Latest news with #hepatitisD
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Hepatitis D virus labelled cancer-causing agent: All you need to know
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has formally reclassified the Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans, placing it alongside Hepatitis B and C as known causes of liver cancer. This reclassification, supported by data from a study published in The Lancet Oncology, marks a critical step in global efforts to raise awareness, improve screening, and expand access to new treatments for hepatitis D. What's the latest According to WHO, Hepatitis B, C, and D together affect over 300 million people globally, contributing to around 1.3 million deaths each year, primarily from liver cirrhosis and cancer. Current estimates suggest HDV infects nearly 5 per cent of people with chronic HBV (hepatitis B virus), equating to around 12 million individuals worldwide. High-risk populations include those in regions with elevated HBV prevalence, such as parts of Asia, Africa and the Amazon Basin as well as people who inject drugs and recipients of haemodialysis. Why is hepatitis D considered dangerous? HDV can only infect individuals who already carry HBV. HDV essentially hijacks HBV to replicate and cannot cause infection on its own. Co-infection or superinfection with HBV dramatically worsens outcomes as HDV raises the risk of liver cancer by two to six times compared with HBV alone, said the study. Up to 75 per cent of chronic HDV patients were likely to develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years, whereas individuals with only HBV were about 50 per cent less likely to develop liver cancer. The virus spreads through infected blood, unprotected sex, unsafe injections, or occasionally passes from mother to child during birth. Symptoms usually include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine or yellowing of the skin. Many people ignore these signs or confuse them with other illnesses. Treatment landscape While HBV can be controlled with life-long antivirals, options for HDV are more limited but evolving. The antiviral bulevirtide has emerged in Europe as an approved therapy offering improved outcomes alongside pegylated interferon in some cases. There is no separate vaccine for hepatitis D. The only way to stop it is by getting the hepatitis B vaccine, which protects against both viruses. According to WHO, as of 2025, 129 countries have adopted policies for hepatitis B testing among pregnant women, up from 106 reported in 2024. Meanwhile 147 countries have introduced the hepatitis B birth dose vaccination, an increase from 138 in 2022. However, the 2024 Global Hepatitis Report highlights major gaps in testing and treatment. By 2022, only 13 per cent of people with hepatitis B and 36 per cent with hepatitis C were diagnosed, while treatment rates were just 3 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively. This was well below the 2025 targets of 60 per cent diagnosed and 50 per cent treated. The integration of hepatitis services remains uneven, with only 80 countries incorporating hepatitis services into primary health care so far. What this means for public health The designation of HDV as Group 1 carcinogen by IARC is expected to mobilise funding, enhance surveillance and improve global awareness about its risks. Experts urge governments and health systems to scale up HBV vaccination coverage ensure universal testing in HBV-positive individuals expand access to novel HDV therapies To meet WHO's 2030 goals and potentially save 2.8 million lives while preventing 9.8 million new infections, countries must invest in domestic healthcare systems, ensure affordable medicines, improve data systems, and address stigmas. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
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Business Standard
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
WHO, IARC officially label hepatitis D virus as cancer-causing agent
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has formally reclassified the Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans, placing it alongside Hepatitis B and C as known causes of liver cancer. This reclassification, supported by data from a study published in The Lancet Oncology, marks a critical step in global efforts to raise awareness, improve screening, and expand access to new treatments for hepatitis D. According to WHO, Hepatitis B, C, and D together affect over 300 million people globally, contributing to around 1.3 million deaths each year, primarily from liver cirrhosis and cancer. Current estimates suggest HDV infects nearly 5 per cent of people with chronic HBV (hepatitis B virus), equating to around 12 million individuals worldwide. High-risk populations include those in regions with elevated HBV prevalence, such as parts of Asia, Africa and the Amazon Basin as well as people who inject drugs and recipients of haemodialysis. Why is hepatitis D considered dangerous? HDV can only infect individuals who already carry HBV. HDV essentially hijacks HBV to replicate and cannot cause infection on its own. Co-infection or superinfection with HBV dramatically worsens outcomes as HDV raises the risk of liver cancer by two to six times compared with HBV alone, said the study. Up to 75 per cent of chronic HDV patients were likely to develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years, whereas individuals with only HBV were about 50 per cent less likely to develop liver cancer. The virus spreads through infected blood, unprotected sex, unsafe injections, or occasionally passes from mother to child during birth. Symptoms usually include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine or yellowing of the skin. Many people ignore these signs or confuse them with other illnesses. Treatment landscape While HBV can be controlled with life-long antivirals, options for HDV are more limited but evolving. The antiviral bulevirtide has emerged in Europe as an approved therapy offering improved outcomes alongside pegylated interferon in some cases. There is no separate vaccine for hepatitis D. The only way to stop it is by getting the hepatitis B vaccine, which protects against both viruses. According to WHO, as of 2025, 129 countries have adopted policies for hepatitis B testing among pregnant women, up from 106 reported in 2024. Meanwhile 147 countries have introduced the hepatitis B birth dose vaccination, an increase from 138 in 2022. However, the 2024 Global Hepatitis Report highlights major gaps in testing and treatment. By 2022, only 13 per cent of people with hepatitis B and 36 per cent with hepatitis C were diagnosed, while treatment rates were just 3 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively. This was well below the 2025 targets of 60 per cent diagnosed and 50 per cent treated. The integration of hepatitis services remains uneven, with only 80 countries incorporating hepatitis services into primary health care so far. What this means for public health The designation of HDV as Group 1 carcinogen by IARC is expected to mobilise funding, enhance surveillance and improve global awareness about its risks. Experts urge governments and health systems to scale up HBV vaccination coverage ensure universal testing in HBV-positive individuals expand access to novel HDV therapies To meet WHO's 2030 goals and potentially save 2.8 million lives while preventing 9.8 million new infections, countries must invest in domestic healthcare systems, ensure affordable medicines, improve data systems, and address stigmas. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Indian Express
05-08-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
WHO classifies Hepatitis D as cancer-causing: Why taking the Hepatitis B vaccine helps
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently announced the reclassification of hepatitis D as cancerous, emphasising the urgency for preventing viral hepatitis, which is a growing public health crisis. 'Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related severe liver disease or liver cancer. Yet we have the tools to stop hepatitis,' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, MD, WHO Director-General, said in an official news release. The WHO's announcement stems from the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC) reclassification of hepatitis D as carcinogenic, supported by data from a study published in 'The Lancet Oncology., 'In India, the prevalence of hepatitis D, caused by a virus, is low in the general population but may be underestimated in high-risk groups such as intravenous drug users and those with chronic hepatitis B. Public education on safe blood usage, avoidance of needle-sharing and safe sex practice like using barrier contraception prevents transmission,' says Dr Piyush Ranjan, vice-chairperson, Institute Of Liver Gastroenterology & Pancreatic Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Why hepatitis D is considered carcinogenic All types of hepatitis are associated with acute liver infection; however, only hepatitis B, C, and D can lead to chronic infections with a higher risk of liver cirrhosis, failure or cancer. According to the authors of the study's findings, hepatitis D is associated with a two- to six-fold higher risk of liver cancer compared with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). However, it is an incompetent virus that requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. This means it cannot cause infection alone and triggers co-infections only with the hepatitis B virus. So hepatitis D only affects people who already have hepatitis B either simultaneously or sequentially. Hepatitis B & D co-infection runs a more severe course for risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer even without causing cirrhosis as it gets integrated in the DNA of cells. Hepatitis D virus augments the carcinogenic effect of Hepatitis B. As per the data, 75 per cent of hepatitis D patients could develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years. People who have contracted hepatitis B alone are 50 per cent less likely to develop liver cancer as compared to people who have hepatitis B and D coinfection. What is the mode of transmission? The mode of transmission is similar to hepatitis B and C, that is through parenteral route or injections and transfusion, mother to child transmission and sexual contact. How is hepatitis D diagnosed? A blood test (HDV-RNA test) shows antibodies. How can we prevent Hepatitis D? Universal hepatitis B vaccination indirectly prevents hepatitis D. Despite hepatitis B being included in the national immunisation programme, the vaccine coverage is a dismal 50 per cent. Managing infections among those already affected remains difficult owing to the limited availability of approved therapies, although emerging options like bulevirtide give an assurance. The carcinogen tag is expected to enhance global surveillance, funding and research to reduce the burden of HDV-related liver cancer. Prevention also relies on safe blood bank practices, safe sex, screening and avoiding needle sharing. How to take the Hepatitis B vaccine? Hepatitis B vaccine may be given in any of the following schedules: Birth, 1 and 6 months; birth, 6 and 14 weeks; 6, 10 and 14 weeks; birth, 6, 10 and 14 weeks. In catch up vaccination, use 0, 1 and 6 months schedule. An adult, especially if in a high risk comorbidity group, should take the hepatitis B vaccine in three shots. The second dose is given a month after the first, and the third dose is given six months after the second.
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
WHO declares Hepatitis D virus as "carcinogenic": What does this mean amidst rising liver diseases
The World Health Organization has declared Hepatitis D as cancer-causing. This announcement coincides with World Hepatitis Day. WHO urges global action against viral hepatitis to reduce liver cancer deaths. Hepatitis affects millions worldwide, causing numerous deaths annually. Early detection and management are crucial. India faces a significant burden of viral hepatitis cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified the hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans. HDV has joined hepatitis B and C on the list of cancer-causing agents. On Monday, during the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, July 28, 2025, WHO urged governments and partners to accelerate efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat and reduce liver cancer deaths. Hepatitis (B, C, and, D) affects over 300 million people globally and claims 1.3 million lives each year, mainly from liver cirrhosis and cancer. "Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related severe liver disease or liver cancer. Yet we have the tools to stop hepatitis,' Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said in a statement. Viral hepatitis (types A, B, C, D, and E), is the major cause of acute liver infection. Hepatitis B, C, and D can result in chronic infections that increase the risk of liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Yet most people with hepatitis don't know they're infected. What is Hepatitis D Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is a rare but severe liver infection caused by the Hepatitis D virus. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Chittagong - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo It is rare because it can only infect people who are already infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV can only occur as a co-infection or superinfection in people who are HBV-positive. Hepatitis D is carcinogenic The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has recently classified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans. Compared to HBV alone, HDV has a two- to six-fold higher risk of liver cancer, making it a serious infection. By classifying HDV as carcinogenic, the health organizations are hoping to raise awareness, improve screening, and expand access to new treatments for hepatitis D across the globe. 'WHO has published guidelines on testing and diagnosis of Hepatitis B and D in 2024, and is actively following the clinical outcomes from innovative treatments for hepatitis D,' Dr Meg Doherty, incoming Director of Science for Health at WHO, said. What is the treatment for HDV? Oral medication can treat Hepatitis C within 2 to 3 months, while effectively controlling hepatitis B with lifelong treatment. The treatment options for HDV, on the other hand, are still developing. Major progress in preventing liver cirrhosis and cancer deaths depends on further steps in managing the global burden such as vaccination, testing, harm reduction, and treatment. In a 2024 report , the WHO had said that India had over 3.5 crore cases of viral hepatitis, including 2.98 crore hepatitis B cases, in 2022, which accounts for 11.6% of the total disease burden globally that year. 7 Ways to check for fatty liver at home Liver diseases are on the rise globally, and HDV being classified as carcinogenic has raised concerns. It adds to the urgency to address this growing crisis, as co-infections exacerbate liver damage and cancer risk. Regular screening and early detection of co-infections, including HDV, will be crucial in reducing the global burden of viral hepatitis
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Vir's hepatitis B combo falls short in Phase II trial
Vir Biotechnology's 'functional cure' combination therapy has failed to meet the efficacy endpoints in a Phase II trial in hepatitis B. The company reported data from the 24-week point of the ongoing MARCH Phase II trial (NCT04856085) where just 17% (3/18) and 21% (3/14) of patients with baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) <1,000IU/mL receiving tobevibart and elebsiran without or with peginterferon, respectively, achieved undetectable HBsAg. The trial also evaluated tobevibart and elebsiran without or with peginterferon as a functional cure. This was achieved in 11% and 15% of patients, respectively. Functional cure for hepatitis B is defined as sustained undetectable HBsAg and hepatitis B virus DNA below the lower limit of quantification (0.05IU/mL) at 24 weeks post-end of treatment after discontinuing nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The study also looked at a modified definition of functional cure that allowed brief increases in virus levels for up to 35 days. Using this measure, 11% of patients treated with tobevibart and elebsiran alone, and 23% of those who also received peginterferon, showed signs of a functional cure. Vir said the safety and tolerability profile of tobevibart and elebsiran remains consistent with prior studies. Previously, Vir said the investigational combo reduced hepatitis B surface antigens at the same 24-week time stamp. Chronic hepatitis B is a long-lasting, inflammatory liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The World Health Organization estimates that 254 million people live with hepatitis B, and an estimated 1.1 million deaths a year are associated with the disease. Complications may include liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Vir Biotechnology presented the data at the 2025 European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) congress in Amsterdam. Tobevibart is a monoclonal antibody developed by Vir while elebsiran is an Alnylam-discovered siRNA. In a Phase II trial (NCT05461170) in hepatitis D, the combination was more effective, with all six patients showing sustained virologic response at the time of the last visit and all patients achieving hepatitis D virus RNA < limit of detection (LOD) or ≥ 2 log10 IU/mL decrease from baseline. Vir Biotechnology is waiting to gain a partner to advance the combination therapy to Phase III studies. A Phase III trial of the combination in hepatitis D is currently recruiting patients (NCT06903338). "Vir's hepatitis B combo falls short in Phase II trial" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
