Bepirovirsen was developed by the British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The drug is an antisense oligonucleotide. These molecules target the virus's RNA and prevent its genetic information from being transferred. Furthermore, the drug can stimulate the immune system to fight the virus.
In phase III clinical trials, bepirovirsen demonstrated a functional cure in one in five patients, according to the Hepatitis B Foundation website. Functional cure was defined as the absence of detectable viral DNA and HBsAg surface antigen levels in the blood for at least 24 weeks after discontinuing all treatment. This means the body's immune system has brought the disease under control without the use of drugs.
An additional analysis showed that 72 weeks after the start of the study, HBsAg levels had decreased to 100 IU/mL or lower in 49% of participants receiving the drug. Among patients with baseline HBsAg levels of 1,000 IU/mL or lower, this figure was 62%. Low antigen levels are associated with more pronounced immune control of the infection.
Bepirovirsen is approved for adults without cirrhosis who have been receiving standard antiviral therapy for at least six months, have suppressed viral DNA levels, and have a baseline HBsAg level of no more than 3000 IU/mL. The course of treatment with bepirovirsen lasts six months.
Recently, other scientists have introduced a rapid test for hepatitis C that takes 15 minutes and is 100% accurate.
