Ingaron (Interferon gamma) 500,000 IU: profile, composition and research
Reference page for Ingaron (Interferon gamma) 500,000 IU. Active substance: Интерферон гамма человеческий рекомбинантный / Recombinant human interferon gamma.
- What it is: recombinant human interferon gamma, an immunomodulating medicine.
- Presentation: lyophilisate for solution for injection, 500,000 IU per vial, five vials.
- Status: prescription-only medicine.
- Research: publications on interferon gamma in chronic viral infections, links below.
- Where to buy: APV Pharmacy (price and availability there).
Key facts
| Active substance | Recombinant human interferon gamma |
|---|---|
| Form | Lyophilisate for solution for injection |
| Strength | 500,000 IU per vial |
| Pack size | 5 vials |
| Category | Prescription medicine |
| Article (SKU) |
What interferon gamma is
Interferon gamma is a signalling protein of the immune system. It belongs to the type II interferons and differs noticeably from the better known alpha and beta interferons in its receptors and in the range of tasks it performs.
Ingaron uses a recombinant form: the protein is produced by biotechnology rather than extracted from human blood. This gives a consistent product with a predictable composition.
It is supplied as a lyophilised powder in vials of 500,000 IU. Before administration the powder is dissolved in water for injection; a pack holds five vials.
How interferon gamma works
The signalling pathway
The molecule binds to its receptor on the cell surface and starts the JAK-STAT cascade. Through it a command to make protective proteins reaches the nucleus.
Antiviral defence
The cell rearranges its work so that viruses find it harder to multiply. The mechanism touches several stages of the viral cycle at once.
Immune activation
Interferon gamma strengthens the work of macrophages and helps cells display on their surface the molecules by which the immune system recognises an infection.
Approved uses
The manufacturer states use in chronic viral infections, including hepatitis and herpes, in conditions with a weakened immune system, and for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections.
Some of these directions are described as the main treatment and others as an addition to other medicines. The exact set of indications is given in the manufacturer's leaflet and depends on the form of the disease.
The medicine is registered mainly for markets in the post-Soviet region. Deciding on an immunomodulator, and prescribing it, belongs to a physician after examination.
What the research shows
In the international literature there are studies of interferon gamma in chronic hepatitis C, where the substance was examined as an agent affecting liver fibrosis. The results of that work are not uniform.
A large trial of interferon gamma-1b in pulmonary fibrosis did not confirm the expected improvement in progression-free survival. It is a reminder that the clinical effect of a substance has to be tested in controlled studies.
Publications about Ingaron itself in the peer-reviewed international database are scarce. For that reason this page describes interferon gamma as a class rather than claiming proven advantages of one particular brand.
Published research
Primary sources, verified against PubMed:
- Pilot study of interferon gamma for chronic hepatitis C, PubMed 15913831 (Journal of hepatology, 2005).
- Interferon gamma-1b for the treatment of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C infection, PubMed 16637863 (Journal of viral hepatitis, 2006).
- A placebo-controlled trial of interferon gamma-1b in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, PubMed 14711911 (The New England journal of medicine, 2004).
- IFNγ: signalling, epigenetics and roles in immunity, metabolism, disease and cancer immunotherapy, PubMed 29921905 (Nature reviews. Immunology, 2018).
Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.
Precautions
- This is a prescription medicine. Prescribing, dosing and monitoring belong to a physician.
- The solution is prepared immediately before use, and injections are given by healthcare professionals.
- The medicine is contraindicated in pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
- In autoimmune diseases use is possible only after a physician has assessed the case separately.
- Fever, chills, headache, weakness and reactions at the injection site are possible. Marked symptoms should be reported to a doctor.
- The lyophilisate is stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, is not frozen and is protected from light.
Frequently asked
Is Ingaron a prescription medicine?
Yes. It is a prescription medicine and is not intended for self-medication.
Can Ingaron be used on one's own?
No. It is a prescription product, and the decision to use it is made by a doctor after examination.
Why does this page not give a dosing schedule?
The regimen depends on the diagnosis and the patient's condition. A physician sets it, not a reference page.
Are there studies of this product?
Publications about Ingaron itself are scarce in the international database, while interferon gamma as a substance has been studied more widely. Links to relevant work are given below.