AstriVax Therapeutics Initiates Clinical Development of

Third asset to advance into clinical trials, validating broad potential of Launch-iT platform All subjects treated with first dose of AVX70371 Launch-iT, as part of multiple dosing schedule Potential first-in-class treatment that could form part of functional cure for over 250 million patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection Leuven, Belgium, June 5, … Read more

Hepatitis B associated with severe COVID-19: a nationwide cohort study in Sweden | Virology Journal

In this nationwide, population-based cohort of COVID-19 patients, we found an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (hospitalization, ICU treatment or death) in individuals with chronic HBV infection, even after adjusting for potential confounders. In addition to an increased risk in individuals who were male, elderly, non-vaccinated, and with low- socioeconomic status (SES), the multivariable models … Read more

Researchers to investigate new hepatitis B-like virus and its impact on cats

Photo: Stepan Popov/Adobe Stock With chronic hepatitis potentially being more common in cats than believed, according to a feline virologist at the City University of Hong Kong, a group of researchers and specialists are coming together to study the first hepatitis B-related virus found in carnivores. Specifically, their research will center on how the virus … Read more

New hepatitis B vaccine outperforms standard boosters in health care workers

Background and goal: Health care workers are at higher risk of hepatitis B infection due to occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. They are considered protected if they have a hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (anti-HBs) titer of ≥10 mIU/mL after completing a full vaccination series. This study compared the effectiveness of Heplisav-B, a … Read more

Are we prepared for the next outbreak?

With over 600 known human viruses and new ones emerging, experts highlight how climate change, globalization, and zoonotic spillover are accelerating viral threats—are we ready for the next pandemic? Invited Review: Human viruses: An ever-increasing list. Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock In a recent review published in the journal Virology, researchers examined the increasing diversity of human … Read more

Global progress, challenges and strategies in eliminating public threat of viral hepatitis | Infectious Diseases of Poverty

In 2024, the WHO updated its guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals infected with chronic hepatitis B [5]. The updated guidelines simplify clinical algorithms for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of hepatitis B, expand treatment eligibility criteria, and provide alternative treatment options. The updated guidelines recommend four treatment eligibility options that … Read more

New AGA Guidelines Recommend Risk-Based Prophylaxis for Hepatitis B Reactivation Monitoring

The American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) Institute issued new clinical practice guidelines, providing evidence-based recommendations for managing hepatitis B reactivation (HBVr) in at-risk individuals, emphasizing antiviral prophylaxis for those at high or moderate risk.1 Image credit: Rasi – stock.adobe.com Although antiviral prophylaxis is effective in mitigating the risk, some cases can be managed through clinical monitoring … Read more

Identification of multiple complications as independent risk factors associated with 1-, 3-, and 5-year mortality in hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis patients | BMC Infectious Diseases

Hsu YC, Huang DQ, Nguyen MH. Global burden of hepatitis B virus: current status, missed opportunities and a call for action. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;20(8):524–37. Article  PubMed  Google Scholar  Alberts CJ, Clifford GM, Georges D, Negro F, Lesi OA, Hutin YJ, de Martel C. Worldwide prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus … Read more

New guidelines for hepatitis B virus reactivation management

New recommendations address advances in immunosuppressive therapies and highlight antiviral prophylaxis for high-risk patients. Study: AGA Clinical Practice Guideline on the Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in At-Risk Individuals. Image Credit: Josep Suria / Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in Gastroenterology, researchers update clinical practice guidelines for how to prevent and monitor … Read more