Recombinant interferon-Beta-1alpha plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic HCV infection: a prospective, randomized, comparative pilot study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Interferon beta (IFN-beta) has been shown to have antiviral activity, and thus could be useful in treating viral infections. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of recombinant IFN-beta (IFN-beta-1a) plus oral ribavirin versus interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) plus ribavirin therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV).

METHODS:

Twenty treatment-naïve patients were randomized into two equal-sized treatment groups. Both IFN-beta-1a (44 microg) and IFN-alpha (3 MIU) were given subcutaneously three times a week, while ribavirin was given orally at 1,000-1,200 mg/day. Patients were treated for 24 weeks and followed for an additional 24 weeks.

RESULTS:

After 24 weeks of treatment, six (60%) and four patients (40%) in the IFN-beta-1a group and IFN-alpha groups, respectively, achieved viral clearance. The sustained virological response (SVR) at the end of the observation period was similar in both groups (40%). However, the baseline viral load was significantly higher (p=0.034) in the IFN-beta-1a group than in the IFN-alpha group, and there were more HCV genotype 1 patients in the IFN-beta-1a group (eight versus seven). The IFN-beta-1a group was associated with similar adverse events in terms of frequency and severity.

CONCLUSIONS:

The SVR rate and safety profile were similar for the combination of IFN-beta-1a and ribavirin and that of IFN-alpha and ribavirin.

• Authors: Sang Hoon Ahn, Hyun Woong Lee, Yong Soo Kim, Ja Kyung Kim, Kwang-Hyub Han, Chae Yoon Chon, Young Myoung Moon
• Journal: Gut and liver (Gut Liver) Vol. 3 Issue 1 Pg. 20-5 (Mar 2009) ISSN: 2005-1212 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 20479896 (Publication Type: Journal Article)