A Study Evaluating Slow Response/Non-Rapid Response in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C, Genotype 1, 2, 3 & 4 Treated With Pegasys (Peginterferon Alfa-2a) and Copegus (Ribavirin)

A Multi-Center Study Evaluating the Rate of Genotype 1, 2, 3 & 4 Chronic Hepatitis C Patients With Slow Response / Non-rapid Viral Response to Anti-Viral Treatment of Pegasys (Peginterferon Alfa 2a) in Combination With Copegus (Ribavirin)

This multi-center study will evaluate the viral response in patients with chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1, 2, 3 & 4 on standard anti-viral treatment with Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) and Copegus (ribavirin). Patients will receive weekly subcutaneous Pegasys plus daily oral Copegus for 24 weeks (genotype 2 & 3) or 48 weeks (genotype 1 & 4). Patients identified as slow responders/non-rapid virological responders will be eligible for an additional 24 weeks of treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients, >/= 18 years of age
• Serologic evidence of chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1, 2, 3 or 4 by anti-HCV antibody test
• Documented pre-treatment HCV RNA quantitative result
• Compensated liver disease (Child-Pugh Grade A)
• Patient receiving standard combination treatment of Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a and Copegus (ribavirin)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Decompensated liver disease (Child-Pugh Class B or C cirrhosis)
• Co-infection with active hepatitis A and/or hepatitis B
• History or evidence of a medical condition associated with liver disease other than HCV
• Signs and symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma
• History of poorly controlled thyroid disease, elevated TSH or any clinical manifestations of thyroid disease
• Therapy with antineoplastic treatment </= 6 months prior to study day
• Diabetes mellitus in subjects receiving an insulin therapy
• Evidence of severe retinopathy
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women, and male partners of women who are pregnant