两项三期临床研究取得积极结果，乙肝“功能性治愈”更近了？

Group 1 - GSK and Ionis Pharmaceuticals have reported positive results from two key Phase III clinical trials for bepirovirsen, a drug aimed at achieving functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (HBV) [1][2] - The global chronic HBV infection population is approximately 254 million, with around 75 million in China, highlighting a significant unmet medical need for effective treatments [1] - Functional cure does not equate to complete virus eradication but significantly reduces the risks of liver cancer and cirrhosis, aligning with current drug development trends in chronic HBV [1] Group 2 - Bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy, aims to identify and destroy the genetic components of the HBV, potentially allowing patients' immune systems to regain control over the infection [2] - Domestic companies are also advancing innovative drug development for functional cure of HBV, with Guangsheng Tang's GST-HG141 and Dongyangguang Pharmaceutical's GLS4 both in Phase III trials [3] - Other companies like Zhimeng Pharmaceutical and Haobo Pharmaceutical are developing HBV core inhibitors and novel ASO drugs, respectively, indicating a growing pipeline for HBV treatment [4] Group 3 - Experts in the field have noted that while functional cure for HBV may not achieve the same results as the complete eradication seen with hepatitis C, the advancements in research are significant for future drug development [5]