title: Pegylated IFNs for chronic hepatitis C: an update.
abstract: For over a decade, IFN-alpha(2) has been the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C. However, the drug's rapid clearance and short half-life have led to low rates of sustained virological response. Pegylation is a well-established method of modifying the pharmacological properties of IFNs, causing significant improvements in pharmacokinetics, which in turn lead to improved efficacy. Two pegylated forms of IFN-alpha(2) have been developed: PEG-IFN-alpha(2b) and PEG-IFN-alpha(2a), and their efficacy has been established in randomised, controlled trials. However, the two differ significantly in structure, in vitro activity and pharmacological properties, and this may translate into -differences in clinical efficacy. Comparative trials have been initiated that will provide insight into relative importance of pharmacokinetics, bioactivity and dosing regimen.
authors.affiliation: Schering-Plough Research Institute, Biotechnology Development, Union, NJ 07083, USA. michael.grace@spcorp.com
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Grace
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Cutler
authors.forename: Ronald W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Bordens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005544:Forecasting; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007372:Interferons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; D007372:Interferons; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a