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Peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG)
Peginterferon alfa-2b is a pegylated form of interferon alfa-2b that enhances and prolongs immune activation by binding to interferon-alpha receptors on immune cells.
Peginterferon alfa-2b is a pegylated form of interferon alfa-2b that enhances and prolongs immune activation by binding to interferon-alpha receptors on immune cells. Used for Chronic hepatitis C (in combination with ribavirin), Chronic hepatitis B, Melanoma (adjuvant therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PegIntron, SCH 054031, PEG, SCH 54031, Redipen |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Pegylated interferon alfa |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR) |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Virology, Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Peginterferon alfa-2b is interferon alfa-2b conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), which increases its half-life and reduces immunogenicity compared to unmodified interferon. It activates natural killer cells, macrophages, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes through interferon-alpha receptor signaling, enhancing antiviral and antitumor immune responses. The pegylation allows for less frequent dosing while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C (in combination with ribavirin)
- Chronic hepatitis B
- Melanoma (adjuvant therapy)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Headache
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression/mood changes
- Injection site reactions
- Anemia
Key clinical trials
- Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b for the Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Overlap Syndromes and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (PHASE2)
- Belinostat Therapy With Zidovudine for Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma (PHASE2)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Peginterferon α-2b in Combination With an Anti-PD-1 Antibody in Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Malignant Solid Tumors (NA)
- A Phase 1 Study of MP-424, Peginterferon Alfa 2b, and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C (PHASE1)
- Efficacy and Safety of MP-424/Peginterferon Alfa-2b/Ribavirin Combination in Treatment-Naïve Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C (PHASE3)
- Phase II Study Incorporating Pegylated Interferon In the Treatment For Children With High-Risk Melanoma (PHASE2)
- Prospective Cohort Study on PEG-IFN-α-2b in Improving Clinical Cure Rate of Pediatric Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B (PHASE4)
- P1101 in Treating Patients With Myelofibrosis (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-2b (PEG) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI