Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Pegylated Interferon (PEG-IFN Alfa-2b), and Ribavirin (RBV) Treatment in Patients With Hepatitis C and HIV Coinfection

Summary

This study will test the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment for hepatitis C (HCV) in patients who also have HIV. The usual treatment for HCV in people who are not HIV-infected is interferon-alfa (IFN) with ribavirin (RBV), an approved treatment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This study will use a new, longer acting form of IFN called PEG-IFN alfa-2b. PEG-IFN alfa-2b is approved by the FDA for use in treating HCV but has not yet been approved for use with RBV. This study also will use IL-2, which is a substance that the body naturally produces. People with HIV infection usually do not make enough IL-2. IL-2 is being tested in this study to see if it will "boost" the immune system's response to HCV. The FDA has approved IL-2 for the treatment of some cancers.

Timeline

Start

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Primary completion

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Completion

2005-03

Drugs

Indications