Recombinant Interferon-Beta-1a Plus Ribavirin for the Treatment of Chronic HCV Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Pilot Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Interferon beta (IFN-β) has been shown to have antiviral activity, and thus could be useful in treating viral infections. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of recombinant IFN-β (IFN-β-1a) plus oral ribavirin versus interferon alpha (IFN-α) plus ribavirin therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV). Methods: Twenty treatment-naïve patients were randomized into two equal-sized treatment groups. Both IFN-β-1a (44μg) and IFN-α (3 MIU) were given subcutaneously three times a week, while ribavirin was given orally at 1,000-1,200 mg/day. Patients were treated for 24 weeks and followed for an additional 24 weeks. Results: After 24 weeks of treatment, six (60%) and four patients (40%) in the IFN-β-1a group and IFN-α groups, respectively, achieved viral clearance. The sustained virological response (SVR) at the end of the observation period was similar in both groups (40%). However, the baseline viral load was significantly higher (p=0.034) in the IFN-β-1a group than in the IFN-α group, and there were more HCV genotype 1 patients in the IFN-β-1a group (eight versus seven). The IFN-β-1a group was associated with similar adverse events in terms of frequency and severity. Conclusions: The SVR rate and safety profile were similar for the combination of IFN-β-1a and ribavirin and that of IFN-α and ribavirin.

Interferons: Success in anti-viral immunotherapy

“…The efficacy of IFN-β as an alternative therapeutic option or in combination with standard care for HCV infection has been extensively investigated in Asia, including Japan, Korea and China [29–31]. These studies not only proved the efficacy of IFN-β as an HCV therapy, but also showed promising results in overcoming the treatment block in patients who had poor responses to IFN-α-2b/ribavirin.…”

Control of Hepatitis B Virus by Cytokines

“…IFN-β, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis, has been considered as an alternative. The efficacy of IFN-β for HCV infection has been extensively investigated [ 73 , 74 , 75 ]. These studies not only proved the efficacy of IFN-β as an HCV therapy, but also showed promising results in patients who had poor responses to IFN-α2b/ribavirin treatment.…”

Optimization of Fermentation Conditions for Recombinant Human Interferon Beta Production by Escherichia coli Using the Response Surface Methodology

“…Some studies are shown that IFN-β has antiviral, anticancer and immunomodulatory properties ( 1 - 3 ). Different clinical trials have been done on rhIFN-β and now it is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis ( 4 , 5 ), chronic viral hepatitis ( 6 ), rheumatoid arthritis ( 7 , 8 ), and as a potential adjuvant in prophylactic vaccines against infectious diseases ( 9 , 10 ). A large quantity of the required rhIFN-β is produced in Escherichia coli and Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines.…”