Hepatitis B treatment drug Roche's long-acting pegylated interferon alpha 2a is not currently sold in Chinese Mainland, how much impact will it have on Chinese patients?

Pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) has long been a cornerstone of finite therapy for chronic hepatitis B, offering the potential for functional cure through immune modulation. However, the Roche formulation is no longer marketed or distributed in Mainland China, and although domestically developed pegylated interferons and standard interferons remain available, many clinicians report that the efficacy, tolerability, and HBsAg seroclearance rates associated with the original product are not fully interchangeable with current alternatives. This situation raises several practical questions: For colleagues in countries where Roche’s long-acting formulation is still accessible, do you observe meaningful differences in outcomes compared to other pegylated interferon products? In regions where the original product has been withdrawn, what are the recommended first-line interferon strategies and how is treatment success redefined? From a regulatory and health equity perspective, how should clinicians balance the use of locally available alternatives while awaiting potential reintroduction or biosimilar approval? Are there ongoing real-world registries comparing head-to-head outcomes of various pegylated interferon formulations? I would especially appreciate insights from hepatologists, clinical pharmacologists, and colleagues managing HBV patients in transition markets. Understanding the global landscape of interferon accessibility and its clinical implications is increasingly important as we pursue more ambitious cure endpoints. Thank you.