First Patient in World trials new Hep B therapy

22 June 2007

Greenslopes Private Hospital has enrolled the very first patient in the world in a major new international study examining the appropriate dose and treatment duration of a new therapy for hepatitis B.

The local study group is led by leading Queensland Gastroenterologist, Professor Darrell Crawford who believes that this trial will clarify many issues about the treatment of hepatitis B.

Chronic hepatitis B is a major global health problem. It is estimated that more than 400 million people world wide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus - approximately 100,000 to 150,000 Australians are infected with the virus.

Hepatitis B is estimated to be responsible for 250,000 deaths per year and it is thought to be the leading global cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and primary liver cancer.

Professor Crawford said current available therapies for hepatitis B are limited because resistance to the anti-viral agent is common.

“Life long therapy is often needed to prevent patients developing complications of end stage liver disease," Professor Crawford said.

“With this new therapy, viral resistance is not an issue and the agent needs to be administered for a limited period of time only.”

Professor Crawford said clarifying the dose and the exact duration of therapy needed to achieve viral clearance would be an important step in improving therapeutic options for patients with hepatitis B.

For further information contact Frances McChlery, Marketing Manager,
Greenslopes Private Hospital on (07) 3394 7608 or 0419 739 573.