New liver-targeted antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B
Official title: Liver Targeting Dihydroquinolizinone (DHQ) Molecules as Hepatitis B Virus Antivirals with Reduced Toxicity
Funded at Baruch S. Blumberg Institute · NIH-10933387 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new antiviral medications that aim to help people with chronic hepatitis B by targeting the liver and boosting the immune system, with the hope of finding a better treatment option that is safer and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baruch S. Blumberg Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Doylestown, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168792-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933387 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B who have not responded adequately to current antiviral therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute hepatitis B or those who do not have chronic infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new class of antiviral medications specifically designed to target the liver and combat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. The approach involves creating dihydroquinolizinone (DHQ) molecules that can effectively reduce HBV RNA levels while minimizing toxicity to the central nervous system. By enhancing the body's immune response against the virus, the goal is to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B, which is currently challenging with existing treatments. Patients may be involved in trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these new liver-selective antiviral agents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment for chronic hepatitis B, potentially reducing the risk of severe liver complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of liver-targeted antivirals is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other viral infections, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
Doylestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Du, Yanming — Baruch S. Blumberg Institute
- Study coordinator: Du, Yanming
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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HBV cure clues in people with and without HIV
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HBV cure factors in people with and without HIV
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HBV prevention in community pharmacies: a first step in a low-resource setting
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Blood markers to catch early liver cancer in Hispanic people with hepatitis B
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Early blood markers to find hepatitis B–related liver cancer in Hispanics
This project will use immune-related blood markers to find liver cancer earlier in people with chronic hepatitis B, focusing on Hispanic adults.
-
HBV safety with long-acting HIV therapy for people with HIV
A study to understand how long-acting HIV meds affect hepatitis B in people living with HIV and how to best monitor and protect them.
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.