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Pegylated interferon and ribavirin
Pegylated interferon alpha activates innate immune responses against viral infection, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis and replication.
Pegylated interferon alpha activates innate immune responses against viral infection, while ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis and replication. Used for Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (genotype-dependent).
At a glance
| Generic name | Pegylated interferon and ribavirin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pegasys and Copegus, Pegasys and Ribavirin |
| Sponsor | Pacific Health Foundation |
| Drug class | Antiviral combination therapy |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor; Hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Virology/Hepatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Pegylated interferon alpha binds to interferon-alpha receptors on immune cells, triggering antiviral and immunomodulatory pathways that enhance natural killer cell and T-cell activity. Ribavirin is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and depletes guanosine pools, reducing hepatitis C virus replication. Together, they work synergistically to clear chronic viral infection.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (genotype-dependent)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression and neuropsychiatric effects
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Neutropenia
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- 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)
- Evaluating Safety and Efficacy In Hepatitis C Patients After PegIntron Pen Treatment (Study P04896)
- Grazoprevir (MK-5172) With Peg-Interferon and Ribavirin in Participants With Chronic Genotype 2 or 3 Hepatitis C (MK-5172-012) (PHASE2)
- 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)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Antiviral Activity of ACH-0141625 or Placebo in Combination With Peginterferon and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Positive Participants (PHASE2)
- Safety and Efficacy of Sofosbuvir-Based Regimens in the Treatment of Egyptian Patients With Hepatitis C Infection (PHASE4)
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 and ribavirin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Pegylated interferon and ribavirin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Pacific Health Foundation portfolio CI