Bulevirtide for HBV and HDV infections

D Yardeni1, C Koh2

  • 1Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. David.yardeni@nih.gov.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its satellite virus hepatitis D (HDV) are common worldwide hepatotrophic infections responsible for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The more common HBV infection has several therapeutic regimens currently available for suppression of viral replication. However, a regimen leading to an effective sustained functional cure is still not available. In contrast, HDV infection, which causes the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis and an increased rate of HCC, currently has no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment. Bulevirtide is a novel virion entry inhibitor which blocks the virion's hepatocyte pathway of entry, the hepatic sodium/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) receptor, and is now a promising therapy for both infections. In July 2020 bulevirtide was authorized for use in the E.U. following a positive opinion by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of chronic HDV infection in HDV RNA-positive adult patients with compensated liver disease. In this paper we have examined the studies that led to this approval as well as studies examining the drug's efficacy in treating HBV.

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
47.8K
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
13.2K
Subviral Agents01:29

Subviral Agents

Subviral agents are infectious entities that resemble viruses but lack one or more viral components, such as a capsid or essential replication machinery. These agents include viroids, prions, and satellites, each possessing distinct structural and functional characteristics that influence their mode of infection and replication.Viroids are the simplest subviral agents, consisting of circular, single-stranded RNA molecules without a protein coat. They exclusively infect plants, relying entirely...
248
Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy01:16

Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy

Helicobacter pylori, a resilient gram-negative bacterium, can thrive in the stomach's harsh, acidic environment. Infection with H. pylori leads to a cascade of events within the stomach lining. One of the critical disruptions caused by this bacterium is the interference with somatostatin production, a hormone responsible for regulating acid secretion. This interference tips the balance, escalating acid secretion and diminishing bicarbonate levels. This imbalance compromises the defensive...
670
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
70
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
270