Developing new therapies to eliminate chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Official title: Engineering exosomes for new gRNA/Cas therapeutics to eliminate HBV infection
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11004677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with chronic hepatitis B by using special tiny particles to deliver a gene-editing tool that could completely get rid of the virus, offering hope for a cure instead of just managing the infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $173,829 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI179794-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B virus infection who have not responded adequately to existing antiviral treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with hepatitis B virus or those who have acute infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative therapies using engineered exosomes to deliver CRISPR/Cas technology aimed at eliminating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Current treatments can manage the virus but do not eradicate it, leaving patients at risk for long-term complications. By utilizing advanced gene-editing techniques, the study aims to specifically target and remove the viral DNA from infected cells, potentially leading to a complete cure. The approach emphasizes safety and efficacy by using non-viral delivery systems to minimize risks associated with traditional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking cure for chronic hepatitis B virus infection, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of CRISPR/Cas technology is a relatively novel approach in this context, there have been successful applications of similar gene-editing strategies in other viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Zhi Q. — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Yao, Zhi Q.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.