Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Pegnano Plus Barivir (Ribavirin) in Treatment-naïve Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C at KienGiang General Hospital

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of Pegnano (Peginterferon alfa-2a) combined with Barivir (Ribavirin) in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). Conducted at Kien Giang General Hospital from March 2011 to March 2013, this uncontrolled clinical trial enrolled 100 outpatients aged 18-65 with HCV RNA \>80 IU/mL and compensated liver disease. Patients received Pegnano (180 mcg, subcutaneous, weekly) and Barivir (15 mg/kg daily, oral) for 24 weeks (genotypes 2, 3) or 48 weeks (genotypes 1, 4, 5, 6), with possible extension to 72 weeks for genotype 1 with late virological response. The primary goal is to assess virological responses (rapid, early, end-of-treatment, and sustained at 24 weeks) by genotype and IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism, alongside safety through adverse event monitoring. Efficacy is measured via HCV RNA levels using real-time PCR, while safety is evaluated through clinical and paraclinical assessments every 4 weeks. The study aims to provide evidence for affordable HCV treatment options in Vietnam using locally produced drugs