What is Besremi for Polycythemia Vera (PV)?

Besremi (ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft by PharmaEssentia) is an FDA-approved medicine used to treat adults with polycythemia vera (PV). It was also recently licensed in October 2024 to help PV patients in Canada. 

Learn how Besremi works, how effective it can be, and possible side effects. 

What is Besremi?

Besremi is an injectable medicine that treats polycythemia vera (PV). It is a long-acting interferon that works by binding to receptors on bone marrow cells. This signals the bone marrow to produce fewer red blood cells, which helps slow down symptoms of PV like normalizing blood counts, preventing new blood clots, and normalizing spleen size. 

Besremi is currently one of the only PV treatments that targets the source of the cancer. 

How is Besremi Administered? 

You can receive a Besremi injection every three weeks. The starting dosage may differ for adults with PV who are not on hydroxyurea or transitioning from hydroxyurea, known as the titration phase.

How Effective is Besremi for PV? 

60% of PV patients achieve remission while taking Besremi. This means their blood counts returned to normal, they didn’t require a blood draw (phlebotomy) in the past two months, their spleen size was normal, and they did not experience any blood clots. 

80% of PV patients taking Besremi experienced their blood counts returning to normal. 

What are the Side Effects of Besremi? 

Possible side effects of Besremi may include decreased blood cell counts, allergic reactions, eye concerns, skin issues, liver effects, and teeth/gum concerns. To review side effect management strategies, please ask your PV specialist. 

Conclusion

In summary, Besremi is an FDA-approved medication that targets the source of PV. This, in turn, may reduce PV symptoms such as normalizing blood counts, stopping blood draws, reducing spleen size, and helping patients not have blood clots. Ask your PV specialist if taking Besremi could be right for you. 

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Sources: 

• FORUS Therapeutics Inc. and PharmaEssentia Corporation Have Entered Into an Exclusive Licensing Agreement for The Registration and Distribution of BESREMi(R) (ropeginterferon alfa-2b) for The Treatment of polycythemia vera (PV), in Canada
• Besremi