| [ Summary ] |
Nucleic acid analog/interferon sequential therapy for chronic hepatitis B has been proposed as a safe way to discontinue nucleic acid analogs. However, in Japan the frequency of genotype C (which is resistant to interferons) is high; therefore, the treatment indications are different from those required in Europe and the United States. In addition, depending on the type of nucleic acid analog, the enhancement effects of therapeutics using interferon have been reported, such as the suppression of HBs antigen production by inducing cytokines such as IFNλ3 from intestinal cells. Therefore, it is desirable to devise a treatment method based on the combination of these nucleic acid analog drugs and pegylated interferons. |