Researchers report results from two international studies evaluating an experimental treatment for chronic hepatitis B. In the studies, participants receive the investigational drug for about six months. After stopping therapy, a subset of patients shows a marked reduction in hepatitis B virus levels to very low or undetectable levels, without signs of the virus rebounding. Sources describe this as a potential “functional cure,” meaning patients no longer require ongoing treatment to keep the virus suppressed, rather than fully eradicating the virus from the body. Across the trials, results are described as occurring in roughly one in five participants (about 20%). The studies are positioned as early evidence that some patients may achieve durable control of infection through immune-mediated suppression. The reporting also notes that the drug is experimental and that longer follow-up and further research are needed to determine durability, safety, and how broadly the approach applies to different patient groups.
Experimental hepatitis B drug shows possible “functional cure” in about 20% of patients
Researchers report results from two international studies evaluating an experimental treatment for chronic hepatitis B. In the studies, participants receive the investigational drug for about six mont...
- Two international studies test an experimental drug for chronic hepatitis B.
- Participants receive the investigational treatment for about six months.
- About 20% of treated patients later show hepatitis B virus levels reduced to very low/undetectable amounts after stopping therapy.
- Researchers describe this outcome as a potential “functional cure,” meaning sustained control without ongoing treatment.
- Longer follow-up and additional research are needed to confirm durability and broader applicability.
Across two large trials, roughly 20% of people treated with bepirovirsen had undetectable levels of the virus after stopping all treatment.
2 months agoResearchers reported Thursday that in two international studies, about 1 in 5 patients given the experimental drug for six months saw their virus reduced to levels low enough that the immune system could keep it in check.
2 months agoA first-of-its-kind drug for hepatitis B is letting some patients stop treatment without showing signs of the dangerous liver virus, what's called a "functional cure," researchers reported Thursday.
2 months agoNew research suggests a first-of-its-kind drug for hepatitis B may let some patients stop treatment without showing signs of the dangerous liver virus
2 months ago
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