JANUARY 20, 2019
AVONEX: INTERFERON BETA-1A
FA-BA204: BIOLOGICAL DRUGS
Valerie van den Heuvel: 6520472
Bilge Kaymakci: 6126154
Jochem Wolfert: 5753295
, Abstract
In the last decade, recombinant proteins have become commercially important predominantly because
of their high specificity for molecular targets. Because these generally called biologicals are in many
aspects different from small molecules, many challenges in the development of cost effective and
efficient production of recombinant proteins on commercial scale are found. This assay will focus on
Avonex, an analog to interferon beta-1a (IFN-β1a) and currently used for treatment of multiple sclerosis
(MS). It exerts its therapeutic effects by down-modulating the systemic immune response and cytokine
signaling by targeting its two receptors IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c, both cell surface receptors which
activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This assay will elaborate on several aspects regarding the
indications where Avonex is used for, molecular targets, production (upstream and downstream
processing), formulation and stability issues, and clinical observed side effects.
Page 1/9
AVONEX: INTERFERON BETA-1A
FA-BA204: BIOLOGICAL DRUGS
Valerie van den Heuvel: 6520472
Bilge Kaymakci: 6126154
Jochem Wolfert: 5753295
, Abstract
In the last decade, recombinant proteins have become commercially important predominantly because
of their high specificity for molecular targets. Because these generally called biologicals are in many
aspects different from small molecules, many challenges in the development of cost effective and
efficient production of recombinant proteins on commercial scale are found. This assay will focus on
Avonex, an analog to interferon beta-1a (IFN-β1a) and currently used for treatment of multiple sclerosis
(MS). It exerts its therapeutic effects by down-modulating the systemic immune response and cytokine
signaling by targeting its two receptors IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c, both cell surface receptors which
activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This assay will elaborate on several aspects regarding the
indications where Avonex is used for, molecular targets, production (upstream and downstream
processing), formulation and stability issues, and clinical observed side effects.
Page 1/9
