Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs There a Cure?Acute vs. ChronicTreatment OptionsPreventionRisk FactorsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Is There a Cure?
Acute vs. Chronic
Treatment Options
Prevention
Risk Factors
Frequently Asked Questions
When news broke in 2014 thathepatitis C, a viral disease affecting the liver,could be curedthanks to a new class ofdirect-acting antiviral drugs,many began to wonder how soon it would be before the same occurred with its cousin,hepatitis B.
Scientists have yet to find a cure for this potentially severe form ofviral hepatitis, which affects anywhere from 2.4 million to 4.7 million people in the United States.
This article takes a look at hepatitis B and ongoing cure research, including the development of direct-acting antivirals similar to those used to treat hepatitis C. It also explains how hepatitis B is currently treated and prevented with medications and vaccines.
FatCamera / Getty Images
Is There a Cure for Hepatitis B?
The long and short answer is that there is not yet a cure for hepatitis B. Understanding why requires insight into the virus itself and the challenges cure researchers face.
Of these, around one in four will develop severe liver complications, includingcirrhosis(extensive scarring of the liver) andliver cancer, typically years after the initial infection.
How Is Viral Hepatitis Spread?
Overcoming the Hurdles
Despite the challenges in finding a cure, scientists have a greater understanding of how HBV infects, replicates, and persists. By targeting and blocking these mechanisms with either one or a combination of therapies, scientists hope to one day render the virus harmless or eliminate it.
Among some of the leading drug candidates are:
Clinical TrialsToday, there are at least 50 different HBV therapies—including more than 25 experimental direct-acting antivirals—undergoing clinical trials, with more expected to follow.
Clinical Trials
Today, there are at least 50 different HBV therapies—including more than 25 experimental direct-acting antivirals—undergoing clinical trials, with more expected to follow.
Difference Between Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B
Acute hepatitis Bis the stage of infection immediately following exposure to the virus. Many of these infections areasymptomatic, meaning without symptoms.
Of those who do develop symptoms, some of the more common include:
Clearing Acute Hepatitis BSome studies suggest that up to 95% of adults with acute HBV infection will spontaneously clear the virus, usually within six months, with no lasting repercussions.
Clearing Acute Hepatitis B
Some studies suggest that up to 95% of adults with acute HBV infection will spontaneously clear the virus, usually within six months, with no lasting repercussions.
Chronic hepatitis Boccurs when the immune system does not clear the virus. Around one of every 20 people acutely infected with HBV will progress to this persistent stage of infection.
Chronic hepatitis B is a slowly progressive disease in which ongoinginflammationcauses the gradual scarring of the liver. This can lead tocirrhosis(the loss of liver function due to scarring) andhepatocellular carcinoma(the most common form of liver cancer).
However, the course of chronic HBV infection is not set. Some people may progress faster than others, while others may never develop overt symptoms.
Statistically speaking:
Clearing Chronic Hepatitis BThe vast majority of people with chronic hepatitis B will have it for a lifetime. Even so, around 0.5% of those with non-progressing chronic hepatitis B spontaneously clear the virus every year.
Clearing Chronic Hepatitis B
The vast majority of people with chronic hepatitis B will have it for a lifetime. Even so, around 0.5% of those with non-progressing chronic hepatitis B spontaneously clear the virus every year.
Why People With Hepatitis D Have Hepatitis B
How Hepatitis B Is Treated
Hepatitis B cannot be cured, but newer, less toxic drug therapies have effectively slowed the progression of the disease in chronically infected people. Even those with advanced liver disease have longer survival and better quality of life thanks to newer drug therapies.
Acute Hepatitis B
There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B infection. If you experienceacute symptoms of hepatitis Bandtest positive for the virus, the treatment would be focused on managing symptoms and providing nutritional support.
An exception is in people withfulminant hepatitis, an uncommon but severe form ofliver failurethat typically occurs within eight weeks of the appearance of hepatitis symptoms.
Fulminant hepatitis is treated with the antiviral drug Epivir (lamivudine) to reduce the risk of liver damage and the need for aliver transplant. Epivir may also be considered in people with acute hepatitis B who experience severe symptoms.
There are no drugs able to clear an HBV infection after it occurs.
With that said, many people with acute hepatitis will spontaneously clear the virus and, in turn, be afforded lifelong immunity to HBV.
Chronic Hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B is definitively diagnosed when blood tests are able to detect a protein called hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). lt can take up to six months to accurately detect HBsAg after an infection occurs.
Most people with chronic hepatitis B require treatment for a lifetime to slow the progression of the disease. This may involve:
Is Hepatitis B Preventable?
Chronic hepatitis B infection affects an estimated 290 million people worldwide, causing over 820,000 deaths annually. It is also a major cause of liver cancer, which causes over 25,000 deaths in the U.S. every year.The CDC now recommends that all adults get screened for hepatitis B at least once, including those who are not at greater risk of exposure.
Unlike hepatitis C, hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccines. If you are accidentally exposed to the virus, there are also drug therapies you can take—called postexposure prophylaxis—to avert the infection.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Who Should Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the following groups receive the hepatitis B vaccine series:All infantsUnvaccinated children under the age of 19Adults age 19–59Adults age 60 and older withrisk factors for hepatitis BAdults age 60 and up without known risk factors may also opt for vaccination given that the benefits of HBV vaccination generally outweigh the risks.
Who Should Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the following groups receive the hepatitis B vaccine series:All infantsUnvaccinated children under the age of 19Adults age 19–59Adults age 60 and older withrisk factors for hepatitis BAdults age 60 and up without known risk factors may also opt for vaccination given that the benefits of HBV vaccination generally outweigh the risks.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the following groups receive the hepatitis B vaccine series:
Adults age 60 and up without known risk factors may also opt for vaccination given that the benefits of HBV vaccination generally outweigh the risks.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule for Adults
Postexposure Prophylaxis
Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment designed to prevent an infection after a recent exposure. For hepatitis B, PEP may involve:
Hepatitis B vaccination is considered the mainstay of PEP. In cases in which the source of the exposure is known to have hepatitis B, both hepatitis B vaccination and HBIG would be used.
Hepatitis B PEP should ideally be started within 24 hours of the suspected exposure, although it may still have benefits up to seven days after the exposure.
How Do You Get Hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B virus is found mainly in the blood but also in semen and vaginal secretions.
Unlikely Sources of InfectionTrace levels of HBV can also be found in saliva, tears, urine, and feces but in amounts that are highly unlikely to cause infection.
Unlikely Sources of Infection
Trace levels of HBV can also be found in saliva, tears, urine, and feces but in amounts that are highly unlikely to cause infection.
While vaccination remains the cornerstone of HBV prevention, there are ways to further reduce therisk of transmission, especially if you or someone in your household has hepatitis B:
Summary
Hepatitis B can be treated and prevented, but it cannot be cured. Research is underway to investigate different drugs and drug combinations that may one day offer cure rates similar to those seen with hepatitis C.
Until then, it is important to seek treatment if you are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. Doing so can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for children and all people at risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedule: When to Get Vaccinated
A Word From Verywell
Until scientists find a safe and effective cure for hepatitis B, you need to focus on protecting yourself and others from this potentially serious viral infection. Hepatitis B vaccination is central to this, offering protection of between 98% and 100%.
If you are unsure whether you’ve ever been vaccinated against hepatitis B, speak with your healthcare provider. If you’re still unsure, consider undergoing the two- to three-dose series just to be safe, especially if you are at risk of infection.
The four approved hepatitis B vaccines are regarded as safe and effective. Side effects tend to be mild and may include headache, fever, and injection site soreness or redness.
Frequently Asked QuestionsOne of the main reasons that there is a cure for hepatitis C but not hepatitis B is due to the structure of their DNA. Hepatitis B has a unique DNA structure, called covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) that is seemingly indestructible and able to generate new viruses even when exposed to antiviral therapy.The course of chronic hepatitis B can vary from one person to the next. Some older studies suggest that an asymptomatic carrier has a near-normal life expectancy of around 72 years.As a group, however, chronic hepatitis B is associated with an average loss of 14 years compared to the general population.In most cases it does. Studies suggest that up to 95% of people who are infected with hepatitis B will clear the virus spontaneously, usually within six months of exposure to it. Many will have no idea they were even affected.It can be in some cases, but not always. Studies suggest between 10% and 20% of people with chronic hepatitis B will develop cirrhosis after 20 years, increasing to 40% after 30 years. A small percentage of these people will go on to develop liver cancer.On the one hand, hepatitis B is more common and accounts for more cancer diagnoses and liver-related deaths worldwide than hepatitis C.On the other, hepatitis C is more likely to turn into a chronic infection, increasing the likelihood of cirrhosis and liver cancer from an individual perspective.Learn MoreHow Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Differ
One of the main reasons that there is a cure for hepatitis C but not hepatitis B is due to the structure of their DNA. Hepatitis B has a unique DNA structure, called covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) that is seemingly indestructible and able to generate new viruses even when exposed to antiviral therapy.
The course of chronic hepatitis B can vary from one person to the next. Some older studies suggest that an asymptomatic carrier has a near-normal life expectancy of around 72 years.As a group, however, chronic hepatitis B is associated with an average loss of 14 years compared to the general population.
In most cases it does. Studies suggest that up to 95% of people who are infected with hepatitis B will clear the virus spontaneously, usually within six months of exposure to it. Many will have no idea they were even affected.
It can be in some cases, but not always. Studies suggest between 10% and 20% of people with chronic hepatitis B will develop cirrhosis after 20 years, increasing to 40% after 30 years. A small percentage of these people will go on to develop liver cancer.
On the one hand, hepatitis B is more common and accounts for more cancer diagnoses and liver-related deaths worldwide than hepatitis C.On the other, hepatitis C is more likely to turn into a chronic infection, increasing the likelihood of cirrhosis and liver cancer from an individual perspective.Learn MoreHow Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Differ
On the one hand, hepatitis B is more common and accounts for more cancer diagnoses and liver-related deaths worldwide than hepatitis C.On the other, hepatitis C is more likely to turn into a chronic infection, increasing the likelihood of cirrhosis and liver cancer from an individual perspective.
Learn MoreHow Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Differ
31 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ghany MG, Gara N.The quest for a cure for hepatitis C - the end is in sight.Lancet.2014;384(9941):381–3. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60807-2Department of Health and Human Services.Viral hepatitis in the United States: data and trends.World Health Organization.Hepatitis B: key facts.Alter HJ, Blumberg BS.Further studies on a “new” human isoprecipitin system (Australia antigen).Blood.1966;27(3):297-309. doi:10.1182/blood.V27.3.297.297Tang J, Wu ZY, Dai RJ, Ma J, Gong GZ.Hepatitis B virus-persistent infection and innate immunity defect: cell-related or virus-related?.World J Clin Cases.2018;6(9):233–241. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v6.i9.233Dushieko G.Towards the elimination and eradication of hepatitis B.J Virus Erad.2015;1(1):4–12.Xia H, Guo H.Hepatitis B virus cccDNA: formation, regulation and therapeutic potential.Antiviral Res. 2020;180:104824. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104824Yuen MF, Heo J, Jang JW, et al.Safety, tolerability and antiviral activity of the antisense oligonucleotide bepirovirsen in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a phase 2 randomized controlled trial.Nat Med.2021:27:1725-34. doi:10.1038/s41591-021-01513-4Beretta M, Mouquet H.Advances in human monoclonal antibody therapy for HBV infection.Curr Opinion Virol.2022;53:10125. doi:10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101205Revill PA, Penicaud C, Brechot C, Zoulim F.Meeting the challenge of eliminating chronic hepatitis B infection.Genes (Basel).2019;10(4):260. doi:10.3390/genes10040260Bazinet M, Pantea V, Placinta G, et al.Safety and efficacy of 48 weeks REP 2139 or REP 2165, tenofovir disoproxil, and pegylated interferon alfa-2a in patients with chronic HBV infection naïve to nucleos(t)ide therapy.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(8):2180-94. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.058Feng SH, Gane E, Schwabe C, et al.A five-in-one first-in-human study to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of RO7049389, an inhibitor of hepatitis B virus capsid assembly, after single and multiple ascending doses in healthy participants.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2020;64(11):e01323-20. doi:10.1128/AAC.01323-20Martinez MG, Villeret F, Testoni B, Zoulim F.Can we cure hepatitis B virus with novel direct-acting antivirals?.Liver Int. 2020;40(Suppl 1):27-34. doi:10.1111/liv.14364Burns GS, Thompson AJ.Viral hepatitis B: clinical and epidemiological characteristics.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.2014;4(12):a024935. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a024935Chou HH, Chien WH, Wu LL, et al.Age-related immune clearance of hepatitis B virus infection requires the establishment of gut microbiota.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2015;112(7):2175–80. doi:10.1073/pnas.1424775112Ringehan M, McKeating JA, Protzer U.Viral hepatitis and liver cancer.Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2017;372(1732):20160274. doi:10.1098/rstb.2016.0274Zamor PJ, deLemos AS, Russo MW.Viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma: etiology and management.J Gastrointest Oncol. 2017;8(2):229-242. doi:10.21037/jgo.2017.03.14Wilkins T, Sams R, Carpenter M.Hepatitis B: screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.Am Fam Physician.2019;99(5):314-323.Terrault NA, Lok ASF, McMahon BJ, et al.Update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 hepatitis B guidance.Hepatology. 2018;67(4):1560-1599. doi:10.1002/hep.29800Wendon J, Cordoba J, Dhawan A, et al.EASL clinical practical guidelines on the management of acute (fulminant) liver failure.J Hepatol. 2017;66(5):1047-1081. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2016.12.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver cancer basics.Conners EE, Panagiotakopoulos L, Hofmeister MG, et al.Screening and testing for hepatitis B virus infection: CDC recommendations—United States, 2023.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2023;72(1):1-25. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7201a1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B questions and answers for health professionals.Schillie S, Vellozzi C, Reingold A, et al.Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.MMWR Recomm Rep.2018;67(1):1–31. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr6701a1Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.Hepatitis B.Department of Health and Human Services.Hepatitis B basic information.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccination safety.Wang T.Model of life expectancy of chronic hepatitis B carriers in an endemic region.J Epidemiol.2009;19(6):311–8. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20090039Bixler D, Zhong Y, Ly KN, et al.Mortality among patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS).Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68(6):956-963. doi:10.1093/cid/ciy598Hepatitis B Foundation.What’s the difference: hepatitis B vs hepatitis C?.Saeed U, Waheed Y, Ashraf M.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses: a review of viral genomes, viral induced host immune responses, genotypic distributions and worldwide epidemiology.Asian Pac J Trop Dis.2014;4(2):88–96. doi:10.1016/S2222-1808(14)60322-4
31 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ghany MG, Gara N.The quest for a cure for hepatitis C - the end is in sight.Lancet.2014;384(9941):381–3. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60807-2Department of Health and Human Services.Viral hepatitis in the United States: data and trends.World Health Organization.Hepatitis B: key facts.Alter HJ, Blumberg BS.Further studies on a “new” human isoprecipitin system (Australia antigen).Blood.1966;27(3):297-309. doi:10.1182/blood.V27.3.297.297Tang J, Wu ZY, Dai RJ, Ma J, Gong GZ.Hepatitis B virus-persistent infection and innate immunity defect: cell-related or virus-related?.World J Clin Cases.2018;6(9):233–241. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v6.i9.233Dushieko G.Towards the elimination and eradication of hepatitis B.J Virus Erad.2015;1(1):4–12.Xia H, Guo H.Hepatitis B virus cccDNA: formation, regulation and therapeutic potential.Antiviral Res. 2020;180:104824. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104824Yuen MF, Heo J, Jang JW, et al.Safety, tolerability and antiviral activity of the antisense oligonucleotide bepirovirsen in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a phase 2 randomized controlled trial.Nat Med.2021:27:1725-34. doi:10.1038/s41591-021-01513-4Beretta M, Mouquet H.Advances in human monoclonal antibody therapy for HBV infection.Curr Opinion Virol.2022;53:10125. doi:10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101205Revill PA, Penicaud C, Brechot C, Zoulim F.Meeting the challenge of eliminating chronic hepatitis B infection.Genes (Basel).2019;10(4):260. doi:10.3390/genes10040260Bazinet M, Pantea V, Placinta G, et al.Safety and efficacy of 48 weeks REP 2139 or REP 2165, tenofovir disoproxil, and pegylated interferon alfa-2a in patients with chronic HBV infection naïve to nucleos(t)ide therapy.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(8):2180-94. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.058Feng SH, Gane E, Schwabe C, et al.A five-in-one first-in-human study to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of RO7049389, an inhibitor of hepatitis B virus capsid assembly, after single and multiple ascending doses in healthy participants.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2020;64(11):e01323-20. doi:10.1128/AAC.01323-20Martinez MG, Villeret F, Testoni B, Zoulim F.Can we cure hepatitis B virus with novel direct-acting antivirals?.Liver Int. 2020;40(Suppl 1):27-34. doi:10.1111/liv.14364Burns GS, Thompson AJ.Viral hepatitis B: clinical and epidemiological characteristics.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.2014;4(12):a024935. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a024935Chou HH, Chien WH, Wu LL, et al.Age-related immune clearance of hepatitis B virus infection requires the establishment of gut microbiota.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2015;112(7):2175–80. doi:10.1073/pnas.1424775112Ringehan M, McKeating JA, Protzer U.Viral hepatitis and liver cancer.Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2017;372(1732):20160274. doi:10.1098/rstb.2016.0274Zamor PJ, deLemos AS, Russo MW.Viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma: etiology and management.J Gastrointest Oncol. 2017;8(2):229-242. doi:10.21037/jgo.2017.03.14Wilkins T, Sams R, Carpenter M.Hepatitis B: screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.Am Fam Physician.2019;99(5):314-323.Terrault NA, Lok ASF, McMahon BJ, et al.Update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 hepatitis B guidance.Hepatology. 2018;67(4):1560-1599. doi:10.1002/hep.29800Wendon J, Cordoba J, Dhawan A, et al.EASL clinical practical guidelines on the management of acute (fulminant) liver failure.J Hepatol. 2017;66(5):1047-1081. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2016.12.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver cancer basics.Conners EE, Panagiotakopoulos L, Hofmeister MG, et al.Screening and testing for hepatitis B virus infection: CDC recommendations—United States, 2023.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2023;72(1):1-25. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7201a1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B questions and answers for health professionals.Schillie S, Vellozzi C, Reingold A, et al.Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.MMWR Recomm Rep.2018;67(1):1–31. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr6701a1Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.Hepatitis B.Department of Health and Human Services.Hepatitis B basic information.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccination safety.Wang T.Model of life expectancy of chronic hepatitis B carriers in an endemic region.J Epidemiol.2009;19(6):311–8. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20090039Bixler D, Zhong Y, Ly KN, et al.Mortality among patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS).Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68(6):956-963. doi:10.1093/cid/ciy598Hepatitis B Foundation.What’s the difference: hepatitis B vs hepatitis C?.Saeed U, Waheed Y, Ashraf M.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses: a review of viral genomes, viral induced host immune responses, genotypic distributions and worldwide epidemiology.Asian Pac J Trop Dis.2014;4(2):88–96. doi:10.1016/S2222-1808(14)60322-4
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ghany MG, Gara N.The quest for a cure for hepatitis C - the end is in sight.Lancet.2014;384(9941):381–3. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60807-2Department of Health and Human Services.Viral hepatitis in the United States: data and trends.World Health Organization.Hepatitis B: key facts.Alter HJ, Blumberg BS.Further studies on a “new” human isoprecipitin system (Australia antigen).Blood.1966;27(3):297-309. doi:10.1182/blood.V27.3.297.297Tang J, Wu ZY, Dai RJ, Ma J, Gong GZ.Hepatitis B virus-persistent infection and innate immunity defect: cell-related or virus-related?.World J Clin Cases.2018;6(9):233–241. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v6.i9.233Dushieko G.Towards the elimination and eradication of hepatitis B.J Virus Erad.2015;1(1):4–12.Xia H, Guo H.Hepatitis B virus cccDNA: formation, regulation and therapeutic potential.Antiviral Res. 2020;180:104824. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104824Yuen MF, Heo J, Jang JW, et al.Safety, tolerability and antiviral activity of the antisense oligonucleotide bepirovirsen in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a phase 2 randomized controlled trial.Nat Med.2021:27:1725-34. doi:10.1038/s41591-021-01513-4Beretta M, Mouquet H.Advances in human monoclonal antibody therapy for HBV infection.Curr Opinion Virol.2022;53:10125. doi:10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101205Revill PA, Penicaud C, Brechot C, Zoulim F.Meeting the challenge of eliminating chronic hepatitis B infection.Genes (Basel).2019;10(4):260. doi:10.3390/genes10040260Bazinet M, Pantea V, Placinta G, et al.Safety and efficacy of 48 weeks REP 2139 or REP 2165, tenofovir disoproxil, and pegylated interferon alfa-2a in patients with chronic HBV infection naïve to nucleos(t)ide therapy.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(8):2180-94. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.058Feng SH, Gane E, Schwabe C, et al.A five-in-one first-in-human study to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of RO7049389, an inhibitor of hepatitis B virus capsid assembly, after single and multiple ascending doses in healthy participants.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2020;64(11):e01323-20. doi:10.1128/AAC.01323-20Martinez MG, Villeret F, Testoni B, Zoulim F.Can we cure hepatitis B virus with novel direct-acting antivirals?.Liver Int. 2020;40(Suppl 1):27-34. doi:10.1111/liv.14364Burns GS, Thompson AJ.Viral hepatitis B: clinical and epidemiological characteristics.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.2014;4(12):a024935. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a024935Chou HH, Chien WH, Wu LL, et al.Age-related immune clearance of hepatitis B virus infection requires the establishment of gut microbiota.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2015;112(7):2175–80. doi:10.1073/pnas.1424775112Ringehan M, McKeating JA, Protzer U.Viral hepatitis and liver cancer.Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2017;372(1732):20160274. doi:10.1098/rstb.2016.0274Zamor PJ, deLemos AS, Russo MW.Viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma: etiology and management.J Gastrointest Oncol. 2017;8(2):229-242. doi:10.21037/jgo.2017.03.14Wilkins T, Sams R, Carpenter M.Hepatitis B: screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.Am Fam Physician.2019;99(5):314-323.Terrault NA, Lok ASF, McMahon BJ, et al.Update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 hepatitis B guidance.Hepatology. 2018;67(4):1560-1599. doi:10.1002/hep.29800Wendon J, Cordoba J, Dhawan A, et al.EASL clinical practical guidelines on the management of acute (fulminant) liver failure.J Hepatol. 2017;66(5):1047-1081. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2016.12.003Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver cancer basics.Conners EE, Panagiotakopoulos L, Hofmeister MG, et al.Screening and testing for hepatitis B virus infection: CDC recommendations—United States, 2023.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2023;72(1):1-25. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7201a1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B questions and answers for health professionals.Schillie S, Vellozzi C, Reingold A, et al.Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.MMWR Recomm Rep.2018;67(1):1–31. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr6701a1Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.Hepatitis B.Department of Health and Human Services.Hepatitis B basic information.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccination safety.Wang T.Model of life expectancy of chronic hepatitis B carriers in an endemic region.J Epidemiol.2009;19(6):311–8. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20090039Bixler D, Zhong Y, Ly KN, et al.Mortality among patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS).Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68(6):956-963. doi:10.1093/cid/ciy598Hepatitis B Foundation.What’s the difference: hepatitis B vs hepatitis C?.Saeed U, Waheed Y, Ashraf M.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses: a review of viral genomes, viral induced host immune responses, genotypic distributions and worldwide epidemiology.Asian Pac J Trop Dis.2014;4(2):88–96. doi:10.1016/S2222-1808(14)60322-4
Ghany MG, Gara N.The quest for a cure for hepatitis C - the end is in sight.Lancet.2014;384(9941):381–3. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)60807-2
Department of Health and Human Services.Viral hepatitis in the United States: data and trends.
World Health Organization.Hepatitis B: key facts.
Alter HJ, Blumberg BS.Further studies on a “new” human isoprecipitin system (Australia antigen).Blood.1966;27(3):297-309. doi:10.1182/blood.V27.3.297.297
Tang J, Wu ZY, Dai RJ, Ma J, Gong GZ.Hepatitis B virus-persistent infection and innate immunity defect: cell-related or virus-related?.World J Clin Cases.2018;6(9):233–241. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v6.i9.233
Dushieko G.Towards the elimination and eradication of hepatitis B.J Virus Erad.2015;1(1):4–12.
Xia H, Guo H.Hepatitis B virus cccDNA: formation, regulation and therapeutic potential.Antiviral Res. 2020;180:104824. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104824
Yuen MF, Heo J, Jang JW, et al.Safety, tolerability and antiviral activity of the antisense oligonucleotide bepirovirsen in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a phase 2 randomized controlled trial.Nat Med.2021:27:1725-34. doi:10.1038/s41591-021-01513-4
Beretta M, Mouquet H.Advances in human monoclonal antibody therapy for HBV infection.Curr Opinion Virol.2022;53:10125. doi:10.1016/j.coviro.2022.101205
Revill PA, Penicaud C, Brechot C, Zoulim F.Meeting the challenge of eliminating chronic hepatitis B infection.Genes (Basel).2019;10(4):260. doi:10.3390/genes10040260
Bazinet M, Pantea V, Placinta G, et al.Safety and efficacy of 48 weeks REP 2139 or REP 2165, tenofovir disoproxil, and pegylated interferon alfa-2a in patients with chronic HBV infection naïve to nucleos(t)ide therapy.Gastroenterology. 2020;158(8):2180-94. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.058
Feng SH, Gane E, Schwabe C, et al.A five-in-one first-in-human study to assess safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of RO7049389, an inhibitor of hepatitis B virus capsid assembly, after single and multiple ascending doses in healthy participants.Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2020;64(11):e01323-20. doi:10.1128/AAC.01323-20
Martinez MG, Villeret F, Testoni B, Zoulim F.Can we cure hepatitis B virus with novel direct-acting antivirals?.Liver Int. 2020;40(Suppl 1):27-34. doi:10.1111/liv.14364
Burns GS, Thompson AJ.Viral hepatitis B: clinical and epidemiological characteristics.Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med.2014;4(12):a024935. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a024935
Chou HH, Chien WH, Wu LL, et al.Age-related immune clearance of hepatitis B virus infection requires the establishment of gut microbiota.Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2015;112(7):2175–80. doi:10.1073/pnas.1424775112
Ringehan M, McKeating JA, Protzer U.Viral hepatitis and liver cancer.Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2017;372(1732):20160274. doi:10.1098/rstb.2016.0274
Zamor PJ, deLemos AS, Russo MW.Viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma: etiology and management.J Gastrointest Oncol. 2017;8(2):229-242. doi:10.21037/jgo.2017.03.14
Wilkins T, Sams R, Carpenter M.Hepatitis B: screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.Am Fam Physician.2019;99(5):314-323.
Terrault NA, Lok ASF, McMahon BJ, et al.Update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 hepatitis B guidance.Hepatology. 2018;67(4):1560-1599. doi:10.1002/hep.29800
Wendon J, Cordoba J, Dhawan A, et al.EASL clinical practical guidelines on the management of acute (fulminant) liver failure.J Hepatol. 2017;66(5):1047-1081. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2016.12.003
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver cancer basics.
Conners EE, Panagiotakopoulos L, Hofmeister MG, et al.Screening and testing for hepatitis B virus infection: CDC recommendations—United States, 2023.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2023;72(1):1-25. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7201a1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B questions and answers for health professionals.
Schillie S, Vellozzi C, Reingold A, et al.Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.MMWR Recomm Rep.2018;67(1):1–31. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr6701a1
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.Hepatitis B.
Department of Health and Human Services.Hepatitis B basic information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B vaccination safety.
Wang T.Model of life expectancy of chronic hepatitis B carriers in an endemic region.J Epidemiol.2009;19(6):311–8. doi:10.2188/jea.JE20090039
Bixler D, Zhong Y, Ly KN, et al.Mortality among patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS).Clin Infect Dis. 2019;68(6):956-963. doi:10.1093/cid/ciy598
Hepatitis B Foundation.What’s the difference: hepatitis B vs hepatitis C?.
Saeed U, Waheed Y, Ashraf M.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses: a review of viral genomes, viral induced host immune responses, genotypic distributions and worldwide epidemiology.Asian Pac J Trop Dis.2014;4(2):88–96. doi:10.1016/S2222-1808(14)60322-4
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
