title: Peginterferon-alpha2a (40 kDa) for chronic hepatitis C.
abstract: Pegylated IFN-alpha(2a) (PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) [40 kDa]; Pegasys, Hoffmann-La Roche) is a new subcutaneous formulation of IFN-alpha(2a), produced by its attachment to a 40 kDa branched polyethylene glycol moiety by a stable amide bond. PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) 180 micro g once-weekly has enhanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties which translate into significantly improved efficacy and similar safety and tolerability compared with IFN-alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis C even with underlying cirrhosis. The combination of PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) (40 kDa) plus ribavirin produces significantly better sustained virological responses than the combination of IFN-alpha(2b) and ribavirin, while it is accompanied by a similar or even lower incidence of adverse events and better quality of life. PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) (40 kDa) is the first pegylated IFN-alpha for which evidence-based recommendations can be made on optimum therapy duration and ribavirin dose according to HCV genotype. PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) (40 kDa) is expected to improve the efficacy and tolerability of treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine & Hepatology, Henry Dunant Hospital, 107 Messogion Ave, 11526 Athens, Greece. hadziyannis@ath.forthnet.gr
authors.forename: Stephanos J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hadziyannis
authors.forename: George V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Papatheodoridis
mesh_terms: D005838:Genotype; D006207:Half-Life; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a