interferon beta-fc

Interferon beta-fc is a recombinant fusion protein consisting of interferon beta-1a linked to the Fc domain of human IgG1. Developed primarily by **Biogen** (following its acquisition of **Syntonix Pharmaceuticals**), the drug was engineered as a monomeric Fc-fusion to facilitate pulmonary delivery via inhalation. This unique formulation utilizes the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) mediated transcytosis pathway in the lungs to achieve systemic absorption, bypassing the need for traditional injections. By leveraging Fc-fusion technology, the drug demonstrates a significantly extended circulating half-life of approximately 30 hours, compared to the 8–10 hours seen with standard interferon beta-1a. It acts as an agonist at the Type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2), modulating immune responses for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Although it reached Phase 1 clinical trials, development was ultimately discontinued in favor of other long-acting formulations such as peginterferon beta-1a.

Other names

monomeric interferon beta-fcinhaled interferon beta-fc