Albuferon clinical trials

[Cigarred]

I will be 62 in June. Have HCV for about 37 years, tested positve about one year ago. Liver biopsy in August 06, stage 2, mild to moderate imflamation. I was adamant about not being treated with inteferon and Riba.  I wanted to wait for a new treatments
   I was examined by Dr Douglas Dietrich on Monday and expressed my reservations. He said that there would not be additional drugs on the market until 2009 and it would be about ten years until there be drugs on the that would not be coupled with interferon.
He made a compelling argument for immediate treatment and in addition I could be screened for enrollment in the Albufuron clincal trials.  I would have a two in three change of receiving the Albuferon.  So I decided to start the enrollment process.

Question: I read the enrollment literature, what is the reasoning for agreeing to abstain from sex or promising to use a condom while participating in the study?

[Forseegood]

I'm looking at that trial too, among others, we'll compare notes...best of luck...

[Bill1954]

My guess is that it

[jmjm530]

Ribavirin is teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects. Because of its long half life, TWO types of contraceptives are generally recommended during treatment and for six months following treatment.

As to the study, you might inquire what your projected chances are with either the control (non Albu) group, or the low-dose Albu group -- compared to either the high-dose Albu group or individualized therapy using SOC (standard of care).

With SOC, the treatment potentially would be more individualized with more of a doctor-patient data exchange since it would be unblinded. Also, there's the issue of rescue drugs which are used in SOC but not sure in your trial. You should be aware that a different new drug is in trial called Telaprevir (VX-950) that is showing a lot of promise. Another NY doctor, Dr. Ira Jacbosen is one of the lead investigators with that drug.


All the best,

-- Jim