Is PegIntron discontinued?
Is PegIntron discontinued?
On September 24, 2015, the FDA announced the voluntary discontinuation of Merck’s PegIntron (peginterferon alfa-2b) and Rebetol (ribavirin). Merck will discontinue the manufacturing and distribution of PegIntron and Rebetol in the U.S., effective February 1, 2016.
How does pegylated interferon work?
Combining peginterferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b with ribavirin produces better activity against HCV than either drug alone. Interferon works by binding to specific receptors on the cell surface that initiate a complex cascade of protein-protein interactions leading to rapid activation of gene transcription.
What is the generic of Intron A?
Interferon alpha is the generic name for the trade name drugs Intron® A, Roferon®-A. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade names Intron® A, Roferon®-A or other names such as IFN-alpha and alpha interferon when referring to the generic drug name interferon alfa.
Why is Intron A being discontinued?
Intron A Discontinued Based on an evaluation of clinical use and the availability of alternative therapies, Merck is discontinuing recombinant interferon alfa-2b (Intron A), in all strengths.
Is Rebetol discontinued?
On April 16, 2019, the FDA announced the discontinuation of Merck’s Rebetol (ribavirin) oral solution. — The discontinuation was due to business reasons and is not due to any safety, efficacy or quality issues. — Rebetol will be discontinued on or near June 2019. — Brand Rebetol capsules will continue to be available.
What is the difference between pegylated interferon and interferon?
Pegylated interferon, usually called peginterferon, is a chemically modified form of the standard interferon that treats hepatitis C and rarely hepatitis B. The difference between interferon and peginterferon is the PEG, which stands for a molecule called polyethylene glycol.
How much does Intron A cost?
The cost for Intron A injectable powder for injection 10000000 intl units is around $330 for a supply of 1 powder for injection, depending on the pharmacy you visit….Injectable Powder For Injection.
| Quantity | Per unit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $330.32 | $330.32 |
How much rebetol is in PEG-Intron TM powder?
Package Insert PEG-Intron TM (Peginterferon alfa-2b) Powder for Injection, Schering Corporation PEG-Intron 1.5µg/kg QW REBETOL 800 mg QD INTRON A 3 MIU TIW REBETOL 1000/1200mg Q Overall 1,2 response 52% (264/511) 46% (231/505) Genotype 1 41% (141/348) 33% (112/343) Genotype 2-6 75% (123/163) 73% (119/162)
Which is better peginterferon alfa-2b or PEG-Intron?
Pegylation of interferon alfa-2b produces a product (PEG-Intron) whose clearance is lower than that of non-pegylated interferon alfa-2b. When compared to INTRON A, PEG-Intron (1.0 µg/kg) has approximately a seven-fold lower mean apparent clearance and a five-fold greater mean half-life permitting a reduced dosing frequency.
When does the C Max of PEG-Intron occur?
Maximal serum concentrations (C max) occur between 15-44 hours post-dose, and are sustained for up to 48-72 hours. The C max and AUC measurements of PEG-Intron increase in a dose-related manner. After multiple dosing, there is an increase in bioavailability of PEG-Intron.
What is the half life of PEG Intron?
The mean PEG-Intron elimination half-life is approximately 40 hours (range 22 to 60 hours) in patients with HCV infection. The apparent clearance of PEG-Intron is estimated to be approximately 22.0 mL/hr·kg. Renal elimination accounts for 30% of the clearance.