PEG-INTRON treatment for hepatitis c



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PEG-INTRON Therapy

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About Pegylation
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About Pegylation

Pegylation is a process whereby a
substance called polyethylene glycol (PEG)
is attached to a protein in order to extend
protein activity.
What is pegylation?

Pegylation is a process whereby a substance called polyethylene glycol (PEG) is attached to a protein in order to extend protein activity. PEG is used in everyday products, such as foods and cosmetics. When used in prescription medications, active substances stay in the body longer before they are broken down and eliminated.

How is pegylation used in hepatitis C therapy?

Interferon alfa-2b was developed by Schering Hepatitis Innovations as the first FDA-approved therapy for hepatitis C. Now with Schering's pegylated interferon, PEG-INTRON®, polyethylene glycol is attached to a standard interferon (alfa-2b) molecule. This allows the interferon to stay in the body longer to help maximize treatment outcomes.

Why is pegylation preferred?

Standard interferon only stays in the body for about a day. Pegylated interferon from Schering provides longer, more constant drug levels to better suppress the hepatitis C virus. Pegylated interferon also allows for once-weekly dosing, compared to dosing three times a week with standard interferon. This means fewer shots over your course of treatment. In fact, people on PEG-INTRON® can experience 2/3 or 104 fewer injections over a one-year treatment course. And fewer shots can mean less time worrying about your disease and more time getting on with your life.

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