Hepatitis D – Cure

Out of approximately 250 million people with chronic HBV infections worldwide, approximately 15-25 million are co-infected with hepatitis D viruses (HDV). HDV uses HBV as a helper virus by packaging its genome with the HBV envelope .This co-infection leads to the most severe course of viral liver disease. Unfortunately, the antiviral drugs approved to treat people with hepatitis B are not effective for HDV patients. Interferon alpha only helps in a few cases. There is thus a great need for action with regard to the development of HDV-specific therapies. With the development of "Hepcludex" as the first hepatitis D drug, the goal of successful treatment has come much closer. However, many aspects of the disease itself are poorly understood. While we know that there are eight different HDV genotypes, we do not know their response to therapeutics under development. Due to insufficient diagnosis, the number of infected people is probably greatly underestimated. Ultimately, there is a lack of insight into the mechanisms of the body's immune system that could potentially eliminate the virus after a therapeutic intervention.

Destroying the basis of replication

HDV is the smallest human pathogen. It uses the HBV envelope to pack its genome in order to exit the liver cell and spread. HDV can, however, also remain in the liver by means of cell division. The new entry inhibitor Myrcludex B/Bulevirtide, which was partially developed within the DZIF, effectively inhibits HDV entry into new liver cells. However, inhibiting the spread of the HDV from cell to cell demands further measures, including both the identification of synergistic antivirals and a better understanding of the immunological processes involved in HDV cure. DZIF scientists recently developed a diagnostic test, which allows a rapid detection of HDV infection. It will facilitate patient screening, which in turn will contribute to improving prospective therapy options.