See the Wellferon entry for further discussion of early interferon development. See the various interferon, both natural and recombinant, product entries. An exemplary patent, U.S. 3,699,222, describes a classic method for interferon production by virus induction of monolayer cell culture. The efficacy of interferon products for various indications, including cancer and viral infections, has been demonstrated in a number of clinical trials. Most interferon products have a number of side effects, many mimicking the common cold, while may be rather serious.
Most persons are already familiar with some of the side effects of interferons.
Various forms of alpha and other interferons are produced in naturally in response to virus infection. For example, most of the symptoms associated with the influenza and other acute virus infections are not directly due to the viral infection, but are actually associated with markedly increased levels of interferon and associated cytokines, e.g., fever, muscle and joint aches and pains, malaise, increased nasal mucous, and irritability.