Two randomized controlled phase 3 trials are investigating the antisense oligonucleotide drug bepirovirsen in patients with chronic hepatitis B. with researchers from Chiang Mai University co-authoring
Key findings
- At Week 72, functional cure was 20% compared to 0 in the B-Well 1 placebo group.
- B-Well 2 had a consistent effect of 19 percent, compared to 0 in the placebo group.
- Severe adverse reactions were more common in the drug group. Therefore, the balance of benefits and risks must be considered.
Why this matters globally
Phase 3 results from two international trials may change the direction towards a functional cure for hepatitis B. which is still a major public health problem around the world
Thai researcher contribution
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apinya Leeraphan, Department of Internal Medicine Chiang Mai University participates in the B-Well Study Group and trials in many countries.
Limitations to consider
The study, funded by GSK, was conducted in patients without cirrhosis and who met specific inclusion criteria. The results still need to be followed long-term and considered by regulators before being actually used on a large scale.