Pirfenidone, an Antifibrotic and Antiinflammatory Drug
Pirfenidone, an Antifibrotic and Antiinflammatory Drug
The aim of this study was to assess whether two-year treatment with Pirfenidone influence
 necro-inflammation, fibrosis and steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with established advanced liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV)
 chronic infection defined by a positive test for anti-HCV antibodies and detectable
 serum HCV RNA (Amplicor HCV 2.0 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay).

 -  Sign an informed consent form to allow the collection of liver biopsies before and
 after treatment.

 -  No antifibrotic, antiviral or immunosuppressive drugs for at least 6 months before
 starting pirfenidone therapy.

 -  No alcohol intake for at least 6 months before nor during Pirfenidone (PFD) treatment.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with clinical contraindications to hepatic biopsy