PEGASYS (peginterferon alfa-2a), interferon

High clinical benefit in chronic hepatitis B in children over the age of 3 and minor clinical added value like VIREAD and BARACLUDE

• PEGASYS has now a marketing authorization (MA) in the treatment of HBe antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B in non-cirrhotic children and adolescents aged 3 years and over, with viral replication and confirmed persistently elevated serum ALAT levels.

• Its superiority has been demonstrated compared to no treatment in terms of HBe seroconversion at 24 weeks after 48 weeks of treatment.

• Despite its safety, it can lead to a sustained virological response (HBs seroconversion) and does not induce resistance.

• It should be started on a case by case basis, taking predictive factors of response to interferon into account along with the risk of adverse effects.