If the activity of a protein, such as interferon, is prolonged by the attachment to PEG, the frequency that interferon would need to be administered each week would be decreased. If results turn out as hoped, PEG-Interferon stands to be a more convenient way to administer interferon. This, in turn, would result in improved patient compliance, as one injection per week is easier to handle than three.
Further evaluation is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Initial results with pegylated Rebetron are pending. Pegylated interferon will be supplied free of charge to the patient. Other costs are typically covered by insurance. However this should be discussed with the physician conducting the study.