Hep B Blog
About Hepatitis B, HBV

Caregivers and Hepatitis B

November is National Family Caregivers Month. This month we celebrate and recognize the caregivers who take care of and support their family members 24/7. People living with hepatitis B or advanced liver disease might need a caregiver. Oftentimes, family members step in and fulfill this role. Being a caregiver is a tough, but noble job. Caregivers to someone living with hepatitis B might have to manage medications, doctors’ appointments, and oversee their overall health. This blog will highlight the challenges associated with caregiving and provide supportive resources.

Hepatitis B disproportionately affects Asian, Pacific Islander, and African populations. In fact, around 59% of those U.S. residents with chronic hepatitis B in the U.S. in 2018 emigrated from Asia, 19% from the Americas and 15% from Africa. It can be hard for people living with chronic hepatitis B to receive culturally appropriate care in the U.S., where English is the primary language. Caregivers of individuals living with hepatitis B might have to provide these translation services at doctors’ appointments, which can be difficult to juggle for caregivers who also work and/or take care of families – and some may find it difficult to discuss sensitive health information on behalf of their loved ones.

Taking time to be with a family member at the doctors’ office can sometimes be difficult, especially if the caregiver is working a full-time job. Often companies can be understanding of family obligations, but sometimes caregivers’ occupations do not allow them to be at appointments, making them take time off, which can become a financial burden.

Additionally, a study in China1 “suggested that the annual direct cost for patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis or primary liver cancer were $4,552, $7,400.28, $6,936 and $10,63, respectively, which were catastrophic expenditures for the households of the patients”. This financial burden can take a considerable toll on a caregiver’s mental health. Caregivers often worry about the health of their family members living with hepatitis B, but and can have financial concerns regarding the cost of managing a chronic illness, and potentially lost wages.

It is normal for caregivers to experience burnout. Providing around-the-clock care can be difficult. Below are some resources for caregivers experiencing burnout.

Resources for Caregivers

  1. Join – Join a support group. Hep B Community is a global peer-led, volunteer-driven forum to support those living with and affected by hepatitis B. They are dedicated to connecting people affected by hepatitis B with each other and with verified experts in the field, who provide trustworthy and accurate advice.
  2. Listen – In our newest B Heppy podcast episode, Caregiving and Hepatitis B, we chat with Kim, who was a caregiver for her father living with hepatitis B. She talks about her caregiving experience and gives advice to other caregivers of people living with hepatitis B. You can listen to the episode here.
  3. Take Time – It is important for caregivers to take time for themselves. You need to stay healthy yourself to be an effective caregiver for your family member living with hepatitis B. This can mean taking walks, meditating, setting boundaries, and practicing stress management.
  4. Read – Does someone in your close circle have hepatitis B? Check out the CDC and Hep B United Know Hepatitis B campaign’s fact sheet, “When Someone in the Family has Hepatitis B”. This fact sheet has basic information about hepatitis B and the importance of testing and vaccinating family members. The fact sheet is available in 13 Asian and African languages as well as three English versions focused on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander, and African immigrants –  Download the fact sheet here.

 

Reference

  1. Ren, Hong & Yu, Yan & Hu, Jia-Yu & Shi, Yang & Lu, Yihan & Meng, Wei. (2014). Caregiver burden and its determinants among family members of patients with chronic viral hepatitis in Shanghai, China: A community-based survey. BMC infectious diseases. 14. 82. 10.1186/1471-2334-14-82.

 

 

Author: Evangeline Wang

Contact Information: info@hepb.org

HBV, Liver, Liver Health

Your Environment and Your Liver

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month! This month let’s celebrate your liver for all it does for your body! This blog post will talk about how your environment, where you live, work, and play, affect your liver.

A healthy functioning liver (no advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis) is busy and effectively manages toxins daily. If your body was an automobile, your liver would be considered the engine. It does hundreds of vital things to make sure everything runs smoothly. Some of the most important functions of the liver include:

  • Stores vitamins, sugar, and iron to help give your body energy.
  • Controls the production and removal of cholesterol.
  • Clears your blood of waste products, drugs, and other poisonous substances.
  • Makes clotting factors to stop excessive bleeding after cuts or injuries.
  • Makes immune factors and removes bacteria from the blood to fight infection.
  • Releases a substance called “bile” to help digest food and absorb nutrients

How Does Lifestyle Affect My Liver?

Eating healthy for your liver is so important! The Hepatitis B Foundation encourages all people living with hepatitis B to eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and incorporate healthy habits in their day-to-day life. Some suggestions include:

Diet Changes

  • Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking since both will hurt your liver, which is already being injured by the hepatitis B virus.
  • Eat a healthy diet of fruit, whole grains, fish and lean meats, and a lot of vegetables. “Cruciferous vegetables” in particular — cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower — have been shown to help protect the liver against environmental chemicals.
  • Limit foods and drinks with added sugars including sodas, fruit juices, desserts, packaged snacks, and other foods that contain added sugar. Limit foods containing saturated fats including fatty cuts of meat and foods fried in oil.
  • Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish (e.g. clams, mussels, oysters, scallops) because they could be contaminated with a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which is very toxic to the liver and could cause a lot of damage.
  • Check for signs of mold on nuts, maize, corn, groundnut, sorghum, and millet before using these foods. Mold is more likely to be a problem if food is stored in damp conditions and not properly sealed. If there is mold, then the food could be contaminated by “aflatoxins,” which are a known risk factor for liver cancer.

Household Changes

  • Avoid inhaling fumes from paint, paint thinners, glue, household cleaning products, nail polish removers, and other potentially toxic chemicals that could damage your liver.

Personal Care Changes

  • Wearing makeup is sometimes part of our everyday life or used on occasion. We can absorb products through our skin and into the liver. Sometimes makeup products that are applied to the facial area (high absorption area) contain harmful chemicals to your liver. People living with hepatitis B should look on labels for these 4 ingredients which are toxic to your liver.
  1. Phthalates including di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ehtylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
  2. Lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
  3. Diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), amonoethanolamine (MEA)
  4. Propylene / butylene glycol (PG)

Ultimately, making healthy decisions about your liver is up to you. There will always be risks associated with different things you put in or on your body; it is your choice to outweigh these risks vs. benefits for yourself.

References:

 

Author: Evangeline Wang

Contact Information: info@hepb.org

About Hepatitis B, HBV, Liver, Liver Health, Living with Hepatitis B

The Importance of Liver Surveillance

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month! This blog will discuss the importance of liver surveillance if you are living with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B as a Major Risk Factor for Liver Cancer

Although liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world, it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Many people do not realize that chronic hepatitis B is the primary global risk factor for developing liver cancer. Certain viruses, including hepatitis B, can cause hepatitis, which translates to “inflammation of liver.” The virus attacks the liver and weakens its ability to perform important tasks like filtering toxins from your blood and maintaining the level of sugar in your blood. Chronic (long-term) infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C viruses can lead to liver cancer. Worldwide, hepatitis B is very widespread, making it a priority when it comes to the prevention of liver cancer. Approximately 292 million people around the world are living with hepatitis B.

Why Should I be Screened?

 Early detection of liver cancer can save lives! Regular screening for liver cancer and early detection are the most effective ways to improve treatment success and survival rates. Early detection of liver cancer results in more treatment options, which greatly improves the chances of survival after initial diagnosis. For patients in whom liver cancer is detected at an early stage and before symptoms occur – while the tumor is small and can be surgically removed – the 5-year survival rate can sometimes be more than 50%. This is why regular liver cancer screening is so important.

If you have cirrhosis or other known risk factors for liver cancer, make sure your health care provider screens you for liver cancer during your medical visits. Finding the cancer early may increase the chance of successful treatment. Your health care provider may refer you to a hepatologist, a doctor who specializes in liver diseases. Hepatologists have the most experience in managing chronic hepatitis B and C infections, including regular screening for liver cancer.

How Often Should I be Screened?

Liver cancer screening can be done as part of your regular visit to the health care provider who manages your hepatitis B. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) recommends that liver cancer screening include ultrasound of the liver every 6 months. If you are living with hepatitis B and are not getting screened every 6 months for liver cancer, you should ask your healthcare provider to start!

Listen and Learn!

The Hepatitis B Foundation’s podcast B Heppy has an episode out: Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B. In this episode, they chat with Dr. Kenneth Rothstein of University of Pennsylvania about the relationship between liver cancer and hepatitis B. He gives insight into herbal medicines, treatment options, liver surveillance, and important questions patients should ask their healthcare provider. Listen for more: https://bheppy.buzzsprout.com

 

 

Author: Evangeline Wang

Contact Information: info@hepb.org

About Hepatitis B, HBV, Liver, Liver Cancer

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month!

Aside

October marks the start of Liver Cancer Awareness Month! This month let’s celebrate your liver for all it does for your body!

Action Alert: Urge ACIP to Recommend Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adults in the US

A universal hepatitis B recommendation for adults is critical in addressing the consistently low adult hepatitis B vaccination rates and eliminating viral hepatitis in the United States. Tell the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that universal adult hepatitis is essential to preventing liver cancer.  Take action here.

What Does Your Liver Do?

The liver is such an important organ – it’s like the engine of your body. It does hundreds of vital things to make sure everything runs smoothly:

  • Stores vitamins, sugar, and iron to help give your body energy
  • Controls the production and removal of cholesterol
  • Clears your blood of waste products, drugs, and other poisonous substances
  • Makes clotting factors to stop excessive bleeding after cuts or injuries
  • Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the bloodstream to combat infection
  • Releases a substance called “bile” to help digest food and absorb important nutrients

The Link Between Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B  

The most common type of liver cancer is “primary liver cancer” or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Worldwide, the most common risk factor for primary liver cancer is chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus. Chronic viral hepatitis infections (hepatitis B and hepatitis C) cause about 80% of all liver cancers. Obesity, heavy alcohol use, fatty liver disease (NAFLD or NASH), and some metabolic disorders also increase the risk for primary liver cancer. People chronically infected with hepatitis B are more likely to develop liver cancer than uninfected people because the virus directly and repeatedly attacks the liver. These attacks over time can lead to increased liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and ultimately, liver cancer. People who have chronic hepatitis B can reduce their risk of liver cancer through regular medical monitoring, taking antiviral treatment if necessary, and making healthy lifestyle changes.

The best way to prevent liver cancer is to prevent hepatitis B infection! This is why hepatitis B vaccination is so important. When someone gets vaccinated to protect them from getting hepatitis B, they are also preventing liver cancer!

How Would I Know if I Have Liver Cancer?

If you have chronic hepatitis B, make sure you are getting routine surveillance for liver cancer every 6 months with your healthcare provider. This surveillance, which includes a combination of blood tests and liver imaging (ultrasound) is so important because early detection of liver cancer greatly improves the chances of survival with treatment. For patients in whom liver cancer is detected at an early stage and before symptoms occur – while the tumor is small and can be removed – the 5-year survival is greatly improved.  Learn more about who should be screened for liver cancer here.

Unfortunately, liver cancer is on the rise in the United States. The 2020 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer found that the incidence of primary liver cancer in the United States increased by 2.5% overall and by 3.7% amongst women – the largest increase in incidence of any cancer between 2012-2016. Liver cancer was also stated as the second most common cause of death for Asian American and Pacific Islander males, who are disproportionately impacted by HBV, and the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths for men overall.

Making sure that people are protected from getting hepatitis B is so important in the U.S. – and establishing universal vaccination recommendations is essential to reducing liver cancer incidence and mortality. 

The Role of Universal Screening Guidelines for Hepatitis B

In the U.S., current childhood immunization recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) were established in the 1990s, and have significantly helped reduce rates of hepatitis B transmission over the past two decades, as more and more children have been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Individuals born prior to these recommendations, however, may be vulnerable to HBV, and span three generations: Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. Together, these groups account for approximately 63% of the U.S. population. Within this vulnerable population, the recent rise in incidence of hepatitis B cases has increased the most within 30- 49 year olds, attributed to the opioid epidemic. Of the 2.4 million Americans estimated to be living with hepatitis B, approximately 75% remain undiagnosed and may display no symptoms. This increases the risk of transmission to unvaccinated household members or sexual partners who are unaware that precautions should be taken to prevent transmission. Lack of awareness and low vaccination rates in this community leave millions of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millenials vulnerable to HBV.

Take Action: Sign the Petition to Support a Recommendation for  Hepatitis B Vaccination for All Adults!

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is currently reviewing evidence to determine if they should recommend universal adult hepatitis B vaccination. If the committee votes in favor of the proposal, this would mean that all adults in the United States would officially be recommended to receive the hepatitis B vaccine by the federal government. 

A universal adult hepatitis B recommendation is critical in addressing the consistently low adult hepatitis B vaccination rates and eliminating viral hepatitis in the United States. Please add your name to support universal adult hepatitis B vaccination by Friday, October 15th here. For questions or more information, please reach out to Michaela.Jackson@hepb.org. 

 Other Resources

  1. Listen and Learn – Listen to B Heppy’s newest podcast episode “Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B”! We chat with Dr. Rothstein from the University of Pennsylvania about the relationship between hepatitis B and liver cancer. He offers provider insight and recommendations to individuals listening.
  2. Check Out Liver Cancer Connect – This program was created to provide individuals and families with the information and support they need when facing the challenge of primary liver cancer.
  3. Seek Community Support – Hep B Community a global peer-led, volunteer-driven forum to support those living with and affected by hep B. They are dedicated to connecting people affected by hepatitis B with each other and verified experts in the field, who provide trustworthy and accurate advice.
  4. Learn More From Experts – Dr. Robert Gish talks about treatment options for liver cancer. How does the stage of cancer affect treatment? Why are screening and surveillance so important? What are the available treatments and what are the therapies in development? Find out by listening to the webinar.

About Hepatitis B, Living with Hepatitis B, Relationships

Your Sexual Health and Hepatitis B!

September is Sexual Health Month! This month we focus on the intersection of hepatitis B and sexual health.

Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world with 300 million people chronically infected. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact. It is usually spread when blood, semen, or other body fluids from a person infected with the hepatitis B virus enter the body of someone who is not infected. In fact, hepatitis B is easily spread through sexual contact as it is 50x-100x more infectious than HIV.

Can I Kiss My Partner?

Yes! Spreading hepatitis B through kissing is highly unlikely, however, deep kissing that involves the exchange of large amounts of saliva might result in infection if there are cuts or abrasions in the mouth of the infected person, especially if they have a high viral load.

Does Type of Sexual Activity Matter?

Certain sexual activities are riskier at spreading hepatitis B than others. Oral sex appears to have a lower rate of hepatitis B transmission than vaginal sex. Anal sex carries a high risk of transmission because tears in the skin that can occur during penetration improves the transmission of hepatitis B.

Who Should be Vaccinated for Hepatitis B?

The great news is that there is a safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B and is recommended for sexually active adults. Once vaccinated, a person should be protected from developing a hepatitis B infection even if they are exposed through sexual contact! Adults who especially should get the vaccine include:

  • People with multiple sexual partners
  • Anyone who has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease
  • Men who have sexual encounters with other men
  • Sexual partners or close household contacts of someone living with hepatitis B

For adults, the vaccine is usually given as a series of 3 shots over a period of 6 months. In the U.S., there is also a 2-dose vaccine available that is given over 1 month. Whichever brand of vaccine you take, the entire series of shots is needed for long-term protection. If you are unaware of your hepatitis B status, ask your healthcare provider to get tested! More information on the simple hepatitis B testing can be found here!

Additional Prevention Methods

Practicing safe sex is also a great way to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B. If someone is living with hepatitis B and you don’t know your partner’s hepatitis B vaccine status, be sure to have sex with a condom to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B during intercourse. Sometimes during sex, people like to use personal lubricants. When using condoms it is important to remember to only use silicone or water-based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants increase the chance of ripping or tearing the condom.

 

Author: Evangeline Wang

Contact Information: info@hepb.org

About Hepatitis B, HBV

Happy NAIRHHA Day!

Today is NAIRHHA Day! Every September 9th, the Hepatitis B Foundation brings awareness to National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day. Founded by advocates in Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and New York, NAIRHHA Day has been observed annually on September 9th by healthcare professionals, awareness campaigns, and other organizations since 2014. The Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC), Hepatitis B Foundation and the Coalition Against Hepatitis for People of African Origin (CHIPO) are working to establish NAIRHHA day as their own federally designated awareness day.

Hepatitis B and HIV in African Immigrant Communities

 People of African origin are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B infection. Worldwide an estimated 292 million people are infected with chronic hepatitis B. Over 60 million people in Africa have hepatitis B which annually accounts for an estimated 68,870 deaths.1

In fact, in some African communities in the United States, between 5%-15% of people have chronic HBV infection. Unfortunately, due to the silent nature of the disease, lack of disease awareness, and limited health care access, most African community members who have hepatitis B DO NOT KNOW that they are infected. This puts them at much greater risk for premature death from cirrhosis or liver cancer.

There is a high burden of HIV/HBV co-infection in African countries because both diseases share similar transmission routes such as mother-to-child, unsafe medical and injection practices, and unscreened blood transfusions.2 Chronic HIV/HBV infection is reported in up to 36% of people who are HIV positive, with the highest prevalence reported in west Africa and southern Africa. The co-infection of HIV and HBV is especially dangerous because it accelerates liver disease such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. In fact, liver-related mortality is twice as high among people with an HIV/ HBV co-infection.2

 With approximately 54,000 people with HBV who immigrate to the United States annually it is important to bring awareness to hepatitis B in African Immigrant communities on this day!

Get Involved

Viral hepatitis and HIV heavily impact African immigrant communities in the U.S. Let’s raise awareness and advocate for resources and funding to support elimination efforts & healthier communities.

Action Items:

  1. There are African community organizations all over the U.S., from Boston to Seattle. Connect with one in your area to learn more about & contribute to the health of these vibrant communities. Start by visiting https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/chipo/member-organizations/
  2. Data drives policy change & it can be difficult to find data about African immigrant communities because it is often not separated from data about African American communities. Advocate for this data to be separated by contacting your local Department of Health today!
  3. Education & awareness matter! Many elected officials do not know about these issues, but they should! Contact your state & federal reps today to ask what they’re doing to address viral hepatitis & HIV in African immigrant communities. Visit https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
  4. Change needs resources! Help grow the capacity of African organizations in your area by contributing your time, money, or other resources to eliminating viral hepatitis & HIV in African immigrant communities. Find an org in your state or city & ask how you can plug into their work!
  5. Funding is critical for progress to occur & advocacy is needed to make sure African immigrant communities receive enough money to combat viral hepatitis & HIV. Contact your federal, state, & local elected officials & local department of health to ask what they’re doing to support this. Start with members of @NASTAD found at https://www.nastad.org/membership-directory
  6. Good health & healthcare can’t happen without communication. Learn more about the need for language access programs to include African dialects at https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=1&lvlid=6.
  7. Federal recognition means greater awareness, education, & resources. Continue to support the establishment of NAIRHHA Day as a federally recognized awareness day by contacting @HHS’s sitehiv.gov to advocate for this!
  8. Spread the word! A big part of NAIRHHA Day is raising awareness & you can help with that! Share this toolkit far and wide on social media & also check out some great resources on hepatitis in African immigrant communities at https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/chipo/resources/resources-for-educators/

 

 

  1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
  2. Spearman, C. W., Afihene, M., Ally, R., Apica, B., Awuku, Y., Cunha, L., Dusheiko, G., Gogela, N., Kassianides, C., Kew, M., Lam, P., Lesi, O., Lohouès-Kouacou, M. J., Mbaye, P. S., Musabeyezu, E., Musau, B., Ojo, O., Rwegasha, J., Scholz, B., Shewaye, A. B., … Gastroenterology and Hepatology Association of sub-Saharan Africa (GHASSA) (2017). Hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa: strategies to achieve the 2030 elimination targets. The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 2(12), 900–909. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(17)30295-9

About Hepatitis B, HBV, Hepatitis B Prevention

August is National Immunization Awareness Month!

As August wraps up National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This month we raise awareness to highlight the importance of vaccination. In the era of COVID-19, we are shown how effective and protective vaccines are. During NIAM, we encourage you to talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional to ensure you and your family are protected against serious diseases by getting caught up on routine vaccination, especially the hepatitis B vaccination!

What is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus that attacks and injures the liver. Two billion people (or 1 in 3) have been infected and about 300 million people are living with a chronic hepatitis B infection. Each year around 820,000 people die from liver disease caused by hepatitis B despite the fact that it is preventable and treatable. In the United States, 2.4 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B!

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids. It can be passed to others through direct contact with blood, unprotected sex, unsterilized or contaminated needles, and from an infected woman to her newborn during pregnancy or childbirth.

Hepatitis B is a “silent epidemic” because most people do not have symptoms when they are newly infected or chronically infected. Thus, they can unknowingly spread the virus to others and continue the silent spread of hepatitis B. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their liver is still being silently damaged which can develop into serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Preventing Hepatitis B  

It takes only 2 to 3 shots to protect yourself and your loved ones against hepatitis B for a lifetime.

The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that is recommended for all infants at birth and for children up to 18 years. The hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for adults living with diabetes and those at high risk for infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, or country of birth. Since everyone is at some risk, all adults should seriously consider getting the hepatitis B vaccine for lifetime protection against a preventable chronic liver disease.

The hepatitis B vaccine is also known as the first “anti-cancer” vaccine because it prevents hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide.

You cannot get hepatitis B from the vaccine. All hepatitis B vaccines that have been used since 1986 are made synthetically – meaning the hepatitis B vaccines do not contain any blood products. Learn more.

Vaccine Schedule

How to Get Vaccinated

If you are unsure of your hepatitis B vaccination status, ask your healthcare provider for a simple blood test!

If you have not been vaccinated – ask your healthcare provider for the simple and effective vaccine! They are generally available at your doctor’s office, local pharmacy, or local health clinic. If you are United States-based the Center for Disease Control maintains a database of locations that offer the hepatitis B vaccine. You can search for locations within the U.S!

Author: Evangeline Wang

Contact Information: info@hepb.org

Clinical Trials, HBV, Hepatitis B Research, Hepatitis B Treatment

GlaxoSmithKline Recruiting for B-Together Hep B Clinical Trials

The company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is launching a new clinical trial, called B-Together, that will investigate how two study drugs might work together to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Researchers are hoping to find new potential treatments that could be more effective than those that are currently available and could lead to positive results that last long after the treatment ends. Participants in this trial could play a role in shaping science and changing the landscape of CHB treatment around the world, and will have an opportunity to learn more about the disease itself.

The two drugs that will be investigated in this trial are GSK3228836 and pegylated interferon, also known as Pegasys. In a previous Phase 2 trial, people living with CHB received GSK3228836 for 4 weeks. The Phase 2b B-Together trial will test longer treatment with GSK3228836, followed by Pegasys, to see what effects this may have on viral antigens (such as HBsAg) in the body. 

About the Study Drugs

GSK3228836 is an investigational drug being tested as a potential treatment for CHB, meaning it is not yet approved for this purpose. Current medicines available to treat CHB only stop the virus from multiplying – they do not enable the body to fully clear the infection, so people have to keep taking these medicines. GSK3228836 is designed to stop the virus from producing proteins that may prevent the immune system from fighting the virus. Thus, the study drug may potentially allow the body to gain control over the infection.

The other drug used in this study, Pegasys, is a medicine that is already used on its own by doctors to treat CHB. Pegasys works by enhancing the body’s immune response to viral infections such as hepatitis B.

What Will Happen During This Trial?

During this trial, all participants will receive GSK3228836 followed by Pegasys. After you have finished treatment with GSK3228836, your doctor will check if it is appropriate for you to start treatment with Pegasys. If it is not appropriate, you may not receive Pegasys at all. At the beginning of the trial, you will be assigned by chance to one of two groups. Each group will receive the study drugs for different lengths of time. You will know which group you are in. The B-Together trial lasts about 79 weeks for each participant. This includes a screening period, a study treatment period, and a follow-up period.

Screening Period

At a screening visit, the study doctor will give you a physical examination, ask about your medical history, and conduct medical tests. The screening period may last up to about 6.5 weeks while the study doctor reviews the results of your screening visit to determine if you meet all requirements for participation.

Trial Treatment period

While receiving GSK3228836, you will visit the clinic for either 12 or 24 weeks. For the first two weeks of your treatment with GSK3228836, you will visit twice per week and for the remaining weeks you will visit the clinic once per week.

When you have finished treatment with GSK3228836, your doctor will assess if it is appropriate for you to start treatment with Pegasys. If it is appropriate, then you will then receive treatment  with Pegasys once a week for up to 24 weeks.

In some countries, it will be possible for you to self-inject Pegasys at home after discussion and training from your study doctor. This could reduce the number of times you have to visit the clinic.

Other study activities will vary from visit to visit and may include:

  •         Discussions about your health and medications you may take outside the trial
  •         Measurement of vital signs (i.e. blood pressure, pulse, weight)
  •         Collection of blood or urine samples
  •         Physical examination
  •         Questionnaires about your health and well-being

Follow-Up Period

During the 24-week follow-up period, you will not receive injections of study treatment, but you will complete other study visit activities as scheduled. There are eight visits scheduled in the follow up period. Your study participation will end about 72 weeks after your first dose of the trial drug.

Who Can Participate?

You may be eligible to participate in this trial if you are at least 18 years old, have been living with documented CHB for at least six months, and have also been receiving stable nucleos(t)ide treatment (not telbivudine) with no changes for at least six months prior to screening and no planned changes for the duration of the study. There are other eligibility requirements that the study doctor will review with you. Individuals who have a current co-infection with or past history of hepatitis C virus, HIV or hepatitis D virus are not eligible to participate in this trial. 

Where Is This Trial Taking Place?

This trial is ongoing in the UK, Spain, Russia, Poland, Italy, Korea, Japan, China, the US, Canada, and South Africa.

You can play a role in shaping your own health and the science of tomorrow! To learn more about this trial and check your eligibility to participate, visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04676724. 

Uncategorized

Happy World Hepatitis Day!

Every year on July 28th,  we celebrate World Hepatitis Day in honor of Dr. Baruch Blumberg’s birthday. Dr. Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and subsequently developed the hepatitis B vaccine two years later in 1969. We commemorate World Hepatitis Day by raising awareness about viral hepatitis. With almost 300 million individuals living with hepatitis B worldwide, it is so important to bring awareness to this preventable and treatable disease. This year’s World Hepatitis Day theme is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”. The theme focuses on the fact that people with viral hepatitis need action now – to make sure they have access to testing and treatment to save their lives.

Get Involved

Here are some ways you can get involved with World Hepatitis Day!

Share on Social Media

You can get involved with the Hepatitis Can’t Wait campaign by doing 1-minute actions, 10-minute actions, or longer actions! Your actions can be as simple as sharing a post on social media or more involved like getting in contact with your policymaker to encourage viral hepatitis prioritization

Discrimination Registry

 If you are experiencing discrimination due to your hepatitis B status, consider adding your story to our discrimination registry. We are working to document discrimination related to hepatitis B. Discrimination is defined as the unjust, unfair or prejudicial treatment of a person on the grounds of their hepatitis B status. In other words, being treated differently because of one’s hepatitis B infection. For someone with hepatitis B, this can mean exclusion, denying benefits, denied employment, education, training, goods or services, or having significant burdens imposed on an individual due to their infection status.

Become an Advocate

Become a Hep B Advocate! Sign up below to receive the latest news and updates about hep B policy issues, learn about upcoming advocacy events, and be notified of opportunities to take action and show your support for our policy initiatives. We’ll provide resources, information, and tools to help you:

  • Communicate effectively with your elected officials
  • Educate and engage your community on hep B policy issues
  • Recruit and organize other hep B advocates and champions in your community
  • Promote and participate in ongoing national, state, and local advocacy efforts.

 Participate in a Clinical Trial

 Volunteering for a clinical trial program can be very valuable. Expensive blood work, treatment medications, and doctor’s visits are usually provided free of charge for those accepted into a study. Clinical trials also provide the opportunity to potentially benefit from the latest advances in medical science.

GlaxoSmithKline is launching a clinical trial, “B-Together,” to study how two drugs (GSK3228836 and Pegasys) might work together to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Researchers hope to find new treatments that could be more effective and lead to positive results that last long after the treatment ends.

You may be eligible to participate in this trial if you are at least 18-years old, have been living with documented CHB for at least six months, and have also been receiving stable nucleos(t)ide treatment (not telbivudine) with no changes for at least six months prior to screening and no planned changes for the duration of the study (79 weeks). This trial is ongoing in the UK, Spain, Russia, Poland, Italy, Korea, Japan, China, the U.S., Canada and South Africa.

Learn more and check your eligibility to participate.

 ​Listen and Learn

Listen to our podcast: B Heppy! This podcast is part of our 300 Million Reasons campaign, a movement to improve awareness about hepatitis B and liver cancer worldwide, to promote engagement of key stakeholders, and to empower people impacted by hepatitis B to become vocal advocates. There are almost 300 million people around the world living with chronic hepatitis B infection, and we want to make sure each and every voice is heard.

Below are the episodes you can listen to, and stay tuned for more episodes about hepatitis B!

  • COVID-19 and Hepatitis B
  • The History of the Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B 101
  • All of Us – Research Program
  • The Patient Perspective with Bright
  • Patient Resilience

 

Author: Evangeline Wang

Contact Information: info@hepb.org

 

 

About Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B Prevention

Why You Should Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine

During the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been much controversy over vaccines. Although there has always been an anti-vaccine movement, it has grown during the pandemic. However, despite all of that, it is highly recommended that people who are at risk get the hepatitis B vaccine. Almost 300 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis B and almost 800,000 people die every year due to hepatitis B complications. In fact, hepatitis B is the greatest risk factor for developing liver cancer (HCC). The hepatitis B vaccine is simple and effective. It requires either 2 or 3 shots over a few months. It is one of the most-administered vaccines worldwide, and one of the safest, with few side effects!

There are many groups that may need the vaccine. These include but are not limited to: 

  • All infants, beginning at birth
  • All children aged <19 years who have not been vaccinated previously
  • Susceptible sexual partners of hepatitis B-positive persons
  • Sexually active persons who are not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship (e.g., >one sex partner during the previous six months)
  • Persons seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted disease
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Injection drug users
  • Susceptible household contacts of hepatitis B-positive persons
  • Healthcare and public safety workers at risk for exposure to blood
  • Persons with end-stage renal disease, including pre-dialysis, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis patients
  • Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled persons
  • Travelers to and families adopting from countries where hepatitis B is common (e.g. Asia, Africa, South America, Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East)
  • Persons with chronic liver disease, other than hepatitis B (e.g. cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, etc.)
  • Persons with hepatitis C infection
  • Persons with HIV infection
  • Adults with diabetes aged 19 through 59 years (clinicians can decide whether or not to vaccinate their diabetic patients ≥60 years)

Now, this is a large list of people who might need the vaccine, but how hard is it to receive one? It is one of the easiest vaccines to get. Most hospitals carry the vaccine, and in the UK, hospitals are required to give the vaccine to at-risk groups. In the United States, the Affordable Care Act should cover preventive services; so the hepatitis B vaccine should be mostly available free of cost.

The Hepatitis B Foundation recommends everyone who is at risk or may in the future be at risk receive the vaccine. It is a smooth and seamless process that can prevent HBV, liver cancer, and let you live a long and healthy life. If you are not vaccinated for hepatitis B, ask your doctor or primary care provider for the vaccination! 

If you are unsure of your hepatitis B status, ask your doctor or primary care provider to become tested! The hepatitis B test is super simple – it only requires one blood sample. Your doctor should order the “hepatitis B panel” which includes different tests. Read more hepatitis B testing here!

 

Sources –https://www.goodrx.com/hepatitis-a-and-hepatitis-b-vaccine/what-is

Author: Simeon Paek, Intern

Contact Information: info@hepb.org

Baruch S. Blumberg Institute