Drugs that target the hepatitis B virus capsid
HBV Capsid Effectors
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11307174
Testing small molecules that change how the hepatitis B virus builds its outer shell to stop virus replication in people with chronic hepatitis B.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307174 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be learning about medicines called capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) that change how HBV core proteins come together to form the virus shell. By speeding or misdirecting shell assembly, these drugs stop the virus from packaging its genetic material and may block the formation of the persistent cccDNA that keeps infection alive. The research team has developed several potent CAMs in the lab and advanced one lead compound into early human testing, and this project continues optimizing compounds and studying how they affect viral replication. Participation would likely involve lab testing and could include early-phase clinical visits at trial sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic hepatitis B infection, especially those with ongoing viral replication despite current therapy, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without hepatitis B, those already cured of HBV, or individuals with medical conditions that make trial participation unsafe would not be expected to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could more effectively suppress or potentially clear HBV infection and reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related capsid-targeting drugs have shown strong antiviral effects in the lab and at least one lead entered phase 1 human testing, but a durable cure has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHINAZI, RAYMOND FELIX — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SCHINAZI, RAYMOND FELIX
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 below.