title: Peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kDa) monotherapy: a novel agent for chronic hepatitis C therapy.
abstract: Current therapy for hepatitis C remains far from optimal. The modification of IFN by the attachment of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety has produced long-lasting IFNs. A 40 kDa branched peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kDa) (PEG-IFN alfa-2a) has unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. PEG-IFN alfa-2a is absorbed in a sustained manner and its clearance is reduced substantially compared with IFN alfa-2a, resulting in sustained serum drug concentrations. These constant serum drug levels stay above the EC(50) values (effective concentration 50%) needed for antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory actions. Sustained virological responses were significantly greater in patients who received PEG-IFN alfa-2a versus IFN alfa-2a, with a similar side effect profile. Histological improvements were seen in patients who achieved sustained virological responses and were frequently observed among patients who did not achieve a virological response. The advantages of PEG-IFN alfa-2a were also seen in patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik II, Zentrum der Inneren Medizin, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt a.M., Germany. Zeuzem@em.uni-frankfurt.de
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zeuzem
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Heathcote
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nieforth
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Modi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017277:Drug Approval; D004347:Drug Interactions; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a