MSF submission for the inclusion of peginterferon alfa-2a and -2b in the WHO Essential Medicines List
Summary statement of the proposal for inclusion
Inclusion of the injectable formulation of peginterferon alfa-2a and -2b is proposed for the treatment of hepatitis C among adults.
The principal reasons for requesting this inclusion are as follows:
- There is significant burden of hepatitis C disease among adults living in resource-limited settings.
- The combination of interferon alfa 2a or 2b and ribavirin is the current first line and only commercially available treatment for hepatitis C disease.
- Treatment of hepatitis C will be improved with wider availability of this injectable treatment.