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Peg interferon + Ribavirin
Pegylated interferon alpha activates innate immunity to suppress viral replication, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis and reduces viral load.
Pegylated interferon alpha activates innate immunity to suppress viral replication, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis and reduces viral load. Used for Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (genotypes 1-6).
At a glance
| Generic name | Peg interferon + Ribavirin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pegasys |
| Sponsor | University of Valencia |
| Drug class | Antiviral combination therapy |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor; Hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Virology/Hepatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Peginterferon alfa binds to interferon-alpha receptors on immune cells, triggering antiviral and immunomodulatory responses including activation of natural killer cells and upregulation of antiviral proteins. Ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and depletes guanosine pools, directly suppressing hepatitis C virus replication. Together, they provide synergistic antiviral activity.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (genotypes 1-6)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression/mood changes
- Headache
- Nausea
- Alopecia
- Neutropenia
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of TG-2349 in Subjects With Hepatitis C Infection (PHASE2)
- Re-treatment of HCV Following DAA Failure (NA)
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 |