MAXY-alpha

MAXY-alpha is a next-generation recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-α) variant developed by Maxygen using its proprietary Molecular Breeding DNA shuffling technology. By recombining the genetic sequences of various human interferon-alpha subtypes, Maxygen engineered MAXY-alpha to possess enhanced antiviral activity and an improved therapeutic index compared to first-generation interferons. The candidate was primarily developed for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with the goal of providing a more potent and better-tolerated alternative to standard-of-care peginterferon therapies. In preclinical and early clinical studies, MAXY-alpha demonstrated significant viral load reduction. However, its development was discontinued as the treatment landscape for HCV shifted toward interferon-free regimens involving direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

Other names

Interferon-alpha variantShuffled interferon-alphaImproved interferon-alpha