Peginterferon Alfa-2A

Products

Peginterferon alfa-2a is commercially available as an injectable (Pegasys). It has been approved in many countries since 2002.

Structure and properties

Peginterferon alfa-2a is a covalent conjugate of the recombinant protein interferon alfa-2a and a branched monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (PEG). It has a molecular mass of approximately 60 kDa and is derived from by biotechnological methods.

Effects

Peginterferon alfa-2a (ATC L03AB11) has antiviral and antiproliferative properties. The effects are due to binding to interferon-alfa receptors on the cell surface, leading to gene transcription. Thanks to pegylation, the half-life of 160 hours is much longer than that of interferon alfa-2a (5 hours).

Indications

  • For the treatment of chronic hepatitis B
  • For the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (combination therapy).

Dosage

According to the professional information. The drug is usually injected subcutaneously once a week.

Contraindications

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, muscle aches, and headache.