Abstract

Marcellin P et al. (2004) Peginterferon alfa-2a alone, lamivudine alone, and the two in combination in patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. N Engl J Med 351: 1206–1217 Responding to the high relapse rates associated with current therapies, Marcellin et al. have compared the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a monotherapy, peginterferon alfa-2a plus lamivudine, and lamivudine monotherapy in the treatment of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. This international, multicenter study included 537 patients who were randomized to peginterferon alfa-2a once weekly plus placebo once daily (n = 177), peginterferon alfa-2a once weekly plus 100 mg of lamivudine once daily (n = 179) or 100 mg lamivudine once daily (n = 181) for 48 weeks. There was a follow-up period of 24 weeks after the end of treatment.