Therapies for hepatitis B virus: current status and future possibilities.
Alpha-interferon is the first agent with proven therapeutic efficacy in humans with chronic HBV infection. Obviously, further research is needed to clarify and expand the role of interferon in this setting. In addition, an overall response rate of less than 50% illustrates the need for continuing innovation in the treatment of HBV infection especially in patients with predictors of poor outcome. Despite the advent of effective vaccines against HBV, this pathogen is likely to remain a source of serious human morbidity and mortality for the foreseeable future. Continuing efforts must be directed towards finding more effective therapies against HBV. A recent preliminary report suggests that thymosin. like interferon on immune modulator, may also be efficacious in the treatment of chronic HBV and deserves further study.
Martin
P
P
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Friedman
L S
LS
D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D016898:Interferon-alpha