Pegylated interferon alpha 2a for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection

INTRODUCTION: Treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have advanced rapidly in the last decade. Pegylated interferon alpha 2a (PEG-IFN alpha 2a) alone, in combination with ribavirin and with or without direct acting antivirals (DAAs) is modestly effective in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. Areas covered: The review describes the chemistry, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, clinical efficacy, safety and drug-drug interaction profiles of PEG-IFN alpha 2a. Expert opinion: Despite the availability of DAAs and its formidable toxicity profile, PEG-IFN alpha 2a retains a role for the treatment of acute HCV and chronic HCV infection in resource limited settings and for end-stage renal disease patients and others who cannot access DAAs or are DAA-ineligible. Knowledge of pharmacogenetic profiles which favor successful treatment outcomes with IFN-based therapies may allow for selection of best candidates for the regimen.