Interferon and other antiviral agents, with special reference to influenza: a memorandum.

Recent progress in the production of interferons and in knowledge of their mode of action has opened new possibilities for their prophylactic or therapeutic use, for example, in the treatment of influenza. Such use still needs further evaluation as do the presently available chemical antiviral drugs. The activity of interferon against other viral infections is also promising and preliminary trials on their effect on certain tumours have begun at a number of centres. There is, however, a need for quality control of interferon preparations and recommendations for the production and use of interferon as well as for further research are included in this Memorandum.