Experimental hepatitis B drug might offer ‘functional cure’ for a subset of patients

Tune Therapeutics Presents Positive Phase 1b/2a Proof of Concept Data on TUNE-401: a First-in-Class Epigenetic Silencer for Patients with Hepatitis B at EASL 2026

DURHAM, N.C. & SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 2026-

Experimental Drug May Offer a 'Functional Cure' for Some People with Chronic Hepatitis B

Across two large trials, roughly 20% of people treated with bepirovirsen had undetectable levels of the virus after stopping all treatment.

One in five patients achieve functional hepatitis B cure after 24 weeks of bepirovirsen

In an editorial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, University of Michigan Health hepatologist Anna S. Lok, M.D., hails newly announced results of the B-Well clinical trials as "a major step toward a functional cure for hepatitis B virus infection."

First-in-Class Hepatitis B Drug Shows Promise for 'Functional Cure' in Early Trials

An experimental new treatment for chronic hepatitis B is raising hopes for what researchers call a potential "functional cure," a milestone that could change how the viral liver disease is managed in the future.

New drug is a potential cure for the chronic hepatitis B, scientists say

Bepirovirsen, a hepatitis B drug awaiting FDA approval, shows the promise of being a functional cure, scientists say. The drug made the hepatitis B virus undetectable within 48 weeks in 20% of patients during a pair of clinical trials.

Hepatitis B drug may offer 'functional cure' for some patients

Researchers reported Thursday that in two international studies, about 1 in 5 patients given the experimental drug for six months saw their virus reduced to levels low enough that the immune system could keep it in check.