Ropeginterferon alfa‑2b in pregnant and lactating patients with MPN

Results from a study evaluating the placental transfer or secretion of ropeginterferon alfa‑2b into breast milk in pregnant patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN; N = 4) were published in Blood Advances by Tashi et al. Three patients provided maternal and cord blood samples, and two patients provided postpartum breast milk samples.

Key data: Ropeginterferon alfa-2b concentrations in maternal blood were consistent with the expected pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Concentrations of ropeginterferon alfa‑2b were negligible in the cord blood plasma. Four sequential breast milk samples from one patient showed no detectable ropeginterferon alfa‑2b by dot blot. Breast milk samples from another patient showed trace amounts of ropeginterferon alfa‑2b in colostrum, but no detectable drug in later samples. 

Key learning: Results from this study suggest minimal placental transfer or secretion into breast milk of ropeginterferon alfa‑2b, indicating relative safety for the treatment of pregnant patients with MPN. This study was limited by a small sample size, warranting larger multicenter studies to confirm findings.