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NCI Drug Dictionary


natural human interferon alpha OPC-18 
A proprietary preparation of natural human interferon alpha (IFN alpha) with potential immunomodulatory and antineoplastic activities. Natural human interferon alpha OPC-18 binds to cell-surface IFN alpha receptors (IFNARs), resulting in the transcription and translation of genes whose products mediate antiviral, antiproliferative, and immune-modulating effects. IFN alpha is a type I interferon produced by peripheral blood leukocytes or lymphoblastoid cells when exposed to live or inactivated virus, double-stranded RNA, or bacterial products and is the primary interferon produced by virus-induced leukocyte cultures. In addition to its pronounced antiviral activity, it activates NK cells. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)
Synonym:natural interferon alfa
Foreign brand name:Alfaferone
Code name:OPC-18