I had this in a reply thread, figured it's worth its own. This recent report shows PEG and Bes are not the same in the context of Hep C.
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No way to say whether it's relevant to us, esp since Hep C treatment adds oral ribavirin, and it's a small trial. But it seems to show the two are good for Hep C but not fully equivalent. PEG was more effective for HepC treatment at 96% response while Bes average (over three different dosings) was 74%.
It is a surprise to me. Esp since the report is from Taiwan, where Bes is made. Their conclusion does suggest a bias since it states the two INFs are "as effective" but the numbers suggest otherwise.
They tested one dose size for PEG while 3 for Bes, also suggesting a bias to favor Bes.
I've noted elsewhere that the two INFs use a different INF type, α-2a vs α-2b. Still curious if it matters.
One item of interest is the higher doses of Bes (270, 360, 450mcg) actually tended to decrease response. We are finding on the Voice that the published high doses of Bes for MPN may be more than we need.
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We're also finding different reported responses between these INF types on the forum, with one or the other being better tolerated. So I think there is increasing evidence the two are not entirely equivalent.