This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEGASYS + Copegus combination therapy given for 24 weeks versus 48 weeks in patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 2/3. Patients receiving PEGASYS (180 micrograms sc weekly) + Copegus (800-1200mg po daily) who do not achieve a rapid viral response at week 4 will enter the study between treatment week 6 and 8, and will receive study medication. Those who have an early virological response at week 12, and are still taking medication at week 24, will then be randomized to one of 2 study groups. Group 1 will stop treatment at this point and will have a 48 week post-treatment observation period, and Group 2 will stay on medication for a further 24 weeks, followed by a 24 week post-treatment observation period. The anticipated time on study treatment is 6-12 months, and the target sample size is 100-500 individuals.
Study Type:
Interventional
Study Design:
Treatment, Randomized, Open Label, Parallel Assignment, Safety/Efficacy Study
A Randomized, Open-Label Study of the Effects of 24 vs 48 Weeks of Combination Therapy With PEGASYS (Peginterferon Alfa-2a 40KD) Plus COPEGUS (Ribavirin) on Sustained Virological Response in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C, Genotype 2 or 3 Who do Not Achieve a Rapid Viral Response.