Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that results in human infection with acute and chronic disease phases in the liver. The acute phase of HBV infection is typically mild, often asymptomatic and self-resolves in up to 80% of cases. In both acute and chronic phases though, patients can infect others via bodily fluids. While very common in Africa and the western Pacific region, HBV incidence has been falling in the US and Europe as firstly the routine screening of donated blood, then vaccination programs and finally direct-acting antivirals reduced transmission, prevented infection and treated the disease, respectively. But two sets of patients remain stubborn outliers – those chronically infected with HBV and those that seem refractory to vaccination.
Stock Watch: The Stubborn Hurdle Of Chronic Hepatitis B
GSK Emerges As A Contender As Others Struggle
Most of the money raised by biotech companies to address chronic hepatitis B has resulted in failed programs. But wait, a glimmer of light from yonder pharma breaks.
