New Pegasys Manufacturer

[AndyT]

Just received my next 6 month supply of Pegasys. Packaging and presentation is identical to the former Roche version but it’s now from the new licence holder Pharma& and manufactured by their subsidiary LOBA, both based in Austria.

Good to see that the transition has gone OK, with no interruptions to the supply chain!

[swess]

Thanks for the update. Do keep us posted if its the same as Roche. Many countries out of stocks too.

[welshhuw]

Thanks for posting. I was aware that Roche had stopped production of Pegasys and was concerned that there may be an issue with continuing supply. Good to hear that another company (Pharm&) have acquired the manufacturing rights to Pegasys to secure the supply chain. Hopefully still available to the NHS at a 'reasonable' price from this new manufacturer. I guess Besremi may have been an alternative ? Although I'm not sure if it has been approved by MHRA in the UK for all MPNs or supported by NICE. Moreover, I suspect Besremi is significantly more expensive than Pegasys ?

[BadgerPV]

I started Pegasys Jan 23 and it was packaged by Pharma& at that time. There is a foundation that will assist with the cost based on total income for US residents.

[jon1972]

I have been noticing some differences in the Pegasys side effects over the last few months, most notably excessive dehydration. This was one of the things I didn't like about Besremi, but now seems just as bad if not worse with Peg. I'm wondering if they have modified the formulation in any way since changing manufactures.

[AndyT in reply to jon1972]

Interesting question - in principle the formulation shouldn’t have changed and I haven’t noticed any difference since taking my first dose from the new supplier this week.

Did your side effects only appear after you started using Peg from the new supplier?

Maybe also worth reviewing with your doctor if you could try amending your dosage and/or frequency to see if that reduces the side effects?