peginterferon alfa-2a + ribavirin + epoetin-β

This combination therapy regimen consists of peginterferon alfa-2a, ribavirin, and epoetin-β, specifically evaluated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients coinfected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Peginterferon alfa-2a is a pegylated interferon biologic that acts as an immunomodulator and antiviral agent by binding to Type I interferon receptors, inducing an antiviral state. Ribavirin is a small molecule nucleoside analog that interferes with viral RNA synthesis and enhances the antiviral effect of interferon. Epoetin-β is a recombinant form of human erythropoietin included in this regimen as supportive care to manage anemia, a frequent side effect of ribavirin-induced hemolysis and interferon-induced bone marrow suppression. The regimen was investigated in the CORAL-2 Phase 4 clinical trial sponsored by Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, which compared a high-dose induction phase of peginterferon and ribavirin against standard dosing to evaluate viral kinetics and early virological response.

Brand names

NeoRecormon

Other names

High-dose peginterferon induction therapypeginterferon alfa-2a + ribavirin + epoetin-beta