A double blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the effect of famciclovir on virus replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
This is the first double-blind controlled study of famciclovir, an oral antiviral agent, as potential therapy for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carries. A fall of more than 90% in HBV DNA levels was noted in six of 11 evaluable patients treated with a 10 day course of oral famciclovir. Further studies with more prolonged therapy are ongoing.
Main
J
J
Department of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
Brown
J L
JL
Howells
C
C
Galassini
R
R
Crossey
M
M
Karayiannis
P
P
Georgiou
P
P
Atkinson
G
G
Thomas
H C
HC
D015075:2-Aminopurine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002353:Carrier State; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000077595:Famciclovir; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014779:Virus Replication
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D015075:2-Aminopurine; D000077595:Famciclovir