Comparison of peginterferon pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles

  1. R. Bruno1,
  2. P. Sacchi1,
  3. S. Cima1,
  4. L. Maiocchi1,
  5. S. Novati1,
  6. G. Filice1,
  7. S. Fagiuoli2

Article first published online: 10 JAN 2012

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01519.x

Issue

Journal of Viral Hepatitis

Journal of Viral Hepatitis

Special Issue: How to Optimize Treatment of Hepatitis C

Volume 19, Issue Supplement s1, pages 33–36, January 2012

Additional Information

How to Cite

Bruno, R., Sacchi, P., Cima, S., Maiocchi, L., Novati, S., Filice, G. and Fagiuoli, S. (2012), Comparison of peginterferon pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 19: 33–36. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01519.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Infectious Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Hospital San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia

  2. 2

    U.S.C. Gastroenterologia, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy

*Raffaele Bruno, MD, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology Outpatients Unit, University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy, Via Taramelli,5 – 27100 Pavia Italy. E-mail: raffaele.bruno@unipv.it

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 10 JAN 2012
  2. Article first published online: 10 JAN 2012
  3. Received 9 June 2011; accepted for publication 1 July 2011

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Keywords:

  • HCV;
  • peginterferon;
  • pharmacokinetic;
  • pharmacodynamic

Summary.  The pharmacokinetics and in dosing regimens of the currently available pegylated interferon (peginterferon) alfa molecules differ greatly, depending on the size and nature of their polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. Peginterferon alfa-2a has a branched 40 kDa PEG chain covalently attached to lysine residues and circulates as an intact molecule. On the other hand, peginterferon alfa-2b has a linear 12 kDa PEG chain covalently attached to interferon-a-2b via an unstable urethane bond that is hydrolysed after injection, releasing native interferon alfa-2b. The difference in pegylation between the two peginterferons has a significant impact on their pharmacokinetic properties. Data from comparative and non-comparative studies indicate that peginterferon alfa-2b has a shorter half-life in serum than peginterferon alfa-2a, and a significant proportion of patients receiving peginterferon alfa-2b may have trough concentrations below the limit of detection during the latter part of the 7-day dosing schedule. However, the pharmacodynamic parameters of the two drugs appear to be similar.

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