Side by side

1. 1.Acts on immune cells rather than on a single receptor — it is described as an immune response modifier.
2. 2.Enhances T-cell maturation and function, including the balance of helper T-cell responses.
3. 3.Stimulates production of cytokines such as interferon and interleukins in laboratory studies.
4. 4.Increases activity of natural killer cells in some models.
5. 5.Its effects are immunomodulatory rather than directly antiviral or antibacterial.

• Chronic hepatitis B and C, often alongside interferon
• Sepsis and severe infection
• Immune reconstitution in immunocompromised patients
• Adjunct therapy in some cancers
• Respiratory viral infections, including COVID-19 (small trials)

• Improved virological response rates in some hepatitis trials when combined with interferon
• Changes in T-cell and cytokine markers consistent with immune activation
• Mixed results in sepsis; some trials showed mortality benefit, others did not
• Trial quality has varied considerably, which limits confidence

• Injection-site redness or discomfort
• Generally reported as well tolerated in trials
• Rare allergic reactions
• Possible flare of immune-mediated conditions in theory

Research context only — this is a prescription medicine in the countries where it is registered, and standard regimens there are set by the treating physician (commonly 1.6 mg subcutaneously twice weekly for hepatitis indications). Protocols vary widely between trials and are not transferable.

Research context only