Daily Medication Pearl: Ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft (Besermi) for Polycythemia Vera

Medication Pearl of the Day: Ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft (Besermi)

Indication: Besermi is an interferon alfa-2b indicated for the treatment of adults with polycythemia vera (PV).

Insight:

• Dosing: Recommended starting dose 100 mcg by subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks (50 mcg if receiving hydroxyurea).
• Dosage form: Injection 500 mcg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe.
• Adverse events (AEs): The most common adverse reactions reported in > 40% of patients were influenza-like illness, arthralgia, fatigue, pruritus, nasopharyngitis, and musculoskeletal pain
• Mechanism of action: Interferon alfa belongs to the class of type I interferons, which exhibit their cellular effects in polycythemia vera in the bone marrow by binding to a transmembrane receptor termed interferon alfa receptor.
• Manufacturer: PharmaEssentia

Sources:

• BESREMi-USPI-November-2021-1.pdf (pharmaessentia.com)
• BESREMI - Now Approved