Interleukin-12 (American Home Products; Yamanouchi, Genetics Institute) is a cytokine that
affects immune responses by inducing the secretion of IFN-gamma to fight infection, while increasing
production of antibodies. A Phase I/II trial of interleukin-12 showed no advantage over current treatments,
but trials continue. It has been shown to decrease fibrosis and stimulate the immune system (
1st Canadian Conference on Hepatitis C: Dr. Frank Anderson, May 04, 2001).
Sadly, a recent study showed very low effectiveness, and suggests that IL-12 is not the answer for those of us waiting for treatments other than interferon (Hepatology; 37: 1368-1374(2003).
