Last reviewed · How we verify
pegylated interferon a-2a
Pegylated interferon alpha-2a activates innate immune responses by binding to interferon alpha receptors, enhancing antiviral and antiproliferative activity.
Pegylated interferon alpha-2a 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, Certain hematologic malignancies (e.g., chronic myeloid leukemia, follicular lymphoma).
At a glance
| Generic name | pegylated interferon a-2a |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pegasys |
| Sponsor | Foundation for Liver Research |
| Drug class | Interferon alpha |
| Target | Interferon alpha receptor (IFNAR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Interferon alpha-2a is a cytokine that binds to type I interferon receptors on cell surfaces, triggering JAK-STAT signaling pathways that upregulate antiviral genes and enhance natural killer cell and macrophage activity. Pegylation extends the drug's half-life by reducing renal clearance and proteolytic degradation. This sustained immune activation is particularly effective against hepatitis C and B viruses, and has antiproliferative effects in certain malignancies.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection
- Chronic hepatitis B virus infection
- Certain hematologic malignancies (e.g., chronic myeloid leukemia, follicular lymphoma)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue)
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Depression and mood disorders
- Thrombocytopenia
- Neutropenia
- Injection site reactions
- Thyroid dysfunction
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Three Experimental Drugs Compared With Telaprevir (a Licensed Product) for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Treatment-experienced Adults (PHASE3)
- Augmenting Response to Entecavir With Peginterferon a-2a for the Treatment of HBeAg-positive Chronic Hepatitis B (PHASE4)
- TMC649128HPC1002 - a Trial inGenotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) - Infected Participants to Determine the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Antiviral Activity of TMC649128, Alone and Combined With Pegylated Interferon + Ribavirin (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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- pegylated interferon a-2a CI brief — competitive landscape report
- pegylated interferon a-2a updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Foundation for Liver Research portfolio CI