Many of the trials are nationwide. This is an open-label, controlled, randomized study comparing standard alfa interferon plus ribavirin to pegylated alfa interferon plus ribavirin for the treatment of hepatitis C. Pegylated alfa interferon is a modified form of alfa interferon allowing for less frequent dosing. AmFAR DCRI 010. This trial will compare interferon to a combination of interferon and ribavirin for the treatment of hepatitis C. Interferon A-2B is an approved drug for the treatment of hepatitis. Interferon is given by an injection under the skin, three times a week.
Ribavirin is a pill taken twice a day.
Everyone in this study must have a liver biopsy performed to confirm their hepatitis C status, although someone who is unable to undergo this operation can use the HCV PCR blood test to confirm their condition. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will take shots of interferon and a placebo or dummy pill. The second group will take interferon and ribavirin. Neither the doctor nor the participant will know which treatment is being taken.