The Individualized Management With Pegylated-interferon Alfa-2a (Pegasys) and Ribavirin (Copegus) Offering Viral Eradication: A Study of Pegylated-interferon Alfa-2a Plus Ribavirin in Participants With Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) Non-genotype 2/3 (IMPROVE)

The Individualized Management With Pegasys and Ribavirin Offering Viral Eradication (IMPROVE) Trial

This study will compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with pegylated-interferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin in participants with non-genotype 2/3 CHC who, after 12 weeks of study treatment, have undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV)-ribonucleic acid (RNA) or a greater than or equal to (>=) 2 log10 drop in HCV-RNA. Participants will be randomized to receive pegylated-interferon alfa-2a 180 micrograms subcutaneously weekly plus ribavirin (1000-1400 milligram [mg]) orally daily for the specified duration, followed by 24 weeks of treatment-free follow-up. Participants with detectable HCV-RNA and less than (<) 2 log10 drop in HCV-RNA at week 12 will discontinue therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• evidence of CHC;
• evidence of hepatitis C non-genotype 2 or 3;
• compensated liver disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

• infection with HCV genotype 2 or 3;
• history of having received systemic antiviral therapy with activity against CHC <=3 months prior to start of study;
• hepatitis A, hepatitis B or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection;
• history or evidence of a medical condition associated with chronic liver disease other than CHC.