Researchers have put forward a strong case for expanding treatment for the 256 million people chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. Commissioned by the International Coalition to Eliminate HBV, their findings suggest that current drugs are underused and that broadening treatment criteria could save many lives over time.
John Tavis, Ph.D., professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, said, “These medications are good drugs that are being badly underused.” He highlighted that less than 3% of those infected receive treatment despite evidence suggesting more people could benefit from it. “If we get people on medication earlier, the net disease and death rate is going to be much less,” Tavis added.
The research papers also explore how HBV contributes to liver cancer cases. According to Tavis, “Treatment significantly slows down the disease progression…we can limit the cumulative liver damage over the course of a 20 to 30 years long chronic infection.”
In addition to medical insights, experts discuss patient and public health perspectives in a second article. They note that hepatitis B carries an emotional burden affecting quality of life. Tavis pointed out that most mothers unknowingly pass the infection to their infants, adding stress upon discovering this fact.
The potential benefits of increased treatment were emphasized by Tavis: “We know these drugs could reduce the incidence of liver cancer by two-thirds, or possibly even three-quarters.”
“By delaying treatment, you leave people at risk for longer than necessary,” he concluded. “We need to adjust our treatment paradigm for this illness.”
Additional authors contributed to both articles published on behalf of the International Coalition to Eliminate HBV.
Saint Louis University School of Medicine is noted for its significant contributions in various fields including infectious diseases and cancer research. Established in 1836, it has been a leader in medical education and innovation.
