A Multicenter Phase 3 Study of Interferon-beta-1a for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Asian Subjects

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Have an elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) between 1.5 and 10 times the upper limit of normal * Had adequate bone marrow reserve and organ function * Are not pregnant and are willing to use contraception, if, of childbearing potential * Are willing and able to comply with the protocol and to give written informed consent * Other protocol defined inclusion criteria may apply Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical evidence of liver cirrhosis or a diagnosis of definite cirrhosis on liver biopsy * History of liver failure, severe retinopathy, immunologically mediated disease, cancer or epilepsy with a history of inadequately controlled seizures * Any cause for the liver disease other than chronic hepatitis C * Evidence of chronic renal impairment, liver cancer, unstable psychiatric disorder, known or ongoing alcohol or drug abuse * Positive test at screening for Hepatitis B surface antigen, immunoglobulin M Hepatitis B core antibody and human immunodeficiency virus antibody * Previous systemic treatment for Hepatitis C with an interferon or ribavirin * Presence of systemic disease that might interfere with subject safety, compliance or evaluation * Known allergies to acetaminophen, human serum albumin or mannitol; * Glucocorticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs taken within 28 days of starting treatment * Bearing organ transplants (except cornea) * Other protocol defined exclusion criteria may apply