If You've Been Searching for Pegasys, You're Not Alone

If you or a loved one relies on Pegasys (Peginterferon Alfa-2a) for chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or a blood disorder like polycythemia vera, you already know how frustrating the past year has been. Pharmacies are out of stock. Refills are delayed. And nobody seems to have clear answers.

You're not imagining it — Pegasys is in an active drug shortage, and it has been since late 2024. In this post, we'll explain exactly why Pegasys is so hard to find and what you can do about it.

What Is Pegasys?

Pegasys is the brand name for Peginterferon Alfa-2a, a pegylated interferon that works by stimulating your immune system to fight viral infections and control abnormal blood cell production. It's given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (a shot under the skin) and is FDA-approved for:

• Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in adults and children 5 and older
• Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in adults and children 3 and older

Pegasys is also widely used off-label by hematologists for polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) — blood cancers where the body makes too many red blood cells or platelets.

Why Is Pegasys So Hard to Find in 2026?

The Pegasys shortage didn't happen overnight. Several factors came together to create a perfect storm:

1. Change in Ownership and Manufacturing Transitions

Pegasys was originally made by Roche/Genentech. The drug was acquired by pharma& GmbH, a smaller European pharmaceutical company. Transitioning manufacturing sites — especially for a complex biologic injectable — takes time. pharma& is building new production capacity at its Loba biotech GmbH facility, but regulatory approvals for new manufacturing sites are slow. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the new site in April 2025, but US FDA approval is still pending.

2. Surging Demand for Off-Label Uses

While Pegasys was originally developed for hepatitis, it has become a go-to treatment for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) like polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia. In August 2024, the European Commission even approved Pegasys for these indications in Europe. This surge in demand has far outpaced available supply.

3. No Generic or Biosimilar Available

Unlike many older medications, there is no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar version of Pegasys in the United States. That means when the brand-name supply runs low, there is no backup product patients can switch to seamlessly.

4. Limited Distribution Channels

Pegasys is a specialty injectable that requires refrigeration and is typically dispensed through specialty pharmacies, not your local corner drugstore. This already-narrow distribution chain makes shortages feel even more severe — when supply is limited, fewer pharmacies have it to begin with.

What Can You Do If You Can't Find Pegasys?

A drug shortage doesn't mean you're out of options. Here's what you can do:

Check Real-Time Availability with Medfinder

Medfinder tracks pharmacy stock levels in real time and can help you locate Pegasys near you — or find pharmacies willing to order it. It's free for patients and can save you hours of phone calls.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

Depending on your condition, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different medication. For polycythemia vera, BESREMi (Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b) is an FDA-approved alternative that the NCCN specifically recommends as a substitute during the Pegasys shortage. For hepatitis C, direct-acting antivirals like Harvoni, Epclusa, or Mavyret may be options.

Contact the Manufacturer

pharma& operates a patient assistance line at 855-443-7028. They may be able to help you locate supply or connect you with their patient assistance program if cost is also a barrier.

Try Specialty and Independent Pharmacies

Large chain pharmacies are often the first to run out during a shortage. Independent specialty pharmacies sometimes have access to different distributors and may still have stock. Ask your doctor's office if they have relationships with any specialty pharmacies that carry Pegasys.

Final Thoughts

The Pegasys shortage is real, it's ongoing, and it's affecting thousands of patients across the country. The good news is that the manufacturer is actively working to restore supply, and there are steps you can take right now to improve your chances of getting your medication.

Stay informed, work closely with your healthcare team, and use tools like Medfinder to stay ahead of the shortage. For more practical tips, check out our guide on how to find Pegasys in stock near you.