Modelling HDV kinetics under the entry inhibitor bulevirtide suggests the existence of two HDV-infected cell populations.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Bulevirtide (BLV) was approved for the treatment of compensated chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in Europe in 2020. However, research into the effects of the entry inhibitor BLV on HDV-host dynamics is in its infancy.

Methods

Eighteen patients with HDV under nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment for hepatitis B, with compensated cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension, received BLV 2 mg/day. HDV RNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 8 and every 8 weeks thereafter. A mathematical model was developed to account for HDV, HBsAg and ALT dynamics during BLV treatment.

Results

Median baseline HDV RNA, HBsAg, and ALT were 4.9 log IU/ml [IQR: 4.4-5.8], 3.7 log IU/m

SUBMITTER: Shekhtman L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10808955 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature