recombinant human interferon alpha-1b nasal drops

Recombinant human interferon alpha-1b (rhIFN-α1b) is a type I interferon biologic developed as a nasal drop formulation by Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine for the prevention of COVID-19. It functions by binding to the cell surface receptors IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, which activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This activation induces the transcription of various interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) that establish an antiviral state within the respiratory epithelium, inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 viral replication, protein synthesis, and assembly. The drug was evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT04320238) involving nearly 3,000 medical staff members in Hubei Province during the early stages of the pandemic, demonstrating potential as a prophylactic agent against coronavirus infection.

Other names

rhIFN-α1b nasal dropsrecombinant human interferon alpha-1b