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Peg-IFN + RBV
Pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin work together to inhibit viral replication and enhance immune response against hepatitis C virus.
Pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin work together to inhibit viral replication and enhance immune response against hepatitis C virus. Used for Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (genotype-dependent), Hepatitis C with compensated cirrhosis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Peg-IFN + RBV |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Peg-IFN alfa-2a: Pegasys (Hoffman La-Roche), RBV: Copegus (Hoffman La-Roche) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University 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
Pegylated interferon-alpha (Peg-IFN) is a long-acting form of interferon that activates innate and adaptive immune responses to suppress HCV replication. Ribavirin (RBV) is a nucleoside analog that directly inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and may enhance interferon-induced antiviral effects. Together, they form the standard-of-care combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C, particularly in genotypes where direct-acting antivirals are unavailable or as part of salvage regimens.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (genotype-dependent)
- Hepatitis C with compensated cirrhosis
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression/psychiatric effects
- Neutropenia
- Headache
- Insomnia
Key clinical trials
- A Phase 1 Study of MP-424, Peginterferon Alfa 2b, and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C (PHASE1)
- Efficacy and Safety of MP-424, Peginterferon Alfa-2a (PEG-IFN Alfa-2a), and Ribavirin(RBV) in Treatment-Naïve or Relapsed Hepatitis C (PHASE3)
- Switching Regimen in Treating Cirrhotic HCV GT1b Subjects (PHASE2)
- Treatment of HIV/HCV Coinfection With Peg-IFN and Ribavirin in Patients Receiving ART Monotherapy With Lopinavir/r (PHASE4)
- 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)
- Grazoprevir (MK-5172) Administered With Peginterferon and Ribavirin in Treatment-Naïve Participants With Chronic Hepatitis C (MK-5172-003) (PHASE2)
- Grazoprevir (MK-5172) With Peg-Interferon and Ribavirin in Participants With Chronic Genotype 2 or 3 Hepatitis C (MK-5172-012) (PHASE2)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Antiviral Activity of ACH-0141625 or Placebo in Combination With Peginterferon and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Positive Participants (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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Peg-IFN + RBV CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Peg-IFN + RBV updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Taiwan University Hospital portfolio CI