The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved pre-filled syringes of Pegasys® (peginterferon alfa-2a) for the treatment of Hepatitis C, according to the drug's manufacturer Roche.

Roche expects the pre-filled syringes to be available in pharmacies by the end of the January. The syringes will be packaged four per box. Pegasys is currently available in vials as a pre-mixed solution.

"Taking a medication by self-injection can be challenging for some
people," said Dr. David Bernstein, director of hepatology at North Shore
University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. "Reducing the number of steps involved can make the process less intimidating for patients and reduce the risk of errors."

Other sources: Roche