Hi everyone — I’m sharing important news that many in the HBV community may not be aware of.
A potential functional cure for chronic hepatitis B has already shown human antiviral activity in a Phase I/II study back in 1998. This early success came from a treatment approach called the IBDV antiviral platform, which activates the body’s natural antiviral defenses.
Since then, scientists have spent decades improving and optimizing the treatment into a safer, purpose‑built candidate (called R903/78) that is ready for modern clinical trials.
Why You’re Hearing About This Now
For decades, people living with chronic hepatitis B have been told the same thing: “There is no cure yet—only long-term management.” That message is finally changing.
A new treatment approach—built on 30 years of scientific work and early human antiviral success—is now ready for the next step. It is called the IBDV antiviral platform, and it has already shown antiviral activity in people with HBV and HCV as far back as 1998, long before today’s advanced biotechnology existed. This early human signal is documented in the scientific monograph Leveraging Viruses for the Treatment of Viral Diseases and Cancer (https://shop.elsevier.com/books/leveraging-viruses-for-the-treatment-of-viral-diseases-and-cancer/bakacs/978-0-443-29164-7).
The science is mature. What’s missing is funding and public pressure to move the optimized drug candidate into modern clinical trials.
Why this matters
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Human antiviral activity was demonstrated first, before the drug was engineered — extremely rare in antiviral development.
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The mechanism is well understood and predictable.
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Only ~USD 5M is needed to run a new Phase I/II trial.
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The main barrier now is lack of funding, not lack of science.
Why patients matter
In the 1980s, HIV/AIDS activists changed medical history by demanding action.
HBV patients can do the same.
If the community raises its voice — to the NIH, foundations, and liver‑health organizations — we can accelerate the path toward a functional cure.
What you can do
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Share this information with other HBV patients.
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Ask research funders why this clinically validated approach is not being supported.
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Encourage organizations to back a Phase I/II trial.
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Join advocacy efforts and help build momentum.
A functional cure is no longer a distant dream.
It is a scientifically validated possibility waiting for support.
Happy to answer questions or provide more details if helpful (tiborbakacs@gmail.com).