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Hepatitis C pharmacogenetics: state of the art in 2010

Nezam H Afdhal1, John G McHutchison, Stefan Zeuzem

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA. nafdhal@caregroup.harvard.edu

Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|January 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-28B (IL28B) gene variations impact hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance in patients undergoing treatment and those who clear the virus spontaneously. This finding influences HCV treatment strategies and drug development.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Polymorphisms in the interleukin-28B (IL28B) gene were identified in 2009.
  • These genetic variations are linked to hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between IL28B gene polymorphisms and HCV clearance.
  • To understand the implications of this association for HCV management and research.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of IL28B gene polymorphisms in patients with HCV.
  • Correlation of genetic data with viral clearance rates in treated and untreated patients.

Main Results:

  • A significant association was found between specific IL28B genotypes and successful HCV clearance.
  • This association was observed in patients receiving pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin, as well as in those with spontaneous viral clearance.

Conclusions:

  • IL28B genotype is a key predictor of HCV clearance.
  • The findings impact clinical decisions, study design, treatment economics, and regulatory processes for anti-HCV therapies.

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