Latest Strategies and Ongoing Approaches for Managing Hepatitis B
In the ongoing battle against chronic Hepatitis B (HBV), researchers are making significant strides towards a functional cure. New treatments in development focus primarily on gene editing, RNA interference, and therapeutic vaccines.
Gene Editing: PBGENE-HBV
Precision BioSciences' novel gene editing therapy, PBGENE-HBV, is currently undergoing clinical trials in the U.S. This groundbreaking treatment uses a meganuclease mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles to target and eliminate the genetic reservoir of HBV, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), and inactivate integrated HBV DNA. By removing these persistent viral forms, PBGENE-HBV aims to be curative, achieving a functional cure defined by undetectable viral DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood for at least six months off treatment.
RNA Interference (RNAi) Based Therapies
Research from Saint Louis University suggests that RNA interference drugs blocking viral RNA, in combination with other treatments, could lead to a functional cure. This strategy targets viral replication and reduces viral antigen levels, helping the immune system clear the infection effectively. Although not a complete cure due to viral DNA integration into the host genome, such therapies significantly lower the health risks associated with chronic HBV.
Therapeutic Vaccines: TherVacB
TherVacB, developed at Helmholtz Munich, has entered its first clinical trial in patients with chronic HBV. This vaccine aims to stimulate a functional immune response in already infected individuals, potentially achieving a functional cure by enabling the immune system to control or eradicate the infection. If successful, TherVacB could represent a breakthrough beyond current antiviral treatments, which only suppress the virus but do not cure it.
Chronic HBV can lead to serious complications such as liver cancer and cirrhosis. Current standard treatments suppress HBV but require lifelong use and do not clear cccDNA or integrated DNA, which can reactivate the virus. Not everyone who has developed chronic HBV will require treatment, but for those who do, chronic HBV treatment can reduce the risk of developing liver failure, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hepatitis-related deaths.
These approaches reflect the most advanced and promising strategies actively investigated to achieve functional or potentially complete cures for chronic HBV infection in the near future. With more than 30 new HBV drugs currently in development, there is optimism that at least one of these new drugs will provide a functional cure for HBV.
For those interested in participating in clinical trials for new HBV drugs, they can apply if standard treatment is ineffective. It is essential to discuss the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial with a healthcare professional before making a decision.
References:
- Hepatitis B Foundation
- Helmholtz Munich
- Precision BioSciences
- Saint Louis University
- The latest research in the field of science is focusing on novel therapies for chronic Hepatitis B, such as precision gene editing with PBGENE-HBV, which targets and eliminates the virus's genetic reservoir, aiming to provide a functional cure.
- In addition to gene editing, other promising strategies include RNA interference drugs that block viral RNA, combined with other treatments, potentially leading to a functional cure by helping the immune system clear the infection effectively.
- Furthermore, therapeutic vaccines like TherVacB are being developed to stimulate a functional immune response in infected individuals, offering hope for a potential complete cure beyond current antiviral treatments that only suppress the virus.
