Trial of Peg-interferon Plus Epoetin-alfa for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Inclusion Criteria: * HCV RNA positive in serum * HCV genotype 1 * Liver histology consistent with chronic HCV performed within 24 months prior to starting medication in this study Exclusion Criteria: * Previous interferon treatment * Any other cause for liver disease * Hemoglobin \>10 gm/dl * WBC \>3,000/cubic mm * Platelet count \> 80,000/cubic mm * Serum albumin \< 3.5 gm.dl * Conjugated serum bilirubin \> 2.0 mg/dl * INR \> 1.5 * Positive HIV test * Refusal to use adequate contraception in female subjects or the spouse.sexual partners of male subjects * An elevation in TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Patients with a pre-existing thyroid disorder may enter the study if their TSH level can be maintained within the normal range. * Women who are pregnant or breast feeding. * A history of decompensated liver disease defined as presence of ascites, bleeding esophageal or gastric varices or hepatic encephalopathy. * Patients with active alcohol/drug use. * Patients with active psychiatric disorders which might be exacerbated by interferon therapy including schizophrenia and severe depression. * Use of any immune suppressive medications within 3 months of starting interferon therapy. * A history of cardiac disease to include recent myocardial infarction or angina. * Patients with previous exposure to Procrit, Aranesp, GA\_EPO, or any other Epoetin formulations, within 6 months prior to enrollment in this study. * Patients with known sensitivity to mammalian cell-derived products. * Patients with known hypersensitivity to human albumin. * Patients unable to provide informed consent. * Any other medical condition which the primary investigator feels might be exacerbated or jeopardise the patient's participation in this study.