Gastroenterology and Liver

Hepatitis B and C: Current and Future Therapies

Hepatitis B and C are major global health concerns, with significant advancements in their treatment over the past decade. For hepatitis B, antiviral therapies, such as entecavir and tenofovir, are the mainstay of treatment, effectively suppressing viral replication and reducing liver damage. However, these treatments often require long-term administration and do not cure the infection, necessitating ongoing research for more effective solutions.

The treatment landscape for hepatitis C has been transformed with the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). DAAs, such as sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, offer high cure rates with shorter treatment durations and fewer side effects compared to previous therapies. These medications target specific steps in the hepatitis C virus life cycle, leading to sustained virologic response and effectively curing the infection in most patients. The success of DAAs has significantly reduced the global burden of hepatitis C.

Future therapies for hepatitis B and C aim to achieve complete viral eradication and improve patient outcomes. Research is focused on developing novel antiviral agents, therapeutic vaccines, and immune-based therapies. For hepatitis B, combination therapies targeting different stages of the viral life cycle are being explored to enhance treatment efficacy. In hepatitis C, efforts are ongoing to develop pan-genotypic treatments that can cure all strains of the virus. These advancements hold the promise of eradicating hepatitis B and C as public health threats, improving the lives of millions affected by these chronic infections.