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Pegylated interferons: What role will they play in the treatment of chronic hepatitis c?

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Abstract

The primary therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is interferon alfa. However, use of interferon for treatment of chronic HCV has several shortcomings that limit its effectiveness. Interferon has a very short half-life, must be administered multiple times weekly, and is associated with significant side effects. "PEGylation" is a process whereby the inert polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), is attached to a protein pharmaceutical. This process has been shown to alter the properties of PEGylated proteins in a manner that significantly extends half-life, reduces immunogenicity, and enhances biologic activity when compared with the native protein. In recent years, several PEGylated forms of interferon alfa have been developed. Recent studies have demonstrated that PEG-interferons have a significantly prolonged half-life and sustained virologic response when compared with standard interferon. Studies to evaluate the effects of combining PEG-interferons with ribavirin are currently underway. The role PEG-interferons will play in patients who have either relapsed or failed to respond to previous interferon or interferon/ribavirin therapy remains to be defined.

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  1. Hepatology Section, Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980341, 23298, Richmond, VA, USA

    Mitchell L.Shiffman MD

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L.Shiffman, M. Pegylated interferons: What role will they play in the treatment of chronic hepatitis c?. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 3, 30–37 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-001-0038-z

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