Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a significant global health issue. At this year's European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Annual Meeting, the functional cure of CHB emerged as a focal point of research. "Hepatology Digest" had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Graham Griffiths, Chief Brand Officer at Barinthus Biotherapeutics, to gain insights into the conference highlights and the latest advancements in CHB treatment. Mr. Griffiths not only shared his key takeaways from the event but also detailed the progress made in the pursuit of a functional cure for CHB. He emphasized that combining various therapeutic strategies holds promise for more effective treatments and expressed optimism about the collaborative spirit and innovative potential showcased at the conference.Insights from Mr. Graham Griffiths
Hepatology Digest: What aspects of the EASL conference were you most focused on, and what were the key takeaways?
Mr. Graham Griffiths: I was particularly focused on the latest developments in CHB and its functional cure. This year’s EASL conference showcased remarkable progress, especially in developing new combination therapy strategies. We presented two clinical trials exploring the efficacy and safety of combining HBV-specific immunotherapy (VTP-300) with the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab and/or the siRNA drug imdusiran. Imdusiran targets all HBV RNA transcripts, reducing all viral antigens, including HBsAg. These trials represent significant strides in providing better treatment options for CHB patients.
Hepatology Digest: Can you elaborate on the clinical trials and their significance?
Mr. Graham Griffiths: The clinical trials we’re conducting involve evaluating the combination of VTP-300, nivolumab, and imdusiran in CHB patients. Our goal is to determine the effectiveness and safety of these combinations in reducing viral load and achieving a functional cure. We have been consistently updating our data and are optimistic about the potential these therapies hold. The combination approach aims to enhance the immune response against HBV and reduce viral antigen levels more effectively than monotherapies.
Hepatology Digest: What were the highlights of the conference for you?
Mr. Graham Griffiths: One of the key highlights was witnessing the innovative approaches and new data on drug combinations for CHB. The progress in research and the introduction of new therapeutic strategies were truly inspiring. It’s exciting to see the advancements being made towards the functional cure of CHB. The conference also provided an excellent platform for networking and collaboration, helping to foster a collective effort in tackling CHB.
Hepatology Digest: How do you feel about the future of CHB treatment based on what you observed at the EASL conference?
Mr. Graham Griffiths: The future of CHB treatment looks promising. The progress we are making in understanding and developing functional cures is encouraging. We are seeing more products and new pharmaceutical companies entering the field, which adds momentum to our efforts. This collaborative and innovative environment will likely accelerate the achievement of functional cures for CHB. It’s a long journey, but with continued research and cooperation, we are steadily moving closer to providing better treatment options for CHB patients.
Hepatology Digest: What are your overall impressions of the EASL conference this year?
Mr. Graham Griffiths: I attend major academic conferences like EASL and AASLD annually, and this year’s EASL conference was particularly impressive. The new data on different drug combinations and the overall progress in the field were very exciting. It’s heartening to see the scientific community’s dedication and innovation in tackling CHB. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to learn, share, and collaborate, and I am optimistic about the future advancements in CHB treatment.
Conclusion
Mr. Griffiths concluded by emphasizing the long-term commitment required to find a cure for hepatitis B. He expressed hope that ongoing research and collaboration would bring us closer to this goal, ultimately providing better treatment options and a brighter future for CHB patients.
