Albinterferon alfa-2b, a novel fusion protein of human albumin and human interferon alfa-2b, for chronic hepatitis C.
OBJECTIVE
New treatment options for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) that offer improved efficacy, tolerability, and convenience compared with weekly interferon alfa (IFNalpha)-based regimens are needed. Longer-acting IFNalpha formulations with reduced dosing requirements and improved tolerability have been a focus of drug development efforts. The objective of this report is to review the characteristics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical and virologic outcomes reported in studies of albinterferon alfa-2b (alb-IFN), a novel fusion protein of human albumin and human IFNalpha-2b.


METHODS
This review was based on all published data regarding alb-IFN to date. An unlimited PubMed database search was conducted using the keywords 'albuferon,' 'albinterferon,' and 'albumin AND interferon.'


RESULTS
Albinterferon alfa-2b has been developed for the treatment of CHC. This agent exhibits a prolonged half-life and duration of antiviral activity that indicate potential suitability for dosing intervals of 2-4 weeks. Phase 2 trials in prior IFN nonresponders and IFN-naïve patients with genotype 1 or 2/3 CHC have shown antiviral activity and acceptable safety/tolerability of alb-IFN 900-1500 microg every 2 weeks and 1200-1500 microg every 4 weeks. Based on the phase 2 data, alb-IFN 900 microg and 1200 microg every 2 weeks were selected for two ongoing phase 3 trials in IFN-naïve patients with genotype 1 and 2/3 CHC.


CONCLUSIONS
Albinterferon alfa-2b exhibits high antiviral activity, and appears to offer safety/tolerability comparable to the current standard of care, and health-related quality-of-life benefits in patients with CHC. Its ability to maintain drug concentrations above the 90% effective concentration over prolonged dosing intervals suggests that it may be an ideal partner for combination therapy with direct antiviral agents in CHC. The results of the phase 3 trials are eagerly anticipated as they should greatly clarify the future role of alb-IFN in the treatment of CHC.
Rustgi
Vinod K
VK
Georgetown University Medical Center, 8316 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22031, USA. hepgi@aol.com
D000418:Albumins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019562:Viral Load
D000418:Albumins; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012367:RNA, Viral; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C531108:albinterferon alfa-2b