Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis E virus (HEV), which poses a significant global health burden. Through strong preclinical research service capabilities and world-class research platforms, our company can accelerate the development of effective hepatitis E vaccines and therapeutics.
Overview of Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is an acute self-limited disease in most individuals. However, it carries a higher risk for pregnant women, where it can lead to severe complications and even mortality. The virus is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often due to contaminated water supplies. In developed countries, zoonotic transmission through the consumption of undercooked meat, particularly pork, has become a prominent route of infection.
Fig.1 Genetic organization and translation of hepatitis E virus. (Nimgaonkar, I., et al., 2018)
Vaccine Development for Hepatitis E
Hecolin: The Pioneering Vaccine
Hecolin, developed by Innovax, is the first and only vaccine for HEV currently licensed in China. It is a recombinant protein vaccine that targets the ORF2 capsid protein of the virus. Clinical trials demonstrated a 100% efficacy rate against genotype 1 HEV after three doses, providing robust immunity. Importantly, it has also shown cross-protection against genotype 4, reaffirming its potential as a preventive measure in endemic areas.
Despite its efficacy, Hecolin is not yet available outside of China, which limits its global impact. Research is ongoing to evaluate its safety and efficacy in diverse populations, particularly during pregnancy, where the disease poses a heightened risk.
rHEV Vaccine: A Promising Candidate
Another noteworthy candidate is the rHEV vaccine, which contains amino acids derived from the capsid protein (ORF2). Although it has shown promise in phase II clinical trials, it was not advanced due to the high costs associated with further development. This highlights a significant barrier in vaccine development, where financial viability often dictates the progression of potentially beneficial products.
Therapeutics Development for Hepatitis E
As the current standard of care for chronic Hepatitis E, ribavirin has been effective in nonpregnant patients. However, its use in pregnant women is contraindicated due to safety concerns. Ribavirin's mechanism involves the inhibition of viral RNA replication, highlighting the need for alternative therapies in specific patient populations.
Sofosbuvir, an antiviral medication originally developed for Hepatitis C, has shown potential in inhibiting Hepatitis E virus replication in vitro. While further clinical verification is required, this finding suggests a possible therapeutic avenue for genotype 3 HEV.
Pegylated interferon has been explored as an alternative therapeutics for Hepatitis E with limited success. The variability in response and the need for systematic evaluation present ongoing challenges in its application.
Our Services
Our company's commitment to combating Hepatitis E extends beyond vaccine and therapy development. We offer a comprehensive suite of services that include:
- Molecular Biology and Virology: Advanced techniques in molecular biology are employed to understand the virus's genetic makeup and to develop effective vaccines and therapeutics.
- Immunology: We study the immune response to HEV to design vaccines that can elicit robust and long-lasting immunity.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology: Rigorous testing is conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential drug candidates.
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Disease Models
- HEV Genotype 1 and 2 Infection Rhesus Monkey Models
- HEV Genotype 3 and 4 Infection Swine Models
- HEV Genotype 1 and 3 Infection Human Liver Chimeric Mice
- Rat HEV Infection Athymic Nude Rat Models
With our comprehensive suite of services, we are at the forefront of these efforts, committed to delivering professional solutions. As research progresses, the goal of eradicating Hepatitis E inches closer to reality. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Nimgaonkar, Ila, et al. "Hepatitis E virus: advances and challenges." Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology 15.2 (2018): 96-110.
- Petrik, Juraj, et al. "Hepatitis e." Vox Sang 110.1 (2016): 93-130.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
