Effects of multiple-dose pegylated interferon alfa-2b on the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in persons with chronic hepatitis C.

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) alfa-2b on the activity of major drug-metabolizing enzymes.

METHODS

This nonrandomized, open-label, multiple-dose study examined the effects of PEG-IFN alfa-2b on the activity of CYP450 1A2, 2 C8/9, 2D6, and 3A4 enzymes and N-acetyltransferase in subjects with chronic hepatitis C. Eligible subjects received PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.5 μg/kg subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks (days 3, 10, 17, and 24). Oral probe substrates (dextromethorphan hydrobromide 45 mg, caffeine 200 mg, tolbutamide 500 mg, and dapsone 100 mg) were administered after a 10-h fast on days 1 and 25. Midazolam 4 mg was administered orally on days 2 and 26. Enzyme activity for each CYP450 isozyme and for N-acetyltransferase was estimated based on the ratios of the observed concentrations of the substrates and metabolites in plasma or urine samples.

RESULTS

Twenty-six subjects enrolled in the study. Mean age was 44.3 years, mean weight was 78.9 kg, and mean body mass index was 26.3 kg/m(2). Multiple doses of PEG-IFN alfa-2b inhibited CYP1A2 activity to a limited extent (point estimate = 84.2%, 90% confidence interval [CI] 79-90), increased CYP2C8/9 activity to a limited extent (point estimate = 127.6%, 90% CI 115-142), increased CYP2D6 activity (point estimate = 167%, 90% CI 125-223), and had no effect on the activity of CYP3A4 or N-acetyltransferase.

CONCLUSION

Weekly administration of PEG-IFN alfa-2b to subjects with chronic hepatitis C increased CYP2C8/9 and CYP2D6 activity in some individuals.