Peginterferon alfa-2b (Sylatron)

Note: Merck has announced plans to discontinue Sylatron by December 2019 for business reasons.

General information

Class/mechanism: Immune system activator; binds to human type 1 interferon, activating downstream intracellular signal transduction pathways initially mediated by the JAK/STAT pathway. Also has been seen to activate NFκB (NF kappa B) in many cell types. Interferon α-2b activates multiple biologic effects which are not fully understood. Pegylation results in a longer half-life compared to Interferon alfa-2b (Intron-A).
Route: SC
Extravasation: n/a

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Melanoma

Patient drug information

• Peginterferon alfa-2b (Sylatron) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Patient counseling information can be found on page 11 of the Peginterferon alfa-2b (Sylatron) package insert
• Peginterferon alfa-2b (Sylatron) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 1/19/2001: FDA approved (as PegIntron) "for treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) in patients with compensated liver disease."
• 3/29/2011: FDA approved "for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma with microscopic or gross nodal involvement within 84 days of definitive surgical resection including complete lymphadenectomy."

Also known as

• Code name: SCH 54031
• Generic names: PEG-IFN alfa-2b, pegylated interferon alfa-2b, polyethylene glycol IFN-A2b, polyethylene glycol interferon alfa-2b
• Brand names: PEG-Intron, PegIntron, Sylatron, ViraferonPeg