Pegasys Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Pegasys Shortage in 2026: Where Things Stand

The Pegasys (Peginterferon Alfa-2a) shortage that began in late 2024 has stretched well into 2026, leaving patients with chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia struggling to access a medication they depend on.

Here's the latest on what's happening, what it means for you, and what you can do about it.

Is Pegasys Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Pegasys remains in an active drug shortage according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The specialty distributor Summit SD has limited quantities of Pegasys 180 mcg/mL vials and 180 mcg/0.5 mL prefilled syringes, but supply remains constrained and allocations are tight.

The manufacturer, pharma& GmbH, has been transparent about the situation. They notified the US FDA in October 2024 about potential supply limitations and have been working to bring a new manufacturing facility (Loba biotech GmbH) online. The European Medicines Agency approved the new production site in April 2025, but US FDA approval for the new site is still pending.

Why Is Pegasys Hard to Find?

The shortage is driven by several interconnected factors:

• Ownership transition: pharma& GmbH acquired Pegasys from Roche, triggering manufacturing site changes
• Growing demand: Off-label use for myeloproliferative neoplasms (polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia) has increased global demand significantly
• No biosimilar: There is no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar Peginterferon Alfa-2a, leaving patients entirely dependent on the brand-name supply
• Complex manufacturing: As a biologic injectable, Pegasys requires specialized production facilities that can't be scaled up quickly

For a deeper dive, see our full explainer: Why is Pegasys so hard to find?

How Much Does Pegasys Cost in 2026?

Pegasys has always been an expensive medication, and the shortage hasn't helped:

• Cash price: Approximately $1,095–$1,200 per single vial or prefilled syringe
• Monthly cost: Around $4,300–$4,800 per month (four weekly injections)
• Annual cost: Roughly $50,000–$58,000 per year at full price

Most patients don't pay the full cash price — insurance typically covers Pegasys, though it's usually on a specialty tier with higher copays. Medicare Part D plans now have a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap that can significantly reduce costs for eligible patients.

For tips on reducing your costs, read our savings guide: How to save money on Pegasys.

Are There New Options for Patients?

Yes — the most significant development is the growing availability of BESREMi (Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b) as an alternative for polycythemia vera patients. The NCCN now explicitly recommends BESREMi as a substitute for patients who can't access Pegasys. BESREMi is FDA-approved for PV and can be dosed every two weeks once stable.

For hepatitis patients, direct-acting antivirals (Harvoni, Epclusa, Mavyret) remain the preferred first-line treatment for hepatitis C and may be appropriate alternatives. For hepatitis B, oral antivirals like Entecavir and Tenofovir are available options.

See our full list: Alternatives to Pegasys.

How to Find Pegasys in Stock

If you need to stay on Pegasys, here's your best strategy:

1. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy stock levels near you
2. Try specialty pharmacies — especially those serving hematology or hepatology practices
3. Ask your doctor's office — many practices have direct lines to specialty distributors
4. Contact pharma& directly at 855-443-7028 for supply assistance
5. Be persistent — call pharmacies early in the week and ask them to check their wholesaler

For detailed tips, see: How to find Pegasys in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Pegasys shortage is one of the more challenging drug shortages in recent years because it affects patients with serious, chronic conditions and there's no simple substitute. But the situation is not permanent — the manufacturer is actively expanding production, and alternatives like BESREMi are becoming more widely available.

Stay in close contact with your healthcare team, keep checking availability through Medfinder, and don't hesitate to ask about alternatives if you've gone without your medication. Your health comes first.