Bepirovirsen, formerly known as IONIS-HBVRx and GSK3228836, is an investigational antisense medicine designed to inhibit the production of viral proteins associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV). These include proteins associated with infection and replication, including the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which is present in both acute and chronic infections and is associated with a poor prognosis in people with chronic HBV infection.
About Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Hepatitis infection is a serious health problem that can lead to significant and potentially fatal health conditions, including cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Chronic HBV infection is one of the most common persistent viral infections in the world, affecting nearly 300 million people and resulting in approximately 900,000 deaths annually. Currently available therapies, although effective in reducing circulating HBV in the blood, do not effectively inhibit HBV antigen production and secretion, which are associated with poor prognosis and increased risk of liver cancer.
Safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by any regulatory authorities for the indications described.