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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic hepatitis B virus infection hepatitis B virus infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.