Interferon-&agr;-n3 (IFN-&agr;-n3) [&agr;-n3-IF, Alferon LDO®, Alferon N®, Alferon N Gel®] is a natural interferon (IFN) produced by Interferon Sciences from pooled units of human leukocytes which have been induced by incomplete infection with the avian Sendai virus. A US patent has been issued to Interferon Sciences covering the drug and its method of production. Interferon Science has entered into an agreement for the American Red Cross to supply leukocytes for the production of Alferon N® Injection.Phase III trials of IFN-&agr;-n3 (Alferon N® Injection) in the US and Mexico for the treatment of previously untreated patients with chronic active hepatitis C have been completed. Fujimoto is currently conducting phase II clinical studies in Japan for hepatitis C. In addition, a phase II trial in the US is evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of the injectable form of IFN-&agr;-n3 in patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus in order to treat both conditions simultaneously.Interferon Sciences has completed a phase III study of IFN-&agr;-n3 in HIV-infected patients. As the study's primary efficacy variable, reduction in viral load, was not achieved at the end of treatment, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have indicated that another trial is necessary to further evaluate the efficacy of IFN-&agr;-n3 injection for this indication.An injectable form of IFN-&agr;-n3 (Alferon N® Injection, Altemol®) has been launched in the US, Spain and Mexico for the treatment of genital warts. The product is registered in Austria, Canada, Israel, UK, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Malaysia. Interferon Sciences is conducting phase II clinical trials in the USA with the gel formulation of IFN-&agr;-n3 (Alferon N Gel®) in women with intravaginal warts caused by papilloma virus who have recurrent, persistent low or high grade cervical dysplasia.Phase II clinical trials using IFN-&agr;-n3 injection are in progress for the treatment of small cell lung cancer in the US.Interferon Sciences is also planning clinical trials with Alferon N® for treatment of multiple sclerosis and hepatitis B.Phase II trials are underway in Mexico in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. In the US a liquid low dose oral preparation of IFN-&agr;-n3 (Alferon LDO®) supplied by Interferon Sciences was being tested with 2 other brands and compared to placebo by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in a phase III trial in AIDS patients.