Viral Hepatitis News

Treatment with xalnesiran, a small interfering RNA molecule, plus an immunomodulator resulted in hepatitis B surface antigen loss among adults with chronic HBV infection, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Data from a postlicensure study support the CDC’s recommendation that Heplisav-B can now be administered to pregnant persons needing hepatitis B vaccination, as its use did not appear to increase risk for major birth defects or miscarriage.

Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly higher among cirrhotic patients coinfected with hepatitis B and D viruses compared with those with HBV alone, with researchers suggesting HDV “plays a direct role” in HCC occurrence.

Among veterans with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, rates of hepatitis D virus testing were low and those with concurrent infection were at greater risk for cirrhosis and hepatic decompensation, according to study results.

SAN DIEGO — Combination therapy with peginterferon alfa-2b and nucleos(t)ide analogues resulted in significantly higher hepatitis B surface antigen loss vs. monotherapy in children with HBV, especially among those aged younger than 7 years.

SAN DIEGO — Combination tobevibart and elebsiran led to “profound and rapid virologic suppression” as well as normalization of alanine aminotransferase at week 24 in chronic hepatitis D virus infection, according to preliminary data.

SAN DIEGO — Treatment with combination tobevibart and elebsiran led to hepatitis B surface antigen loss among 39% of patients with chronic HBV and low baseline HBsAg, which rose to 46% by adding pegylated interferon-alfa, data showed.

SAN DIEGO — Retreatment with nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy for relapse after withdrawal did not affect hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance among patients with chronic HBV infection, according to a researcher at The Liver Meeting.

As you read these words, you may be learning for the first time about hepatitis delta virus — a lesser-known type of hepatitis that is potentially life-threatening.