Washington, D.C. – October 21, 2026 – Global Liver Institute (GLI) applauds GSK for this advancement in chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Hibsago (bepirovirsen). Treatment has long centered on antiviral therapies that suppress the virus, often requiring lifelong treatment. But as science continues to advance, so does the possibility of a different future for people living with the disease.
For years, researchers have worked toward a functional cure for hepatitis B, in which key signs of infection become undetectable in the blood and remain so after treatment ends. Bepirovirsen offers a new approach toward this goal, giving some patients the possibility of maintaining control of the virus without ongoing medication. While more research is needed to understand how long this response lasts, the advance opens new possibilities for hepatitis B treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 240 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B in 2024. Chronic HBV can lead to serious complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Advances in treatment are an important step forward for the patient community, reinforcing the need for accessible screening, timely diagnosis, informed treatment decisions, and continued investment in innovation.
“During Liver Awareness Month, this milestone highlights the importance of hepatitis B screening and prevention, as well as connecting patients to appropriate care and treatment options,” said Larry R. Holden, President & CEO of Global Liver Institute. “With chronic hepatitis B increasing the risk of liver cancer, early detection and access to advances in care are critical to preventing serious complications and improving outcomes for patients. As new treatment options emerge, conversations between patients and healthcare providers become increasingly important. We encourage patients and providers to start the conversation and understand what a new treatment could mean for their individual circumstances.”
There is still more work to do to make a functional cure possible for more people living with hepatitis B and continued research like this is opening new possibilities. GLI applauds this scientific advancement and remains committed to ensuring that people living with hepatitis B have the information, support, and access to care they need as treatment continues to evolve.
