Can adding interferon help clear hepatitis b virus?
NCT ID NCT02743182
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether adding pegylated interferon alfa-2a to standard nucleoside analogue therapy could help people with chronic hepatitis B lose the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). 119 adults with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B who had been on nucleoside analogues for at least two years received 48 weeks of added interferon. The main goal was to see how many patients lost HBsAg one year after finishing treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pegylated interferon alfa-2a
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could help more people with chronic hepatitis B achieve HBsAg loss, potentially reducing the need for lifelong medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study without a control group, so results may not be generalizable. Interferon can cause flu-like symptoms and other side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC HEPATITIS B (HBEAG-NEGATIVE) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.