Schering-Plough reports hepatitis C study results

Schering Plough has reported the results of its Ideal study – a clinical study comparing two Pegintron (peginterferon alfa-2b) and Rebetol (ribavirin) combination therapies against Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) and Copegus (ribavirin) combination therapy.

Results showed that the study’s primary endpoint – sustained virologic response (SVR) – was similar for the leading Pegintron and Rebetol therapies and that using a lower dose of these therapies also resulted in similar SVR.

The study also showed that fewer patients treated with both Pegintron regimes relapsed after the end of treatment compared to those receiving Pegasys and Copegus.

Robert J Spiegel, chief medical officer and senior vice-president of the Schering-Plough Research Institute, expressed his delight in seeing fewer patients relapsed following Pegintron combination therapy.

He went on to indicate that the results demonstrated how the similarities and differences of the two leading combination therapies for hepatitis C affect outcomes for patients.

“These findings provide important clinical-based evidence that will help physicians in making treatment decisions and in guiding their patients through what is a long and challenging course of therapy,” Mr Spiegel confirmed.

Earlier this month, Schering-Plough welcomed a new member to its ranks after the company elected Dr Craig B Thompson to its board of directors.