Timothy M Block Phd President Of Hepatitis B Foundation And Its Baruch S Blumberg Institute Named A 2017 National Academy Of Inventors Fellow 2017
December 12, 2017: Timothy M. Block, Ph.D, has been named a Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors , the organization announced Tuesday. Dr. Block is President of the Hepatitis B Foundation, as well as its research arm, the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, and its Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center. Read more.
Hepatitis B Foundation Applauds FDA Approval of New Hepatitis B Vaccine
November 2017: Today on World Immunization Day, the Hepatitis B Foundation applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations approval of HEPLISAV-B, the first new hepatitis B vaccine in more than 25 years and the only two-dose schedule for the prevention of infection in adults. Read more.
CDC National Progress Report on Hepatitis Elimination Reveals Rise in Acute HBV Infections and Low Birth Dose Vaccination Rates in the U.S.
October 2017: The Hepatitis B Foundation statement on the CDC’s national progress report on viral hepatitis elimination in the U.S., which measures progress toward 2020 goals. Read more.
Hepatitis B Foundation Announces Promotion of Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, to Vice President, Public Health and Programs
October 2017: The Hepatitis B Foundation, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Doylestown, PA, has announced the promotion of Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH to vice president, public health and programs. Read more.
Hepatitis B Foundation Mourns the Loss of Pioneering Hepatitis B Physician-Scientist Dr. W. Thomas London
How Do I Get Hepatitis B Treatment
Usually for adults, hepatitis B goes away on its own and you wont need treatment. Your doctor might tell you to rest, eat well, and get plenty of fluids. You may also get medicines to help with any symptoms you might have but be sure to talk with your doctor or nurse before taking anything.
If you have chronic hepatitis, there are medicines you can take to treat it. Your doctor will tell you about your options and help you get whatever treatment you need.
C Patients Who Have Achieved Hbsag Loss Spontaneously Or With Therapy
Spontaneous HBsAg loss has been reported to occur at the rate of roughly 1% per year, but this rare event does not occur at a linear rate., In a study of 1,076 patients with CHB in Taiwan, cumulative probabilities of spontaneous HBsAg loss were 8.1% after 10 years and increased to 44.7% after 25 years. HBsAg loss can also occur in response to antiviral therapy, being more common with IFN than with NAs. Although progression of liver disease to cirrhosis or hepatic decompensation generally stops when patients lose HBsAg unless other causes of liver injury are present , the risk of HCC persists, particularly if HBsAg loss occurred in patients older than 50 years or in those with cirrhosis or coinfection with HCV or hepatitis D virus ., Loss of HBsAg with acquisition of anti-HBs has been termed functional cure. This is distinguished from true cure, in which HBsAg and cccDNA are eliminated.
Guidance Statements for Monitoring Patients With Chronic HBV Infection Who Are Not Currently on Treatment
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Combination Of Na Plus Peg
Although the current monotherapy of anti-HBV drugs can suppress viral replication, prevent the progression of CHB to cirrhosis, and decrease the rates of HBV-related HCC in most CHB patients, long-term anti-HBV monotherapy rarely achieves the higher rate of HBsAg loss. Hence, to accomplish the goal of a functional cure in more CHB patients, the combination of NA with Peg-IFN- has been evaluated. The reason for this is that the two classes of anti-HBV drugs have different mechanisms of action. Thus, their combination would result in a synergistic anti-HBV effect. Several studies have demonstrated that the combination of NA with Peg-IFN- can substantially enhance the rates of HBsAg loss, but the benefits are mainly limited to a small proportion of patients and depend on HBV genotype and patient geographical distributions. Moreover, NAs and Peg-IFN- treatment have no direct impact on viral transcription or cccDNA. Thus, there is a very high risk of reactivation of HBV and the emergence of downstream disease symptoms after stopping treatment. Therefore, new therapeutic drugs that target different HBV life cycle steps or modulate the host immune system are needed.
Its Great Weve Got But Its Not Where We Need To Be He Says One Class Is Hard To Take The Other You Need To Take Forever
HBVs assault on the liver causes a disease called Hepatitis B . Most adults with hepB recover within one to three months after symptoms start, but when the infection persists longer than six months its considered chronic. As the virus attacks the liver cells, it leaves behind nasty scars called fibrosis. In up to one-third of the patients the scars become severe , eventually resulting in liver failure or liver cancer. While hepB can be fatal, it is treatable, but it is also easily prevented to a degree of 95% through routine, safe, immunisation.
Upscaling vaccination, screening and treatment is the best way to keep this viral criminal at bay. New developments or scientific breakthroughs in any of these three areas is bad news for HBV, but good news for us. So, when scientists on the frontline say this deadly disease is about to meet its match, its great news.
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American Association For The Study Of Liver Diseases Recommendations
The 2016 AASLD guidelines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B as well as select recommendations from the 2018 AASLD guidance update on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B are outlined below and in the Guidelines section.
Adults with immune-active chronic hepatitis B infection
Administer antiviral therapy to lower the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with chronic hepatitis B infection.
The recommended initial agent for adults is PEG-IFN, entecavir, or tenofovir.
Adults with immune-tolerant chronic hepatitis B infection
Antiviral therapy is not recommended.
The AASLD suggests obtaining ALT levels at least every 6 months to monitor for potential transition to immune-active or -inactive chronic hepatitis B.
For select patients older than 40 years, the AASLD suggests antiviral therapy in the setting of normal ALT levels, elevated HBV DNA , and significant necroinflammation or fibrosis on liver biopsy specimens.
Adults with HBeAg-positive immune-active chronic hepatitis B who seroconvert to anti-HBe on nucleoside analog therapy
After a period of treatment consolidation , consider discontinuing NA therapy in noncirrhotic HBeAg-positive adults who seroconvert to anti-HBe while on NA treatment. If antiviral therapy is stopped, monitor the patient every 3 months for a minimum of 1 year for recurrent viremia, ALT flares, seroreversion, and clinical decompensation.
Adults with HBeAg-negative immune-active chronic HBV infection
Inpatient care
I Nonliver Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
All patients evaluated for nonliver solid organ transplantation should be tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs. Patients who are HBsAg-positive should have ALT and HBV-DNA measurements and undergo staging with biopsy or elastography to determine whether advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis is present. Though previously felt to be a contraindication, in the current era of antiviral therapies, patients with compensated cirrhosis without portal hypertension may be considered for nonhepatic solid organ transplantation, with the largest clinical experience in kidney transplantation. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis and those with compensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension should be considered for combined liver and kidney, heart, and/or lung transplantation.
Compared with nonâHBV-infected recipients, untreated HBsAg-positive nonliver transplant recipients have a higher mortality rate, with liver-related complications as a major cause of death., Antiviral therapy, however, can mitigate this mortality risk., , To effectively prevent reactivation, therapy should begin before or at the time of surgery, regardless of ALT and HBV-DNA status, given that these parameters preceding transplantation have only a limited ability to predict HBV reactivation after transplantation. Entecavir, TDF, and TAF are preferred antivirals because of the low rate of resistance with long-term use.
Guidance Statements for Management of Hepatitis B in Nonliver Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
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Progress On The Cure: Update From Timothy Block
A primary goal of the Hepatitis B Foundation has always been to find a cure for the disease. When we ask Dr. Timothy Block, The Hepatitis B Foundations president and co-founder, about progress towards a cure by the many scientists worldwide working on that challenge, he considers many different angles.
The clinical definition of a cure Dr. Block favors is for someone who has hepatitis B to regain the liver health and low liver cancer risk enjoyed by someone without hepatitis B. That goal is considered too ambitious by most clinicians. A more realistic goal is sustained, drug-free, virological response for people living with hepatitis B. This means that a person for whom treatment has stopped has the same low viral load as when they were actively being treated on drug therapy. This already happens in a small percentage of patients and is associated with an improved clinical outcome: much less likelihood of developing serious liver disease, including liver cancer.
There is a new wave of drugs being evaluated now that Dr. Block believes may provide a sustained virological response, possibly when used in combinations with the current standard of care. Promising examples are whats known as capsid inhibitors, siRNAs, NAPs/STOPs and entry inhibitors. There are even modifications of the polymerase inhibitors that have potential. As you can see in our Drug Watch page, at least 40 new treatments are now in clinical trial.
Closing In On A Cure For Hepatitis B
For Thomas Tu, eliminating hepatitis B is a deeply personal goal.
Tu, a molecular virologist at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in Sydney, Australia, learnt he had chronic hepatitis B as a teenager. A blood test revealed telltale signs of the infectious liver disease, which Tu had probably acquired at birth.
In his late 20s, Tu started taking a medication to limit the viruss replication and prevent collateral damage to his liver cells. Now 36, he has been on that daily treatment a pill known as a nucleoside analogue ever since.
Yet, even with a therapy that keeps his infection well under control, Tu remains at heightened risk for liver disease. He must juggle visits to specialist doctors and bear prescription-drug costs. And he knows that many others racked by the financial instability, emotional toil and stigma that the lifelong infection can bring have it much worse.
Im in this quite privileged space to be able to be on therapy and not have any side effects or feel any burden from taking daily medicines, Tu says. Thats not the same for the majority of people living with hepatitis B.
We are using all our weapons to tackle every single step of the virus, says Man Fung Yuen, a hepatologist at the University of Hong Kong.
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Hepatitis B Research Pioneer Dr Bud Tennant Leaves Behind A Distinguished Scientific Legacy
Nov. 2016: Bud C. Tennant, DVM, a pioneer in developing the woodchuck animal model for the study of hepatitis B, and distinguished member of the Hepatitis B Foundations Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, passed away on November 16. Read more.
Hepatitis B Foundation Co-Sponsors East Coast Film Premiere of Be About It
Nov. 2016: Documentary about two families profoundly affected by hepatitis B will show at Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival on November 20. Read more.
Hepatitis B Foundation Launches Nationwide Hepatitis Delta Virus Campaign to Expand Awareness and Testing for HDV Infection
Oct. 2016: Collaboration with Eiger Biopharma and ARUP Laboratories Focuses on Deadly Form of Viral Hepatitis. Read more.
Living with Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B Foundation Launches Patient Storytelling Campaign
October 2016: National nonprofit creates program to help people living with hepatitis B share their stories. Read more.
Hepatitis B Foundation Applauds CMS Final Decision to Cover Hepatitis B Screening
September 2016: Hepatitis B screening test added as a preventive service for Medicare beneficiaries. Read more.
Hepatitis B Foundation Launches Comprehensive New Website to Celebrate 25th Anniversary
September 2016: National nonprofits new website offers improved user experience, simplified navigation as a trusted global authority for information about hepatitis B. Read more.
Making the Link Between Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer
Global Chronic Hepatitis B Market To Reach Usd 61 Billion By : Says Amr
Surge in demand for advanced CHB treatment and latest product launch and product approvals drive the growth of the global Chronic Hepatitis B market. Based on drug class, the antivirals segment held the major share in 2021. By region, however, the market across Asia-Pacific would cite the fastest CAGR by 2031.
Portland, OR, Nov. 01, 2022 — According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global Chronic Hepatitis B Market size was estimated at $4.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to hit $6.1 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 3.0% from 2022 to 2031. The report provides a detailed analysis of the top investment pockets, top winning strategies, drivers & opportunities, market size & estimations, competitive landscape, and evolving market trends. The market study is a helpful source of information for the frontrunners, new entrants, investors, and shareholders in crafting strategies for the future and heightening their position in the market.
Report coverage & details:
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Increase in the number of diagnostic centers and blood banks |
Covid-19 scenario-
Based on drug class, the antivirals segment contributed to 87% of the total market revenue in 2021, and is expected to dominate by 2031. The immune modulators segment, however, would manifest the fastest CAGR of 4.2% throughout the forecast period.
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European Commission And Thervacb Join Forces
The role of viral hepatitis as a public health threat has long been underestimated. Only very recently, the United Nations in their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development called for international action to combat viral hepatitis and reduce the disease burden. The major killer is the hepatitis B virus causing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Worldwide 880,000 humans die each year from the consequences of an HBV infection.
A prophylactic vaccine is available to prevent HBV infection, but more than 3% of the worlds population are chronically infected and do not profit from that vaccine anymore. For those suffering from chronic hepatitis B, until today no curative treatment option exists.
The European Commission therefore selected the project TherVacB led by Helmholtz Zentrum München for a five-year funding within the Horizon 2020 program. A consortium of leading virologists, immunologists and physicians specialized in treating viral hepatitis, will use a newly designed therapeutic vaccine, TherVacB, as an immunotherapy to cure HBV. TherVacB will be evaluated in a three-year clinical trial starting in 2022 conducted in Europe and in Africa. Integration of a partner site in Tanzania shall help building local capacities for diagnosing and treating hepatitis B and support an important goal of the consortium to raise awareness for hepatitis B.
Aasld Guidelines For Treatment Of Chronic Hepatitis B
Norah A. Terrault
University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Norah A. Terrault
University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Potential conflict of interest: Dr. Jonas consults and received grants from Gilead. She received grants from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Roche. Dr. Chang advises Genentech, Alnylam, and Arbutus. Dr. Terrault consults for Bristol-Myers Squibb and received grants from Gilead. Dr. Bzowej received grants from Gilead, Synageva, and Ocera.
The funding for the development of this Practice Guideline was provided by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.
This Practice Guideline was approved by the AASLD on August 1, 2015.
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- American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
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- Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation
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With The Momentum Growing Around Hepatitis B Drug Discovery Research We Are Closer Than Ever To A Cure
From the Spring 2016 B Informed Newsletter
With the momentum growing around hepatitis B drug discovery research, how far are we from a cure?
Closer than ever, according to Timothy Block, PhD, president and co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its research arm, the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. He points out that hepatitis C, initially thought to be incurable, can now be cured with new combination treatments.
Hepatitis B is in a similar position, Block believes. And the need for a cure has never been greater, with over 240 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection worldwide, resulting in 1 million deaths per year from related liver failure and liver cancer.
Treatments are available, explains Block, but we have become a little too comfortable with the seven medications that are currently approved for use. While these drugs are effective, the interferons have many side effects and the oral antivirals require lifelong use. Moreover, they work in only about half of the infected population, and reduce the rate of death due to liver disease by only about 40 to 70 percent.
For those who benefit from treatment, the antiviral drugs prove that medications can be effective. However, there are millions who do not benefit and are still left vulnerable. We should not accept that a significant number of people will still die from hepatitis B-related complications despite taking the current drugs, Block declares.
What would a cure look like?
cccDNA Inhibitors
The Future Of Treatment
Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council for the annual International Hepatitis B Virus Meeting and the Incoming Chair of the International Coalition to Eliminate HBV, Dr Tavis works on the front line of researching new developments in HBV treatments.
Dr Tavis says the cure to HBV is coming. The feeling within the scientific community is that major improvements will happen somewhere in the next five to 10 years it isnt going to be one optimal combination at first.
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