| [ Summary ] |
Peginterferons are IFNs covalently linked with polyethylene glycol moiety. As a result of increased molecular weight by additional moiety, the half life of peginterferon is extended enough to administer only once a week. From various data trails on peginterferons for chronic hepatitis C, the effects from peginterferon are considered to be more efficient than those from conventional dosage of non-pegylated interferon. The side effects from peginterferon are milder than non-pegylated interferon except for slightly enhanced decreases in blood cell counts. Better quality of life may be expected than from conventional interferon therapy, mainly due to less frequent injections. Thus, peginterferon is considered to be useful for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. |