Peginterferon beta-1a
Also known as: BG00012, IFN beta-1a (PEGylated), PEG-IFN beta-1a, PEG‑IFN beta‑1a, Pegylated interferon beta‑1a, Plegridy
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Summary
Peginterferon beta‑1a (brand Plegridy) is a PEG‑conjugated form of interferon beta‑1a with prolonged half‑life, administered subcutaneously once weekly as a disease‑modifying therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Mechanism of Action
Binds interferon‑α/β receptor complex, activates JAK‑STAT signaling, modulates expression of inflammatory cytokines, reduces lymphocyte trafficking across the blood‑brain barrier, and exerts neuroprotective effects in multiple sclerosis.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Reduce relapse rate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosisDisease ModificationHigh
- Active secondary progressive MS managementDisease ModificationModerate
- Treatment of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)Disease ModificationModerate
- Reduce MRI lesion burden in MSDisease ModificationHigh
- Delay disability progression in MSDisease ModificationModerate
- Reduce relapse rate and disability progression in relapsing multiple sclerosisMultiple SclerosisHigh
Contraindications
- Decompensated hepatic diseaseHepaticHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Active autoimmune disease other than MSAutoimmuneModerate
- Uncontrolled hepatic impairmentHepaticModerate
- Severe depression or active suicidal ideationPsychiatricModerate
- Hypersensitivity to interferon beta or PEGAllergyHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, peginterferon, or any excipientAllergy/ImmunologyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Flu-like symptomsSystemic/ImmunologicalCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Leukopenia / lymphopeniaHematologicUncommon
- HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
- Elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity)HepaticUncommon
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)HepaticUncommon
- Anaphylaxis and serious allergic reactionsImmunologicRare
- Depression and suicidal ideationPsychiatricUncommon
- Injection‑site reactions (redness, pain, induration)LocalCommon
- DepressionPsychiatricUncommon
- Flu‑like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia)SystemicCommon
- Leukopenia/lymphopeniaHematologicUncommon
Drug Interactions
- AntidepressantsLow
- Live attenuated vaccinesModerate
- Myelosuppressive agentsModerate
- CYP450 substrates (narrow therapeutic index)Low
- Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., isoniazid, methotrexate)Moderate
- Immunosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine, mycophenolate)Moderate
- Hepatotoxic drugsModerate
Population Constraints
- Pre-existing psychiatric disordersPsychiatricRelative
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Severe renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patients (<18 years)AgeRelative
- Pediatric patients (<18 y)AgeRelative
- Elderly patients (>65 y)AgeRelative
- Lactating womenReproductiveRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveAbsolute
- Severe hepatic impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: relapsing forms of multiple sclerosisEMA approval; same dosing schedule.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: relapsing forms of multiple sclerosisApproved as Plegridy; subcutaneous weekly injection.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: relapsing forms of multiple sclerosisMHRA approval; marketed under Plegridy.
FDA approved (2014) for relapsing‑remitting MS; EMA and MHRA approvals for the same indication. Marketed as Plegridy.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peginterferon beta-1a?
Peginterferon beta‑1a (brand Plegridy) is a PEG‑conjugated form of interferon beta‑1a with prolonged half‑life, administered subcutaneously once weekly as a disease‑modifying therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
What is Peginterferon beta-1a used for?
Peginterferon beta-1a is educationally associated with: Reduce relapse rate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, Active secondary progressive MS management, Treatment of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), Reduce MRI lesion burden in MS, Delay disability progression in MS, Reduce relapse rate and disability progression in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Peginterferon beta-1a administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Peginterferon beta-1a?
Reported adverse effects include: Flu-like symptoms, Injection site reactions, Leukopenia / lymphopenia, Headache, Elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity), Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST), Anaphylaxis and serious allergic reactions, Depression and suicidal ideation, Injection‑site reactions (redness, pain, induration), Depression, Flu‑like syndrome (fever, chills, myalgia), Leukopenia/lymphopenia. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Peginterferon beta-1a?
Recorded contraindications: Decompensated hepatic disease, Pregnancy, Active autoimmune disease other than MS, Uncontrolled hepatic impairment, Severe depression or active suicidal ideation, Hypersensitivity to interferon beta or PEG, Known hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, peginterferon, or any excipient. Consult a qualified clinician before use.