Chronic Hepatitis B: Current Management and Future Directions

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current and future strategies for managing chronic hepatitis B, focusing on new treatments and challenges in achieving a cure.

Contribution

The paper provides an updated overview of therapeutic approaches and emerging directions for chronic hepatitis B management.

Findings

Current therapies like nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon improve viral suppression but do not eliminate HBV.

cccDNA persistence remains a major obstacle to achieving a definitive cure for chronic hepatitis B.

Emerging research is exploring novel antiviral agents and immunomodulatory therapies for a functional cure.

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health burden, affecting millions and contributing significantly to liver-related morbidity and mortality. While substantial progress has been made in elucidating the virology and natural history of HBV, the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) continues to present clinical challenges. The development of potent nucleos(t)ide analogs and pegylated interferon has improved viral suppression and delayed disease progression, yet a definitive cure remains elusive due to the persistence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Recent research has focused on novel antiviral agents, immunomodulatory therapies, and combination strategies aimed at achieving a functional cure. This review summarizes current therapeutic approaches, recent advancements, and emerging directions in CHB management.

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