Nitazoxanide for Chronic Hepatitis C

Nitazoxanide, an antiparasitic agent, has unique activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV), enhancing host cell defenses against viral infection. In a phase II trial, the drug demonstrated efficacy and safety when used as monotherapy in patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection.

Now, in an industry-sponsored, controlled trial conducted at two centers in Egypt, researchers have evaluated the safety and efficacy of nitazoxanide combination therapy in 96 treatment-naive adults with this infection. Participants were randomized to receive peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 48 weeks (standard therapy) or nitazoxanide monotherapy for 12 weeks, followed by nitazoxanide plus either peginterferon alfa-2a (dual therapy) or peginterferon alfa-2…