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Pegasys: A toxic treatment story
• Pegylated Interferon α-2a
• Treatment for Hepatitis B and C Virus
• Highly toxic treatment
• Highly variable response, especially in African Americans
Figure 38: Pegasys
One mutation in the IL28B gene (a natural interferon) increased efficacy two-fold. This
mutation is different in different ethnicities and explains half of the ethnic variability in
treatment.
