Abstract

Peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) [PEGASYS] is a conjugate of recombinant interferon-alpha-2a and a 40 kD branched polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety that is highly active against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Ribavirin (COPEGUS) is a synthetic nucleoside analogue that acts in synergy with the antiviral activity of peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD). The combination of subcutaneous peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) once weekly plus oral ribavirin twice daily is widely approved for use in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C, including those with persistently 'normal' ALT activity or HIV-HCV co-infection, and is recommended as a first-line treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis C and compensated liver disease. In randomized, phase III trials, the combination has consistently demonstrated good therapeutic efficacy (i.e. high sustained virological response [SVR] rates) and has been generally well tolerated in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with chronic hepatitis C, including those with compensated advanced liver disease. Several baseline and dynamic (on-treatment) predictors of SVR that can be used to guide and optimize therapy were also determined in these trials and in subsequent analyses. By utilizing these predictors, therapy with peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) plus ribavirin can be individualized to achieve the optimal balance between efficacy and tolerability, further increasing the usefulness of this drug combination. Thus, peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kD) plus ribavirin remains a valuable therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, as a first-line option in those with compensated liver disease and as a second-line therapy in those with advanced liver disease.