Toward a cure for Hepatitis B using DNA-targeting PNAs
Official title: Toward a Curative Treatment for HBV with cccDNA-Targeting Peptide Nucleic Acids
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11515047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to develop a new, liver-targeted therapy that could remove persistent HBV DNA from liver cells to potentially cure infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $476,493 |
| NIH project number | 4R33AI180006-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11515047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with chronic HBV infection who might benefit from future curative therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HBV infection or those who are not candidates for nucleic acid–based liver-targeted therapies.
What this research studies
This project seeks to create peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that can directly bind and degrade the HBV cccDNA stored in liver cells. The approach explores how PNAs can be delivered to the liver and targeted to the virus’ DNA with high specificity and low toxicity. If successful, this could complement existing vaccines and antivirals by addressing the stubborn cccDNA reservoir that keeps HBV infections alive. The research will establish sensitive assays to detect cccDNA changes and evaluate safety and delivery in relevant models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a curative therapy for HBV by eradicating the virus’ hidden DNA in liver cells.
How similar studies have gone: Past work with liver-targeted nucleic acid therapies shows promise, but direct cccDNA degradation remains a novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gagnon, Keith Thomas — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Gagnon, Keith Thomas
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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.