Interferon for MPNs - Pegasys available from July
Following supply problems with pegylated interferon alfa 2a (Pegasys) last year, we can now confirm that Pegasys is back in production and should be available from July 2025.
In an article last November, we highlighted problems with supplies of Pegasys, a type of interferon used to treat over 2000 people in the UK with MPNs, including essential thrombocythaemia (ET), polycythaemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (MF).
The shortage happened because the licence to make Pegasys changed hands, and it has taken several months to set up a new manufacturing process.
We can now report that the Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the new factory site at the end of May and production of Pegasys is under way.
Pharma&, the company now responsible for making Pegasys, has confirmed that availability will improve in the coming weeks, with stock ready to order by mid July.
This is in line with the timing we reported last year and will be welcome news to many people who had to adjust their dose of Pegasys or change to another treatment while the shortage lasted.
If you switched to another treatment
Some people may have switched to another type of interferon called Besremi, which NHS England approved for use while stocks of Pegasys were low.
It was always our understanding that people on Besremi would go back to Pegasys when it became available again. As far as we know this has not changed, but if it becomes an option to stay on Besremi we will report back.
If you switched to any other treatment or changed your dose during the shortage, speak to your hospital team about what your options are now that Pegasys will be more readily available.
Call us free on 0808 2080 888 or email [email protected] if you have any concerns about your treatment or would like support to talk to your team.
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