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2008

Student Plans 1,100 Mile Bike Trip to Promote Awareness of Hepatitis B
May 5 - Seventeen year-old John Ellis who was recently diagnosed with HBV will cycle from his hometown of Pensacola Florida to Philadelphia PA, the home of the Hepatitis B Foundation to raise awareness about the disease. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Patients Getting Short-Changed by Province
May 5 - Nearly 100,000 Ontarians living with chronic hepatitis B are not getting access to the most effective treatments because the drugs are not covered by Canadian health insurance. Read Full Article.

Pregnancy and Liver Disease
May 5 - Although liver disease does not occur frequently during pregnancy, when it does, it can cause significant morbidity and mortality for both fetus and mother. Read Full Article.

China has 93 Million HBsAg Carriers
Apr. 25 - According to the Ministry of Health, about 7.18 percent of the total population are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive. Read Full Article.

Liver Cancer Screening Improves Survival of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B or C
Apr. 25 - Survival of patients with HCC detected by screening has improved in recent years due to increased chance of curative treatment. Read Full Article.

HBV Immunization Program Successful in Italy
Apr. 25 - Acute hepatitis B incidence has decreased dramatically since universal vaccinations were introduced in Italy, but challenges remain. Read Full Article.

Get Your Jabs Before Heading to China for 2008 Olympics
Apr. 21 - Those heading to China for this summer's Olympic Games should ensure they are properly vaccinated beforehand. Read Full Article.

U.S. Senator Seeks Funds for Hepatitis Scare
Apr. 21 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is seeking $26 million in emergency funds from Congress to help deal with the hepatitis C crisis in Southern Nevada. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Tied to Bile Duct Cancer
Apr. 21 - The results of a recent study suggest there is an association between HBV infection and an increased risk of bile duct cancer which is very difficult to treat. Read Full Article.

Slightly Abnormal Blood Test May Point to a 'Silent' Form of Hepatitis B
Apr. 14 - A study showing the presence of hepatitis B DNA in the absence of actively replicating virus means that even patients who are not ill with the disease could be infectious. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Virus Triggers Cell 'Suicide' in Chronically Infected Patients
Apr. 14 - Researchers have found that T cells are an important factor in determining why some people can fight the Hepatitis B virus off successfully while others can’t. Read Full Article.

Experts Renew Calls for In-Prison Needle Exchanges
Apr. 14 - Researchers have called for prison-based needle exchanges as findings show a high rate of syringe sharing amongst incarcerated individuals which leads to greater risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as HBV. Read Full Article.

State to be Sued by Hepatitis B Carriers, Who Top 1 Million
Apr. 7 - People who are believed to have contracted hepatitis B through mandatory vaccination against infectious diseases, including polio, measles and influenza, plan to file a series of lawsuits against the Japanese government for relief measures to help treat the disease. Read Full Article.

National Hepatitis B Campaign Launched in Egypt
Apr. 7 - The campaign, known as a “University Awareness Campaign,” it seeks to provide free HBV vaccinations for final year medical students – a segment at great risk of coming into contact with the virus, it added. Read Full Article.

Canadian Government Expands Hepatitis B Drug Coverage
Mar. 31 - The British Columbia (BC) government will cover adefovir (Hepsera) and entecavir (Baraclude) for the treatment of hepatitis B, which affects about 30,000 to 60,000 individuals and is estimated to cost about $3 million per year. Read Full Article.

Former Fashion Fair model with HBV Honored for Her Advocacy
Mar. 31 - Former model Rosie M. Butler lives with chronic HBV and has dedicated her life to raising funds for liver disease research at the University of Alabama, which honored her efforts with the creation of the “Rosie M. Butler Endowed Support Fund for Viral Hepatitis”. Read Full Article.

Turning the Tide of Liver Cancer Among Asians
Mar. 31 - A largely preventable cancer is expected to become more common in the United States in coming years. No, it’s not lung cancer —it’s liver cancer, which is the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. and the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Read Full Article.

Viread Approved for Treatment of Chronic HBV in Europe
Mar. 21 - Viread (tenofovir), an antiviral drug used for treating HIV/AIDS, has been recommended for approval by a European Commission as a treatment for hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Scientists Unite to Fight Disease
Mar. 21 - More than 120 Chinese and European Union scientists have gathered in Shanghai to seek ways to cooperate in the fight against infectious diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis and hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Feeling Liverish…Maybe It's Your Liver?
Mar. 21 - According to traditional Chinese medicine, people with chronic hepatitis B should be especially vigilant in spring and watch their diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest and maintain a positive outlook. Read Full Article.

Hep B Vaccine Trial Placed on Hold
Mar. 21 - US regulators have temporarily suspended clinical development of Heplisav, an investigational hepatitis B vaccine after a serious adverse reaction. Read Full Article.

Baby of Hep B Mother Must Be Vaccinated, Judge Rules
Mar. 17 - A judge has ordered a mother with chronic hepatitis B to have her newborn baby vaccinated against the infectious disease, capping an unusual case that underlined the continuing fear of immunization among some Canadians. Read Full Article.

Taking Hepatitis B Drug with Interferon May Be Dangerous
Mar. 17 - Canadian health officials are warning consumers being treated with Sebivo (telbivudine) for hepatitis B not to combine the medication with any interferon products because of potentially serious drug interactions. Read Full Article.

Chronic Hepatitis B: Preventing, Detecting, and Managing Viral Resistance
Mar. 17 - HBV antiviral drug resistance may be best prevented by using a combination of nucleoside and nucleotide drugs with different resistance profiles for first-line treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

HBF Testifies Before Congress for More HBV Funding
Mar. 13 - HBF President Dr. Timothy Block was invited by U.S Representative David Obey, Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, to present testimony today advocating for more HBV funding in the fiscal year budget 2009. Dr. Block cited the recent Nevada outbreak as a dramatic example of how the nation is facing a major public health challenge that cannot be ignored. “If we don’t act with urgency, more and more people will suffer from chronic hepatitis,” he said. Read Dr. Block’s complete HHS Testimony.

FBI Investigating Clinic in Las Vegas Hepatitis Outbreak
Mar. 10 - The FBI is investigating possible Medicare fraud at a Las Vegas surgical center believed to have spread hepatitis by reusing syringes and vials of medication. Read Full Article.

Effects of Kava on the Liver
Mar. 10 - Recent evidence has begun to emerge about adverse affects to the liver caused by a popular herbal remedy to treat anxiety, insomnia and tension. Read Full Article.

Slimming Aids and other Herbal Remedies Can Effect Liver
Mar. 10 - In recent years, dietary supplements have been implicated in causing severe and sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity. Read Full Article.

CDC Head: Problems at Nevada Clinic Could Be 'Tip of Iceberg'
Mar. 6 - Nevada health officials are trying to contact about 40,000 patients who had procedures at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada between March 2004 and Jan. 11, 2008, advising them to be screened for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Read Full Article.

Acetaminophen and Liver Damage at a Glance
Mar. 5 - Tylenol is currently the most popular painkiller in the U.S. Americans take over 8 billion pills of Tylenol each year. But is it safe? Read Full Article.

Waning-off Effect of Serum Hepatitis B Surface Antibody
Mar. 5 - A recent study of Taiwanese university students revealed that booster doses of HBV vaccine should be considered to effectively protect against future hepatitis B infection. Read Full Article.

Family of Liver Cancer Genes Discovered
Mar. 5 - The discovery of two genes that predispose individuals to hepatocellular carcinoma may prove to offer a valuable tool in diagnosis and treatment. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis C Fear for Thousands in Nevada
Feb. 29 - Six people who underwent endoscopic procedures at a Nevada clinic have contracted hepatitis C, but 40,000 more should be tested for it, as well as for HBV and HIV, said health officials. Read Full Article.

Japan's Hepatitis B Victims Plan to Sue Government
Feb. 29 - Japan's hepatitis B sufferers infected through contaminated vaccine syringes plan to sue the government for financial and medical assistance after a recent victory by hepatitis C patients. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis E Virus May Cause Chronic Liver Disease
Feb. 29 - In addition to vaccinating against hepatitis A, the hepatitis B vaccine should be offered to anyone visiting areas where HBV is widespread. Read Full Article.

Combination Vaccine Recommended for International Travelers
Feb. 29 - Contrary to widely held beliefs, hepatitis E infection can lead to chronic liver disease in transplant patients. Read Full Article.

Toward A Banana-based Vaccine for Hepatitis B
Feb. 25 - Bananas appear to be an ideal production and delivery vehicle for a plant-based, oral HBV vaccine. Read Full Article.

Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy with Sebivo (Telbivudine)
Feb. 25 - According to new warnings, chronic hepatitis B patients who are being treated with Sebivo should be carefully monitored for signs of peripheral neuropathy. Read Full Article.

Too Much Fast Food and Too Little Exercise Harm the Liver
Feb. 25 - Too much fast food and not enough physical activity can result in sharp increases in liver damage. Read Full Article.

California Bill Aims to Boost Culturally Appropriate HBV Prevention and Management
Feb. 15 - New legislation in California would expand Medicaid coverage to people with chronic hepatitis B and provide grants for multicultural HBV public awareness campaigns. Read Full Article.

An Enormous HBV-Related Liver Disease Burden Projected in Vietnam by 2025
Feb. 15 - Hepatitis B is the major cause of chronic liver disease in Vietnam, with a projected incidence of 8 million by 2025. This means the HBV-related liver disease burden will be enormous. Read Full Article.

West Bengal Gets Aid to Fight Liver Diseases
Feb. 15 - With terminal liver diseases on the rise, the West Bengal Liver Foundation seeks to address chronic hepatitis B, which affects an estimated 30 million people (3-4% of the Indian population). Read Full Article.

Anti-fungal Tablets Linked to Liver Deaths
Feb. 12 - Three people have died and several others have suffered serious liver reactions after taking Lamisil, a popular medication to treat fungal infections. Read Full Article.

Tattoos May Be Tomorrow's Vaccines
Feb. 12 - Using tattoos, scientists have found a more effective way to deliver therapeutic vaccines to fight cancer and other serious conditions. Read Full Article.

Innogenetics Secures Key Hepatits B Testing Patent
Feb. 12 - A Belgium biotech company has secured a US patent for hepatitis B drug resistance testing which is highly recommended for all hepatitis B antivirals. Read Full Article.

Two Drug Firms Charged in France over Hepatitis Vaccine
Feb. 4 - GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur are facing charges in France that their hepatitis B vaccine caused serious side effects among 1,300 patients between 1994 and 1998. The companies deny any wrongdoing. Read Full Article.

Cure for Cirrhosis?
Feb. 4 - Scientists have developed a drug that inhibits the activation of the protein that causes tissue scarring. The discovery may lead to new drugs to treat fibrosis/cirrhosis and other types of tissue scarring. Read Full Article.

Double-Dose Hepatitis B Revaccination has Good Results in HIV-positive Patients
Feb. 4 - Use of a double-dose of hepatitis B virus vaccine in HIV-positive patients who did not respond to standard vaccination has a 50% success rate, according to a Dutch study. Read Full Article.

Too Few U.S. Adults Getting Needed Vaccinations
Feb. 4 - According to US health officials, a concerted effort is needed to raise adult immunization rates to protect from a range of dangerous diseases. Vaccinations aren't only for children, adults need them, too. Read Full Article.

Doctors Report Transplant Breakthrough
Jan. 28 - Doctors have developed a technique that could free many patients from having to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their lives. The treatment involves weakening the patient's immune system, then giving the patient bone marrow from the person who donated the organ. Read Full Article.

Organizing Organ Donation
Jan. 28 - To help boost organ donation rates in Britain an opt-out, rather than an opt-in system was recently proposed. Everyone would be presumed to be a willing organ donor at death unless he or she had stated otherwise. This opt-out system already exists in Europe and has also been proposed for the U.S. Read Full Article.

Genes Key To High Liver Cancer Rates In Men
Jan. 28 - A fundamental difference in the way males and females respond to chronic liver disease at the genetic level helps explain why men are more prone to liver cancer, according to a recent study. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Exacerbation May Occur in Women After Giving Birth
Jan. 28 - Researchers in the Netherlands investigated the evolution of liver disease during and after pregnancy in women with chronic HBV and concluded that a significant increase in liver inflammation often occurs after pregnancy that may be due to a reactivation of the immune system after delivery. Read Full Article.

Impact of Hepatitis B on Quality of Life
Jan. 21 - Infection with chronic HBV causes considerable distress to individuals and results in substantial global economic loss through costs of treatment and lost productivity. However, the impact on the quality of life of patients is not well studied. Read Full Article.

Chinese Army to Vaccinate All New Recruits Against Hepatitis B
Jan. 21 - The Chinese People's Liberation Army has begun to vaccinate all new recruits against hepatitis B In an effort to reduce the HBV rate in China. Plans to revise existing rules on vaccination to provide vaccine to all army personnel are underway. Read Full Article.

San Francisco Medical Center to Use Gene Therapy
Jan. 21 - California Pacific Medical Center announced this week that it has become the first medical research institute to use a gene-silencing therapy to treat hepatitis B. This new therapy prevents the virus from multiplying by effectively paralyzing it and making it unable to create infectious virus particles.. Read Full Article.

Nucleonics Initiates HBV Clinical Trial with New eiRNA Therapeutic
Jan. 14 - Nucleonics announced that it has begun treating HBV patients in a Phase I study with NUC B1000, which is designed to lower viral antigen load as well as viral DNA load. Read Press Release.

Blood Scare for British Troops
Jan. 14 - Six British civilians and 18 soldiers working in Afghanistan or Iraq may have been exposed to contaminated blood provided by the US military and face an agonizing wait to learn the results of their own tests for blood infections. Read Full Article.

Emergent Hepatitis B Drug Moves to Next Stage
Jan. 14 - Emergent BioSolutions is progressing to the next stage in its study of a therapeutic hepatitis B vaccine, which is anticipated to increase the potential of clearing the virus and eliminating the need for long-term antiviral therapy. Read Full Article.

Premarital AIDS and Hepatitis Tests Become Mandatory
Jan. 14 - Hepatitis B and C and HIV will join the other mandatory medical tests that Saudi couples who are about to marry will have to undergo in order to be issued a marriage certificate. Read Full Article.

Potency of Tenofovir in Chronic Hepatitis B: Mono or Combination Therapy?
Jan. 8 - The concept of combination therapy has long been established as the paradigm of therapy for a number of other chronic infections to diminish or delay occurrence of resistance. The combination regimens should be compared to monotherapy with our most effective nucleos(t)ide analogues, such as entecavir and tenofovir, according to new article in J. of Hepatology. Read Full Article.

The Underestimated Risk of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B: Benefits of an Accelerated Vaccination Schedule
Jan. 7 - Three doses of TwinrixR administered over three weeks and a fourth at 12 months provides rapid initial protection for most individuals for whom the standard 6-month vaccination schedule would not be suitable, including last-minute travelers to HAV or HBV endemic areas and short-term correctional facility inmates. Read Full Article.

Long-Term Peginterferon Shows Promise Against Hepatitis B in Pilot Study
Jan. 7 - Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2a over a period of sixty weeks showed a higher rate of sustained virologic response than that usually achieved with the standard treatment duration of 48 weeks. Read Full Article.

Shorter Legs Linked To Liver Disease
Jan. 7 - Short legs are linked to an increased risk of liver disease, suggests a new study. The research contributes to a growing body of evidence on the link between leg length and health. Read Full Article.

2007

Mortality Related to Chronic HBV and HCV in France
Dec. 31 - In France, 4,000-5,000 deaths related to HCV and HBV infection occurred in 2001. Alcohol consumption and HIV infection were important co-factors. Read Full Article.

Deaths in China from Hepatitis B Prompt Bristol, Glaxo Urgency
Dec. 31 - In China, hepatitis B kills about 808 people daily. Now, a growing middle class may open doors for Western pharmaceutical companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb & Co. and GlaxoSmithKline Plc, which sell drugs to treat the virus. Read Full Article.

HBF Scientists Discover Possible New Alternative to Liver Biopsy for Early Detection and Monitoring
Dec. 24 - Scientists working at the Hepatitis B Foundation, in partnership with Drexel University College of Medicine, report they may have discovered a reliable alternative to liver biopsy for the early detection of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which afflict more than 5 million Americans, in upcoming J. of Virology. Read Press Release.

HBF Publication Reports Significant Underestimation of Chronic HBV in the U.S.
Dec. 24 - Hepatitis B Foundation reports there are closer to two million Americans chronically infected with HBV in the J. of Viral Hepatology. New calculations reveal at least one million Americans may be missing from official estimates of chronic HBV rates in the U.S. Read Full Article.

San Francisco Hospital to Help with HBV in Vietnam
Dec. 24 - A San Francisco medical center, led by Dr. Robert Gish, is teaming up with a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City to help combat hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

FDA: Tattoos Can Endanger Health
Dec. 24 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to consider potential health and safety risks before getting tattoos since dirty needles can transmit blood-borne infections like hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for HBV Related
Dec. 24 - Living donor liver transplant has become established as a viable clinical option for chronic HBV patients with cirrhosis in Turkey. Prophylactic antiviral treatment and low dose HBIg provide excellent results for transplant recipients. Read Full Article.

Hong Kong Study Reveals "Public Lacks Awareness of Hepatitis B"
Dec. 17 - Despite being aware that hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer, many carriers of the disease have not been properly screened for the virus nor do they know how to manage their condition, according to a survey of 3,318 people conducted by Hong Kong researchers. Read Full Article.

Exacerbation of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection After Delivery
Dec. 17 - In women with chronic HBV, a significant increase in liver inflammation often occurs following pregnancy due to a reactivation of the immune system. Close monitoring and treatment may be needed. Read Full Article.

Association Between Herbalife Nutritional Supplements and Acute Hepatotoxicity
Dec. 17 - Individuals suffering from underlying liver disease such as HBV should exercise caution in the consumption of Herbalife products, according to an Israeli University study. Read Full Article.

Comparison of Interferon-á and Lamivudine Treatments in Children with Chronic HBV
Dec. 17 - When the therapeutic efficacy of two different treatment regimens was studied, results showed that there was no substantial difference between sequential and simultaneous treatments of Interferon-á and Lamivudine in children with chronic HBV. Read Full Article.

Effect of Lamivudine and Adefovir on Preventing Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Dec. 10 - A recent study concluded that oral antiviral agents, such as Lamivudine and Adefovir, may reduce the incidence of HCC in patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis. Read Full Article.

New Upper Limit Defined for Normal ALT in Adolescent Males
Dec. 10 - The new definition of normal adolescent ALT allows greater sensitivity in diagnosing early liver disease and targeting interventions that can be implemented to minimize future health-related morbidity. Read Full Article.

Canadians May be Denied Access to Effective New Hepatitis B Treatment
Dec. 10 - A new drug reimbursement recommendation to restrict access to Baraclude(Entecavir) may result in a significant proportion of patients having to use treatment that has largely been abandoned in the USA and Europe as substandard. Read Full Article.

Study: No Link Between Hepatitis B Shot and MS
Dec. 4 - There is no link between vaccination to protect against hepatitis B and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in childhood, a new study finds. Read Full Article.

After Hepatitis Case, State Acts to Speed Alerts to Patients at Risk
Dec. 3 - A nearly three-year delay in informing patients of a Long Island doctor that his poor infection-control practices could have exposed them to hepatitis and HIV has prompted New York officials to propose a series of changes to better coordinate Health Department investigations. Read Full Article.

Preemptive Lamivudine Therapy Reduces Risk of Liver Disease Flares in Hepatitis B Patients Starting Cancer Chemotherapy
Dec. 3 - Study results have found that treating HBsAg positive patients with Lamivudine prior to undergoing chemotherapy reduces their risk of HBV reactivation, acute liver failure, and mortality. Read Full Article.

Long-Term Treatment Success with Pegasys Plus Ribavirin for Patients with HCV and HBV Co-Infection
Dec. 3 - Researchers have concluded that combination therapy with Pegasys plus Ribavirin appears to be safe and effective for treatment of patients co-infected infected with HCV and HBV with a substantial proportion of the patients achieving HBsAg clearance. Read Full Article.

Non-Invasive Tests for Cirrhosis May Help to Avoid Liver Biopsy
Dec. 3 - Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques may reduce the need for biopsies and provide a useful new set of tools not only for diagnosing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, but also for evaluating the effectiveness of new treatments for early-stage fibrosis. Read Full Article.

New Wave of Immigration Blamed for Doubling of HBV in UK
Nov. 26 - A recent report found that soaring rates of hepatitis B infection fuelled by large-scale immigration pose a serious health threat in the UK that is not being addressed properly. A public education campaign, universal vaccination policy, and action to identify and treat those who are infected were recommended. Read Full Article.

Growing Focus on Reused Medicine Vials
Nov. 26 - Public health officials have raised a red flag about the risks of transmitting blood-borne diseases through medicine vials that hold more than one dose. While such vials may reduce waste of medicine, they are more susceptible to contamination than single-dose vials. Read Full Article.

New Organ Allocation Criteria Associated with Decreased Deaths on Liver Transplant List
Nov. 26 - By changing the method in which donated livers are allocated to potential transplant patients, the number of deaths among individuals on the waiting list has decreased. Conclusive evidence has shown that this policy had a positive impact on waiting list mortality. Read Full Article.

First FDA-Approved Drug Therapy for Liver Cancer
Nov. 20 - The FDA has approved a New Drug Application for Nexavar, an oral anticancer drug shown to significantly improve overall survival in patients with liver cancer. This new drug provides a valuable option for liver cancer patients and will likely become the standard systemic therapy for treatment. Read Full Article.

Scientific Evidence of the Significant Anti-cancer Effect of Milk Thistle
Nov. 19 - Research results have indicated that silibinin, an active compound in milk thistle, can be used to prevent the development of liver cancer. Read Full Article.

Get Kids Vaccinated or Else, Parents Told
Nov. 16 - Prince Georges County, Maryland is threatening to take legal action against parents who do not get their children mandatory hepatitis B and chickenpox vaccinations. Read Full Article.

U.S. Representative Mike Honda Introduces Bi-Partisan Bill to Boost Hepatitis B Research and Prevention
Nov. 14 - Aiming to reduce the number of Hepatitis-B victims, Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) and Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) recently introduced a bill that could boost immunization rates against the disease and increase funding for Hepatitis-B research. Read Bill H.R. 3944

Tenofovir Works for HBV-Infected Patients
Nov. 14 - Tenofovir is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for HBV monoinfected patients with prior treatment experience, according to the findings of a recent study. Read Full Article.

Gender Difference in the Natural Course of HBeAg Positive Chronic Hepatitis B
Nov. 14 - Taiwanese researchers reported results from a longitudinal study to clarify gender-related differences in the natural history of hepatitis B, taking into account HBV genotype. Read Full Article.

Failure to Immunize Makes Britons Susceptible to Hepatitis B Infection
Nov. 13 - The failure of the UK to introduce universal hepatitis B immunization means that most British citizens are susceptible to infection, warns an infectious disease expert. Read Full Article.

Questionnaire Determines Current Level of Oncologists Awareness of Antiviral Prophylaxis to Prevent Reactivation of HBV
Nov. 13 - According to a recent survey, improving awareness of HBV reactivation and antiviral prophylaxis in the Oncology community appears warranted. Read Full Article.

NAC Slows Early-Stage Non-Acetaminophen-Related Liver Failure
Nov. 13 - There appears to be a benefit in administering the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning to slow early-stage acute liver failure triggered by hepatitis B and other causes. Read Full Article.

Cuba is Ready to Eradicate Hepatitis B
Nov. 8 - The increasing production of the Cuban vaccine Heberviovac HB has made it possible for the total elimination of hepatitis B, said Dr. Herrera during the inauguration of the 28th International Biotechnology Congress in Havana. Read Full Article.

Nationwide Decrease in the Need for Liver Transplant
Nov. 5 - A new Mayo Clinic study found a nationwide decrease in the need for liver transplant in patients with hepatitis B, which coincides with the increasingly widespread use of oral antiviral medications to slow disease progression. Read Full Article.

Merck to Develop HEPLISAV, an Investigational HBV Vaccine in Phase 3 Trials
Nov. 5 - Dynavax and Merck announced a global partnership to jointly develop HEPLISAV, a novel investigational hepatitis B vaccine, which shows promise great promise for hard-to-protect patient populations. It’s in Phase 3 trials for older adults and dialysis patients. Read Full Article.

Ignorance fuelling spread of hepatitis B in Asia
Nov. 5 - Ignorance is fuelling the spread of hepatitis B in Asia, where patients are failing to get proper treatment and not enough is done to reduce transmission of the virus from mother to child. Read Full Article.

Favorable Prognosis Seen in Children with Chronic Hepatitis B
Oct. 29 - A report in the October issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases evaluates the clinical, biochemical, virological, and histological features of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and looks at data regarding its long-term course in children. Read Full Article.

New Theory of How Viruses May Contribute To Cancer
Oct. 29 - A new study suggests that viruses may contribute to cancer by causing excessive death to normal cells while promoting the growth of surviving cells with cancerous traits. Researchers call this the Phoenix Paradigm. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B, Liver Cancer Hit Asian Community
Oct. 29 – Compared to other ethnicities, Asian Americans are nearly three times as likely to develop liver cancer, mostly due to the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection. Language barriers, lack of medical care access, and cultural taboos have been cited as reasons Asian Americans do not get the necessary screening for HBV and liver cancer. Read Full Article.

FDA Approves Alternate Dosing Schedule for a Twinrix
Oct. 22 - Twinrix, the only hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine available in the U.S has been approved by the FDA for an accelerated dosing schedule. This could benefit individuals who plan to travel internationally to high-risk areas, healthcare workers and emergency personnel, people who have been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases, as well as others at risk for hepatitis. Read Full Article.

Gilead Submits Marketing Applications for Viread for HBV
Oct. 22 - Data from clinical trials show that Viread (Tenofovir), currently approved to treat HIV, can have beneficial effects on chronic hepatitis B throughout the course of infection, potentially preventing fatal liver damage and liver cancer. Read Full Article.

Immune Cells Fighting Chronic Infections Become Progressively 'Exhausted'
Oct. 22 - A new study of immune cells battling chronic viral infection shows that the cells, called T cells, become exhausted by the fight and undergo profound changes that make them progressively less effective over time. Using a technique called gene-expression profiling, scientists have studied the mechanisms involved in T cell exhaustion. Read Full Article.

Use of Hepatitis B Vaccine for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B
Oct. 16 - The HBV vaccine administered with interferon and nucleoside analogs may be a promising new therapeutic approach to control chronic Hepatitis B. The combination therapy is being evaluated for its efficacy and ability to suppress viral replication. Read Full Article.

Telbivudine May Be More Efficient for Chronic Hepatitis B
Oct. 16 - Data from this and previous studies indicate that Telbivudine may provide greater and more consistent HBV DNA suppression than Adefovir and Lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) positive patients. Read Full Article.

Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy Associated With Increased Traffic Accidents
Oct. 16 – "Patients with cirrhosis who are not actively drinking should always be asked about their driving history," concludes study that shows patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy report more traffic accidents and violations than other individuals. Read Full Article.

Noninvasive Tests for Cirrhosis May Help To Avoid Liver Biopsy
Oct. 8 - New non-invasive imaging techniques may provide an innovative set of tools not only for diagnosing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, but also for evaluating the effectiveness of new treatments for early-stage fibrosis. Read Full Article.

Researchers Study Attitudes of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in the USA
Oct. 8 - Researchers suggest that CHB patients experience greater symptoms than previously recognized and that patients perceptions of disease and attitudes about treatment may differ based on individual ethnicity and/or treatment experience. Read Full Article.

Stanford Researchers Find Way to Fight Treacherous Hepatitis B
Oct. 4 - One in four people who are chronically infected with hepatitis B will die from its impact if untreated, but a team of researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine has identified the most cost-effective way of fighting this treacherous infection. Read Full Article.

World Hepatitis Awareness Day 2007
Oct. 1 - Events are taking place today in more than forty counties worldwide to increase awareness of viral hepatitis and encourage those who may be at risk to 'Get Tested'. Read Press Release.

Mixing Large Doses of Common Painkiller and Caffeine May Increase Risk of Liver Damage
Oct. 1 - Scientists have reported a potentially harmful interaction from consuming large amounts of caffeine while taking acetaminophen. They warn patients should monitor their intake carefully to prevent liver damage. Read Full Article.

Chronic Hepatitis Common in Children with HIV
Oct. 1 – A recent report found that all children and adolescents with HIV should be routinely screened for both hepatitis B and C. Read Full Article.

Favourable Outcomes for Long-term Lamivudine Treatment of Children with Chronic HBV
Sept. 27 – The aim of this study was to examine the safety of lamivudine and the durability of clinical responses in a group of children who received up to 3 years of treatment for CHB. Read Abstract.

Teesside Pupils Will be First for Hepatitis B Vaccine
Sept. 27 - Around 4,000 youngsters between the ages of 11 and 13 in the South Tees area of the U.K. will be vaccinated as health chiefs aim to catch up in tackling a national rise in infections. Read Full Article.

A Fruity Solution Against Hepatitis B?
Sept. 27 – New approaches are needed to succeed in bringing this virus under control - genetically modified plants may be a promising attempt. Dr. Xiao-Ming Lou and his team in Shanghai, China, modified the genome of a tomato in a way that the plant becomes an edible-vaccine, which will create a good immune response and be less expensive than the existing vaccines. Read Full Article.

Comparison of Same-Day Pre-Biopsy Versus Real-Time Ultrasound Approach
Sept. 27 – It is not clear as to whether performing real-time ultrasound (i.e. at the time of liver biopsy) is any more effective than marking the puncture site shortly before biopsy. Biopsy size, fragmentation, complications and diagnostic outcome were assessed in the comparison between approaches. Read Full Article.

Liver Cancer Marker Could Yield Blood Test for Early Detection
Sept. 19 - Researchers report on a new blood screening technique that could make it possible to detect early-stage liver cancer and predict how well a patient will do following treatment. Read Full Article

Pioneering New Treatment “Cooks” Liver Tumors
Sept. 19 - Cancer patients from across the world may benefit from an innovative treatment which destroys cancerous tissue and minimizes the chance of the disease reoccurring. Read Full Article.

Targeting Nerve Growth Factor May Lead To Cure For Liver Cancer
Sept. 19 – Scientists have discovered that Nerve Growth Factor plays a critical role in the development of liver cirrhosis and its progression towards hepatocellular carcinoma. In the future, bioengineers may be able to use NGF in the early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and HCC. Read Full Article.

HCV and HBV Spreading More Slowly Among Injection Drug Users in San Francisco
Sept. 12 - Injection drug users are still at a very high risk of acquiring hepatitis C and B; however, needle-sharing is less common, and users do not become infected as quickly as they did in the past, according to a new study. Read Full Article

FDA Safety Warning: PegIntron
Sept. 12 - The FDA revised safety labeling for peginterferon alfa-2b to warn of the risk for potentially fatal psychiatric events. Extreme caution is therefore advised when treating patients with a history of psychiatric disorders. Read Full Article.

HBV Coinfection Linked to Reduced Efficacy of Anti-HCV Therapy
Sept. 12 – In patients chronically infected with hepatitis C, coinfection with hepatitis B appears to decrease the efficacy of anti-HCV therapies, regardless of the viral genotype, new research suggests. Read Full Article.

Third Annual Answer to Cancer Run Benefits Hepatitis B Foundation
Sunday Sept. 16, 2007 @ 9:00 am in Mahwah, NJ
Sept. 5 - Answer to Cancer, a national foundation that benefits organizations that promote awareness for hepatitis B and liver cancer, will hold its third annual 5K run/walk at Darlington Park in Mahwah, NJ, on Sunday, September 16. The A2C Foundation has raised more than $350,000 since its inception in 2003. Register Today!

China Has 120 Million Hepatitis B Carriers
Sept. 5 - At least 120 million people in China have become carriers of the hepatitis B virus out of the 700 million people who once were infected with it, announced the Chinese Ministry of Health at the unveiling of a free hepatitis B vaccination project for 320,000 primary school students in northwest China's Qinghai Province. Read Full Article.

Muscular Exercise Can Cause Highly Pathological Liver Function Tests in Healthy Men
Sept. 5 – A study in healthy men revealed that AST and ALT increased significantly after intensive muscular exercise (weightlifting) and remained increased for at least 7 days post-exercise. These findings highlight the importance of imposing restrictions on weightlifting prior to and during clinical studies, and that intensive muscular exercise should also be considered as a cause of asymptomatic elevations of liver function tests. Read Full Article.

Scientists Develop New Test for Liver Cancer
Aug. 21 - A simple blood test can detect early stage liver cancer and more accurately diagnose a disease that is a major killer in Asia and Africa. When used in conjunction with the [standard] AFP test, the new method was “more accurate and represents a more powerful tool to better detect liver cancer and save lives by getting patients earlier treatment”, said researchers. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Virus and HIV Coinfection: Results of a Survey on Treatment Practices and Recommendations for Therapy
Aug. 21 - Inconsistencies among the different sets of guidelines for the treatment of HBV infection is a reflection of the complexities involved in treating such individuals. To address this important issue, a survey on how clinicians "in the real world" are managing HIV-HBV coinfected patients was sent to a federally funded, national network of community-based clinical treatment centers. Read Full Article.

An Editorial: Screening For and Treating Hepatitis B Virus in Patients with HIV Infection
Aug. 21 - Why it is so important to be diligent with regard to screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the context of HIV infection? Treating HBV infection, if necessary, makes a difference . . . preventing HBV infection is better than treating it. Thus, every HIV-infected patient should be screened for HBV infection and offered vaccination in the instance of negative results for HBV markers. Read Full Article.

Progress in Hepatitis B Prevention Through Universal Infant Vaccination
Aug. 16 - China has made substantial progress in implementing universal, timely hepatitis B vaccination for infants, and preventing chronic HBV infection in children. Read Full Article.

Ignorance About Hep B Worries Charity
Aug. 16 - A recent poll conducted in the UK by the NHS Foundation Trust found that most gay men know little about Hepatitis B. The goal of the organization is to provide information and services about HBV to gay and bisexual men. Read Full Article.

Father-to-Child Hepatitis B Transmission Documented in Japan
Aug. 16 – Researchers in Japan found evidence of HBV infection via father-to-child transmission. Based on their findings, universal vaccination against HBV of all children was recommended. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Protection May Not Be Long-Lasting
Aug.7 - Two adolescents in five who received a first dose of hepatitis B vaccine as newborns had evidence of waning immunity by age 14. Only 60% of 14-year-olds had an anamnestic response to hepatitis B vaccine booster dose compared with 97% of five-year-olds, according to findings published in the August issue of Pediatrics. Read Full Article.

5.4% of Healthy Blood Donors with the Core Antibody Have Detectable Viral Load
Aug. 7 - Transmission of HBV through blood transfusions is rare, but does occur even when donors test negative for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which is believed to be the hallmark of HBV infection. Read Full Article.

Coffee Consumption and Risk of Liver Cancer
Coffee, 2 Cups Daily, May Reduce Risk for Liver Disease, ALT Elevations
Aug. 7 – a meta-analysis of observational studies indicate that an increased coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of liver cancer, both among individuals with and without a history of liver disease. Overall, the risk of liver cancer decreased by 43% for an increment of 2 cups of coffee per day…A protective effect of coffee consumption on liver cancer is biologically plausible. Read Full Article.

Korean Mummy Holds Clues to Disease
July 26 – The liver of a child mummy preserved for 500 years will be studied by a team international experts to help scientists understand how the hepatitis B virus evolved to its present state and what to expect in the future. Read Full Article.

Protecting HIV Patients from Hepatitis B Virus
July 26 – Because individuals infected with HIV are at a significantly increased risk for contracting HBV, researchers at the University of Alberta endorse HBV immunization for this high-risk population and further studies to identify why some HIV patients fail to respond to the vaccine. Read Full Article.

Management of HBV Infection in Japan
July 26– In an effort to develop more efficient treatments for HBV, scientists at Kyoto University performed a pilot study of sequential therapy with lamivudine/interferon and found this protocol to be a viable alternative to conventional monotherapy. Read Full Article.

Does Race or Gender of HCV Patients Influence Physicians' Testing for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B?
July 26 - A recent study revealed that a patients' race, but not gender, had a significant impact upon whether HCV-infected individuals were tested for HAV and HBV by their physicians. Read Full Article.

Researchers Develop Tool to Gauge Quality of Life of Hepatitis B Patients
July 18 – In a new study, UCLA researchers measured the effect of hepatitis B on patients' quality of life beyond just the physical symptoms of the disease and created a new tool to better assess patients' overall well-being, which may help clinicians guide treatment. The study documented that for those without advanced liver disease, the psychosocial impact of the disease affected their lives more than the physical symptoms. Read Full Article.

High-Risk Groups Told to have Blood Tested for Hepatitis
July 18– More than a million Malaysians are estimated to be carriers of hepatitis virus, and the Health Ministry wants those in the high-risk groups to have their blood tested. Read Full Article.

Infectious Diseases Experts Issue Blueprint To Avert Thousands Of Preventable Deaths
July 18 - The Infectious Diseases Society of America has released a new “Blueprint for Action” to increase adult vaccination rates against preventable deaths. The plan calls for raising public awareness about the importance of adult vaccination, improving access and affordability, and educating physicians to offer adult vaccinations during routine office visits. Read Full Article.

The HBV Asian Epidemic You Don't Know About
July 11– A press conference in New York City last month addressed an issue that often goes ignored but is already affecting many Asian Americans in the 21st century - chronic hepatitis B. A recent study revealed some alarming figures: survey responses of patients (55% of whom were Asian American) indicated that not enough patients or the general population are properly informed about hepatitis B and its causes, although the similarities to the HIV epidemic are obvious. Read Full Article.

Incidence of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Among Individuals with Chronic Hepatitis B
July 11– Researchers reported in Hepatology this month that patients with chronic HBV infection were almost 3 times more likely to develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) compared with comparison patients, after adjusting for demographics, comorbidity, and HCV co-infection. Read Full Article.

Some 12 Million Vietnamese Suffer From Hepatitis B
July 11– Some 12 million Vietnamese people (or 14 percent of Vietnam's population) are infected with hepatitis B and up to 12 percent of the infected people are aged around 10 years. Approximately three million of them need treatment, reported China's Xinhua news agency. Read Full Article.

Over Half of Trainee Surgeons in U.S. Don't Report Needlestick Injuries
July 6 – According to a New England J. of Medicine study, nearly every trainee surgeon has experienced a needlestick injury by their final year of postgraduate education. Up to 800,000 needle-stick injuries are reported annually by healthcare workers in the US, but over 50% of all needlestick injuries are not reported, including 16% of injuries that involved a source patient who was infected with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. Read Full Article.

Why Liver Cancer is More Prevalent in Males than in Females
July 6– Production of a protein that promotes inflammation appears to be linked to the higher incidence of liver cancer in men than in women, according to researchers. Liver cancer (or hepatocellular carcinoma- HCC) is a devastating complication of chronic inflammation caused by risk factors such as hepatitis B and C. Read Full Article.

New Data Suggest that Patients with Chronic Liver Disease are at Increased Risk for Heart Disease
July 6 - Researchers publish data that NASH, HCV, and HBV are strongly associated with early atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) independent of classical risk factors such as insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome components. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Drug Can Compromise HIV Treatment
June 29 – The United States Department of Health and Human Services now recommends against using entecavir (baraclude) as the first option in treating patients co-infected with hepatitis B and HIV. Researchers reported that a patient infected with both hepatitis B and HIV who was treated with entecavir developed a mutant strain of HIV that is resistant to other antiviral drugs. Read Full Article.

Abbott's RealTime Hepatitis B Viral Load Test Receives CE Marking in Europe
June 29– Abbott has received CE marking for a real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test for monitoring hepatitis B viral load in patients, allowing the test to be marketed in the European Union. The RealTime HBV assay is a reliable test for detecting and measuring all known HBV genotypes; thereby, giving physicians better information to guide treatment decisions. Read Full Article.

Sci B Vac Proven to Prevent Recurrence of Hepatitis B
June 29 - Scigen Limited announced that Sci B Vac, a new hepatitis B vaccine derived from mammalian cells, has been proven to prevent recurrence of hepatitis B virus infection in patients receiving antiviral prohylaxis after liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Viread Phase III Study for Chronic HBV Meets Primary Endpoint
June 21 – Viread (tenofovir DF) 300 mg met its primary efficacy endpoint: a complete response at week 48 defined by serum HBV DNA levels below 400 copies/mL and histologic improvement by at least a two point reduction. Read Full Article.

FDA Warns DuPont About RelyOn Claims of Prevention
June 21– DuPont was warned by the U.S. FDA about "misbranding" its RelyOn antiseptic spray and hand wipes, which has insufficient evidence to support its claims these products prevent diseases including hepatitis A, B, and C, and HIV type 1. Read Full Article.

In 'Spontaneous' Liver Cancer, Researcher Sees a Cure
June 21 - Researchers at Georgetown University have uncovered a new molecular mechanism that may “spontaneously” cause liver cancer. This finding could suggest a method to target pre-cancerous lesions in the liver.. Read Full Article.

NASTAD Releases Primer on Viral Hepatitis Policymaking and Programs
June 11 – A “Primer on Viral Hepatitis Policymaking and Programs at the Federal Level” has been released by the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) to increase understanding about the process through which federal viral hepatitis funding and program decisions are made. Access Article.

Prognosis Following Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Clearance
June 11– Clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) remains the goal of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B, but some research suggest that patients who clear HBsAg remain at risk for hepatic complications including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Read Full Article.

Liver Cancer Patients with High HBV Levels Face Poorer Outcomes
June 11 - Based on findings from the first-ever study examining the prognostic value of serum HBV DNA levels for patients with liver cancer undergoing chemotherapy, researchers recommend that antiviral therapies to reduce HBV viral load should be considered as part of management for liver cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Patients' Understanding of Infection and Treatment Deficient
June 1 - Many patients with chronic hepatitis B are deficient in their understanding of the lifelong disease and often do not comply with the drug regimens necessary to control it, according to a new UCLA survey that suggests improved patient involvement in disease management decisions could be the key to fixing this problem. Read Full Article.

Toward A Banana-Based Vaccine For Hepatitis B
June 1 - Bananas have emerged as the best candidate to deliver a bite-sized vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) to millions of people in developing countries, according to researchers. Read Full Article.

Prevention of Hepatitis B in Travelers
June 1 – Foreign travel is increasing and many travelers are at risk of developing hepatitis B. A prevention guide for health professionals gives useful advice to all travelers. Read Full Article.

HBV Not Directly Tied to Increased Stroke Risk
May 23 - The increased risk of stroke or myocardial infarction (MI or heart attack) associated with hepatitis B appears to be secondary to liver dysfunction rather than a direct consequence of HBV infection, Korean and UK researchers report in the May issue of Stroke. Read Full Article.

Asians Losing Race with Hepatitis
May 23 - As an Asian-American politician, Chi Mui became San Gabriel's first Asian mayor in March 2006. As an Asian, Mui belonged to a larger, more disturbing health care demographic. He died of liver cancer at 53 after about a month in the position. Mui had hepatitis B, a disease that is dubbed a "silent killer" and disproportionately affects Asians. Read Full Article.

Causes of Death in Individuals with Hepatitis B or C
May 23 – A large study was conducted over 12 years to investigate all causes of death among individuals with HBV and/or HCV in a community-based setting. Researchers concluded that, “Our data highlight that young people with hepatitis C and with HBV/HCV coinfection face a higher mortality risk from continued drug use than from their infection, whereas the main cause of hepatitis B death was liver related.” Read Full Article.

May 2007 is 12th Annual Hepatitis Awareness Month
May 15 - May 2007 marks the 12th anniversary of Hepatitis Awareness Month. The May 11 issue of MMWR highlights public health measures to vaccinate and protect children from hepatitis B virus infection in China and to monitor the characteristics of persons with chronic hepatitis B in San Francisco, California.
Read Full Article.

Characteristics of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis B --- San Francisco, California, 2006
May 15 - In 2006, the San Francisco Department of Public Health characterized persons with reported confirmed chronic HBV infection for a hepatitis B registry, which will enable health departments and health-care providers to link HBV-infected persons and their contacts with recommended prevention and care services.
Read Full Article.

Revised Treatment Guidelines for Use of Entecavir in HIV-HBV Co-Infected Patients
May 15 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a supplement to their guidelines HIV-1-infected adults and adolescents concerning use of entecavir (Baraclude) in HIV-HBV coinfection. This revision was made in response to recent reports indicating that entecavir may be active against HIV as well as HBV, and thus could promote the development of drug-resistant HIV if used as monotherapy. Read Full Article.

Prevention of Hepatitis B in Travelers
May 15 - Foreign travel is increasing and many travelers are at risk of developing hepatitis B. A prevention guide developed for health professionals to give advice to travelers is also useful for the general public
Read Full Article.

U.S. Representatives Recognize National Hepatitis B Awareness Week!
May 9 - In order to break the silence surrounding this deadly disease and bring awareness to the American people, Rep. Mike Honda, Rep. Edolphus Towns, and Rep. Charlie Dent introduced H. Res. 366, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Hepatitis B Awareness Week.
Read Full Article.

Wednesday May 9 @ 12 Noon - Free Webcast: The Changing Epidemiology of Hepatitis B
May 9 - An online audio webcast featuring Dr. Stanley Martin Cohen, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Hepatology at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, will be offered for 1 CEU. The webcast is offered by Abbott Diagnostics in collaboration with the Hepatitis B Foundation. Free Online Registration Now!

Nucleonics Receives FDA Clearance to Begin Phase 1 Trial of New eiRNA Therapy for HBV
May 4 -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Phase I human clinical trials for Nucleonics’ investigational eiRNA therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, which will begin in June. Read Full Article.

Woman Contracts Hepatitis B During Oral Surgery
May 4 – Universal hepatitis B vaccination of all adults up to 40 years of age should be encouraged according to New York City officials who report the hepatitis B virus was transmitted from one patient to another when they both underwent oral surgery in the same office on the same day, despite proper infection control measures. Read Full Article.

Does Exposure to Hepatitis B Increase Risk for Liver Cancer in HCV Patients?
May 4 – Researchers reported results from a 10 years study of HCV patients that show exposure to HBV increases the risk for liver cancer in patients with HCV infection and cirrhosis. Read Full Article.

Blood DNA Can Be Early Predictor of Liver Cancer
April 25 – Scientists have discovered a means for early detection of liver cancer using DNA isolated from serum samples as a baseline biomarker. This is a critical breakthrough for identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an earlier stage. Read Full Article.

Prolonged Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Health Care Workers
April 25 – Prolonged antiviral therapy has been found to be a viable management option to prevent transmission of the HBV virus from healthcare workers to patients. Read Full Article.

Pegintron Approved in China for Treating Chronic Hepatitis B
April 25 – Schering-Plough Corporation has announced that PEGINTRON (peginterferon alfa-2b) has been approved by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B, the most prevalent infectious disease in China and one of the country's leading causes of death. Read Full Article.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Does Not Decrease Liver Transplant Survival
April 18 – A recent comparison of survival in hepatitis B patients undergoing liver transplantation for cirrhosis vs. hepatocellular carcinoma shows rates are comparable: 90% vs. 83% respectively. Read Full Article.

Standard Tests May Not Detect “Hidden” Hepatitis B in HIV/HBV Coinfected Patients
April 18 – A significant number of HIV patients may have “occult” (or hidden) HBV infections that are not detected with standard screening tests, according to two recent studies. These results indicate a need for better screening for HBV in “high-risk” populations. Read Full Article.

Antiviral Therapy for Hep B Health Workers Reduces Work Restrictions
April 18 – Providing antiviral therapy for HBV infected health care workers prevents the loss of highly qualified medical personnel without jeopardizing patient safety, finds researchers. Read Full Article.

Watch Out for Hepatitis B
April 12 – Only half the HIV patients attending U.S. clinics are being monitored for hepatitis B, according to three recent studies. Since between 1 in 4 and 1 in 10 patients who have hepatitis B may have an ‘occult’ infection, meaning the virus cannot be detected with standard blood tests, there is a greater need to test HIV patients for a possible co-infection with HBV. Read Full Article.

FDA Licenses First Biologic Product to Prevent HBV Reinfection in Liver Transplant Patients
April 12 – HepaGam B is the first immune globulin product to be approved for the prevention of HBV reinfection in liver transplant patients. This approval provides a new treatment option for transplant patients who are at increased risk of reinfection of HBV. Read Full Article.

Two Studies Examine Effect of Age on Liver Disease Progression
April 12 – Patients who experience HBeAG seroconversion before age 40 are at a significantly lower risk of progression to liver cirrhosis than those over age 40. Also, researchers studying the relationship between age and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) found that the development of HBV-related HCC in young patients may be different from their older counterparts. Read Full Article.

High-Tech Tools Fight Hepatitis
April 5 – In an effort to bring healthcare to the community, clinics in Hawaii plan to use telemedicine in the treatment of hepatitis. With the use of a video monitor and audio system, doctors hope to bring medical care to the needy or homeless in rural areas Hawaii. Read Full Article.

FDA Approves Accelerated Dosing Schedule for Twinrix
April 5 – Twinrex, the only hepatitis A and hepatitis B combination vaccine available in the U.S has been approved by the FDA for an accelerated dosing schedule. This could benefit individuals who plan to travel internationally to high-risk areas, healthcare workers and emergency personnel, people who have been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases, as well as others at risk for hepatitis. Read Full Article.

Rare Case of Dental Patient-to-Patient Hepatitis B Virus Transmission Recorded
April 5 – Researchers have documented a case of hepatitis B virus transmission between two patients at a dentist's office in the U.S. While this kind of infection is exceedingly rare, universal vaccination against the virus would likely have prevented both cases. Read Full Article.

PKIDS Interviews Dr. Timothy Block, Co-Founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation
March 27 – The national nonprofit PKIDS interviews Dr. Timothy Block, Co-Founder and President of the Hepatitis B Foundation, a world-class nonprofit research organization with a mission to find a cure and improve the lives of 400 million people living with this serious liver disease. Download Podcast Interview.

America's Scientific and Medical Progress Threatened By Flat Funding For NIH
March 27 – Leading U.S. universities call for increased NIH funding to protect health and retain the nation's scientists. The report argues that research momentum gains have slowed, and in some cases may be lost, if flat funding continues. Read Full Article.

FDA Warns Against Use of Emtricitabine (Emtriva) with Duplicate Combination Products and Lamivudine
March 27 – FDA Warns Against co-administration of emtricitabine with other emtricitabine-containing products and lamivudine. This includes fixed-dose combination products with emtricitabine or lamivudine. Read Full Article.

2-For-1 Liver Transplant Saves Two
March 20 – Transplant surgeons split one liver between two patients with success. It doesn’t happen often with the more than 6,000 liver transplants annually. Just 123 split-liver transplants were performed in the U.S. last year. If more were performed, there would a much shorter waiting list for liver transplants. Read Full Article.

Police, Fire and Prison Staff to Get Injections Against Hepatitis B
March 20 – Police and firefighters will be given the hepatitis B vaccine as part of a number of new measures to protect frontline workers from blood-borne viruses. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B at Lowest Levels Ever Reported
March 15 – CDC reports that hepatitis A and B are at the lowest levels ever in the United States due to safe vaccines and strong federally support immunization programs. Read Full Article.

Sport Fears Over Sweat Risk
March 12 – A recent study of 70 male Olympic wrestlers found eight who had the hepatitis B virus in their sweat. However, British experts say that catching it through sweat, rather than blood, remains extremely unlikely. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Vaccination for Iranian Teens Starts
March 12 – Nationwide hepatitis B vaccination for Iranian teens has started because hepatitis B is the leading cause of cirrhosis in the country and 2 million Iranians are chronically infected with the virus. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis E Vaccine Effective in High-Risk Population
March 12 – A new vaccine has been found to be more than 95% effective in preventing hepatitis E, which is transmitted through contaminated water and food. in healthy subjects from the Nepalese army. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Found in Sweat of Olympic Athletes
March 2 – A study conducted among 70 male Olympic wrestlers show that while none tested positive for hepatitis B, DNA testing found the virus hiding in the blood of 13% and in the sweat of 11%, with sweat levels of the virus similar to those found in the blood samples. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B Drug Triggers HIV Drug Resistance
March 2 – A commonly used hepatitis drug spurs resistance to HIV drugs in patients who are infected with both viruses, Johns Hopkins researchers report. Read Full Article.

Sebivo (Telbivudine) Recommended for Approval in European Union for HBV
March 2 – An estimated one million Europeans are infected with hepatitis each year. A new drug, Sebivo, has been recommend for approval in Europe, which follows earlier approval in the U.S. where the drug is marketed as Tyzeka. Read Full Article.

Israeli Researchers Discover Drug Effective Against Liver Cancer & HBV
Feb. 27 – Pre-clinical studies from Can-Fite BioPharma, an Israeli biotech company, show that a drug that they are testing (CF102) is active not only against liver cancer but also hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Romania Suffering Europe's Highest Hepatitis Rate
Feb. 27 – With 2 million of its 22 million people infected with a form of hepatitis, Romania has Europe's highest burden of the disease. Read Full Article.

Number of People Infected with Hepatitis B Reaches 4 Million in Turkey
Feb. 20 – With an estimated 4 million people in Turkey already infected with hepatitis B, the Health Ministry has plans for decreasing the rate by 2010. Read Full Article.

World Digestive Health Day – Focus: Hepatitis B and C
Feb. 20 – A total of 400 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B, and about half that number is chronically infected with hepatitis C. Together, these diseases are responsible for the majority of liver cancer cases, the 3rd leading cause of cancer death worldwide. On May 29 2007, the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) will focus worldwide attention on Hepatitis B and C during its World Digestive Health Day on May 29, 2007. Read Full Article.

Chinese Employers Shun Carriers of Hepatitis B
Feb. 20 – Discrimination against those with hepatitis B, experts say, is on the increase, partly because the dangers of the virus have been exaggerated by medical testing companies touting services and advertisers pushing fake cures. Such ploys gain attention in China, where 120 million carry the hepatitis B virus. Read Full Article.

Long-Term Adefovir Therapy Useful for Chronic Hepatitis B
Feb. 14, 2007 – New research shows that treatment with adefovir dipivoxil for up to 5 years is well tolerated and benefits hepatitis B patients who are e-antigen negative(HBeAg-). Read Full Article.

HBV Infection May Promote HCV Clearance in HIV Positive Patients
Feb. 14 – Researchers report that HBV may favor the elimination of HCV in HIV-coinfected patients, which may influence liver disease and therapeutic decisions. Read Full Article.

Superior Results Using Antiviral Agents Before Pegylated Interferon to Treat HBV
Feb. 6 - Studies have shown that using a potent antiviral before adding an immunomodulator (e.g. pegylated interferon) is a novel approach for improving the effectiveness of HBV treatment, and would also reduce the frequency of antiviral resistance. Read Full Article.

Management of HIV and Hepatitis B Coinfection
Feb. 6 - Coinfection with HIV and HBV has a significant impact on hepatitis B disease with faster rates of progression to cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. A recent review highlights the most important developments in the management of HIV and HBV coinfection. Read Full Article.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Hepatology
Feb. 6 – A review of the effectiveness of the use of complementary and alternative medicines among individuals with liver disease appears in the online edition of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Read Full Article.

Transplant Shows Best Survival for Primary Liver Cancer
Jan. 23 - If all things were equal, a new liver would offer the best chance of long term survival for hepatocellular carcinoma. After five years, the survival rate for transplant patients was 67%, versus 38% for those who had surgical resection and 19% for ablation procedures. Patients with liver cancer who had no treatment have a five-year survival rate of 3%. Read Full Article.

Impact of Co-Infection with More than One Hepatitis Virus
Jan. 23 - Due to overlapping risk factors, many individuals are infected with more than one form of viral hepatitis. Since co-infections can cause more liver damage and complicate treatment, it is important that a person with one type of hepatitis be tested for other hepatitis viruses. Read Full Article.
Breakthrough Could Prevent Many Fibrotic Diseases
Jan. 23 - Researchers at Rice University have found that a protein, called serum amyloid P or SAP, could lead to the first treatment that prevents the build-up of deadly scar tissue in many diseases that account for an estimated 45% of U.S. deaths each year. Currently there are no approved treatments to prevent fibrosis (which occursin cirrhosis) and it is considered to be an irreversible process. Read Full Article.

Number of Hepatitis B Cases Rises Dramatically
Jan. 18 - New statistics indicate an enormous increase of hepatitis B in Ireland – from about 30 cases reported in 1997 to over 900 in 2005. Read Full Article.
Cancer Deaths Inch Down for Second Year
Jan. 18 – For the second year in a row, the absolute number of deaths caused by cancer have decreased in the U.S. Liver cancer, however, continues to be on the rise. Read Full Article.

Diabetics at Risk of Hepatitis B Due To Bad Medical Practices
Jan. 10 - Diabetic residents in nursing and care homes in the U.K. may be at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B because some staff continue to re-use disposable lancing devices that should only be used once. Read Full Article.

Parents in China Drop HBV Discrimination Suit
Jan. 10 - Parents of seven HBV-infected children recently expelled by a top school in China sued authorities for discrimination, but dropped their suits after heavy pressure from local officials. Read Full Article.
Diet Seen to Affect Hepatocellular Cancer Risk
Jan. 10 - Certain foods, among them milk and fruit, appear to reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), according to Italian researchers. Read Full Article.

Tenofovir Plus Emtricitabine Shows Efficacy in Resistant HBV Infection
Jan. 10 – A recent study indicates that tenofovir, after treatment failure with adefovir, may be an effective option for patients with resistant HBV infection. Read Full Article.

A Painkiller Reminder
Jan. 2 - FDA label proposal reinforces advice to proceed with caution on over-the-counter painkillers, noting they pose a risk of liver and stomach damage. Read Full Article.

Development of Osteoporosis in Liver Cirrhosis
Jan. 2 - Cirrhosis is a major cause of osteoporosis and its degree is related to the severity and not the cause of the liver disease. Read Full Article.

Clues to the Hepatitis Mystery
Jan. 2 - Thirteen centuries ago, Pope Zacharias quarantined jaundiced patients to stop liver sickness from spreading through Rome. But it took centuries before a team of scientists discovered the cause of infection. Read Full Article.

2006

A Case for Treating High HBV DNA Levels Before Starting HIV Therapy
December 15 – Researchers make a case for providing hepatitis B treatment for co-infected patients with high HBV viral loads before initiating antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Read Full Article.

Updated HBV Immunization Recommendations for Adults
December 15 - Updated recommendations to increase hepatitis B vaccination of adults at risk for HBV infection in all settings have been published in the second of a two-part statement from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Read Full Article.

Factors Influencing Liver Disease Progression in Chronic Hepatitis B
December 15 – A new comprehensive review highlights pertinent data on the factors associated with progressive HBV-related liver disease in affected patients, which could lead to improvements in the selection of candidates for intervention, such as lifestyle changes and antiviral therapy, and overall disease management. Read Full Article.

Dynavax's HEPLISAV Vaccine Superior to Conventional HBV Vaccines
Nov. 28 - Dynavax Technologies announced that HEPLISAV, its HBV vaccine, can generate 98.5% protection after two doses in older difficult-to-immunize adults vs. 73.1% for Engerix-B by GlaxoSmithKline. Read Full Article.

School Nurses Working to Meet State Vaccination Requirements
Nov. 28 - State requirements that children get vaccinated for hepatitis B and chicken pox have many school systems scrambling to keep their children in class. Read Full Article.

Updated Management Guidelines for HBV in the Asia-Pacific
Nov. 28 - The ACT-HBV Asia-Pacific Steering Committee members have updated the treatment recommendations for chronic hepatitis B based on a review of the most recent clinical data in this highly endemic region of the world. Read Full Article.

HBV Advocate’s AASLD Conference Coverage
Nov. 28 – A list of all the important and interesting abstracts about hepatitis B from the 2006 AASLD Conference has been posted on the HBV Advocate website. Read Full Article.

NCI Researchers Induce Natural Killer Cells to Fight Liver Cancer in Mice
Nov. 21 - Two types of killer immune cells play divergent roles in fighting cancer located in the liver and study results provide insight into how the power of the immune system can be harnessed to develop new anticancer therapies. Read Full Article.

Model May Help Predict Survival After Liver Transplant
Nov. 21 - A new model may help predict survival after liver transplant and may be particularly helpful for expanding criteria to include marginal or high-risk donors; thus, increasing the availability of livers for transplantation. Read Full Article.

Superheroes Help Gay Community Fight Hepatitis B
Nov. 21 - The "Vaccinators”, the sexual health superheroes, have rolled into town to encourage gay men in the United Kingdom to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Can Green Tea Help Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis?
Nov. 15 - Patients with chronic hepatitis often use alternative and complementary therapies they hope will improve liver health. According to researchers, green tea polyphenols may be a useful therapeutic agent for treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Read Full Article.

HBV Viral Load & Mortality Rates
Nov. 15 - Persons with chronic hepatitis B have a significantly higher risk of mortality compared to uninfected persons which can be directly related to the amount of HBV viral load. Read Full Article.

International Adoption: Issues in Infectious Diseases
Nov. 15 - As International adoptions become increasingly common in the US, it is necessary for families considering adoption to become informed about potential infectious disease risks.Read Full Article.

Elevated ALT Levels Predict Risk of Death From Liver Cancer
Nov. 6 - The currently accepted upper limit of normal for ALT levels is "artificially high," officials from the AASLD believe. The current normal range excludes a number of individuals who feel well but who are at increased risk for liver disease. Read Full Article.

Hepatitis B in Children: Update 2006
Nov. 6 - HBV infection occurs in newborns, infants and children and is frequently unrecognized. Compared to the disease in adults, hepatitis B in children is frequently less severe but more likely to be prolonged. Read Full Article.

Three-Year Data Showed Low Incidence of Baraclude (Entecavir) Resistance in Nucleoside-Naïve Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Nov. 6 - Bristol-Myers Squibb announced three-year results of the Baraclude (entecavir) resistance monitoring program, which found the incidence of resistance to be low among nucleoside-naïve patients treated with the approved drug. Read Full Article.

Tyzeka Bests Epivir at HBV Control at Two Years
Oct. 31- Tyzeka (telbivudine) was superior to Epivir (lamivudine) at reducing hepatitis B virus to undetectable levels report scientists at the October AASLD Meeting. Read Full Article.

British Scientists Grow Human Liver in a Laboratory
Oct. 31 - Scientists have grown the world's first artificial liver from stem cells in a breakthrough that will one day provide entire organs for transplant. Read Full Article.

The Hepatitis B Therapeutics Market in China Will Double by 2010
Oct. 31 - A leading research firm reports that China, the world's largest HBV drug market is expected to double by 2010 due to expanded diagnoses and treatment initiatives. Read Full Article.

Telbivudine Approved by FDA as New Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B
Oct. 25 - Idenix Pharmaceuticals announced the approval of Tyzeka (telbivudine) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a new once-a-day oral treatment, taken with or without food, for patients with chronic hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Vaccination Nearly Eliminates HBV in Hawaiian Children
Oct 24 - Hepatitis B virus infections among elementary school children in Hawaii fell by more than 90% after universal infant hepatitis B vaccination was implemented, according to a report in the October issue of Pediatrics. Read Full Article.

Genetically Modified Viruses May Help Cure Hepatitis B Infections
Oct. 24 - South African scientists have developed a new approach using RNA interference (RNAi) technology that could potentially lead to a powerful medicine to treat the Hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Some Prescriptions Can Lead to Chronic Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Oct. 24 - A new consortium study found higher rates of chronic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) resulting from common prescription medications. Read Full Article.

Schools Ban Hepatitis B Virus Carriers
Oct. 17– Nineteen junior high school students were told to leave school and go home after they were found to be carriers of the hepatitis B virus. The Chinese Ministry of Health blasted the decision to ban the pupils since it has launched a nationwide campaign calling on people to not take a biased attitude towards people with hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

CDC Announces Updates to the Adult Immunization Schedule
Oct. 17 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded the Adult Immunization Recommendations, now available in English and Spanish, to include vaccination for any adult seeking protection from hepatitis B. Read Full Article.

Clinical Care Options Hepatitis 2006 Update
Oct. 17– CME programs are now available to assist physicians treating hepatitis B patients - an “Update on the Management of Hepatitis B”, by Mark Ghany, MD, and “HBV Resistance”, by Anna Lok, MD. Read Full Story.

Clinical Significance of Occult HBV in People with HIV
Oct. 10 - Some research has shown that coinfection with HIV and hepatitis B is associated with worse liver disease progression, but it is unclear with low levels of occult or "hidden" HBV. “Occult infection” is diagnosed when HBV DNA is detected with core antibodies (anti-HBc) but without surface antigen (HBsAg). Read Full Article.

Overview of Antiretroviral Therapy for Patients with HIV-HBV Coinfection
Oct. 10 - In the U.S. and Europe, it is estimated that 7%-10% of HIV positive men have chronic hepatitis B. "HIV infection modifies the course of HBV infection by increasing rates of chronicity, prolonging HBV viremia, and increasing liver-related morbidity," say researchers from Stanford University. Read Full Article.

Cost Effectiveness of Treatment Options for HBV Patients with Cirrhosis
Oct. 10 - Patients with chronic HBV are at risk for developing advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. "Both entecavir and adefovir [monotherapy] are cost-effective" in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis, researchers concluded. Read Full Article.

Can Razor Blades Transmit Hepatitis B Virus?
Oct. 4- HBV is known to be transmitted through sharing drug-injection equipment, however, the risk of sharing of personal care items is less certain. Turkish researchers concluded from a recent study that reuse of blades that carry HBV can infect others. Read Full Article.

Women Given Liver Transplants Outlive Male Recipients By Around 4 Years
Oct. 4 - Researchers evaluated 2702 people who had received a liver transplant between 1985-2003, and found female liver transplant recipients outlive men