EC approves Schering-Plough’s hepatitis C combination therapy

Schering-Plough has received approval from the European commission for its Pegintron and Rebetol combination therapy for the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Designed for those with chronic HCV who also have stable HIV, the combination therapy has been previously approved for the treatment of adult patients suffering from hepatitis C alone.

Clinical studies showed that when compared to the traditional interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin treatment, patients with HCV/HIV who were given the Pegintron and Rebetol combination therapy “achieved higher statistically significant sustained virological response”.

Commenting on the overall results, Josep Mallolas of the infectious diseases service at the Hospital Clinic Universitari de Barcelona said: “For patients already facing the complex challenge of managing their HIV infection, the efficacy and predictability of response with Pegintron and Rebetol combination therapy provides an important new option for treating HCV.”

Mr Mallolas added that as liver disease is now a leading cause of death for those co-infected with both HCV and HIV, effective treatment is “critically important”.

As a result of the approval, the Pegintron and Rebetol combination treatment will be available in 27 European member states.

Schering-Plough researches across a number of areas, which include cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as central nervous system disorders.