peginterferon alfa-2b   Click here for help

GtoPdb Ligand ID: 7462

Synonyms: PegIntron® | Sylatron®
Approved drug Immunopharmacology Ligand
peginterferon alfa-2b is an approved drug (EMA (2000), FDA (2001))
Compound class: Peptide or derivative
Comment: Peginterferon alfa-2b is a pegylated interferon protein. Conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a strategy commonly used to protect peptide drugs from in vivo proteolytic breakdown to increase their biological half-life and duration of action.
Peginterferon alfa-2b is on the World Health Organisation's List of Essential Medicines. Click here to access the pdf version of the WHO's 21st Essential Medicines list (2019).
No information available.
Summary of Clinical Use Click here for help
Initially introduced as an antiviral medication to treat hepatitis C. More recently (2011) the US FDA authorised peginterferon alfa-2b (as Sylatron®) to treat melanoma following surgical tumour resection.
Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects Click here for help
PEG-interferon alpha-2b acts as a multifunctional immunoregulatory cytokine. Transcription of many genes (involved in cell cycle control, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response) is activated by the interferon stimulated transcription factor-3 (ISGF3), which forms downstream of PEG-interferon alpha-2b-induced interferon-alpha receptor 1 and 2 (IFNAR1/2) activation of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway [2]. The clinical outcome is improved immune response and apoptosis of malignant cells [1].
External links Click here for help
For extended ADME data see the following:

Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC)
Drugs.com
European Medicines Agency (EMA)