Current status of hepatitis delta

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 22;58:62-67. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.03.008. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis and continues to represent a major health problem. The latest data show that the global prevalence is much higher than previously considered. Therefore, screening with the detection of anti-HDV antibodies is mandatory for all chronic HBV patients. In spite of the severity of liver disease, the only recommended treatment today is pegylated interferon-alpha, which has limited efficacy. Novel host-targeting molecules are now under investigation. The current phase 2 clinical trials include pegylated interferon-lambda, bulevirtide, lonafarnib, and REP-2139. This review focuses on the current status of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of HDV infection.PMID:33895531 | DOI:10.1016/j.coph.2021.03.008
Source: Pharmacological Reports - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research