Peginterferon beta-1a ( Plegridy ) is a new therapy that belongs to the same Interferon class as several medications that have been approved by the FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ) for the treatment of people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Peginterferon beta-1a is a pegylated form of Interferon, meaning that polyethylene glycol is attached to the Interferon molecules, which enables them to maintain biologic effects in the body for longer periods of time and allows for less frequent dosing.
Plegridy is given by subcutaneous injections once every two weeks.

The FDA has approved Plegridy for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis: people who experience periodic multiple sclerosis attacks, such as those who have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or secondary-progressive multiple slerosis with relapses.

Plegridy is taken by subcutaneous injection every two weeks. The dose should be titrated, starting with 63 micrograms on day 1, 94 micrograms on day 15, and 125 micrograms ( full dose ) on day 29.

Results for the first year of the clinical trial showed that the annualized relapse rate was reduced by 35.6% compared to those taking placebo. New lesions on MRI scans were reduced by 67%, and the risk of disability progression ( confirmed over 12 weeks ), as measured by the EDSS scale, was reduced by 38%.

The most common adverse reactions are injection site reactions, flu-like illness, fever, headache, muscle pain, chills, injection site pain, weakness, and joint pain.

Plegridy should not be taken if an individual has a history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant Interferon beta or Peginterferon, or any other component of the formulation.

Plegridy is rated as a Pregancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Plegridy should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Because Plegridy can affect liver functions, people taking this medication should have regular blood tests to check for possible side effects. ( Xagena )

Source: National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2014

XagenaMedicine2014