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Placebo and peginterferon
Peginterferon is a long-acting interferon alpha conjugated with polyethylene glycol that enhances antiviral and immunomodulatory responses.
Placebo and peginterferon, marketed by National Taiwan University Hospital, holds a niche position in the therapeutic landscape. The key composition patent is set to expire in 2028, providing a period of exclusivity and potential revenue protection. However, the lack of specified primary indication and key trial results poses a significant risk in understanding and communicating the drug's efficacy and market relevance.
At a glance
| Generic name | Placebo and peginterferon |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Placebo 0.5 mg/day po at week 1-4, Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) 180 ug/week sc at week 5-52 |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital |
| Drug class | Interferon alpha (pegylated) |
| Target | Interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Peginterferon alfa binds to interferon-alpha receptors on cell surfaces, activating JAK-STAT signaling pathways that induce antiviral and antiproliferative gene expression. The pegylation extends the drug's half-life, allowing for less frequent dosing while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This combination study appears to compare peginterferon against placebo, likely in a viral hepatitis or similar infectious disease context.
Approved indications
- Chronic hepatitis C (likely, based on peginterferon use in marketed formulations)
- Chronic hepatitis B (possible)
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia)
- Headache
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Depression / mood changes
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Drug Levels, Food, Formulation, and pH Effects on Relative Absorption of BMS-986465 and Its Active Derivative BMS-986464 in Healthy Participants (PHASE1)
- Efficacy and Safety Study of Peginterferon Alfacon-2 to Treat Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (PHASE3)
- A Study of Hepalatide Combined With TAF and PEG-IFN as Finite Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients (PHASE2)
- Grazoprevir (MK-5172) Administered With Peginterferon and Ribavirin in Treatment-Naïve Participants With Chronic Hepatitis C (MK-5172-003) (PHASE2)
- Grazoprevir (MK-5172) With Peg-Interferon and Ribavirin in Participants With Chronic Genotype 2 or 3 Hepatitis C (MK-5172-012) (PHASE2)
- Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers to Support Biosimilar Development: Interferon Beta-1A Products (PHASE1)
- Interferon Lambda for Immediate Antiviral Therapy at Diagnosis in COVID-19 (PHASE2)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Antiviral Activity of ACH-0141625 or Placebo in Combination With Peginterferon and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Positive Participants (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:
- Placebo and peginterferon CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Placebo and peginterferon updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- National Taiwan University Hospital portfolio CI