Pegylated interferon

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Interferon is made by a variety of drug companies and is known under several brand names according to the manufacturer. The most common brand names for interferon are Roferon–A®, IntronA® and PEGASYS®.

Pegylated interferon is a slow releasing interferon that is currently used only in research and special cases; although it causes fewer side effects than interferon, it is currently still under investigation.

Interferon alpha is currently recommended as the first choice therapy for younger people with MPDs and women with MPDs who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. It is recommended as a second choice therapy for individuals who are unable to tolerate other drugs.

Interferon has been shown to:

• Control blood counts of platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells
• Reduce spleen size
• Reduce clotting events
• Reduce fibrosis in some people
• Reduce itching in some people

Pegylated interferon has been investigated and recent studies suggest it can reduce levels of abnormal JAK2 leading to a remission in some patients.