New drug 'functionally cures' many hepatitis B virus infections
science.org
June 8, 2026
5 min read
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Summary
An experimental drug combined with standard antivirals has achieved a "functional cure" for 19% of participants in two trials involving chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. These results indicate that individuals can control the virus naturally without further treatment after a 6-month regimen.
Key Takeaways
- An experimental drug called bepirovirsen has achieved a "functional cure" for 19% of participants in two efficacy trials for hepatitis B virus (HBV) after a 6-month regimen combined with standard antivirals.
- The phase 3 trials involved over 1,800 participants across 29 countries, with a notable increase in functional cure rates to 26% among those with the lowest levels of viral surface antigen.
- Chronic HBV infections affect 240 million people globally, with current treatments requiring lifelong management and less than 1% of patients able to control the virus after stopping treatment.
- Bepi works by binding to HBV’s messenger RNA to prevent protein production and stimulate immune responses, differing from traditional antiviral drugs that disrupt viral gene replication.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The trial's 19% success rate in functionally curing hepatitis B shows promise, especially as it has been independently replicated in over 1,800 patients, indicating potential for broader impact.
- The ability of Indian pharmaceutical companies to produce a biosimilar quickly could significantly reduce costs and improve access to treatment in underserved regions like Africa and Asia.
Concerns
- The selection of non-cirrhotic patients in the trial raises concerns about the generalizability of the results, as most HBV-related deaths occur in patients with advanced disease.
- Despite the vaccine's existence, access issues mean that many people still suffer from hepatitis B, highlighting systemic healthcare challenges that need to be addressed.