PEGASYS (peginterferon alfa-2A) injection in short supply: Notice
Date published: March 31, 2025
Date updated: Date of posting
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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 June 2026.
What we're doing
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.
On February 7, 2025, we authorized the importation of BESREMi (ropeginterferon alfa-2B) for injection from the United States, as an alternative to PEGASYS for certain uses. FORUS Therapeutics is the importer.
On June 24, 2025, we also authorized the importation of PEGASYS (peginterferon alfa-2A) for injection from Ireland. APCI is the importer.
For more information, visit the list of drugs for exceptional importation and sale.
What you can do
If you're a health care provider, you can access resources to help manage this shortage:
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.