Dr. Nazha on the Potential Role of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b in Polycythemia Vera

Aziz Nazha, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist, director, Center for Clinical Artificial Intelligence, Cleveland Clinic, discusses the potential role of ropeginterferon alfa-2b in polycythemia vera (PV).

In June 2020, the FDA accepted a Biologics License Application for ropeginterferon alfa-2b for use as a treatment for patients with PV in the absence of symptomatic splenomegaly.

According to Nazha, ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a promising agent. However, the agent may not be suitable for all-comers. The agent will likely be reserved for younger patients with PV who do not respond to hydroxyurea or ruxolitinib (Jakafi), Nazha explains. Additionally, the agent may have utility as an up-front treatment for younger patients.

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b may be used in older patients with PV as well since the safety profile appears to be manageable, says Nazha.

Notably, the approval of ropeginterferon alfa-2b would provide a treatment option to pregnant women, a population of which are not eligible for hydroxyurea and ruxolitinib, concludes Nazha.