A Study of PEGASYS (Peginterferon Alfa-2a (40KD)) in Combination With Copegus (Ribavirin) in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) Enrolled in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program.

An Open-Label, Multi-Center, Randomized, Safety, Feasibility and Tolerability Pilot Study of Pegasys® (Peginterferon Alfa-2a) Plus Copegus® (Ribavirin) in Previous Intravenous Drug Users Who Are Currently Enrolled in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program.

This study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of PEGASYS plus ribavirin in previous intravenous (iv) drug users who have CHC and are currently enrolled in a methadone maintenance treatment program. The anticipated time on study treatment is 1-2 years, and the target sample size is <100 individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients at least 18 years of age
• CHC infection, genotype 1, 2, or 3
• naive to treatment for CHC infection
• enrolled in a methadone maintenance program with documented attendance for at least 3 months
• use of 2 forms of contraception during the study on both men and women

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous treatment for CHC infection
• co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• current use of IV or other illicit drugs
• decompensated cirrhosis
• women who are pregnant or breastfeeding