B Informed Training Hub: New learning tool for all to use | |
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The Hepatitis B Foundation and partners are launching a cost-free training website, the "B Informed Training Hub,” for people who want to learn more about hepatitis B and hepatitis D.
This site provides training, education and resources on hepatitis B, hepatitis D and liver cancer for anyone who wants to learn more. Everyone is welcome, particularly people living with hepatitis B and their family members, community educators, health care and social service providers, and others in our global community. The online tool was developed by the Foundation, working in collaboration with HepBcommunity.org and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. Please read more here.
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Jason: #justB aware, this month's featured storyteller | |
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We recognized World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 to remind everyone that if you are living with hepatitis B, you also should get tested for HIV. About 10% of the HIV population is living with hepatitis B, so it’s important to know your status! If left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can progress faster than in those living with only hepatitis B.
Jason is living with hepatitis B and AIDS coinfection. After moving back home to seek treatment for hepatitis B, struggling to find any hepatitis B specialists and going through a disastrous experience with one provider, Jason finally located a caring and knowledgeable doctor who gave him hope.
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New Phase 3 Clinical Trial Opportunity for
People Living with Chronic Hepatitis B
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Check out this new clinical trial opportunity! GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is launching two phase 3 studies called B Well-1 and B-Well-2, which will test an experimental drug (bepirovirsen) as a potential treatment for hepatitis B.
Phase 2 clinical trial results showed that 24-weeks of treatment with bepirovirsen resulted in reduced HBsAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. To participate in the new phase 3 B Well studies, people need to be at least 18 years old (although the minimum age requirement may be higher in some countries); have a documented hepatitis B infection for the last six months; and have been on antiviral therapy with a nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NA, such as tenofovir or entecavir) for at least 6 months.
In the phase 3 B Well study, participants will be randomized into different study groups. Some people will be given bepirovirsen to add to their current NA, to see if this results in greater reduction of HBsAg and HBV DNA – and to see if this reduction is sustained after treatment ends. Some people will receive a placebo. The study is being run in many countries around the world. To find out more information and see if you might be eligible, please visit www.bwellstudy.com.
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Pennsylvania couple chosen for the
Community Leadership Award for 2024
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Catharine and Rob Williams, who live in Pennsylvania, have been chosen to receive the Foundation’s Community Leadership Award for 2024. They will be honored on April 5 at the organization’s Annual Gala.
A member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2008, Catharine has served for many years on the executive committee and chairs the development committee. Rob has been an active partner in their work. Please read more here.
You can learn more about the 2024 Gala here.
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Community Blog: Updated Immunization and Screening
Recommendations Aim to Eradicate Hepatitis B
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The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has shared the Hepatitis B Foundation's white paper, "Call to Action: Eliminating Hepatitis B Virus Through Universal Screening and Vaccination for Adults Ages 19-59," through the AAFP's official blog. Our white paper addresses the decision by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to replaced risk factor–based eligibility in adults with a recommendation for universal hepatitis B vaccination in people 19 to 59 years of age, which came in late 2021. | |
New Blog: The Provider's Perspective on Hepatitis Delta | |
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Ilan Weisberg, MD
Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Associate Professor, Weill Cornell Medical College
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Dr. Ilan Weisberg shares the Hepatitis B Foundation’s enthusiasm for advocacy and education surrounding hepatitis B and D, and was eager to provide the perspective of a healthcare provider on the current state of hepatitis delta screening and management, as well as some common misconceptions. | |
Topics in the blog post:
- Provider Awareness and Knowledge
- Hepatitis Delta Prevalence and Screening Practices
- Universal Reflex Testing
- Risk Factors for Hepatitis D and more
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Podcast: Monue's Experience with Hepatitis B Discrimination | |
In this episode, Bright and Anousha invited Monue Flomo to share his story living with hepatitis B. Monue came to the U.S. from Liberia as a nursing student and plans to become a hepatologist to serve his community. Listen to the latest B Heppy podcast here. Monue also shared his experiences as a #justB storyteller; click here. | Monue also shared his experiences as a #justB storyteller; click here. | |
New guidance: clinical implementation of adult universal hepatitis B vaccination and screening recommendations | |
The Hepatitis B Foundation and the Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccine Advisory Council have created a new document to aid clinicians in implementing the new adult hepatitis B recommendations. It contains information on the new recommendations, downloadable resources and connections to helpful patient and clinical resources. | |
New fact sheets in nine languages | | |
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We've created printable fact sheets to educate the public on hepatitis delta. There are long-form and short-form fact sheets plus one designed for providers.
Topics range from hepatitis D testing and management, to treatments and clinical trial opportunities. Materials have been translated into English, Spanish, Russian, Romanian, Mongolian, Igbo, Yoruba, Hindi and Urdu. They're posted here.
Learn more: www.hepdconnect.org
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FAQs: Questions we hear often from
people living with hepatitis B
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The Hepatitis B Foundation's Frequently Asked Questions page is a wonderful resource for anyone with questions about hepatitis B.
The questions are written based on real consults that we receive regularly. The page is here.
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Journal article of the month | |
The importance of triple-panel testing for hepatitis B and the burden of isolated anti-hepatitis B core antibodies within a community sample
Freeland C, Sreepathi V, Hass R, Fenkel J, Torgersen J,
Rothstein K, Cohen C, Gish R
[Link to article]
Journal of Viral Eradication
Available online 11 December 2023, 100358
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In the U.S., of the 2.4 million people living with chronic hepatitis B, less than 20% are diagnosed. Isolated anti-hepatitis B core (iAHBc) antibodies indicate serology in an individual that is positive for anti-HBc antibodies, while negative for surface antigen (HBsAg) and surface antibodies (anti-HBs). A result of iAHBc could indicate a chronic occult bloodstream infection, necessitating further testing.
This study in Philadelphia and some of its suburbs assesses the prevalence and risk factors associated with anti-HBc and iAHBc within community high-risk screening in Greater Philadelphia. During community screening events last year, 177 participants were screened for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc. The findings indicate that there was an iAHBc prevalence of 7.3% within the study. The odds of anti-HBc were increased for immigrants from the Western Pacific (4.5%) and Africa (11.9%). Those born in Africa had 7.93 greater odds for iAHBc than those born in the Americas, and these odds are multiplied by 1.01 for every one-year increase in age. The data show a high burden of iAHBc within high-risk and often hard-to-reach communities.
The authors conclude that triple panel screening should be incorporated into all HBV screening programs, as specified by current federal recommendations, to ensure a comprehensive picture of the disease burden and reduce the risk of missing people with occult hepatitis B and those at risk for viral reactivation or liver complications.
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Learn more about our research and education programs at www.hepb.org
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The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide. Our commitment includes funding focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public. | | | |
Hepatitis B Foundation I 3805 Old Easton Road Doylestown, PA 18902 I
215-489-4900 I info@hepb.org
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