Myopathy and neuropathy associated with nucleos(t)ide analog therapy for hepatitis B

Creatine kinase elevation in chronic hepatitis B patients with telbivudine therapy: influence of telbivudine plasma concentration and single nucleotide polymorphisms of TK2, RRM2B, and NME4

PURPOSE

To study the correlations of genetic variants of telbivudine phosphorylase kinases and telbivudine plasma concentration with creatine kinase elevation in chronic hepatitis B patients who received telbivudine.

METHODS

An observational study was performed in China chronic hepatitis B patients receiving telbivudine therapy at 600 mg once daily. Plasma concentration was measured 12 h after taking telbivudine using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and SNPs located in RRM2B, TK2, and NME4 was detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. All statistical analyses were performed with R 4.3.1 and all graphs were drawn by Origin 2023b and P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients receiving telbivudine therapy were recruited with a median plasma concentration of 952.49 (781.07-1238.98) ng/mL. The value of plasma concentration was proportional to the grade of creatine kinase elevation and the best telbivudine plasma concentration threshold to discriminate the grade 3/4 CK elevation was 1336.61 ng/mL. Multivariate analysis revealed that plasma concentration and rs3826160 were the independent risk factor of telbivudine-induced creatine kinase elevation. Patients with TC and CC genotype in rs3826160 not only had a higher incidence of creatine kinase elevation but also a higher plasma concentration than TT genotype carriers.

CONCLUSION

Chronic hepatitis B patients with TC and CC genotype in rs3826160 have high telbivudine plasma concentration are at risk of elevated creatine kinase.

Insights into the mechanisms of telbivudine-induced myopathy associated with mitochondrial dysfunction

As a nucleotide analogue (NA), telbivudine was widely used in the treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) by interfering with reverse transcriptase of hepatitis B virus. However, the use of NAs for hepatitis B treatment has been accompanied by numerous reports highlighting the occurrence of neuromyopathy, particularly in the case of telbivudine. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for telbivudine-induced myopathy. We established animal and cell models of telbivudine-induced myopathy using C57BL/6 mice and C2C12 cells, respectively. Our findings revealed that telbivudine significantly reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and caused increase of oxidative stress. Telbivudine treatment significantly inhibited mitochondrial complex I and IV expression, impairing the oxidative phosphorylation function of the respiratory chain. Modified Gomori trichrome (MGT) staining of the muscle sections displayed an increase in ragged red fibers (RRFs), indicating abnormal mitochondrial accumulation. In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence suggesting that telbivudine-induced myopathy is associated with mitochondrial toxicity and impaired energy metabolism. The observed muscle pathology, depletion of mtDNA, elevation of oxidative stress and altered mitochondrial function support the hypothesis that telbivudine disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis, ultimately leading to muscle damage. This may be also a common mechanism for NAs to cause neuromyopathy.

A randomized phase 1b trial of the active site polymerase inhibitor nucleotide ATI-2173 in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

ATI-2173 is an active site polymerase inhibitor nucleotide in development as part of a potentially curative regimen for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and antiviral activity of ATI-2173. This was a phase 1b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in treatment-naive adults with chronic HBV infection conducted in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04248426). Patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen were randomized 6:2 to receive once-daily oral doses of ATI-2173 10, 25, or 50 mg (n = 6 per dose) or placebo (n = 7) for 28 days, with off-treatment monitoring for 24 weeks. Endpoints included PK parameters of ATI-2173 and its metabolite clevudine, maximum reduction from baseline in HBV DNA, and safety and tolerability. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in eight patients (47%) receiving ATI-2173 and five (71%) receiving placebo; headache was the most common (n = 4). ATI-2173 PK was generally dose proportional. Systemic clevudine exposure with ATI-2173 dosing was substantially reduced compared with historical values observed with clevudine administration. On Day 28, mean changes from baseline in HBV DNA were -2.72 to -2.78 log₁₀  IU/ml with ATI-2173 and +0.17 log₁₀  IU/ml with placebo. Off-treatment sustained viral suppression and decreases in covalently closed circular DNA biomarkers were observed in most patients; one maintained undetectable HBV DNA at 24 weeks off treatment. In this 28-day monotherapy study, ATI-2173 demonstrated safety and antiviral activity, with sustained off-treatment effects and substantially reduced systemic clevudine exposure. These results support evaluation of ATI-2173 with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in phase 2 studies.

ATI-2173, a Novel Liver-Targeted Non-Chain-Terminating Nucleotide for Hepatitis B Virus Cure Regimens

ATI-2173 is a novel liver-targeted molecule designed to deliver the 5′-monophosphate of clevudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection. Unlike other nucleos(t)ides, the active clevudine-5′-triphosphate is a noncompetitive, non-chain-terminating inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase that delivers prolonged reduction of viremia in both a woodchuck HBV model and in humans for up to 6 months after cessation of treatment. However, long-term clevudine treatment was found to exhibit reversible skeletal myopathy in a small subset of patients and was subsequently discontinued from development.

ATI-2173 is a novel liver-targeted molecule designed to deliver the 5′-monophosphate of clevudine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection. Unlike other nucleos(t)ides, the active clevudine-5′-triphosphate is a noncompetitive, non-chain-terminating inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase that delivers prolonged reduction of viremia in both a woodchuck HBV model and in humans for up to 6 months after cessation of treatment. However, long-term clevudine treatment was found to exhibit reversible skeletal myopathy in a small subset of patients and was subsequently discontinued from development. ATI-2173 was designed by modifying clevudine with a 5′-phosphoramidate to deliver the 5′-monophosphate to the liver. Bypassing the first phosphorylation step of clevudine, the 5′-monophosphate is converted to the active 5′-triphosphate in the liver. ATI-2173 is a selective inhibitor of HBV with an anti-HBV 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 1.31 nM in primary human hepatocytes, with minimal to no toxicity in hepatocytes, skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, bone marrow, and cardiomyocytes. ATI-2173 activity was decreased by viral polymerase mutations associated with entecavir, lamivudine, and adefovir resistance, but not capsid inhibitor resistance mutations. A single oral dose of ATI-2173 demonstrated 82% hepatic extraction, no food effect, and greatly reduced peripheral exposure of clevudine compared with equimolar oral dosing of clevudine. Despite reduced plasma clevudine exposure, liver concentrations of the 5′-triphosphate were equivalent following ATI-2173 versus clevudine administration. By selectively delivering the 5′-monophosphate to the liver, while retaining the unique anti-HBV activity of the 5′-triphosphate, ATI-2173 may provide an improved pharmacokinetic profile for clinical use, reducing systemic exposure of clevudine and potentially eliminating skeletal myopathy.

Medication for COVID-19-an Overview of Approaches Currently Under Study

Background

With the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is becoming increasingly urgent to develop a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as well as effective drugs to treat it.

Methods

This article is based on a selective literature search in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov, followed by an assessment of the ongoing clinical trials that were revealed by the search.

Results

A number of substances have been found to prevent the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. These include virustatic agents that have already been approved for the treatment of other types of viral infection, as well as drugs that are currently used for entirely different purposes. High in vitro activity has been found for the nucleotide analogue remdesivir, for the antimalarial drug chloroquine, and for nitazoxanide, a drug used to treat protozoan infections. Because the virus enters human cells by way of the membrane-associated angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), keeping the virus from docking to this receptor is a conceivable treatment approach. Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) plays a role in the fusion of the virus with cells; inhibitors of this enzyme are known as well. The potential therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of these and other active substances remain to be investigated in clinical trials. At present, more than 80 trials on COVID-10 have already been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. Some initial findings should already be available in late April 2020.

Conclusion

Clinical trials are now indispensable in order to determine the true clinical benefits and risks of the substances that have been found to be active against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. There is not yet any recommendation for the therapeutic use of any particular agent beyond standard supportive treatment.

Telbivudine for renal transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis B infection: a randomized controlled trial with early termination

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyze changes in renal function in HBsAg-positive renal transplant recipients receiving lamivudine who did or did not switch to telbivudine.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized clinical trial (RCT), HBsAg-positive renal transplant recipients who had received lamivudine prophylaxis for at least 6 months were 1:2 randomized to receive either lamivudine or telbivudine for another 24 months. Renal function was evaluated by creatinine level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of randomization (baseline), 6, 12, 18, and 24 months respectively.

RESULTS

This RCT was prematurely terminated after recruiting only 17 patients due to a high incidence (61.5%; 8/13) of clinical myalgia in the telbivudine group. Cox's proportional hazards model revealed that there was no independent predictor of myalgia. Based on intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses using generalized estimating equations, the patients in the randomized telbivudine group had a significantly increased eGFR and the patients in the lamivudine group had a significantly decreased eGFR at the end of follow-up compared to the values at study enrollment. However, there was no significant difference between the lamivudine and telbivudine groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The renal protective effect of telbivudine for HBsAg positive renal transplant recipients was uncertain for high incidence of myalgia and only patients who were on telbivudine for 24 months had renal function maintenance.

Mitochondrial toxicity and body shape changes during nucleos(t)ide analogues administration in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Our study purpose was to evaluate mitochondrial (mt)DNA and RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and body shape changes (BSC) in HBV-infected patients. mtDNA and mtRNA were measured in PBMCs. The presence of BSC was evaluated through a questionnaire and clinical evaluation. A total of 157 subjects were enrolled, of these 107 were HBV-infected patients, 54 receiving nucleoside analogues (NAs, Group A), 53 naive to antivirals (Group B) and 50 age-sex matched controls (Group C). All HBV-treated patients had negative HBV–DNA. Twenty (37,0%) received lamivudine + adefovir, 20 (37.0%) tenofovir, 2 (3.7%) lamivudine and 12 (22.2%) entecavir. Therapy median duration was 38 months (IQR 20–60) in NA-treated patients. Group A showed significantly higher mtDNA/nuclear (n) DNA ratio (p = 0.000008) compared to Group C and Group B (p = 0.002). Group B showed significantly higher mtDNA/nDNA ratio compared to Group C (p = 0.017). Group A and B had significantly lower mtRNA/nRNA ratio compared to Group C (p = 0.00003 and p = 0.00006, respectively). Tenofovir and entecavir showed less impact compared to lamivudine + adefovir. mtDNA/nDNA ratio positively (Rho = 0.34, p < 0.05) and mtRNA/nRNA ratio negatively (Rho = −0.34, p < 0.05) correlated with therapy duration. BSC were significantly more frequent in Group A [10/54 (18.5%)] compared to Group B [3/53 (5.6%, p = 0.04)] and Group C [0/50, (p = 0.0009)]. In conclusion, long-term NA therapy was associated both to mitochondrial toxicity and BSC, showing significant differences in mtDNA and mtRNA levels. Tenofovir and entecavir showed lower impact on alterations, compared to 1^st generation NA.

Rhabdomyolysis, lactic acidosis, and multiple organ failure during telbivudine treatment for hepatitis B: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Telbivudine can cause severe side effects, including myositis, neuritis, rhabdomyolysis, and lactic acidosis. However, reported cases of telbivudine leading to multiple organ failure are rare. Here, we report a case of telbivudine-induced severe polymyositis, lactic acidosis, and multiple organ failure.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old Chinese man with hepatitis B virus infection received antiviral treatment with 600 mg of telbivudine daily for more than 11 months. He developed progressive weakness and myalgia, and subsequently experienced palpitations, chest tightness, lethargy, hypotension, and hypoxemia. Blood tests showed markedly elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (955 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (1375 U/L), blood urea nitrogen (14.9 mmol/L), creatine kinase (peak at 8050 U/L), and blood lactate (>20.0 mmol/L). His symptoms improved after continuous renal replacement therapy and short-term methylprednisolone treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physical therapy, and rehabilitation for more than 2 months led to recovery of muscle strength to the normal range.

Conclusions

We conclude that continuous renal replacement and steroid therapies play key roles in stabilizing telbivudine-induced severe rhabdomyolysis, lactic acidosis, and multiple organ failure. Hyperbaric oxygen, physical therapy, and rehabilitation may aid in functional recovery after the acute phase of lactic acidosis and organ failure.

Functional interaction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and hepatitis B virus in the pathogenesis of liver diseases

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a non-cytopathic virus that causes acute and chronic inflammatory liver diseases, often leading to the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although many studies for the roles of HBV on pathogenesis of the liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic inflammation, cirrhosis, and HCC, have been reported, the mechanisms are not fully understood. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria have the protective mechanisms to restore their damaged function by intrinsic or extrinsic stresses, but their chronic dysfunctions are associated with the pathogenesis of the various diseases. Furthermore, HBV can affect intra- or extracellular homeostasis through induction of ER and mitochondrial dysfunctions, leading to liver injury. Therefore, the mechanism by which HBV induces ER or mitochondrial stresses may be a therapeutic target for treatment of liver diseases.

Toward cure chronic hepatitis B infection and hepatocellular carcinoma prevention: Lessons learned from nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy

Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) could successfully suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, due to probable development of drug resistance or low/delayed response, these treatments may not be satisfactory. In addition to the HBV DNA polymerase inhibiting activity, these drugs could lead to changes in cytokines profiles. It is important to monitor these changes so that they could be used as target of treatment. Evaluating the previously reported immune responses due to NAs treatments, it was concluded that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-12 increase after the treatment. This will be followed by the improved capacity of immune cells for eliminating HBV. In contrast, regulatory responses including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) significantly decreased as the result of NAs therapy. Unexpectedly, T helper (Th) 17-associated cytokines also decreased significantly. These results could be used to employ the new strategies to suppress viral replication, minimize HBV DNA levels, inducing hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion or even hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. In order to accomplish these goals, extended treatment with high dose of both IL-12 and IFN in combination with high barrier to resistance NA might significantly improve the HBsAg seroclearance rate. Considering the danger of emerging aberrant immune responses, determining the optimum dosage as well as close monitoring of patients during the treatment is strongly advised. In order to make HBV immunotherapy practical, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Adverse effects of oral antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B

Oral nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs) are currently the backbone of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection treatment. They are generally well-tolerated by patients and safe to use. To date, a significant number of patients have been treated with NAs. Safety data has accumulated over the years. The aim of this article is to review and update the adverse effects of oral NAs. NAs can cause class adverse effects (i.e., myopathy, neuropathy, lactic acidosis) and dissimilar adverse effects. All NAs carry a “Black Box” warning because of the potential risk for mitochondrial dysfunction. However, these adverse effects are rarely reported. The majority of cases are associated with lamivudine and telbivudine. Adefovir can lead to dose- and time-dependent nephrotoxicity, even at low doses. Tenofovir has significant renal and bone toxicity in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, bone and renal toxicity in patients with CHB are not as prominent as in HIV infection. Entecavir and lamivudine are not generally associated with renal adverse events. Entecavir has been claimed to increase the risk of lactic acidosis in decompensated liver disease and high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores. However, current studies reported that entecavir could be safely used in decompensated cirrhosis. An increase in fetal adverse events has not been reported with lamivudine, telbivudine and tenofovir use in pregnant women, while there is no adequate data regarding entecavir and adefovir. Further long-term experience is required to highlight the adverse effects of NAs, especially in special patient populations, including pregnant women, elderly and patients with renal impairment.

Treatment of hepatitis B virus: an update

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a global health concern as it affects over 240 million people worldwide and an estimated 686,000 people die annually as a result of complications of the disease. With the development of newer antiviral drugs, viral suppression of HBV is achievable, however elimination of HBV from infected individuals (functional cure) remains an issue. Due to persistence of HBV DNA (cccDNA) in infected cells, chronically infected patients who discontinue therapy prior to HBsAg loss or seroconversion are likely to relapse. Several novel therapeutic strategies are being researched and studied in clinical trials. Here we review these novel strategies to achieve sustained cure or elimination of HBV. These strategies include the targeting of the host or viral factors required for viral persistence as well as therapeutic vaccines.

Clinicopathological Features of Telbivudine-Associated Myopathy

Telbivudine, a thymidine nucleoside analog, is a common therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis B infection. While raised serum creatine kinase is common, myopathy associated with telbivudine is rare. Reports on its myopathological features are few and immunohistochemical analyses of inflammatory cell infiltrates have not been previously described. We describe the clinical, myopathological and immunohistochemical features of four patients who developed myopathy after telbivudine therapy for chronic hepatitis B infection. All four patients presented with progressive proximal muscle weakness, elevation of serum creatine kinase and myopathic changes on electromyography. Muscle biopsies showed myofiber degeneration/necrosis, regeneration, and fibers with cytoplasmic bodies and cytochrome c oxidase deficiency. There was minimal inflammation associated with strong sarcolemmal overexpression of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC class I). Upon withdrawal of telbivudine, muscle weakness improved in all patients and eventually completely resolved in three. In our series, telbivudine-associated myopathy is characterized by necrotizing myopathy which improved on drug withdrawal. Although the occasional loss of cytochrome c oxidase is consistent with mitochondrial toxicity, the overexpression of MHC class I in all patients could suggest an underlying immune-mediated mechanism which may warrant further investigation.

Asian-Pacific clinical practice guidelines on the management of hepatitis B: a 2015 update

Worldwide, some 240 million people have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), with the highest rates of infection in Africa and Asia. Our understanding of the natural history of HBV infection and the potential for therapy of the resultant disease is continuously improving. New data have become available since the previous APASL guidelines for management of HBV infection were published in 2012. The objective of this manuscript is to update the recommendations for the optimal management of chronic HBV infection. The 2015 guidelines were developed by a panel of Asian experts chosen by the APASL. The clinical practice guidelines are based on evidence from existing publications or, if evidence was unavailable, on the experts' personal experience and opinion after deliberations. Manuscripts and abstracts of important meetings published through January 2015 have been evaluated. This guideline covers the full spectrum of care of patients infected with hepatitis B, including new terminology, natural history, screening, vaccination, counseling, diagnosis, assessment of the stage of liver disease, the indications, timing, choice and duration of single or combination of antiviral drugs, screening for HCC, management in special situations like childhood, pregnancy, coinfections, renal impairment and pre- and post-liver transplant, and policy guidelines. However, areas of uncertainty still exist, and clinicians, patients, and public health authorities must therefore continue to make choices on the basis of the evolving evidence. The final clinical practice guidelines and recommendations are presented here, along with the relevant background information.

Telbivudine in liver transplant recipients: Renal protection does not overcome the risk of polyneuropathy and myopathy

The recently reported benefit of telbivudine for renal function has not been systematically studied in long-term liver transplantation (LT) recipients who are at high risk for renal impairment. We aimed to examine whether switching lamivudine therapy to telbivudine could improve renal function in LT recipients who have impaired renal function. This single-center, prospective cohort study enrolled LT recipients who were on lamivudine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis and who had renal impairment for at least 1 year. Lamivudine was switched to telbivudine. The primary outcome was to evaluate the change in renal function at weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48. The secondary outcomes were to assess the efficacy of telbivudine for HBV prophylaxis and the safety profile of telbivudine in the posttransplant setting. After 45 patients were enrolled, the study was terminated early because of increased rates of polyneuropathy/myopathy. During telbivudine treatment (median, 64 weeks), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased in 34 patients (76%). The improvement in renal function was prominent after 24 weeks of telbivudine treatment. Telbivudine was effective as prophylaxis against HBV recurrence. Twenty-six patients (58%) developed polyneuropathy and/or myopathy. The 1-year estimated incidence of polyneuropathy/myopathy was 28%. Diabetes was the strongest predictor of polyneuropathy/myopathy (hazard ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-11.50; P = 0.007). In conclusion, although it seems to have a favorable effect in the improvement of renal function and seems to be effective in the prevention of HBV recurrence, the high risk of polyneuropathy and myopathy hampers the use of telbivudine in LT recipients.

Current and future antiviral drug therapies of hepatitis B chronic infection

Despite significant improvement in the management of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) it remains a public health problem, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. The natural course of the infection is dynamic and involves a complex interplay between the virus and the host’s immune system. Currently the approved therapeutic regimens include pegylated-interferon (IFN)-α and monotherapy with five nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). Both antiviral treatments are not capable to eliminate the virus and do not establish long-term control of infection after treatment withdrawal. IFN therapy is of finite duration and associates with low response rates, liver decompensating and numerous side effects. NAs are well-tolerated therapies but have a high risk of drug resistance development that limits their prolonged use. The imperative for the development of new approaches for the treatment of chronic HBV infection is a challenging issue that cannot be over-sided. Research efforts are focusing on the identification and evaluation of various viral replication inhibitors that target viral replication and a number of immunomodulators that aim to restore the HBV specific immune hyporesponsiveness without inducing liver damage. This review brings together our current knowledge on the available treatment and discusses potential therapeutic approaches in the battle against chronic HBV infection.

Telbivudine plus pegylated interferon alfa-2a in a randomized study in chronic hepatitis B is associated with an unexpected high rate of peripheral neuropathy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study investigated the antiviral efficacy and safety of telbivudine in combination with pegylated interferon (PegIFN) alpha-2a in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

METHODS

This was a randomized, open-label, multicentre study, in treatment-naïve patients with HBeAg-positive CHB, comparing the efficacy and safety of telbivudine in combination with PegIFN alpha-2a with telbivudine monotherapy and PegIFN alpha-2a monotherapy. The study was terminated early due to increased rates of peripheral neuropathy in the combination-therapy group.

RESULTS

Of the 159 patients randomized (from 300 planned) 50 were assigned to combination therapy, 55 to telbivudine, 54 to PegIFN, and 110 (18, 49, and 43, respectively) reached week 24. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 7/50, 1/54, and 0/54 patients in the three groups of safety populations, respectively. No relationship between the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy and other variables (e.g., pharmacokinetic data, treatment efficacy, ALT levels, creatine kinase elevations) were observed. At week 24, undetectable HBV DNA (<300 copies/ml) was achieved by 71% (12/17), 35% (17/48), and 7% (3/42) of patients, with available data receiving combination therapy, telbivudine monotherapy and PegIFN monotherapy, respectively (p = 0.022 for combination therapy vs. telbivudine; p<0.0001 for combination therapy vs. PegIFN).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy carried an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy. Despite the rapid and profound reductions in HBV DNA levels, combination therapy with telbivudine and PegIFN should not be used.

Lamivudine/telbivudine-associated neuromyopathy: neurogenic damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA depletion

Aims

Myopathy or neuropathy has been associated with lamivudine/telbivudine therapy in hepatitis B patients. We aim to describe the pathological changes of lamivudine/telbivudine-associated neuromyopathy.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited six patients who were diagnosed with nucleotide analogues-associated myopathy or neuropathy. Muscle and nerve biopsy were performed, and the specimens were prepared for the light microscopy and electron microscopy. Genomic DNA was extracted from frozen muscle specimens, and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content was quantified by real-time PCR.

Results

Recovery of the myopathy can be achieved after the discontinuation or changing the drugs to entecavir. Muscle and nerve biopsy revealed similar changes under either the light or electronic microscopy in all the subjects. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed decrease of mtDNA content in the affected muscle.

Conclusions

MtDNA depletion results in mitochondrial dysfunction in the lamivudine/telbivudine-associated neuromyopathy. Myopathy was characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction accompanied with neurogenic damage due to axonal neuropathy. Ultrastructure changes of mitochondria included vacuolisation, simplification of the cristae and homogenised matrix.

[Efficacy of entecavir switching therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients with clevudine-induced myopathy]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Clevudine is a potent antiviral agent against HBV. However, long-term clevudine therapy may cause myopathy. This study was carried out to identify the efficacy of entecavir switching therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients experiencing clevudine-induced myopathy.

METHODS

One hundred forty six patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with 30 mg of clevudine per day for 73 weeks (range, 36-132 weeks) were enrolled. Among them, clevudine-induced myopathy occurred in 21 patients (14.4%) which was diagnosed if the patients had symptoms related to myopathy with concurrent CK and AST elevation. All the patients who were diagnosed as clevudine-induced myopathy stopped the therapy, and 17 patients (81%) were switched to entecavir 0.5 mg.

RESULTS

The patients with clevudine-induced myopathy were switched to entecavir 0.5 mg for median 68 weeks, and all of them showed disappearance of clinical myopathic symptoms and normalization of CK and AST level within median 2.2 months. Eight patients (47%) were HBeAg positive before entecavir treatment, and HBeAg seroconversion was achieved in 2 patients (25%). HBV DNA level was elevated in 3 patients (17.6%) at the time when the patients were diagnosed as myopathy, all of them achieved virological response with entecavir switching therapy. ALT level was elevated in 3 patients (17.6%) before entecavir treatment, all of them showed normalization of ALT level. During entecavir therapy, genotypic resistance to entecavir or virological breakthrough was not noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In chronic hepatitis B patients experiencing clevudine-induced myopathy, switching to entecavir 0.5 mg per day showed a resolution of myopathy and adequate viral suppression.

Unraveling the complexity of hepatitis B virus: from molecular understanding to therapeutic strategy in 50 years

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a well-known hepadnavirus with a double-stranded circular DNA genome. Although HBV was first described approximately 50 years ago, the precise mechanisms of HBV infection and effective therapeutic strategies remain unclear. Here, we focus on summarizing the complicated mechanisms of HBV replication and infection, as well as genomic factors and epigenetic regulation. Additionally, we discuss in vivo models of HBV, as well as diagnosis, prevention and therapeutic drugs for HBV. Together, the data in this 50-year review may provide new clues to elucidate molecular mechanisms of HBV pathogenesis and shed new light on the future HBV therapies.

A Novel Estimation of the Impact of Treatment with Entecavir on Long-Term Mortality, Morbidity, and Health Care Costs of Chronic Hepatitis B in China

OBJECTIVES

Health care decision makers are increasingly concerned about the value of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatments in China. This analysis aims at estimating the relative value of entecavir as a first-line option at treatment initiation and for different treatment durations from a holistic perspective.

METHODS

CHB was simulated by using a Markov disease transition model with disease states based on available natural history data. The model assumed 5-year treatment duration with entecavir, lamivudine, telbivudine, and adefovir based on published clinical data. The speed of disease progression varies by viral load and hepatitis B "e" antigen status. Direct medical costs included medication and management of liver complications. The primary output was the estimated cost savings of entecavir per patient per day versus the comparator.

RESULTS

For treatment duration of 5 years and a follow-up period of 30 years, entecavir treatment was translated into specific patient benefit of an estimated cost saving of $2.69 per day compared with no treatment. In addition, long-term usage of entecavir resulted in daily $2.33 and $1.73 cost saving compared with short-term usage (1-year and 2-year, respectively). Among available treatment options in China, entecavir treatment exhibited about $0.90 to $1.81 daily cost saving versus the comparators. The detailed daily cost saving of entecavir is summarized as follows-entecavir versus lamivudine: $1.81, entecavir versus telbivudine: $0.90, entecavir versus adefovir: $2.02, and entecavir versus generic adefovir: $1.37.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term usage of entecavir exhibits the characteristics of a favorable CHB treatment, which translates into economic value as opposed to either no treatment or alternative strategies.

Virological Response and Muscular Adverse Events during Long-Term Clevudine Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients

BACKGROUND

Recently, several reports issued clevudine induced myopathy in the long term use.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate antiviral effects and adverse events of clevudine monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The subjects were 110 treatment-naïve CHB patients. They were treated with 30 mg clevudine/day for more than six months. Virological and biochemical tests, including that for serum creatine kinase (CK), were monitored at baseline and at 3-month intervals during treatment period.

RESULTS

In HBeAg-positive patients, the cumulative rates of virological response were 74.0 %, 68.5 %, and 67.3 % after one, two, and three years of clevudine treatment, respectively. Cumulative rates of HBeAg loss or seroconversion were 17.8 %, 30 %, and 31.5 % after one, two and, three years of clevudine treatment, respectively. In HBeAg-negative patients, the cumulative rates of virological response were 97.3 %, 100 %, and 94.6 %, respectively. Virological breakthrough occurred in 27 patients. The rtM204I mutation in HBV polymerase was predominantly detected. Muscular adverse events were observed in 15 patients. All patients with myopathy recovered after the cessation of clevudine monotherapy. Fluctuations in CK level during the clevudine treatment period were frequently observed irrespective of development of myopathy. Multiple episodes of CK elevation were significantly related to the development of myopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term clevudine monotherapy is effective for suppression of serum HBV DNA level and normalization of serum alanine amino transaminase levels, but associated with occurrence of rtM204I mutation. Clevudine-induced muscular adverse events are not uncommon, although they are totally reversible after cessation of the treatment. Muscular adverse events and serum CK level should be carefully monitored during long-term treatment with clevudine.

Two cases of telbivudine-induced myopathy in siblings with chronic hepatitis B

Telbivudine is an L-nucleoside analogue with potent antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Clinical trials have shown that telbivudine has a more potent and sustained antiviral activity with a lower frequency of viral resistance than lamivudine. Although there are several reports concerning the safety profile of telbivudine, most adverse events are described as mild and transient in nature. Here we report two cases of telbivudine-induced myopathy in patients with chronic hepatitis B who were siblings.

A novel estimation of the relative economic value in terms of different chronic hepatitis B treatment options

Background

Prescribers, payors and healthcare decision-makers are increasingly examining the value of treatments. This study aims at analyzing economic value of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment options, which are available in Korea.

Methods

CHB infection was simulated using a health-state transition model with disease states defined as mild disease (Ishak F0/F1), fibrosis (F2/F3/F4), advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis (>F4), and complicated disease states (decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplant and death) based on available natural history data. The value of treatment-specific attributes on disease progression/regression was estimated based on published data in terms of events and costs avoided. 5-year treatment duration was assumed except for treatment initiation. Primary model output is the estimated cost savings of entecavir per patient per day of treatment versus the comparator in question for a given CHB patient.

Results

The simulation of treating with entecavir versus no treatment predicted improved clinical outcomes for entecavir-treatment patients. In the long term, these clinical benefits translate into cost savings of $3.10 per day of treatment. In naive patient treatment, daily cost savings of using entecavir versus lamivudine or telbivudine was estimated at $2.89 and $1.72, respectively. In the case of suboptimal responders who pre-treated with lamivudine, daily cost saving for patients switching to entecavir was $1.38 per day of treatment compared to patients maintaining on lamivudine.

Conclusions

Entecavir exhibits characteristics of a favourable CHB treatment, which directly translates into economic and therapeutic value as opposed to either no treatment or alternative strategies.

Carbonyl J acid derivatives block protein priming of hepadnaviral P protein and DNA-dependent DNA synthesis activity of hepadnaviral nucleocapsids

Current treatments for chronic hepatitis B are effective in only a fraction of patients. All approved directly antiviral agents are nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) that target the DNA polymerase activity of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) P protein; resistance and cross-resistance may limit their long-term applicability. P protein is an unusual reverse transcriptase that initiates reverse transcription by protein priming, by which a Tyr residue in the unique terminal protein domain acts as an acceptor of the first DNA nucleotide. Priming requires P protein binding to the ε stem-loop on the pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) template. This interaction also mediates pgRNA encapsidation and thus provides a particularly attractive target for intervention. Exploiting in vitro priming systems available for duck HBV (DHBV) but not HBV, we demonstrate that naphthylureas of the carbonyl J acid family, in particular KM-1, potently suppress protein priming by targeting P protein and interfering with the formation of P-DHBV ε initiation complexes. Quantitative evaluation revealed a significant increase in complex stability during maturation, yet even primed complexes remained sensitive to KM-1 concentrations below 10 μM. Furthermore, KM-1 inhibited the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity of both DHBV and HBV nucleocapsids, including from a lamivudine-resistant variant, directly demonstrating the sensitivity of human HBV to the compound. Activity against viral replication in cells was low, likely due to low intracellular availability. KM-1 is thus not yet a drug candidate, but its distinct mechanism of action suggests that it is a highly useful lead for developing improved, therapeutically applicable derivatives.

Asian-Pacific consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B: a 2012 update

Large volume of new data on the natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have become available since 2008. These include further studies in asymptomatic subjects with chronic HBV infection and community-based cohorts, the role of HBV genotype/naturally occurring HBV mutations, the application of non-invasive assessment of hepatic fibrosis and quantitation of HBV surface antigen and new drug or new strategies towards more effective therapy. To update HBV management guidelines, relevant new data were reviewed and assessed by experts from the region, and the significance of the reported findings was discussed and debated. The earlier "Asian-Pacific consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B" was revised accordingly. The key terms used in the statement were also defined. The new guidelines include general management, indications for fibrosis assessment, time to start or stop drug therapy, choice of drug to initiate therapy, when and how to monitor the patients during and after stopping drug therapy. Recommendations on the therapy of patients in special circumstances, including women in childbearing age, patients with antiviral drug resistance, concurrent viral infection, hepatic decompensation, patients receiving immune suppression or chemotherapy and patients in the setting of liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma, are also included.

Meta-analysis: oral anti-viral agents in adults with decompensated hepatitis B virus cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The optimal oral anti-viral agent to use in patients with decompensated HBV cirrhosis remains unclear.

AIM

We performed a meta-analysis of the oral nucleos(t)ide analogues in patients with decompensated HBV cirrhosis.

METHODS

One year efficacy and safety outcomes in 22 studies published in English between '95 and 2010 were analysed.

RESULTS

Substantial heterogeneity was noted in the inclusion/exclusion criteria, controls, and sensitivity of the HBV DNA assay used. Pooled 1-year data showed benefit favouring lamivudine (LAM) vs. untreated controls for Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score improvement by ≥2 (OR: 117 (15 921), P ≤ 0.0001) and transplant-free survival (OR: 3.2 (1.2, 9), P = 0.022). Adefovir (ADV) led to undetectable HBV DNA at 1-year in 41% compared to 83% with LAM and 80% with entecavir (ETV). Overall, 1-year transplant-free survival rates varied from 78% with LAM to 95% and 94% with Tenofovir (TDF) and Telbivudine (TBV), respectively. The 1-year incidence of drug resistant HBV was 0% with ADV, ETV and TDF and 11% with LAM although TBV was associated with a 29% incidence at 2 years. Drug-related adverse events were infrequently reported.

CONCLUSIONS

All the oral anti-viral agents were associated with improved virological, biochemical and clinical parameters at 1-year. However, the efficacy of lamivudine and telbivudine is limited by drug resistance, and adefovir is limited by its potency and slower onset of action. Additional studies of tenofovir and entecavir are needed to determine the optimal agent(s) for treatment naïve patients and in those with drug-resistant decompensated HBV cirrhosis.

High-dose clevudine impairs mitochondrial function and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1E cells

Background

Clevudine is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor that exhibits potent antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) without serious side effects. However, mitochondrial myopathy has been observed in patients with chronic HBV infection taking clevudine. Moreover, the development of diabetes was recently reported in patients receiving long-term treatment with clevudine. In this study, we investigated the effects of clevudine on mitochondrial function and insulin release in a rat clonal β-cell line, INS-1E.

Methods

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the mRNA levels were measured by using quantitative PCR. MTT analysis, ATP/lactate measurements, and insulin assay were performed.

Results

Both INS-1E cells and HepG2 cells, which originated from human hepatoma, showed dose-dependent decreases in mtDNA copy number and cytochrome c oxidase-1 (Cox-1) mRNA level following culture with clevudine (10 μM-1 mM) for 4 weeks. INS-1E cells treated with clevudine had reduced total mitochondrial activities, lower cytosolic ATP contents, enhanced lactate production, and more lipid accumulation. Insulin release in response to glucose application was markedly decreased in clevudine-treated INS-1E cells, which might be a consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that high-dose treatment with clevudine induces mitochondrial defects associated with mtDNA depletion and impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in insulin-releasing cells. These findings partly explain the development of diabetes in patients receiving clevudine who might have a high susceptibility to mitochondrial toxicity.

Iatrogenic mitochondriopathies: a recent lesson from nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors

The use of nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) has revolutionized the treatment of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis-B virus. NRTIs can suppress viral replication in the long-term, but possess significant toxicity that can seriously compromise treatment effectiveness. The major toxicity of NRTIs is mitochondrial toxicity. This manifests as serious side effects such as myopathy, peripheral neuropathy and lactic acidosis. In general, it is believed that the mitochondrial pathogenesis is closely related to the effect of NRTIs on mitochondrial DNA polymerase-γ. Depletion and mutation of mitochondrial DNA during chronic NRTI therapy may lead to cellular respiratory dysfunction and release of reactive oxidative species, resulting in cellular damage. It is now apparent that the etiology is far more complex than originally thought. It appears to involve multiple mechanisms as well as host factors such as HIV per se, inborn mitochondrial mutation, and sex. Management of mitochondrial toxicity during NRTI therapy remains a challenge. Interruption of NRTI therapy and substitution of the causative agents with alternative better-tolerated NRTIs represents the mainstay of management for mitochondrial toxicity and its clinical manifestations. A range of pharmacological approaches has been proposed as treatments and prophylaxes.

Clinical features and risk factors of creatine kinase elevations and myopathy associated with telbivudine

With the extensive use of telbivudine, more and more studies reported its association with creatine kinase (CK) elevations and myopathy. However, clinical features of these adverse effects were poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical features and risk factors of CK elevations and myopathy associated with telbivudine. The serum CK levels of 200 patients who were treated with telbivudine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) between January 2007 and July 2010 were monitored and analysed along with clinical manifestations. The 3-year cumulative incidence of CK elevations and myopathy was 84.3% and 5%, respectively. CK elevations occurred more frequently in men than in women, and patients aged ≤45 years and with negative HBeAg had higher incidence of CK elevations. There was no difference in CK elevations among patients with different HBV DNA levels. Male, younger age and HBeAg negativity were independent predictors of CK elevations by multivariate Cox regression analysis. There was no association between the occurrence of myopathy and variables including age, sex, HBeAg and HBV DNA. No risk factors of myopathy were identified. CK elevations usually occurred 21 months after starting treatment, and most patients resolved spontaneously without interruption of telbivudine therapy except three patients who had to switch to other agents. In conclusion, CK elevations are common adverse reactions associated with telbivudine therapy, while myopathy is rare. Male, younger age and HBeAg negativity might be risk factors of CK elevations.

Comparison of clevudine and entecavir for treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection: two-year follow-up data

BACKGROUND/AIM

Clevudine and entecavir are highly potent antiviral agents being used in treatment of chronic hepatitis B. However, no data comparing clinical efficacy and safety of these 2 drugs over a long-term period is available. The aims of this study are to compare virologic, biochemical, and serologic response rates of clevudine and entecavir, as well as treatment failure rates up to 2 years.

METHODS

Data of patients who started clevudine (n = 86) or entecavir (n = 159) as a primary treatment for chronic hepatitis B at Korea University Ansan or Guro Hospital between January 2007 and June 2008 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Treatment responses were compared at 3-month intervals up to 24 months. Per protocol analysis showed no difference in virologic responses between the 2 groups at all time points, except at 18 months. When analyzed on intention-to-treat basis for virologic response at 24 months, the response rates were 45.3% in the clevudine group and 72.3% in the entecavir group, which are significantly different (P < 0.001). Rates of biochemical response and HBeAg seroconversion were not significantly different between the groups at all time points. Up to 24 months, antiviral resistance developed in 18 patients (24.4%) in the clevudine group. Clevudine was discontinued owing to muscle-related problems in 10 patients (11.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although both drugs showed potent antiviral activity, entecavir showed better virologic response at 24 months, primarily owing to treatment failures in the clevudine group that were associated with development of drug resistance and muscle-related problems.

Significance of HBV DNA levels at 12 weeks of telbivudine treatment and the 3 years treatment outcome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The significance of early HBV DNA suppression during telbivudine treatment in predicting long-term outcomes needs further investigation.

METHODS

We determined the cumulative rates of HBeAg seroconversion, ALT normalization, HBV DNA suppression (<12IU/ml) and telbivudine resistant mutations (using the highly sensitive line probe assay) for 117 treatment-native chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients (61.5% HBeAg-positive) on telbivudine for 3years. The significance of serum HBV DNA at week 12 and 24 was compared.

RESULTS

The median age and duration of follow-up were 39years and 24.2months, respectively. 117, 105, 69, and 43 patients had been followed up for at least 6months and 1, 2, and 3years, respectively. The cumulative rates of HBeAg seroconversion, ALT normalization, HBV DNA undetectability were 46.8%, 80.5%, and 51.2%, respectively, at 3years. There was an incremental increase in virologic breakthroughs to 39.5% by year 3. The cumulative rate of telbivudine resistant mutations was 4.8%, 17.6%, and 34.0% for year 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Week 12 HBV DNA of <200IU/ml was predictive of a higher chance of HBV DNA undetectability (p=0.022) and lower chance of resistance (p=0.001) by year 3. Undetectable HBV DNA at week 24 was predictive of viral suppression at year 2 (p<0.001) but not at year 3 (p=0.241).

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous telbivudine resulted in improved biochemical and virologic outcomes, although there was an incremental increase in cumulative rate of resistance up to year 3. Week 12 HBV DNA of <200IU/ml was predictive of favorable long-term outcomes.

Antiviral therapy in patients with concomitant chronic hepatitis B and autoimmune diseases

Chronic hepatitis B with concomitant autoimmune diseases is clinically common, and most of these patients need antiviral treatment. Each type of anti-HBV agent, such as nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferon-α, has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Before selecting optimal antiviral therapy, we should evaluate these patients adequately to avoid iatrogenic injuries. For example, which autoimmune disease is the patients suffering from? How serious is the disease?

Activity and the metabolic activation pathway of the potent and selective hepatitis C virus pronucleotide inhibitor PSI-353661

PSI-353661, a phosphoramidate prodrug of 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylguanosine-5'-monophosphate, is a highly active inhibitor of genotype 1a, 1b, and 2a HCV RNA replication in the replicon assay and of genotype 1a and 2a infectious virus replication. PSI-353661 is active against replicons harboring the NS5B S282T or S96T/N142T amino acid alterations that confer decreased susceptibility to nucleoside/tide analogs as well as mutations that confer resistance to non-nucleoside inhibitors of NS5B. Replicon clearance studies show that PSI-353661 was able to clear cells of HCV replicon RNA and prevent a rebound in replicon RNA. PSI-353661 showed no toxicity toward bone marrow stem cells or mitochondrial toxicity. The metabolism to the active 5'-triphosphate involves hydrolysis of the carboxyl ester by cathepsin A (Cat A) and carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) followed by a putative nucleophilic attack on the phosphorus by the carboxyl group resulting in the elimination of phenol and the alaninyl phosphate metabolite, PSI-353131. Histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (Hint 1) then removes the amino acid moiety, which is followed by hydrolysis of the methoxyl group at the O(6)-position of the guanine base by adenosine deaminase-like protein 1 (ADAL1) to give 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methylguanosine-5'-monophosphate. The monophosphate is phosphorylated to the diphosphate by guanylate kinase. Nucleoside diphosphate kinase is the primary enzyme involved in phosphorylation of the diphosphate to the active triphosphate, PSI-352666. PSI-352666 is equally active against wild-type NS5B and NS5B containing the S282T amino acid alteration.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B: update of the recommendations from the 2007 Italian Workshop

The Italian recommendations for the therapy of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related disease were issued in 2008. Subsequently in 2008 the nucleotide analogue (NA) Tenofovir was approved for antiviral treatment. The introduction of this important new drug has called for the current guidelines update, which includes some additional revisions: (a) the indication for therapy is extended to mild liver fibrosis and the indication for treatment is graded as "possible", "optional" or "mandatory" according to the fibrosis stage; (b) two different treatment strategies are described: first line definite duration treatment with interferon, long-term treatment of indefinite duration with NA; (c) the indication to follow either strategy is also based on the stage of liver fibrosis; (d) virological monitoring is modified to include the definitions of failure and of sustained virological response to interferon therapy; (e) the recommendation to use HBV DNA assays with high sensitivity and wide linear ranges is underlined (f) guidelines on post-treatment follow-up after finite treatment with NA, potential side effects of therapy and non-virological monitoring are defined; (g) definitions and treatment of patients without optimal response to NA are reported; (f) treatment and monitoring of compensated or decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are updated.

[Treatment of chronic hepatitis B: adherence and safety]

Second generation nucleos (t) idic analogues result in a complete viral suppression after 48 to 96 weeks of therapy in most patients, regardless of the virus (HBV genotype, wild type or pre-C mutant), the underlying liver disease (cirrhosis or not) or the immune status (mono- or HIV/HBV co-infection). This antiviral efficacy may result in HBe or HBs seroconversion. Its clinical impact is important since inactivation of necroinflammation allows, in the absence of liver comorbidities, a stabilisation then a reversal of fibrosis and cirrhosis, and consequently a decrease in the occurrence of carcinomatous or non-carcinomatous complications. The future issues for long-term anti-HBV therapy will be adherence on the one hand and safety on the other hand. Therapeutic failures are mainly related to poor adherence more than to viral resistance. Adherence of patients has to be optimized by therapeutic education and education of physicians. Long-term safety has to be systematically evaluated. More than the neuromuscular or metabolic side effects (lactic acidosis), the renal and bone-related adverse events have to be monitored, followed-up and anticipated by good clinical practices.

HBV life cycle and novel drug targets

With up to 400 million affected people worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major health care problem. During the last decade, several novel therapeutic approaches have been developed and evaluated. In most regions of the world, interferon-α, and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) are currently approved. Despite major improvements, none of the existing therapies is optimal since viral clearance is rarely achieved. Recently, a better understanding of the HBV life cycle and the development of novel model systems of HBV infection have led to the development of novel antiviral strategies and drug targets. This review will focus on current and potential future drug targets in the HBV life cycle and strategies to modulate the virus-host interaction.

Clevudine-induced viral response, associated with continued reduction of HBsAg titer, was durable after the withdrawal of therapy

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the durability of clevudine-induced viral response after the withdrawal of treatment.

METHODS

Patients who showed a complete response [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA <4,700 copies/mL for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients; ALT normalization, HBV DNA <4,700 copies/mL, and HBeAg seroconversion for HBeAg-positive patients] in the previous clevudine phase III trials were followed for an additional 96 weeks without any treatment for hepatitis B.

RESULTS

Of the 63 patients in the study cohort, 73% and 35% of the patients had HBV DNA <141,500 and <4,700 copies/mL, respectively, and 75% of the patients had normal ALT at the end of follow-up. HBeAg seroconversion was maintained in 81% of the patients and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss occurred in 3 patients. Continued HBsAg titer decrease (-0.5 log IU/mL) was observed in the sustained viral responders, suggesting the reduction of covalently closed circular DNA in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

The clevudine-induced viral response was durable in the majority of patients for 2 years after the withdrawal of treatment.

Clevudine for chronic hepatitis B: antiviral response, predictors of response, and development of myopathy

Clevudine has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in South Korea. However, its long-term antiviral effect and safety awaits more study. The aim of this study was to evaluate antiviral efficacy, predictors of virologic response, and development of myopathy after clevudine therapy for CHB. The study included 102 nucleoside naïve CHB patients who had received clevudine for more than 6 months with good compliance. The median duration of clevudine treatment was 53 weeks (range, 25-90 weeks). A retrospective analysis of data retrieved from medical records was performed. The cumulative rate of virologic response [hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level <2000 copies/mL] at 48 weeks of clevudine therapy was 81%, and cumulative rate of clevudine resistance was 11% at 60 weeks of treatment. Independent predictors of virologic response to clevudine therapy were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negativity and rapid decrease of viral load during the early phase of treatment. The clevudine-related myopathy developed in 3.9% of patients, and was reversible after discontinuation of clevudine. Clevudine showed a potent antiviral response, and its effect was higher in HBeAg-negative patients, with rapid viral load reduction after therapy. However, long-term therapy for more than 1 year resulted in the development of considerable resistance and myopathy. Therefore, we should consider alternative antiviral agents if clevudine resistance or clevudine-induced myopathy is developed in patients on clevudine for the treatment of CHB.