THE FDA APPROVED THE FIRST ANTISENSE TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC HEPATITIS B.
In trials, 24% met treatment-stopping criteria versus none on placebo; 19% stayed controlled 24 weeks after stopping all therapy.
The FDA approved Hibsago, the first antisense oligonucleotide for certain adults with chronic hepatitis B who do not have cirrhosis and whose virus is already suppressed.
WHAT HAPPENED
Hibsago is used alongside existing therapy and targets instructions the virus uses to make surface antigen. Across two randomized trials, 24% of treated participants met criteria to stop therapy, compared with none receiving placebo. Nineteen percent remained controlled with undetectable surface antigen 24 weeks after stopping all treatment.
WHY THIS IS HOPESLOP
Hundreds of millions live with chronic hepatitis B, often on indefinite medication. A treatment designed around functional cure—not simply continued suppression—moves that horizon closer for a carefully selected group. The drug is not low-risk: serious liver reactions and low platelets require close medical monitoring.
ORIGINAL SOURCEU.S. Food and Drug AdministrationRead the original report
A DAILY ALLEGATION OF PROGRESS.
One good thing from the internet, every day. Nothing else.