The first patient recruited in the IP-cure-B clinical trial

The first patient has been recruited in the ANRS HB07 IP-cure-B clinical trial, sponsored by ANRS | Emerging Infectious Diseases and run by the Hospices Civils de Lyon – Hepatology Department, in Lyon, France, in the framework of the IP-cure-B project.

The objective of the EU-funded IP-cure-B project is to develop novel curative concepts for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The project aims to improve the cure rate of CHB by boosting innate immunity with immune modulators and stimulating adaptive immune responses with a novel therapeutic vaccine. Researchers will also identify immune and viral biomarkers for monitoring patient stratification and treatment response. Integration of biological and clinical data will enable models for the best combination treatment and effectiveness of novel curative therapies concerning disease spectrum and patient heterogeneity. The preclinical platform will be evaluated in humanised mice, combining immune-modulatory strategies to stimulate innate immunity, rescue exhausted HBV-specific T cells and generate anti-HBV adaptive responses. Proof of concept will be obtained in a clinical trial of a combination of novel compounds stimulating innate immunity.

Outcomes for medical experts

The project aims at proposing a treatment paradigm shift with the development of novel combination therapies for CHB with improved cure rates and a better appraisal of novel biomarkers to improve patient selection for treatment and monitoring treatment response.

Outcomes for community

The development of such curative therapies with a finite duration of administration will pave the way towards a universal treatment of all individuals that suffer from chronic HBV infection. It is thus expected to result in a long-term reduction in cost and global burden of CHB (short-term therapy, increased treatment uptake in the infected population, decreased rate of liver complications and mortality).

Outcomes for patient

The project aims at designing and developing novel treatment strategies towards the cure of infection with a shorter duration of treatment. It is expected to result in improved quality of life and decreased social stigma.

The Hospices Civils de Lyon in Lyon, France, is not the only partner running a clinical trial in the framework of the IP-cure-B project, other centers are:

Press contacts:

ELPA: [email protected]

ANRS | Emerging infectious Diseases: [email protected]