PEGASYS (peginterferon alfa-2A) injection in short supply: Notice
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Background
PEGASYS (peginterferon alfa-2A) injection is used to treat adults with chronic hepatitis B and C. While Health Canada has not authorized its use for chronic cancers that originate in the bone marrow (known as myeloproliferative neoplasms), it has been prescribed off-label for this condition.
In Canada, PEGASYS is marketed by Pharma& GMBH and imported by Accelera Pharma Canada Inc (APCI).
Pharma& GMBH is reporting a shortage of the drug due to manufacturing issues. The shortage is expected to last until the end of December 2025.
APCI is closely managing the supply of PEGASYS to ensure remaining supplies are distributed equitably. As a result, PEGASYS may not always be available at your pharmacy or hospital.
Visit Drug Shortages Canada for up-to-date information on shortages.
What we're doing
We recognize the importance of PEGASYS for patients. Addressing this shortage is a top priority.
We're communicating with health care providers, provincial and territorial governments, and distributors to coordinate the sharing of information about this shortage. We're working with the Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies and the Canadian Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Network.
We're also working with the manufacturers and stakeholders to monitor the remaining supply of PEGASYS.
In the meantime, we have authorized the importation of BESREMi (Ropeginterferon Alfa-2B) for injection. FORUS Therapeutics is the importer.
What you can do
If you're a health care provider, you can access resources to help manage this shortage, including guidelines on prioritizing patients to be prescribed BESREMi:
For more information, visit the list of drugs for exceptional importation and sale.
If you're a patient, you can speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about this shortage.
Check this web page regularly as we will update it when new information becomes available.
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