pegylated interferon alpha

Pegylated interferon alpha is a long-acting form of interferon alpha created by attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the native protein. This modification increases its half-life and allows for less frequent dosing compared to conventional interferons. It acts as an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent by binding to cell surface receptors and inducing intracellular signaling that leads to inhibition of viral replication and modulation of the immune response. Pegylated interferon alpha is primarily used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection—often in combination with ribavirin—and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with evidence of liver damage[1][4][8]. It is also used off-label or studied for myeloproliferative disorders such as polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia[5][6], as well as some cancers including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)[6]. The two main forms are peginterferon alfa-2a and peginterferon alfa-2b; both are considered clinically equivalent but differ slightly in pharmacokinetics due to differences in their PEG moieties[8]. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms, psychiatric reactions (such as depression), gastrointestinal disturbances, cytopenias, autoimmune exacerbations, endocrine dysfunctions (e.g., thyroid disorders), dermatologic reactions, and ophthalmologic complications[1][4][7][10].

Brand names

PegasysPegIntron

Other names

peginterferon alfa-2apeginterferon alfa-2bPEG-IFN-αPEG-interferon alpha