Efficacy of adding metformin to pegylated interferon and ribavirin in treatment naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Evidence indicates that insulin resistance results in poor sustained viral response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent which improves insulin resistance. METHODS We sought to determine if the addition of metformin to the treatment regimen could improve SVR in treatment-naïve CHC patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Safety and efficacy of locally manufactured pegylated interferon in hepatitis C patients.

Background: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of locally produced pegylated interferon-alpha2a in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: All treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C who referred to two university based outpatient clinics in Tehran from December 2007 to May 2008 were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included the presence of a debilitating disease, decompensated cirrhosis, or refusal to participate in the study.