Therapeutic potential for orally administered type 1 interferons

Interferons (IFNs), with annual global sales valued at more than US$4 billion, have therapeutic value in the treatment of viral, neoplastic and autoimmune diseases. Parenteral administration by high-dose injection can, however, cause serious side effects. Significant improvement in the therapeutic index of IFNs could be achieved with oral administration. Using this route, dose-related side effects are not seen, and efficacy is maintained in both animal studies and human clinical trials. Oral IFN administration appears to mimic a natural innate immune response. As such, it may represent an alternative delivery strategy to make better use of these critical cytokines.