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Peginterferon alfa-2a + ribavirin
Peginterferon alfa-2a activates interferon-alpha receptors to enhance antiviral immunity, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis, together suppressing hepatitis C virus replication.
Peginterferon alfa-2a activates interferon-alpha receptors to enhance antiviral immunity, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis, together suppressing hepatitis C virus replication. Used for Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (genotype-dependent).
At a glance
| Generic name | Peginterferon alfa-2a + ribavirin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pegasys, Pegasys (Hoffman-La Roche), Copegus (Hoffman-La Roche) |
| Sponsor | Hospital Clinico Universitario San Cecilio |
| Drug class | Interferon alpha + nucleoside analog antiviral combination |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR); HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Virology / Hepatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Peginterferon alfa-2a is a long-acting interferon that binds to type I interferon receptors, triggering JAK-STAT signaling to induce antiviral and immunomodulatory responses. Ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and depletes guanosine pools, reducing HCV replication. The combination provides synergistic antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (genotype-dependent)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression / mood changes
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Alopecia
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy and Safety of MP-424, Peginterferon Alfa-2a (PEG-IFN Alfa-2a), and Ribavirin(RBV) in Treatment-Naïve or Relapsed Hepatitis C (PHASE3)
- HIV Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection Who Failed Previously to Peginterferon /Ribavirin (PHASE3)
- Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Pegnano Plus Barivir (Ribavirin) in Treatment-naïve Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C at KienGiang General Hospital (PHASE4)
- A Phase 1b/2a Study of SC Hanferon™ in Combination With Ribavirin in Treatment-naïve Subjects With Genotype 1 Hepatitis C (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Switching Regimen in Treating Cirrhotic HCV GT1b Subjects (PHASE2)
- 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)
- Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Patients on Opioid Pharmacotherapy (PHASE4)
- Pilot Study of Betaine + Combination Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Non-responder/Relapsers (EARLY_PHASE1)
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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