Use of peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD) (Pegasys) for the treatment of hepatitis C

  • Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2002 Jun 17;54(4):571-86. doi: 10.1016/s0169-409x(02)00028-5.
K Rajender Reddy  1 ,  Marlene W Modi ,  Simon Pedder
Affiliations
  • 1. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. [email protected]
PMID: 12052715 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-409x(02)00028-5
Abstract

Thrice-weekly interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin has been the standard of care for chronic hepatitis C; however, a majority of patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response with this treatment. Peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD), interferon alfa-2a conjugated to a 40 kDa branched polyethylene glycol moiety, exhibits sustained absorption and reduced renal clearance, resulting in Antiviral pressure throughout a once-weekly dosing schedule. Peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD) has superior virological efficacy to interferon alfa-2a, and elicits histological improvements in patients with and without sustained virological response. Peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD) is effective in patients infected with viral genotype 1 and those with liver cirrhosis. Viral RNA measurements at 12 weeks can be used to predict the probability of achieving sustained virological response to peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD) therapy. Peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD) has comparable safety to interferon alfa-2a. The addition of ribavirin to peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD) further enhances the therapeutic benefit for patients with hepatitis C.

Products