Actimmune (interferon gamma-1b)
An approved treatment for Chronic Granulomatous Disease.
The same compound appears under different names depending on the context. Here is how to identify Interferon gamma-1b wherever you encounter it, plus the key facts at a glance.
- Generic name
- Interferon gamma-1b
- Brand name
- Actimmune
- Drug class
- Immunomodulator (cytokine)
- Manufacturer
- Amgen
- How it's taken
- Interferon gamma-1b is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) 3 times per week, typically Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
An injection given 3 times per week that helps the immune system fight infections more effectively. The standard preventive therapy for CGD, reducing the frequency of serious infections.
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Where Interferon gamma-1b fits
The only FDA-approved pharmacotherapy specifically for chronic granulomatous disease. Used as prophylaxis to reduce the frequency and severity of serious infections.
How Interferon gamma-1b works
Interferon gamma-1b is a man-made version of a natural immune protein your body makes to fight infections. In chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), white blood cells have an inherited defect that stops them from making the chemical burst they use to kill certain bacteria and fungi. This medicine gives the immune system an extra signal that boosts the killing ability of those cells and reduces serious infections.
Mechanism: Enhances phagocyte oxidative metabolism and killing of pathogens
Side effects and safety
Most common side effects include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, especially after injections. Some patients experienced nausea or diarrhea. These symptoms usually occur within hours of injection and improve within 24 hours. Taking the injection before bed can minimize daytime symptoms. Actimmune can lower white blood cell and platelet counts, sometimes severely, and can raise liver enzymes, more often in babies under 1 year, so the label recommends blood counts, liver and kidney tests and a urine test before starting and every 3 months (monthly liver tests for infants under 1). Serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely; stop the drug and get emergency care if one occurs. The label also warns about worsening of existing heart disease, confusion, trouble walking or dizziness (mainly at high doses), kidney problems, possible harm to an unborn baby based on animal studies, and natural rubber latex in the vial stopper.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.
Taking Interferon gamma-1b
Interferon gamma-1b is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) 3 times per week, typically Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Patients can learn to inject themselves at home.
Availability and cost
Only available as the brand-name product.
Biologic cytokine therapy for an ultra-rare immune deficiency. The extremely small patient population and complex biologic manufacturing drive orphan drug pricing.
Help paying for Actimmune
Pick your insurance to see which help fits. Drugmaker copay cards can't be used with Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE; charity funds are the usual route there.
- Insurance and case manager help
Patient Access Liaisons and Clinical Nurse Educators explain insurance and financial help options, coordinate delivery and provide injection training.
The official page does not say who qualifies. Ask the program. · source
Good to know: ACTIMMUNE is now an Amgen product (Amgen acquired Horizon). The official ACTIMMUNE financial support page lists only independent foundations (The Assistance Fund, Good Days, NORD); no ACTIMMUNE copay card terms are posted. Ask Amgen By Your Side about copay help.
- From a charity · Good DaysChronic Granulomatous Disease fundOpen
Pays for: Copays for FDA-approved medications (plus travel for some funds), up to $10,000 per year. Requires health insurance (any kind).
The foundation says: “Program Status: open. We encourage you to apply for assistance; see the qualifications below.” - From a charity · The Assistance FundChronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) fundOpen
Pays for: Copays, coinsurance, deductibles and other health-related expenses.
The foundation says: “OPEN — Accepting New Patients. TAF is currently accepting new patient enrollments for this program.”
Clinical trial results
FDA approved interferon gamma-1b in 1990 based on a placebo-controlled trial of 128 CGD patients showing a 67% reduction in the relative risk of serious infection compared to placebo. It is also approved to delay disease progression in severe, malignant osteopetrosis. The drug doesn't cure CGD but significantly reduces the risk of dangerous bacterial and fungal infections.
Development history
Interferon gamma-1b was approved by the FDA in 1990 and marketed as Actimmune. It remains one of the primary treatments for CGD, a rare genetic immune disorder, and represents an important option for reducing infection risk in this historically life-threatening condition.
Explore Chronic Granulomatous Disease trials
Common questions about Interferon gamma-1b
▸What is Interferon gamma-1b (Actimmune)?
An injection given 3 times per week that helps the immune system fight infections more effectively. The standard preventive therapy for CGD, reducing the frequency of serious infections.
▸How does Interferon gamma-1b work?
Interferon gamma-1b is a man-made version of a natural immune protein your body makes to fight infections. In chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), white blood cells have an inherited defect that stops them from making the chemical burst they use to kill certain bacteria and fungi. This medicine gives the immune system an extra signal that boosts the killing ability of those cells and reduces serious infections.
▸What are the side effects of Interferon gamma-1b?
Most common side effects include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, especially after injections. Some patients experienced nausea or diarrhea. These symptoms usually occur within hours of injection and improve within 24 hours. Taking the injection before bed can minimize daytime symptoms. Actimmune can lower white blood cell and platelet counts, sometimes severely, and can raise liver enzymes, more often in babies under 1 year, so the label recommends blood counts, liver and kidney tests and a urine test before starting and every 3 months (monthly liver tests for infants under 1). Serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely; stop the drug and get emergency care if one occurs. The label also warns about worsening of existing heart disease, confusion, trouble walking or dizziness (mainly at high doses), kidney problems, possible harm to an unborn baby based on animal studies, and natural rubber latex in the vial stopper.
▸How is Interferon gamma-1b taken?
Interferon gamma-1b is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) 3 times per week, typically Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Patients can learn to inject themselves at home.
▸Is Interferon gamma-1b FDA approved?
Yes, Interferon gamma-1b (Actimmune) is FDA approved (1990) for the treatment of Chronic Granulomatous Disease.
▸How does interferon gamma-1b help in chronic granulomatous disease?
In CGD, immune cells cannot produce the oxidative burst needed to kill certain bacteria and fungi. Interferon gamma-1b enhances the remaining immune cell function and may partially restore oxidative killing capacity, reducing the frequency and severity of serious infections.
▸How long has Actimmune been available?
Interferon gamma-1b (Actimmune) was approved in 1990 for chronic granulomatous disease, giving it over 35 years of clinical experience. It remains the only FDA-approved drug specifically for CGD.
▸How is Actimmune administered?
Actimmune is given as a subcutaneous injection 3 times per week. Patients or caregivers can self-administer at home after proper training.
▸What are the most common side effects?
Flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, chills, and fatigue are common, especially when starting treatment. These often diminish over time. Taking the injection at bedtime and using acetaminophen can help manage these symptoms.
▸Does Actimmune cure CGD?
No. Actimmune reduces the frequency of serious infections but does not cure CGD. Patients continue to need prophylactic antibiotics and antifungals alongside interferon gamma-1b therapy. Gene therapy is being researched as a potential curative approach.