[Pegylation and interferons in multiple sclerosis]

Diego Centonze, Elisa Puma, Cecilia Saleri, Giulia Vestri, Sergio Iannazzo, Laura Santoni, Luigi Giuliani, Pier Luigi Canonico

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7175/fe.v17i2S.1229

Abstract

Pegylation is a procedure used for drug development since the 1970s and consists of the conjugation of a polyethylene glycol molecule (PEG) to a drug. PEG has shown to be safe and effective in improving the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of drugs. Recently, a 20 kDa linear chain of PEG was conjugated to interferon beta-1a with the aim to offer a new treatment option to relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. Due to a prolonged bioavailability, this new drug can be administered less frequently (every two weeks) than the other interferons beta available, thus allowing to hypothesize a better adherence to the treatment, which, in turn, should result in better clinical and economic outcomes. A phase III clinical trial has proven its effectiveness compared to placebo in RRMS patients, as well as a safety profile comparable to that found in other interferon beta preparations. The immunogenicity of this new molecule is < 1%, thus minimizing the suppression or reduction of interferon beta biological activity that could come from the development of Neutralizing Antibodies (NAbs).

[Article in Italian]

Keywords

PEG; Interferon beta-1a; Plegridy; Half-life

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References

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