Peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) plus ribavirin: a review of its use in the management of chronic hepatitis C mono-infection.
Peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) [PEGASYS] is a conjugate of recombinant interferon-alpha-2a and a 40 kD branched polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety that is highly active against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Ribavirin (COPEGUS) is a synthetic nucleoside analogue that acts in synergy with the antiviral activity of peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD). The combination of subcutaneous peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) once weekly plus oral ribavirin twice daily is widely approved for use in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C, including those with persistently 'normal' ALT activity or HIV-HCV co-infection, and is recommended as a first-line treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis C and compensated liver disease. In randomized, phase III trials, the combination has consistently demonstrated good therapeutic efficacy (i.e. high sustained virological response [SVR] rates) and has been generally well tolerated in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with chronic hepatitis C, including those with compensated advanced liver disease. Several baseline and dynamic (on-treatment) predictors of SVR that can be used to guide and optimize therapy were also determined in these trials and in subsequent analyses. By utilizing these predictors, therapy with peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) plus ribavirin can be individualized to achieve the optimal balance between efficacy and tolerability, further increasing the usefulness of this drug combination. Thus, peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) plus ribavirin remains a valuable therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, as a first-line option in those with compensated liver disease and as a second-line therapy in those with advanced liver disease.
Wolters Kluwer Health | Adis, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
Susan J
SJ
Keam
Risto S
RS
Cvetković
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a