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Evaluation of pegylated interferon-α therapy efficacy in patients with inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier

Haiyi Cai1,2, Lifen Zhu1,2, Pei Zhou1,2

  • 1Department of Hepatology, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.

Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|April 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b (PegIFNα-2b) therapy shows promise for inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC) with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. IHC patients experienced higher HBsAg clearance and seroconversion rates compared to CHB patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a global health concern, potentially leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • Inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC) are considered stable but remain at risk for disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Pegylated Interferon alfa-2b (PegIFNα-2b) therapy in patients with inactive HBsAg carriage (IHC) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Main Methods:

  • A total of 359 patients (97 IHC, 262 CHB) received PegIFNα-2b therapy.
  • Primary endpoint: HBsAg clearance.
  • Secondary endpoint: HBsAg seroconversion.

Main Results:

  • IHC patients showed significantly higher HBsAg clearance (36% vs. 24%) and seroconversion rates (27% vs. 13%) at week 36 compared to CHB patients.
  • At week 48, IHC patients still had higher seroconversion rates (31% vs. 19%).
  • Subgroup analysis in IHC patients revealed higher clearance and seroconversion rates at week 48 for those with baseline HBsAg <100 IU/mL.

Conclusions:

  • PegIFNα-2b therapy demonstrates therapeutic benefits for IHC patients, especially those with lower baseline HBsAg levels.
  • This treatment should be considered within comprehensive HBV management strategies.
  • Further research may explore optimal treatment durations and patient selection criteria.
Abstract

Keywords:
Chronic hepatitis BHBVfunctional cureinactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrierpegylated interferon-α2b

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