Treatment of chronic hepatitis B with a combination of acyclovir and human lymphoblastoid interferon

Abstract

The possible enhancement effect of acyclovir or its prodrug descyclovir in combination with human lymphoblastoid interferon (Wellferon) was studied in three trials with a total of 146 patients with chronic hepatitis B; a pilot study (Study 1; n = 12), two randomized controlled studies, one with a combination of descyclovir and interferon (Study 2; n = 36) and the other using acyclovir and interferon (Study 3; n = 98). The results from Study 1 and 2 showed that combination therapy with interferon and acyclovir or descyclovir (n = 25) was associated with a 40% HBe+ seroconversion rate, compared to 30% with interferon treatment alone (n = 10), 18% with acyclovir alone (n = 11) and 0% with no treatment (n = 18). Preliminary results from Study 3 on rate of HBe-seroconversion are similar to previous studies. Antiviral therapy with interferon and acyclovir or its prodrug, have resulted in significantly enhanced HBe seroconversion. The intravenous acyclovir component of combination therapy is however cumbersome and research should be directed towards finding an oral anti-hepatitis drug.