Advances in new antivirals for chronic hepatitis B

Chin Med J (Engl). 2022 Feb 2;135(5):571-583. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000001994.

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global health burden. Timely and effective antiviral therapy is beneficial for patients with HBV infection. With existing antiviral drugs, including nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon-alfa, patients can achieve viral suppression with improved prognosis. However, the rate of hepatitis B surface antigen loss is low. To achieve a functional cure and even complete cure in chronic hepatitis B patients, new antivirals need to be developed. In this review, we summarized the advantages and disadvantages of existing antiviral drugs and focused on new antivirals including direct-acting antiviral drugs and immunotherapeutic approaches.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B virus
  • Hepatitis B* / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic* / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic* / drug therapy
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens