Bepirovirsen is a ‘triple-action’ drug that destroys viral RNA, reduces the production of hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) and stimulates the immune system to control the virus.
The goal is a functional cure. This occurs when the HBsAg antigen is no longer detectable in the blood at least 24 weeks after the end of treatment, without further medication.

In the B-Well Phase III trials, high rates of functional cure were observed compared to 0% with standard therapies.
In an exploratory analysis, 49% of those treated achieved an HBsAg level of ≤ 100 IU/mL one year after the end of treatment.

The US regulatory authority, the FDA, has granted Bepirovirsen Breakthrough Therapy Designation and initiated a Priority Review.

The post A breakthrough in the treatment of hepatitis B? first appeared on SHCA - Swiss Hepatitis C Association.

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The human immune system can successfully eliminate acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in about 90% of adults. The key to this is an effective, virus-specific response from B and T cells, which leads to virus control and ultimately to a cure. In chronic HBV infection, however, these B and T cell responses are barely detectable and impaired in their function.

TherVacB aims to break through this HBV-specific immune tolerance. With the help of therapeutic vaccination, antiviral B and T cell responses are to be restored in order to achieve a permanent cure for HBV.

TherVacB website
CORDIS Towards A Cure For Hepatitis B

The post There is hope that chronic hepatitis B can be cured in a few years first appeared on SHCA - Swiss Hepatitis C Association.

A key consensus from the symposium was that hepatitis diagnostics and treatment must be integrated directly into OAT settings, as is already the case in addiction medicine centers. However, the challenge remains in extending this approach to decentralised settings, such as primary care practices, to achieve elimination goals. International approaches presented at the symposium included Point-of-Care (POC) antibody tests, which enable quick, straightforward on-site testing, and Dried Blood Spot (DBS) testing, which provides a simple sample-collection and shipping method, particularly for patients who prefer to avoid venipuncture. Another essential component is reflex testing, where a positive screening test automatically triggers follow-up tests, such as HCV RNA testing. Additionally, POC RNA testing can provide immediate confirmation of an active HCV infection, accelerating the start of treatment.

The symposium also highlighted the need to strengthen clinicians’ competence through targeted training and support, ensuring they feel confident in managing hepatitis care. Future strategies discussed included integrating peer support and patient navigators into clinical practice, with training programs for peer counsellors and clear role definitions. To improve treatment adherence, systems such as apps, SMS reminders, and regular check-ins by peer counsellors were presented. Strengthening post-treatment follow-up was also emphasised to minimise reinfection risks and ensure long-term care. Societal change is equally crucial: Stigma, discrimination, criminalisation, and violence against people who use substances must be actively dismantled to improve access to care.

A focus of the symposium was data from the SAMMSU Cohort (Swiss Association for the Medical Management in Substance Users), which covers a nationwide population of over 1,500 people in OAT. The findings provided valuable insights into the current state of hepatitis care and underscored urgent needs. The data on hepatitis B and D were particularly revealing: 30% of the cohort lacked adequate protection against hepatitis B, an alarming figure given the population’s risk factors. While 80% of the population had undergone HBs antigen testing, only 1.3% tested positive. More concerning was that only 50% of hepatitis B-positive clients were subsequently tested for hepatitis D, highlighting the need for clear testing guidelines to ensure comprehensive and consistent diagnostics. Without such guidelines, critical diagnoses may be missed, and affected individuals may not receive necessary treatment.

Two presentations addressed hepatitis care in decentralised settings, such as primary care outside specialised institutions. These discussions revealed significant gaps in care, often due to competing priorities in daily practice. Primary care providers frequently face time constraints, limited resources, and a lack of clear structures for systematically implementing hepatitis diagnostics and treatment in their practices. These challenges were further explored in the World Café discussions, where it became evident that primary care providers need clear directives and testing guidelines.

Potential solutions include involving cantonal health authorities to establish uniform standards and processes in OAT and empowering nursing staff to take a central role in patient motivation, education, regular testing, and empowerment. Often, the first point of contact, nurses can significantly improve care through targeted training and clear protocols.

The insights from the SAMMSU Cohort and World Café discussions demonstrate that sustainable improvement in hepatitis care in Switzerland requires clear guidelines, organisational support, and a strengthened role for nursing staff. Only then can we ensure that all affected individuals—regardless of their care setting—have access to necessary diagnostics and treatment.

Micro-elimination of viral hepatitis among people in OAT is achievable, but it demands a collaborative effort involving integrated care models, simplified diagnostics, rapid treatment initiation, and strong political and societal support. By working together—clinicians, peer counsellors, policymakers, and all stakeholders—we can turn this goal into reality.

Sammsu study at www.sciencedirect.com

The entire newsletter as PDF

The post Achieving Hepatitis C Micro-Elimination in Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) – Key Insights from the Swiss Hepatitis Symposium 2025 first appeared on SHCA - Swiss Hepatitis C Association.

The Positive Council is a specialist committee that represents the interests of people with HIV and hepatitis, as well as those with co-infections. It has particular expertise in the areas of health, law, lobbying and communication. The association consists of people with HIV and/or hepatitis, their relatives or specialists who show solidarity with them.

Website Positive Council

The post The Positive Council is looking for new members first appeared on SHCA - Swiss Hepatitis C Association.

With plenary sessions, interactive workshops, poster and lecture events, panel discussions, film screenings and much more, INHSU 2025 will advocate for the promotion of health equity for people who use drugs. You can expect events on topics such as harm reduction, HIV, HCV, women who use drugs, drug policy and much more.

INHSU 2025

The post INHSU 2025 first appeared on SHCA - Swiss Hepatitis C Association.

The theme of this year’s symposium is:
‘Viral hepatitis: micro-elimination in people undergoing opioid agonist therapy and substance users’

The symposium will focus on the following topics:
– Identifying practical barriers to testing and treatment in decentralised OAT facilities.
– Exchange of international and national approaches and perspectives on this topic.
– Networking of stakeholders and development of joint solutions.

Please reserve the date today. Participation in the symposium is free of charge. The event will end with a joint aperitif, which will provide an opportunity to deepen the contacts made during the day.

Program PDF

Swiss Hepatitis

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The guide was published ahead of Prisoners’ Day on 10 August and aims to promote hepatitis B and C prevention and treatment in prisons across Europe. It is primarily aimed at professionals working in prison healthcare. It contains information on how measures to prevent and control viral hepatitis can be facilitated in such settings.

European Toolkit for the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis in Prisons (EuroHePP)

Hepatitis is also a problem in prisons in Switzerland, and eliminating it by 2030 will only be possible with significantly more effort than has been made to date.

Swiss HepFree in Prisons Programme SHiPP

The post European guide to eliminating viral hepatitis in prisons first appeared on SHCA - Swiss Hepatitis C Association.

Hepatitis A Info at Swiss-Hepatitis

ECDC Report

You can find a vaccination center in Switzerland on our HepMap or ask your family doctor.

Twinrix is a vaccine that protects against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

The post Currently increased risk of hepatitis A in Eastern Europe first appeared on SHCA - Swiss Hepatitis C Association.

Only by working together, raising awareness, and testing and treating more people can we get this disease under control.

We have everything we need to eliminate hepatitis by 2030—but the world is falling behind!

www.worldhepatitisday.org

World-Hepatitis-Day at Hepatitis-Switzerland

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