Developing new treatments to inhibit hepatitis B virus DNA
Official title: High throughput screening and preclinical development of HBV cccDNA inhibitors
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10995325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to stop the hepatitis B virus from making a key part of its DNA, which could help create better treatments for people living with hepatitis B.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,642 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI179929-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hepatitis B or those with acute hepatitis B may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a high throughput screening system to identify potential inhibitors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is crucial for the virus's lifecycle. The project will utilize a specialized cell line that produces viral components in response to cccDNA, allowing researchers to screen various compounds for their ability to inhibit cccDNA formation. If successful, this approach could lead to the development of new therapies that effectively target and eliminate HBV cccDNA, addressing a significant gap in current hepatitis B treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively eliminate hepatitis B virus from the body, potentially curing the infection.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting cccDNA is a novel approach, previous research has shown promise in developing antiviral therapies for hepatitis B, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Haitao — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Guo, Haitao
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.