
PEG-Interferon a-2b + Ribavirin for Treatment of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Who Have Previously...
Chronic Hepatitis C Virus InfectionHRN-003 STUDY SYNOPSIS OBJECTIVE: To compare the Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) of PEGIntron plus ribavirin among patients receiving a fixed dose of PEGIntron versus weighted-adjusted dosing. OVERVIEW OF STUDY DESIGN: This is a multi-center, randomized, open-label clinical trial using PEGIntron weight-adjusted dose by subcutaneous injection weekly + ribavirin by mouth twice daily for 48 weeks OR PEGIntron fixed dose by subcutaneous injection weekly + ribavirin by mouth twice daily for 48 weeks. STUDY POPULATION: 600 Adult patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who have previously failed to achieve a sustained virologic response following interferon alfa or interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin therapy. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Eligible participants will be randomized to receive PEGIntron weight-adjusted dose (1.5 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection weekly + ribavirin 400 mg by mouth twice daily for 48 weeks OR PEGIntron fixed dose (150 mg if weight > than 80 kg or 100 mg if weight < 80 KG) by subcutaneous injection weekly + ribavirin 400 mg by mouth twice daily for 48 weeks. EFFICACY EVALUATIONS: Laboratory analysis, quality of life assessments, and change in study medication doses will be obtained. SAFETY EVALUATIONS: Assessment of laboratory evaluations, vital signs, incidence and severity of adverse experiences and progression of disease, as measured by HCV viral load. STUDY DESIGN This is a treatment protocol to evaluate the antiviral efficacy, safety and tolerability polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugated interferon alfa-2b (PEGIntron) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in patients who have previously failed to achieve a sustained virologic response following interferon alfa or interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin therapy. Patients will be stratified according to their response to the previous course of therapy (i.e. non-reponse or relapse virologic pattern This is a multi-center, randomized, open-label clinical trial that will involve approximately 25 sites with an anticipated enrollment of 600 patients over a six-month period. Eligible participants will be randomized to receive PEGIntron weight-adjusted dose (1.5 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection weekly + ribavirin 400 mg by mouth twice daily for 48 weeks OR PEGIntron fixed dose (150 mg if weight > than 80 kg or 100 mg if weight < 80 KG) by subcutaneous injection weekly + ribavirin 400 mg by mouth twice daily for 48 weeks. Group A: PEGIntron weight -adjusted dose (1.5 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection weekly + ribavirin 400 mg by mouth twice daily for 48 weeks (Total therapy x 48weeks). Group B: PEGIntron fixed dose (150 mg if weight > than 80 kg or 100 mg if weight < 80 KG) by subcutaneous injection weekly + ribavirin 400 mg by mouth twice daily for an additional 48 weeks (Total therapy x 48 weeks).

Hepatitis C Treatment Naive Genotype 1 Consensus Interferon Trial
Chronic Hepatitis CData have suggested that consensus interferon (CIFN) has greater antiviral activity in vitro compared with interferon alfa-2a or alfa-2b. Several clinical studies also suggest that CIFN has greater antiviral activity in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C infection, particularly if given as a daily injection. These data indicate that the use of a regimen of daily CIFN and ribavirin will lead to greater virologic response rates compared with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin in patients with genotype 1 infection, with comparable adverse events. Emerging data indicate that HCV genotype 1 patients with a delayed virologic response to initial therapy may benefit from an extended duration of therapy. Therefore, the goals of this pilot study are to determine the tolerability and efficacy of daily CIFN plus ribavirin when given for 52 weeks or an extended duration of therapy. The target population will consist of "difficult-to-treat" patients, defined as having the following characteristics: genotype 1, a North American patient population, predominantly male gender, and no specific exclusions for pre-existing psychiatric or substance abuse co-morbidities.

Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C With PEG Interferon alfa2a and Ribavirin in HIV-Infected Patients...
HIV InfectionsHepatitis C2 moreCombination of PEG interferon and ribavirin is the standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Efficacy of this treatment has never been evaluated in HCV-HIV infected patients, who have previously been treated with a first line anti-HCV treatment. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the combination PEG interferon alfa2a-ribavirin in HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C pretreated with interferon alone or interferon combined with ribavirin. The patients receive a dose of 180 µg of PEGASYS once a week and 800 to 1200 mg/day of ribavirin (according to weight) for 48 weeks. Primary outcome of the study is a sustained virological response, defined as an undetectable HCV RNA level 24 weeks after the end of anti-HCV treatment.

Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Alone in Egyptian Patients With Acute Hepatitis C (ANRS 1213)
Hepatitis CAcute hepatitis C is a liver disease related to a virus: hepatitis C virus (HCV). The type of Hepatitis C Virus present in Egypt (genotype 4), has the reputation to respond poorly to treatment at the chronic hepatitis stage. Without treatment, 85% of patients with acute hepatitis C become chronically HCV infected which means that the virus stays present in the body. Pegylated Interferon is a new form of Interferon that stays in the body for longer time and allows the patient to take less injection per week. It has also proved to be more effective than standard Interferon in treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Analysis of the Duration of Combination Therapy That is Necessary for HCV Genotype 1 Eradication...
Chronic Hepatitis CHCV Genotype 1Open-label, single centre study evaluating efficacy and viral kinetics of combination PEG-IFNa2a and Ribavirin treatment on CHC genotype 1 patients, administered until viral clearance demonstrated between 4 - 12 weeks, then randomised to further continued combination treatment for one of three defined durations. Followed-up for 24 weeks after treatment cessation. Objectives: To determine the necessary duration of combination treatment with Pegylated-Interferon alfa2a (PEGASYS) & Ribavirin in Patients infected with genotype 1, in order to achieve viral clearance To identify host factors, which are associated with different patterns of virological response to combination treatment (fast responder, slow responder, non-responder). On this basis, to identify possible predictors for the duration of antiviral treatment.

Treatment of Cholestatic Pruritus With Sertraline
PruritusLiver Cirrhosis2 moreThe goal of this study is to find an effective and well-tolerated medical therapy for itching due to liver disease. Persons with primary biliary cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis C are currently being enrolled in the study. Persons participating in the study are given sertraline, a medication which is also often used for depression,to treat their itching. The dose is gradually increased as the effect on itching and any other potential side effects are carefully monitored.

Multicenter Study Evaluating 12 Versus 24 Weeks Therapy With Peginterferon and Ribavirin for Hepatitis...
Hepatitis C VirusThe primary objective of the study is to demonstrate that the efficacy of peginterferon alfa-2a 40KD combination therapy with ribavirin in interferon naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection genotype 2 or 3 given for 12 weeks is non-inferior to 24 weeks.

Valopicitabine When Administered Alone and in Combination With Interferon to Treatment-Naive Patients...
Chronic Hepatitis CThis study is being conducted in treatment-naive patients (no previous hepatitis C treatment) to evaluate the safety of valopicitabine (NM283) alone and together with pegylated interferon, a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hepatitis C infection. This study is also evaluating the ability of valopicitabine to decrease the amount of hepatitis C virus in the body. The results for patients taking valopicitabine alone will be compared with the results for patients taking valopicitabine together with pegylated interferon.

Improving Quality of Life for Veterans Undergoing Interferon Treatment
DepressionHepatitis CThe purpose of this study is to evaluate a group psychotherapy intervention and a telehealth intervention for veterans undergoing interferon treatment for the hepatitis C virus. It is hypothesized that the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) condition and the telehealth condition will result in significantly improved outcomes, including enhanced adherence, quality of life, and psychological status.

Peak Study - A Study of Pegasys (Peginterferon Alfa-2a (40KD)) in Combination With Copegus (Ribavirin)...
Hepatitis CChronicThis study will examine the viral kinetics and pharmacokinetics of Pegasys plus ribavirin and PEG-Intron plus ribavirin in interferon-naive patients with CHC. The anticipated time on study treatment is 3-12 months, and the target sample size is 100-500 individuals.