[Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with commercial available interferons]

Potential beneficial IFN treatment regimens were discussed based on the results of clinical trials conducted in Japan, with IFN alpha-2a, IFN alpha-2b, lymphoblastoid IFN, and IFN beta. With IFN alpha, 9 to 10 MIU daily for 2 to 4 weeks, followed by three times a week for 20 to 22 weeks was considered the most effective treatment regimen in eradicating HCV. On the other hand, with IFN beta which is administered intravenously, 6 MIU daily for at least 8 weeks was considered necessary. However, it does not mean that the optimal treatment regimen has been identified. Further study is necessary to determine a more satisfactory IFN treatment for chronic hepatitis C with adequate monitoring of changes in serum HCV-RNA levels.