Investigating how the hepatitis B virus interacts with the body to find a cure
Official title: Virus-host interactions for a cure against HBV
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11136654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the hepatitis B virus works in the body to find better ways to treat it, especially by understanding how current treatments can help some people get rid of the virus for good.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $510,306 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI182395-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are chronically infected with hepatitis B and are at risk of developing liver complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have cleared the hepatitis B virus or those with acute infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the human body to develop effective treatments. It aims to explore the mechanisms by which current treatments, such as interferon alpha, can lead to a cure, despite their limited success rates. The study will investigate the role of HBV genotypes and the stability of the virus's genetic material in chronic infections. By targeting the virus's ability to replicate and persist in the body, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies that could potentially eliminate the virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a functional cure for hepatitis B, significantly improving the health outcomes for millions of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting HBV with novel antiviral strategies, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Michailidis, Eleftherios — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Michailidis, Eleftherios
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.