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C: Peg-interferon alpha-2a & Ribavirin
Pegylated interferon alpha-2a activates innate immune responses against hepatitis C virus, while ribavirin inhibits viral replication through multiple mechanisms including nucleotide synthesis disruption.
Pegylated interferon alpha-2a activates innate immune responses against hepatitis C virus, while ribavirin inhibits viral replication through multiple mechanisms including nucleotide synthesis disruption. Used for Chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
At a glance
| Generic name | C: Peg-interferon alpha-2a & Ribavirin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pegasys, Robatrol |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital |
| Drug class | Antiviral combination therapy |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor; HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Virology/Hepatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Peg-interferon alpha-2a is a long-acting form of interferon that binds to interferon-alpha receptors on immune cells, triggering antiviral and immunomodulatory effects including upregulation of MHC molecules and activation of natural killer cells. Ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and depletes guanosine pools, reducing HCV replication. Together, they provide synergistic antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression/psychiatric effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Thyroid dysfunction
Key clinical trials
- Pharmacokinetics (PK) of Tipranavir/Ritonavir, Ribavirin, Pegylated Interferon (Peg INF) in Hepatitis C (HCV) Subjects With Mild Hepatic Impairment and in HCV, Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis D Infected Subjects or Alcoholic Cirrhosis With Moderate Hepatic Impairment (PHASE1)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Antiviral Activity of ACH-0141625 or Placebo in Combination With Peginterferon and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Positive Participants (PHASE2)
- Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of TG-2349 in Subjects With Hepatitis C Infection (PHASE2)
- Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a Maintenance Therapy and Liver Disease Progression in People Infected With Both HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) (PHASE2)
- Nitazoxanide Plus Ribavirin and Peginterferon for Therapy of Treatment Naive HCV Genotype 1 and HIV Coinfected Subjects (PHASE2)
- A Comparison of the Effectiveness, Safety, and Tolerability of Two Different Hepatitis C Treatments in Patients Infected With Both HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) (PHASE2)
- A Safety and Tolerability Study of Nitazoxanide in HIV-HCV Treatment Failures (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Directly Observed Therapy for HCV in Chennai, India (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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