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pegylated interferon alpha 2a, ribavirin
Pegylated interferon alpha 2a activates innate immune responses against viral infections, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis, together providing antiviral activity primarily against hepatitis C virus.
Pegylated interferon alpha 2a activates innate immune responses against viral infections, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis, together providing antiviral activity primarily against hepatitis C virus. Used for Chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
At a glance
| Generic name | pegylated interferon alpha 2a, ribavirin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PEGASYS® |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital |
| Drug class | Antiviral combination therapy |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR); viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Virology/Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Pegylated interferon alpha 2a is a long-acting form of interferon that binds to interferon-alpha receptors on immune cells, triggering antiviral and immunomodulatory effects including activation of natural killer cells and upregulation of antiviral proteins. Ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and depletes guanosine pools, reducing viral replication. The combination provides synergistic antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression and mood changes
- Headache
- Nausea
- Alopecia
- Neutropenia
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- Pilot Study of Betaine + Combination Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Non-responder/Relapsers (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Telaprevir in Genotype 3 HCV (PHASE4)
- A Safety and Tolerability Study of Nitazoxanide in HIV-HCV Treatment Failures (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- High-dose IFN and PEG IFN for Induction Therapy in Difficult to Treat Genotype 1 Patients With Chronic HCV (PHASE3)
- Telaprevir Plus Standard of Care (SOC) in HCV Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) (PHASE3)
- HCV-HIV Co-infected Patient Cohort in Thailand (PHASE4)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Three Experimental Drugs Compared With Telaprevir (a Licensed Product) in People With Hepatitis C Virus Infection Who Have Not Had Treatment Before (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 |
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