Aldesleukin {Interleukin-2 (IL-2) [Chiron], recombinant IL-2, T cell growth factor, Proleukin®, MacrolinTM} is a recombinant human IL-2 molecule with essentially similar pharmacodynamic properties to endogenous IL-2.Aldesleukin has been developed by Chiron in the US, and has been investigated in phase I/II clinical studies in Spain as a treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus infection.An IV formulation is launched in Europe, the US and South Korea and registered in Canada for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and is registered in Canada and the US for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. A SC formulation of aldesleukin is registered in Israel for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and is preregistered in Europe for the same indication. In the US, aldesleukin is undergoing phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of ovarian cancer, and phase III trials for HIV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.Aldesleukin has received orphan drug status for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency disease associated with T cell defects, metastatic renal cell carcinoma and melanoma, acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.A pivotal phase III clinical trial of aldesleukin for the treatment of HIV-1 infections has commenced. Chiron has been granted temporary use in France of MacrolinTMfor the treatment of people with advanced HIV infection, who lack adequate immune reconstitution despite effective antiretroviral treatment.Aldesleukin is being investigated in combination with Maxamine® as a treatment of patients with AML in phase III trials in the US, Europe and Australia.In 1994, Ligand entered into an agreement with Chiron under which Ligand acquired the exclusive right to market and sell Proleukin® for metastatic renal cell carcinoma throughout Canada. Hyup Jin Corporation has marketing rights in South Korea. Ajinomoto, DepoTech (SkyePharma) and Roche also appear to have licenses for aldesleukin.