Working group

Translational Virology

Short description

In addition to analyzing the replication mechanisms of the hepatitis B (HBV) and D (HDV) viruses, the work of Prof. Stephan Urban and his team focuses on the development of new active substances and drugs against these pathogens. With Bulevirtide (formerly Myrcludex B), which blocks the binding and entry of both HDV and HBV into hepatocyes, a substance has already been developed from basic research to clinical application in HBV/HDV co-infected patients. The drug was approved by the European Commission for hepatitis D patients in July 2020 under the trade name “Hepcludex®”. Its possible use in mono-infection is being tested. The research group is also developing new test systems and test methods to identify and further develop new antiviral substances from compound libraries. New factors and mechanisms of action that interfere with HBV and HDV replication have been identified. These are tested for synergistic effects with Bulevirtide or other antiviral substances. In addition, the group is developing rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of chronic HDV/HBV infections.

Research areas
Hepatitis
Institutions
Heidelberg University
Partner Sites
Heidelberg
Contact person
Stephan Urban

Prof. Dr. Stephan Urban

Heidelberg University
Deputy Coordinator Hepatitis
DZIF Professor "Translational Virology"
Partner Site Speaker Heidelberg
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Publications of the working group

All publications

Articles on the working group

Prof. Wedemeyer and Prof. Cornberg stand next to each other. Together they are holding a laboratory book in their hands. A laboratory can be seen in the background, slightly blurred.
© MHH/Karin Kaiser

New weapon against hepatitis D

In a multicentre phase 3 trial, researchers at the MHH have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the drug Bulevirtide, which prevents Hepatitis D viruses from entering the liver. Infection with
Prof. Stephan Urban
© Heidelberg University Hospital

Stephan Urban receives the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize 2023

Stephan Urban, DZIF professor at Heidelberg University Hospital, receives the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize 2023 from the Hepatitis B Foundation, a global non-profit organisation. The virologist is being
Negative-stained transmission electron micrograph in black and white of round hepatitis B virus particles in white, in which internal structures are visible, against a dark background.
© Betty Partin/CDC

New study shows significant antiviral activity of the agent bulevirtide for the treatment of chronic hepatitis D virus infection

Between 10 and 20 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV infection is always associated with hepatitis B virus infection. So far there has been no satisfactory
Prof. Dr Stephan Urban
© Dominik Buschardt

Translational success for the DZIF: US pharma giant Gilead secures Hepcludex

Hepcludex (bulevirtide) is the first medication for the treatment of hepatitis D, a virus blocker whose development had been masterminded by DZIF Professor Dr Stephan Urban of Heidelberg University
Stephan Urban
© Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg

First drug for hepatitis D has been approved by European Commission

Joint press release from Heidelberg University and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) What started off as basic research 25 years ago has now led to a successfully approved drug: The
Prof Stephan Urban
© DZIF

First Professor of Translational Virology

It all began 20 years ago with Pekin duck breeding in Kirchheim near Heidelberg. At the time, duck was the model of choice for hepatitis B research, which Stephan Urban also used to discover a peptide