Roche announces approval for shorter Pegasys and Copegus course of treatment

Roche revealed today that the European Commission has agreed to a shortened 16-week Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a (40 KD)) and Copegus (ribavirin) for some hepatitis C patients.

The new shorter treatment will be suitable for patients with certain strains of chronic hepatitis C, genotype two or three, who have low virus levels and who clear the virus from the blood within the first four weeks of treatment.

Patients who fulfil the criteria will experience while reducing unnecessary drug exposure, Roche claims.

Previously all patients with genotype two or three hepatitis C received 24 weeks of therapy.

William Burns from Roche said: “Response-guided therapy in hepatitis C is an excellent example of how Roche is uniquely positioned to individualise healthcare and deliver real benefit to patients, physicians and healthcare payers by combining the power of innovative pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.?

Earlier this week, Roche announced that it is set to increase its ownership share in Tokyo-based Chugai Pharmaceutical.