Study of Response in Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) Participants Genotype 1 With Insulin Resistance and Prolonged Treatment Duration in Late Responders (P04823/MK-4031-303)
Hepatitis C, Chronic, Insulin Resistance
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Hepatitis C, Chronic focused on measuring homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- male and female participants with newly diagnosed chronic hepatitis C
- age 18-65
- HCV-RNA positive in serum as measured by PCR
- Genotype 1
- ALT levels according to European labeling
- in women of child-bearing age, pregnancy must be excluded prior to entry into the study, and the use of a safe contraceptive device must be documented; sexually active male participants must practice a method of contraception considered acceptable (vasectomy, condom plus spermicide, plus relationship with a female partner who practices an acceptable method of contraception)
Lab parameters:
- Hb: >=12 g/dL (women) or >= 13 g/dL (men)
- leukocytes >= 3,000/µL
- thrombocytes >= 100,000/µL
- PT/PTT/coagulation must be within normal limits or clinically acceptable to the investigator/sponsor
- Albumin must be within normal limits or clinically acceptable to the investigator/sponsor
- creatinine must be within normal limits or clinically acceptable to the investigator/sponsor
- uric acid must be within normal limits or clinically acceptable to the investigator/sponsor
- antinuclear antibodies <= 1:160
- signed informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- refusal by women of child-bearing age or by sexually active participants to use a safe contraceptive
- breast-feeding women
- cirrhosis stage B and C according to Child-Pugh
- signs of decompensated liver disease
- confirmed co-infection with HIV or HBV
- existing psychiatric comorbidity
- alcohol abuse
- active malignant disease or suspicion or history of malignant disease within 5 previous years (except for adequately treated basal cell carcinoma)
- existing psoriasis or other dermatological disorder
- treatment with a study drug within the last 30 days
- any uncontrolled underlying medical conditions
- clinically significant ECG abnormalities and/or significant cardiovascular dysfunction within the last 6 months. In case of other suspected heart disease, a cardiological examination is required.
- any liver disorder of other genesis than the study indication (with regard to elevated iron levels, only participants with manifest hemochromatosis are excluded)
- autoimmune disorder (except LKM-positive participants).
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Experimental
Interventional Study arm (with insulin resistance)
Non interventional study arm (without insulin resistance)
HOMA IR (homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance) of > 2 These participants received PEG-Intron 1.5 μg /kg subcutaneously (SC) once weekly plus weight based Rebetol 800-1400 mg by mouth (PO) administered twice daily (BID) for a variable period depending on their response to treatment.
HOMA IR <= 2 These participants received PEG-Intron 1.5 μg /kg subcutaneously (SC) once weekly plus weight based Rebetol 800-1400 mg PO administered twice daily (BID) for 48 weeks. (Participants are treated according to European labeling).