HKU launches clinical trial in Hong Kong to treat chronic hepatitis B patients
Existing medication only suppresses virus and has to be taken for decades, researcher says
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has launched a clinical trial for a gene-related therapy aimed at treating chronic hepatitis B infection, giving patients hope for a cure in the future.
Professor Yuen Man-fung, chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at HKU’s medical faculty, said on Thursday that existing medication for hepatitis B patients could only suppress the virus and had to be taken for decades.
He expected that the new treatment could enable patients to discontinue long-term medication.
“If we can suppress the virus and also eradicate the virus if possible, then the patients will not suffer or will have a minimal risk or lower risk of suffering from liver cancer development and cirrhosis or liver failure,” he said.
“And that obviously will bring hope … [to the] patients.”
Chronic hepatitis B affects more than 300 million people worldwide and is a primary cause of liver cirrhosis, cancer and liver failure. Around 6.2 per cent of the population of Hong Kong is affected by the condition.