Study of Response in Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) Participants Genotype 1 With Insulin Resistance and Prolonged Treatment Duration in Late Responders (P04823/MK-4031-303)

Inclusion Criteria: * male and female participants with newly diagnosed chronic hepatitis C * age 18-65 * HCV-RNA positive in serum as measured by PCR * Genotype 1 * ALT levels according to European labeling * in women of child-bearing age, pregnancy must be excluded prior to entry into the study, and the use of a safe contraceptive device must be documented; sexually active male participants must practice a method of contraception considered acceptable (vasectomy, condom plus spermicide, plus relationship with a female partner who practices an acceptable method of contraception) * Lab parameters: * Hb: \>=12 g/dL (women) or \>= 13 g/dL (men) * leukocytes \>= 3,000/µL * thrombocytes \>= 100,000/µL * PT/PTT/coagulation must be within normal limits or clinically acceptable to the investigator/sponsor * Albumin must be within normal limits or clinically acceptable to the investigator/sponsor * creatinine must be within normal limits or clinically acceptable to the investigator/sponsor * uric acid must be within normal limits or clinically acceptable to the investigator/sponsor * antinuclear antibodies \<= 1:160 * signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * refusal by women of child-bearing age or by sexually active participants to use a safe contraceptive * breast-feeding women * cirrhosis stage B and C according to Child-Pugh * signs of decompensated liver disease * confirmed co-infection with HIV or HBV * existing psychiatric comorbidity * alcohol abuse * active malignant disease or suspicion or history of malignant disease within 5 previous years (except for adequately treated basal cell carcinoma) * existing psoriasis or other dermatological disorder * treatment with a study drug within the last 30 days * any uncontrolled underlying medical conditions * clinically significant ECG abnormalities and/or significant cardiovascular dysfunction within the last 6 months. In case of other suspected heart disease, a cardiological examination is required. * any liver disorder of other genesis than the study indication (with regard to elevated iron levels, only participants with manifest hemochromatosis are excluded) * autoimmune disorder (except LKM-positive participants).