Pegylated interferons

Abstract

In summary, pegylated IFNs have a longer half-life, reduced immunogenicity, better pharmacokinetics, and enhanced biological activity when compared with standard IFN. Better adherence rates are feasible because of the once weekly administration of pegylated IFN. The adverse event profile is largely comparable. The improved pharmacokinetics of pegylated IFNs, compared with standard IFN, has translated into greater efficacy with at least similar tolerability. Pegylated IFNs with ribavirin are the standard of care for treating patients with chronic HCV who have not been treated previously.