@article{3083431,
    title = "Peginterferon-alpha(2a) (40 kDa) for chronic hepatitis C",
    author = "Hadziyannis, SJ and Papatheodoridis, GV",
    journal = "Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy",
    year = "2003",
    volume = "4",
    number = "4",
    pages = "541-551",
    publisher = "TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD LONDON",
    issn = "1465-6566, 1744-7666",
    doi = "10.1517/14656566.4.4.541",
    keywords = "chronic hepatitis C; hepatitis C virus; interferon-alpha; pegylated
interferon; pegylated interferon-alpha(2a); polyethylene glycol;
ribavirin",
    abstract = "Pegylated IFN-alpha(2a) (PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) [40 kDa]; Pegasys(R),
Hoffmann-La Roche) is a new subcutaneous formulation of IFN-alpha(2a),
produced by its attachment to a 40 kDa branched polyethylene glycol
moiety by a stable amide bond. PEG-IFN-alpha(2a)180 mug once-weekly has
enhanced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties which translate
into significantly improved efficacy and similar safety and tolerability
compared with IFN-alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis C even with
underlying cirrhosis. The combination of PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) (40 kDa) plus
ribavirin produces significantly better sustained virological responses
than the combination of IFN-alpha(2b) and ribavirin, while it is
accompanied by a similar or even lower incidence of adverse events and
better quality of life. PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) (40 kDa) is the first
pegylated IFN-alpha for which evidence-based recommendations can be made
on optimum therapy duration and ribavirin dose according to HCV
genotype. PEG-IFN-alpha(2a) (40 kDa) is expected to improve the efficacy
and tolerability of treatment for chronic hepatitis C."
}