An experimental drug from GlaxoSmithKline has achieved what researchers call a “functional cure” for chronic hepatitis B in nearly one in five patients during clinical trials, according to new data reported by STAT. The treatment, known as bepirovirsen, vastly outperformed current standard therapies in helping patients achieve sustained viral suppression.
Functional cure rates by treatment approach
Percentage of patients achieving sustained viral suppression, 24-week study period
Source: STAT reporting on GSK Clinical Trial Data, 2026 | Georgian Medical Journal News
Breakthrough results in phase 2 trials
The phase 2 clinical trial results showed that bepirovirsen helped 18% of patients achieve what researchers define as a functional cure, according to STAT’s report on the data. This means patients maintained undetectable levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for at least 24 weeks after treatment ended.
In contrast, current standard treatments achieve functional cure rates of approximately 1% annually, according to the reported data. Bepirovirsen works through an antisense oligonucleotide mechanism, targeting viral RNA to prevent hepatitis B virus replication.
Global burden drives urgent need for better treatments
Chronic hepatitis B remains a leading cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis globally, with the World Health Organization reporting approximately 820,000 deaths annually from hepatitis B-related complications. Current treatments require lifelong administration and rarely achieve complete viral clearance.
The disease disproportionately affects populations in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia, where vertical transmission from mother to child remains common. An estimated 296 million people live with chronic hepatitis B worldwide.
Safety profile and next steps
According to the reported trial data, safety information showed manageable side effects primarily related to injection site reactions. No serious adverse events were attributed directly to bepirovirsen treatment.
Key takeaways
- GSK’s bepirovirsen achieved functional cure in 18% of hepatitis B patients versus 1% with current therapy
- Treatment works through antisense mechanism targeting viral RNA rather than just suppressing replication
- Results represent potential breakthrough for hepatitis B treatment
Frequently asked questions
What is a functional cure for hepatitis B?
A functional cure means patients maintain undetectable levels of hepatitis B surface antigen for at least 24 weeks after treatment ends. While the virus may remain dormant in liver cells, it no longer replicates actively or causes progressive liver damage.
How does bepirovirsen differ from current treatments?
Unlike current nucleoside analogues that suppress viral replication, bepirovirsen uses antisense oligonucleotide technology to target and degrade viral RNA.
The promising results position bepirovirsen as a potential advance for hepatitis B treatment, according to the clinical trial data reported by STAT.
Source: STAT+: Experimental hepatitis B treatment was a ‘functional cure’ for nearly 1 in 5, new data show
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Medically reviewed by Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD. Spotted an error? Contact the editorial team.
