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PegIFN-2b
PegIFN-2b is a pegylated interferon-beta that activates interferon-beta receptors to enhance innate and adaptive immune responses against viral infections and certain malignancies.
PegIFN-2b is a pegylated interferon-beta that activates interferon-beta receptors to enhance innate and adaptive immune responses against viral infections and certain malignancies. Used for Chronic hepatitis C (in combination with ribavirin), Multiple sclerosis (relapsing-remitting forms).
At a glance
| Generic name | PegIFN-2b |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Peginterferon alfa-2b, PegIntron, SCH 054031, Pegetron®, Pegylated interferon alfa-2b |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Pegylated interferon-beta |
| Target | Interferon-beta receptor (IFNAR) |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Pegylation extends the half-life of interferon-beta, allowing for less frequent dosing. The drug binds to interferon-beta receptors on immune cells and hepatocytes, triggering JAK-STAT signaling pathways that upregulate antiviral and antiproliferative genes. This results in enhanced natural killer cell activity, increased MHC expression, and direct antiviral effects.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C (in combination with ribavirin)
- Multiple sclerosis (relapsing-remitting forms)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression / mood changes
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- Safety and Tolerability of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) + Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2b and Pembrolizumab+ Ipilimumab in Participants With Advanced Melanoma or Renal Cell Carcinoma (MK-3475-029/KEYNOTE-29) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Boceprevir Added to Standard of Care Therapy in Previously Treated Participants With Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 and Cirrhosis (MK-3034-105) (PHASE4)
- Pharmacokinetics of Peginterferon Alfa-2b in Participants With Moderate and Severe Renal Impairment (P05655) (PHASE1)
- A Phase 2b, Safety and Efficacy Study of Boceprevir in Patients Coinfected With HIV and Hepatitis C (P05411 AM4) (PHASE2)
- Efficacy of Peginterferon Alfa-2b (SCH 054031) vs Glycyrrhizin in Interferon (IFN)-Treated Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C and F2/F3 Liver Fibrosis (P04773) (PHASE3)
- A Study of Viral Response to Triple Therapy in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Participants With Insulin Resistance Who Failed Dual Therapy (MK-3034-113) (PHASE4)
- Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C With Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin in Participants With/Without Substitution Therapy (P05255)
- Efficacy of Pegetron® Redipen™ Treatment and Treatment Compliance of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C in Canada (P04423)
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:
- PegIFN-2b CI brief — competitive landscape report
- PegIFN-2b updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI