Last reviewed · How we verify
Peginterferon alfa 2 A
Peginterferon alfa-2a is a pegylated interferon that activates innate immune responses by binding to interferon-alpha receptors, enhancing antiviral and antiproliferative activity.
Peginterferon alfa-2a is a pegylated interferon that activates innate immune responses by binding to interferon-alpha receptors, enhancing antiviral and antiproliferative activity. Used for Chronic hepatitis C virus infection, Chronic hepatitis B virus infection, Melanoma (adjuvant therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Peginterferon alfa 2 A |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pegasys |
| Sponsor | Dr. Conrado Fernandez |
| Drug class | Interferon alpha |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Virology, Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Peginterferon alfa-2a is a long-acting form of interferon-alpha created by conjugating polyethylene glycol (PEG) to interferon alfa-2a, which extends its half-life and duration of action. It binds to type I interferon receptors on cell surfaces, triggering JAK-STAT signaling pathways that upregulate antiviral genes, enhance natural killer cell activity, and promote apoptosis in infected or malignant cells. This mechanism makes it effective against chronic viral infections and certain malignancies.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection
- Chronic hepatitis B virus infection
- Melanoma (adjuvant therapy)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Headache
- Depression and mood disorders
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Anemia
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- A Phase 1 Study of MP-424, Peginterferon Alfa 2b, and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C (PHASE1)
- Nilotinib ± Peg-IFN for First Line Chronic Phase CML Patients (PHASE3)
- A Follow-up Study of Peginterferon Alfa-2b Combined With TDF in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B (NA)
- Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Bulevirtide in Combination With Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a in Participants With Chronic Hepatitis Delta (CHD) (PHASE2)
- Study of VIR-2218 With or Without Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (PHASE2)
- A Study of Peginterferon Alfa-2b Combined With TDF in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B (PHASE3)
- HBsAg Seroclearance in Adults With HBV Related Liver Fibrosis After Receiving Combined Therapy of Peg-IFN and Tenofovir. (PHASE4)
- Interferon Alfa Therapy Based on Th17 Profile in Membranous Nephropathy (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:
- Peginterferon alfa 2 A CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Peginterferon alfa 2 A updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Dr. Conrado Fernandez portfolio CI