At the time of randomization into IRHC-001, the no treatment arm patients will be concurrently randomized in a 1:1 ration to receive Interferon Alfacon-1 (9 or 15 µg) + Ribavirin (both administered daily) or no treatment for up to 48 weeks. Patients will not be eligible for consideration to receive treatment in IRHC-002 until they have completed a minimum of 24 weeks of participation in IRHC-001.