A Phase 1b, Single Center, Clinical Study to Investigate the Safety and Biological Responses to Baminercept in Patients With Chronic HCV Hepatitis.

Inclusion criteria: Informed consent Age 18-60 years Chronic HCV infection Non responder (to Peg-IFN alpha2/Ribavirin containing therapy) Elevated ALT Liver biopsy at screening without sings of (pre-)cirrhosis Compensated liver function Absolute neutrophil count > 1500 / mm3 at screening Hemoglobin > 10 g/dL at screening Calculated creatinine clearance of > 60 cc/min at screening Normal TSH at screening

Exclusion criteria: HBV infection Evidence for concomitant liver disease other than HCV hepatitis Evidence for a HCC Alpha-fetoprotein >20ng/ml Autoimmune Disease ANA > 1/320, documented in the last 6 months HIV 1/2 infection ALT and AST >3x ULN, alkaline phosphatase >2,5x ULN Known hypersensitivity or allergy to Baminercept Other clinically significant concomitant disease states Known or suspected non-compliance to study protocol, drug or alcohol abuse Infections other than HCV hepatitis Clinically important chest x-ray abnormality at screening Body mass index (BMI) > 30kg/m2 Concomitant systemic immunosuppressive/-modulating therapy Treatment with anticoagulants Receipt of live vaccine within 4 weeks prior to study start Symptomatic hypogammaglobulinemia with history of recurrent infections Subjects with a history of malignant disease Treatment with other investigational products or participation in an interventional clinical trial within the last 3 months Pregnancy or Breastfeeding Inability or refusal to practice a safe contraception