PMID-21272455 – IFN Plus Thymosin Alpha-1 for HBeAg-Positive HBV Meta-Analysis

PMID-21272455 – IFN Plus Thymosin Alpha-1 for HBeAg-Positive HBV: Meta-Analysis

Mao HY, Shi TD. "Treatment with interferon and thymosin alpha-1 versus interferon monotherapy for HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysis," Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi, 2011;19(1):29-33. doi:10.3760/cma.j.issn.1007-3418.2011.01.009

Quick Reference

Property Value
PMID 21272455
DOI 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1007-3418.2011.01.009
Year 2011
Journal Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi (Chinese Journal of Hepatology)
Study Type Meta-analysis
Evidence Level I
Sample 7 RCTs, n=535 patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B
Peptide(s) Studied Thymosin Alpha-1

Key Findings

  • IFN + Tα1 combination was significantly more effective than IFN alone for HBeAg-positive chronic HBV
  • Higher HBV-DNA negativity rate in combination group
  • Higher ALT normalization rate
  • Higher HBeAg loss/seroconversion rate
  • No increase in adverse effects with combination therapy

Study Design

Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (535 patients) comparing interferon + thymosin alpha-1 combination vs. interferon monotherapy for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B.

Limitations

  • Published in Chinese; may have limited international visibility
  • All RCTs from China
  • Relatively small total sample size (535 patients)
  • Published 2011; treatment landscape has evolved

Clinical Relevance

Core evidence supporting ZADAXIN's approved HBV indication in 35+ countries. The combination of antiviral + immunomodulatory therapy (Tα1) is the established treatment approach. Demonstrates Tα1's ability to enhance antiviral immune response when combined with IFN.

Related

#research #meta-analysis #evidence-level-I