase levels, is observed in approximately 30 to 45% of patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving interferon-α-2a (2.5 to 18MU administered 3 times/week); about 5 to 15% of untreated controls remit spontaneously every year. Complete recovery [with loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)] is usually noted in 2 for up to 6 months, titrated to response; (ii) hepatitis C — 6MU for 3 months, reduced to 3MU for a further 3 months in treatment responders only; and (iii) hepatitis D — 9MU for 1 year.