Pegasys (Interferon Alfa-2A)
Pegasys (Interferon Alfa-2A) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Interferon a (human leukocyte protein moiety reduced). A type I interferon consisting of 165 amino acid residues with lysine in position 23. This protein is produced by recombinant DNA technology and resembles interferon secreted by leukocytes. It is used extensively as an antiviral or antineoplastic agent. An oral form is being developed by Amarillo Biosciences.
Upregulates the expression of MHC I proteins, allowing for increased presentation of peptides derived from viral antigens. This enhances the activation of CD8+ T cells that are the precursors for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and makes the macrophage a better target for CTL-mediated killing. Interferon alpha also induce the synthesis of several key antiviral mediators, including 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5' A synthetase) and protein kinase R.
| Trade Name | Pegasys (Interferon Alfa-2A) |
| Generic | Interferon alfa-2a |
| Interferon alfa-2a Other Names | Interferon alfa-2a, Interferon alfa-2a (genetical recombination), Interferon alfa-2a (recombinant), Interferon alfa-2a, recombinant, Interferon alfa-2a,recombinant, Interferon alpha-2a, Interferon-alfa-2a, Recombinant human interferon alfa-2a, Recombinant human interferon-alfa-2a |
| Type | |
| Formula | C860H1353N227O255S9 |
| Weight | 19241.1 Da |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | Hong Kong |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Pegasys (Interferon Alfa-2A) is a form of recombinant human interferon used to stimulate the innate antiviral response in the treatment of hepatitis B and C viruses.
For the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, hairy cell leukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Also for the treatment of oral warts arising from HIV infection.
Pegasys (Interferon Alfa-2A) is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL), Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Hepatitis B Chronic Infection, Kaposi’s sarcoma, Multiple Myeloma (MM), Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), Thrombocytosis
How Pegasys (Interferon Alfa-2A) works
Interferon alpha binds to type I interferon receptors (IFNAR1 and IFNAR2c) which, upon dimerization, activate two Jak (Janus kinase) tyrosine kinases (Jak1 and Tyk2). These transphosphorylate themselves and phosphorylate the receptors. The phosphorylated INFAR receptors then bind to Stat1 and Stat2 (signal transducers and activators of transcription)which dimerize and activate multiple (~100) immunomodulatory and antiviral proteins. Interferon alpha binds less stably to type I interferon receptors than interferon beta.
Toxicity
Interferon alfa-2 may cause serious adverse effects such as anemia; autoimmune diseases, including vasculitis, arthritis, hemolytic anemia, and erythematosus syndrome; cardiotoxicity; hepatotoxicity; hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; transient ischemic attacks; leukopenia; neurotoxicity; peripheral neuropathy; and thrombocytopenia. Some lesser side effects that may not need medical attention include blurred vision, change in taste or metallic taste, cold sores or stomatitis, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin or itching, flu-like syndrome, increased sweating, leg cramps, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, skin rash, unusual tiredness, weight loss, and partial loss of hair.
Food Interaction
- Avoid alcohol.
Volume of Distribution
- 0.223 to 0.748 L/kg [healthy people]
Elimination Route
Absorption is high (greater than 80%) when administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
Half Life
The IM half-life of interferon alfa-2a is 6 hours to 8 hours; the half-life for IV infusion is 3.7 hours to 8.5 hours (mean 5.1 hours).
Clearance
- 2.14 - 3.62 mL/min/kg [healthy]
Elimination Route
Alpha-interferons are totally filtered through the glomeruli and undergo rapid proteolytic degradation during tubular reabsorption, rendering a negligible reappearance of intact alfa interferon in the systemic circulation.
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