Show-Me State Times

Researchers are exploring a potential "functional cure" for Hepatitis B using RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. This approach, highlighted in a paper published in Science Translational Medicine, aims to address viral antigens, silence the virus, and boost the immune response. These drugs are expected to be part of combination therapies with other medications.

Despite existing vaccines and treatments for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), which chronically affects around 256 million people globally, a complete cure remains elusive. While most adults clear the infection quickly, some individuals—especially those infected as infants—experience chronic infections that can lead to severe liver damage or cancer.

According to John Tavis, Ph.D., professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and co-author of the study, “A functional cure means eliminating the viral DNA and a viral protein called the surface antigen for at least six months post-therapy.” Achieving this would significantly reduce future health risks associated with HBV.

While not described as a true cure due to persistent replication-competent virus and viral DNA integration into human DNA, researchers believe a functional cure could still save millions of lives by limiting the spread of HBV. Combination therapies utilizing RNAi drugs like Bepirovirsen from GlaxoSmithKline show promise by suppressing viral antigens and stimulating immune responses.

Tavis noted that “the best combination therapies that are out there...are curing around 30% after about a year to a year and a half worth of treatment,” indicating progress compared to current standards.

The study involved contributions from international researchers including Matteo Iannacone from Milan's IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele; Lena Allweiss from Hamburg's University Medical Center; Julie Lucifora from Lyon's Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie; Adam J. Gehring from Toronto's University; and Maura Dandri also from Hamburg's University Medical Center.

Saint Louis University School of Medicine has been instrumental in medical education and research since its founding in 1836. The school focuses on discovering new treatments for various diseases including infectious disease, liver disease, cancer, heart/lung disease, and aging-related disorders.