Pegylated interferon alfa-2a microbiology

In the stable HCV cell culture model system (HCV replicon), ribavirin inhibited autonomous HCV RNA replication with an effective concentration (EC50) value of 11-21 mcm. In the same model, PEG-IFN α-2a also inhibited HCV RNA replication, with an EC50 value of 0.1-3 ng/mL. The combination of PEG-IFN α-2a and ribavirin was more effective at inhibiting HCV RNA replication than either agent alone.

Different HCV genotypes display considerable clinical variability in their response to PEG-IFN-α and ribavirin therapy. Viral genetic determinants associated with the variable response have not been definitively identified.

Cross-resistance between IFN-α and ribavirin has not been observed.^[1]

Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.