iboctadekin

Iboctadekin is a recombinant human cytokine, specifically a form of interleukin 18 (IL‑18), developed as an immunostimulatory agent for cancer therapy. It acts as an agonist at the interleukin 18 receptor, stimulating immune responses that can enhance anti-tumor activity. Iboctadekin was produced in mouse liver cells and Propionibacterium acnes, with some sources indicating E. coli production for research purposes. The drug was primarily investigated by GlaxoSmithKline (now GSK) and originated from Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratories and Hyogo College of Medicine. Clinical trials focused on advanced solid tumors, metastatic melanoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, ovarian epithelial carcinoma, and other malignancies; however, development has been discontinued for these indications due to insufficient efficacy or strategic reasons[2][3][5][6][8]. Iboctadekin demonstrated acceptable tolerability in early-phase studies but did not progress to approval.

Other names

recombinant human interleukin-18rhIL-18rhIL18rhIL 18interleukin-18 (GSK)IL-18 (GSK)