Role of Core/Capsid Inhibitors in Functional Cure Strategies for Chronic Hepatitis B

This article reviews the preclinical and clinical results of CpAMs.Recent FindingsCpAMs interfere with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleocapsid assembly and also exert a secondary action on covalently closed circular DNA replenishment. CpAMs are able to sustainably suppress hepatitis B viral load and viral antigens in in vivo studies. In phase I/II clinical trials, CpAMs are well tolerated and are efficacious in suppressing viral replication. CpAMs also have synergistic antiviral effects when combined with nucleoside analogues or pegylated interferon. The clinical data has yet to demonstrate the capability of CpAMs in inducing HBsAg seroclearance, possibly due to the short follow-up period of current studies. There is emerging data showing initial viral antigen reduction with the continuation of CpAMs for more than 24  weeks.SummaryCpAMs have shown promising preclinical and phase I/II clinical data. Data from long-term phase III trials and from combination therapies with other antiviral agents are keenly anticipated.
Source: Current Hepatitis Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research