NUC treatment generally does not have any effect on HBsAg. It is extremely effective at lowering HBV DNA though. If your doctor has not done a quantitative HBsAg test, then in my opinion (I am not a doctor) they don’t have sufficient information to determine whether or not you would be a good candidate
1 Like
Dear @et5656 ,
I have to correct your statement about NUCs. Their impact on HBsAg depends on the proportion of SVP coming from HBV DNA. Most people will experience a 0.5-1 log decline in HBsAg but no further (becuase NUCs cannot target HBsAg from integrated HBV DNA). In some special cases, NUC therapy can actually lead to undetectable HBsAg! Sadly, even in these cases, HBsAg (and infection) rebounds after therapy is removed.
To follow on @Nawab questions,
The rare cases of low HBsAg I am referring to are patients who are NOT receiving therapy not those on NUC therapy. These are the patients who have responded to bepirovirsen in clinical trials. Its.unclear how bepirovirsen works in patients with artificially lowered HBsAg on NUC therapy.
2 Likes
Most people will experience a 0.5-1 log decline in HBsAg but no further (becuase NUCs cannot target HBsAg from integrated HBV DNA).
What happens with integrated HBV DNA as hepatocytes are replaced when mitosis happens? Is integrated HBV DNA passed to newly created hepatocytes?
1 Like
Thank you @availlant !!
Dear @mantana ,
Because integrated HBV DNA is integrated into the host chromosome(s), these integrated HBV DNA will be efficiently passed to both daughter cells following mitosis.
3 Likes
@availlant @ThomasTu
I just received my HEp B Surface antigen quantitive to be decreased from 1372 to 877 ..
is this a significant change?
On path to partial cure?
Dear @Nass ,
Can you remind us if you are on treatment or not? What is your current HBV DNA?
Hey @availlant
Thanks for the reply! Yes I am on treatment since 2023!
HBV DNA was undetectable since 2023..
The chart above is the fluctuations of Hep b surface antigen quantitative.
Thnx
are you taking bepirovirsen since 2023 ?
No. My doctor will recommend when approved and after phase 3 study…
Hi dear @availlant
What’s your take away on this? Is it good that I lost 40% of the virus?
Thnx for your input!
so you lost 40% hbsag just with tenofovir
@availlant hope is all .. what you think about that HBsAG reduction. ? Thx
Dear @Nass,
HBsAg is a measure of subviral particles, not virus. Since you are on NUC therapy, this reduction is not really significant. If the downward trend continues to below 10 IU/mL, this might mean you are getting closer to being able to establish functional cure. Ultimately NUC therapy should not be removed until HBsAg becomes undetectable.
5 Likes
I thought so! Thanks!!
1 Like