A combination of weekly pegylated interferon (peginterferon) alpha and daily ribavirin represents the standard of care for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C according to current guidelines. It is not established which of the two licensed products (peginterferon alpha-2a or peginterferon alfa-2b) is most effective. We performed a systematic review of head-tohead randomized trials to assess the benefits and harms of the two treatments. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS through July 2009. Using standardized forms, two reviewers independently extracted data from each eligible trial report. We statistically combined data using a random effects metaanalysis according to the intention-to-treat principle. We identified 12 randomized clinical trials, including 5,008 patients, that compared peginterferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin versus peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin. Overall, peginterferon alpha-2a significantly increased the number of patients who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) versus peginterferon alfa-2b (47% versus 41%; risk ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.19; P β«Ψβ¬ 0.004 [eight trials]). Subgroup analyses of risk of bias, viral genotype, and treatment history yielded similar results. The meta-analysis of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation included 11 trials and revealed no significant differences between the two peginterferons. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that peginterferon alpha-2a is associated with higher SVR than peginterferon alfa-2b. However, the paucity of evidence on adverse events curbs the decision to definitively recommend one peginterferon over the other, because any potential benefit must outweigh the risk of harm. (HEPATOLOGY 2010;51:1176-1184.) G lobally, an estimated 170 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus, and 3 to 4 million persons are infected each year. 1 Analysts estimate the United States prescription market for hepatitis C to be approximately $3 billion annually. A combination of weekly subcutaneous injections of longacting pegylated interferon (peginterferon) and oral riba-virin represents the current standard of care according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases practice guideline. 2 Currently, there are two licensed products: peginterferon alpha-2a (Pegasys, Hoffmann-La Roche) and peginterferon alfa-2b (PegIntron, Schering-Plough Corporation). Lately, there has been considerable controversy over which treatment options are the most