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Pegylated Interferon Alfa 2a
Pegylated Interferon Alfa 2a activates innate immune responses by binding to interferon-alpha receptors, enhancing antiviral and antiproliferative activity.
Pegylated Interferon Alfa 2a activates innate immune responses by binding to interferon-alpha receptors, enhancing antiviral and antiproliferative activity. Used for Chronic hepatitis C, Chronic hepatitis B, Certain malignancies (melanoma, renal cell carcinoma).
At a glance
| Generic name | Pegylated Interferon Alfa 2a |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Peg-IFN-alfa-2a, Pegasys, Peg-IFN-alfa-2a, pegasys, Pegasys, PegIFN |
| Sponsor | Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated |
| Drug class | Interferon alpha |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology, Virology, Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
This drug is a recombinant interferon-alpha protein conjugated to polyethylene glycol (pegylation), which extends its half-life and improves pharmacokinetics. 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. The pegylation allows for less frequent dosing compared to non-pegylated interferon alfa.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C
- Chronic hepatitis B
- Certain malignancies (e.g., melanoma, follicular lymphoma)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Headache
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression/psychiatric effects
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- VIR-2218 and Peginterferon Alfa-2a for Chronic Hepatitis B (PHASE2)
- Effect of Storytelling on Questionnaire Completion and Quality of Collected Data in an E-Cohort (NA)
- A Study of Bomedemstat (IMG-7289/MK-3543) Compared to Best Available Therapy (BAT) in Participants With Essential Thrombocythemia and an Inadequate Response or Intolerance of Hydroxyurea (MK-3543-006) (PHASE3)
- DOC1021 Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy for Refractory Melanoma (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Phase I Study of TH1 Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma (PHASE1)
- Study of ARC-520 With or Without Other Drugs Used in the Treatment of Chronic Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) (PHASE2)
- Efficacy and Safety of MP-424, Peginterferon Alfa-2a (PEG-IFN Alfa-2a), and Ribavirin(RBV) in Treatment-Naïve or Relapsed Hepatitis C (PHASE3)
- Study of the Bria-IMT Regimen and CPI vs Physicians' Choice in Advanced Metastatic Breast Cancer. (PHASE3)
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 Alfa 2a CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Pegylated Interferon Alfa 2a updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated portfolio CI