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Viral hepatitis: Innovations and expectations.
Simona Leoni1, Alberto Casabianca2, Benedetta Biagioni2
1Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy. simona.leoni@aosp.bo.it.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 23, 2022
Summary
New antiviral therapies offer hope for viral hepatitis, particularly for chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections. Advances aim to prevent liver disease complications and achieve HCV elimination by 2030, with new treatments emerging for HDV and HEV.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Development
Background:
- Viral hepatitis remains a major global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
- Hepatitis B, C, D, and E viruses can lead to chronic infections and severe liver disease, while Hepatitis A typically causes acute illness.
- Effective treatment strategies are crucial to prevent chronic liver disease and its complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging antiviral therapies for viral hepatitis, with a focus on chronic infections.
- To analyze the latest advancements in the treatment of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV).
- To discuss novel therapeutic approaches for Hepatitis D (HDV) and Hepatitis E (HEV).
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing literature on viral hepatitis treatments.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and recently approved antiviral drugs.
- Examination of emerging therapeutic targets and drug candidates.
Main Results:
- Significant efficacy has been demonstrated with new Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) therapies, supporting the goal of HCV elimination by 2030.
- Nucleotide/nucleoside analogs for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) show positive impacts on liver complications with good safety profiles.
- Bulevirtide, a direct-acting agent, is conditionally approved in Europe for Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)-associated liver disease.
- New antivirals targeting various stages of the HBV life cycle and immune modulators are under investigation for curative therapies.
- Current treatments for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) are available, but further research is needed for immunosuppressed patients.
Conclusions:
- Current antiviral therapies have greatly improved outcomes for chronic viral hepatitis, especially HCV and HBV.
- The development of targeted agents like bulevirtide marks progress in treating rare forms of viral hepatitis.
- Continued research into novel antivirals and immune-based therapies is essential for achieving cures for HBV and better treatments for HEV.
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