Online article in the journal "Hepatology" looks at IL28B effect on Telaprevir response

Just published online from the journal Hepatology: A small Japanese study looks to see if amino acid substitution in the HCV core region in conjunction with genetic variation near the IL28B gene can predict viral response to a  12 or 24 week regimen of Telaprevir + P/R in a similar way to how it predicts response in good ol' fashioned peginterferon and ribavirin. 

Investigators looked at 72 of 81 Japanese adults infected with HCV genotype 1b. Authors conclusion's cut n' pasted from the actual study below. Looks very positive, but needs a trial with larger numbers in different genotypes and ethnicities to really be sure.

Overall, sustained virological response and end-of-treatment response were achieved by 61% and 89%, respectively. Especially, sustained virological response was achieved by 45% and 67% in 12- and 24-week regimen, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified rs8099917 near IL28B gene (genotype TT) and substitution at aa 70 (Arg70) as significant determinants of sustained virological response. Prediction of response to therapy based on combination of these factors had high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Efficacy of triple therapy was high in the patients with genotype TT who accomplished sustained virological response (84%), irrespective of substitution of core aa 70. In the patients having genotype non-TT, those of Arg70 gained high sustained virological response (50%), and sustained virological response (12%) were the worst in patients who possessed both of genotype non-TT and Gln70(His70). In conclusions, this study identified genetic variation near IL28B gene and aa substitution of the core region as predictors of sustained virological response to triple therapy of telaprevir/PEG-IFN/ribavirin in Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1b.