AASLD 2016: GS-4774 Therapeutic Vaccine Shows Little Efficacy in People with Hepatitis B

An experimental immune-based therapy for chronic hepatitis B combined with tenofovir was safe and well-tolerated, but did not lead to greater reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) than the antiviral alone, according to a study reported at the AASLD Liver Meeting this month in Boston.

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FDA Warns of HBV Reactivation Risk After Starting Hepatitis C Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week issued a new safety warning about the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in people treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C. In a few cases HBV reactivation has led to serious liver problems or death. The FDA will now require a boxed warning on package labels for all DAAs. The caution applies to people who currently have chronic hepatitis B and those who previously cleared HBV spontaneously or with treatment.

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AASLD 2016: Nucleic Acid Polymers Reduce HBsAg Levels and Improve Control of Hepatitis B Virus

The nucleic acid polymers REP 2139 and REP 2165 led to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction or clearance when combined with tenofovir and pegylated interferon, according to early results from a small study presented as a late-breaker at the AASLD Liver Meeting this month in Boston. This combination may potentially enable functional control of hepatitis B if confirmed in larger studies.

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Hepatitis B Testing Should Be Done Before and During Hepatitis C Treatment

People considering treatment for hepatitis C should first be tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and monitored throughout therapy, as successful elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) can reactivate HBV and potentially worsen liver disease, according to recent updates to American and European hepatitis C treatment guidelines.

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Coverage of the 2016 AASLD Liver Meeting

HIVandHepatitis.com coverage of the 2016 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Liver Meeting in Boston, November 11-15, 2016.

Conference highlights include direct-acting antiviral therapy for difficult-to-treat people with hepatitis C, novel hepatitis B agents, complications of viral hepatitis, and NAFLD/NASH.

Full coverage listing by topic

The Liver Meeting website

11/20/16

Viral Hepatitis Is Now A Major Global Cause of Death, Exceeding HIV and TB

Hepatitis B and C have become leading causes of death and disability worldwide, as other major communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) have come under better control, according to an analysis published in the July 8 online edition of The Lancet.

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AASLD 2016: Tenofovir Alafenamide Approved for Hepatitis B, Works Well with Less Effect on Bones

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), a new lower-dose pro-drug, matches the older tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus but causes less bone mineral loss, according to a report at the AASLD Liver Meeting this week in Boston. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week approved stand-alone TAF for hepatitis B treatment.

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World Health Assembly Adopts Strategies for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs

The 194 member states participating in the 69th World Health Assembly, which governs the World Health Organization (WHO) in late May unanimously approved the adoption of WHO's draft global health sector strategies for management of HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through the year 2021.

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