Hepatitis B is a widespread viral infection known to target the liver, potentially progressing to serious liver conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. With a steadfast dedication to progress in hepatitis B vaccine and therapy development, our company offers a comprehensive array of services spanning the entire research and development continuum.
Overview of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a viral infection that predominantly impacts the liver. This global health challenge has affected over 2 billion individuals worldwide. Chronic HBV infection poses significant risks, potentially leading to severe conditions like liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The virus spreads through exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids, such as semen and vaginal secretions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 360 million people suffer from chronic HBV infection, underscoring the critical need for effective vaccines and therapies.
Fig.1 Hepatitis B virus (HBV) particle. (Ballegeer M., et al., 2020)
Vaccine Development for Hepatitis B
Recombinant Vaccines
The initial iteration of Hepatitis B vaccines was crafted utilizing recombinant DNA techniques. Examples like Engerix-B and Recombivax HB incorporate the HBsAg surface antigen, triggering the immune system to generate safeguarding antibodies.
Therapeutic Vaccines
Therapeutic vaccines are under development to enhance the immune response in individuals already infected with HBV. These vaccines aim to boost the host's immune system to clear the virus. Examples include therapeutic candidates like GS-4774, which uses recombinant yeast to express HBV proteins.
Therapeutics Development for Hepatitis B
Nucleos(t)ide Analogues
Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are the cornerstone of current antiviral therapy for chronic Hepatitis B. These drugs, such as entecavir and tenofovir, inhibit the viral polymerase, thereby suppressing viral replication. They have shown high efficacy in reducing viral load and liver disease progression.
Interferon Therapies
Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) alpha is an immunomodulatory therapy that has been used for the therapeutic of Hepatitis B. It stimulates the immune system to clear HBV. While it has a finite therapeutic duration, its application is limited by side effects and varying response rates.
Novel Therapies
Emerging therapies target different aspects of the HBV life cycle. For instance, capsid assembly modulators (CpAMs) disrupt the formation of viral capsids, inhibiting viral replication. RNA interference (RNAi) therapies are being explored to degrade viral RNA and suppress viral protein production.
Our Services
Specializing in Hepatitis B vaccine and therapy development, our range of services is designed to be thorough and all-encompassing. By harnessing advanced technologies and an in-depth comprehension of the virus's lifecycle, we craft impactful solutions with precision and efficacy.
- Chimpanzee Models
- Tupaia Models
- Human Chimeric Mouse Models: to support human liver cells and HBV infection.
- Duck Models
- Woodchuck Models
For therapy development, we engage in the research and development of novel antiviral drugs and immunotherapies. Our services include drug discovery, optimization, and preclinical research to ensure the development of therapies that are both potent and safe. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Iannacone, Matteo, and Luca G. Guidotti. "Immunobiology and pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus infection." Nature Reviews Immunology 22.1 (2022): 19-32.
- Nguyen, Mindie H., et al. "Hepatitis B virus: advances in prevention, diagnosis, and therapy." Clinical microbiology reviews 33.2 (2020): 10-1128.
- Ward, John W., and Pierre Van Damme. "Hepatitis B vaccines." Hepatitis B Virus and Liver Disease (2018): 91-117.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
