People living with hepatitis B should have a voice in new treatment guidelines, advocates say | |
A widely read medical journal, The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, recently published a Comment from a team of physicians, patient advocates and public health experts who strongly advocate for patients’ voices to be heard in developing new guidelines for people living with hepatitis B. The lead author is Catherine Freeland, PhD, MPH, associate director of public health research at the Hepatitis B Foundation. Please read more here. | |
Taking a stand against liver cancer and hepatitis B | |
February is Cancer Prevention Month and we know of one easy way to help protect yourself from liver cancer -- get vaccinated for hepatitis B. Liver cancer is preventable if the primary risk factors such as chronic hepatitis B and C infections can be eliminated. The number of cases of liver cancer is expected to grow dramatically over the next 20 years – join us in taking a stand against liver cancer & hepatitis B. | |
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New educational materials for communities most affected by hepatitis B and liver cancer | | |
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The Foundation has released a multi-cultural communications campaign highlighting the link between the two diseases in a way that is accessible and that will encourage higher rates of screening, prevention and linkage to care for hepatitis B, and early detection for both hepatitis B and liver cancer.
Materials are available for 12 different communities. These materials can be shared via social media and through other digital channels, and can be printed and mailed. Access these tools and learn more on our website.
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#justB Featured Storyteller: Bunmi | |
Check out Bunmi's story here. | | |
After her father passed away, Bunmi had to request his death certificate in order to learn the cause of death: liver cancer. She felt stifled by the lack of willingness within her family to talk about hepatitis B, and she wonders if old superstitions about illness in Nigeria are contributing to the stigma surrounding the virus both there and in African immigrant communities in the U.S. She is determined to help end the silence. | |
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Webinar: "Learn the Link"
Introducing new culturally tailored materials to highlight the connection between hepatitis B and liver cancer
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Join a webinar to introduce our latest resources that focus on the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer. These resources are customized for 12 communities most heavily impacted by hepatitis B-related liver cancer. The discussion will include insights from community members who participated in the project, sharing their experiences and underscoring the importance of highlighting this link to their respective communities. We hope you join us! | Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. EST | |
New Blog Post: Read about the HBF’s newly launched Learn the Link Campaign with Dung Hua of the VACF | | |
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In our most recent blog, we interviewed Dung Hua of the Vital Access Care Foundation [VACF], formerly known as the Vietnamese American Cancer Foundation. Dung spoke to us about her experiences addressing hepatitis B and liver cancer in this community, as well as her contribution to the Learn the Link campaign, which officially launches in February 2024. Dung shared the challenges she faces, her rewarding experiences and the many ways she works to connect with and educate her community.
Please read the blog post here.
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New online learning tool for all to use | |
The Hepatitis B Foundation and partners have launched a cost-free training website, the "B Informed Training Hub,” for people who want to learn more about hepatitis B and hepatitis D. This site provides training, education and resources on hepatitis B, hepatitis D and liver cancer for anyone who wants to learn more. Everyone is welcome! The online tool was developed by the Foundation, working in collaboration with HepBcommunity.org and the Westmead Institute for Medical Research. Please read more here. | |
New phase 3 clinical trial opportunity for
people living with chronic hepatitis B
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Check out this new clinical trial opportunity! GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is launching two phase 3 studies called B Well-1 and B-Well-2, which will test an experimental drug (bepirovirsen) as a potential treatment for hepatitis B.
Phase 2 clinical trial results showed that 24-weeks of treatment with bepirovirsen resulted in reduced HBsAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. To participate in the new phase 3 B Well studies, people need to be at least 18 years old (although the minimum age requirement may be higher in some countries); have a documented hepatitis B infection for the last six months; and have been on antiviral therapy with a nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NA, such as tenofovir or entecavir) for at least 6 months.
In the phase 3 B Well study, participants will be randomized into different study groups. Some people will be given bepirovirsen to add to their current NA, to see if this results in greater reduction of HBsAg and HBV DNA – and to see if this reduction is sustained after treatment ends. Some people will receive a placebo. The study is being run in many countries around the world. To find out more information and see if you might be eligible, please visit www.bwellstudy.com.
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Physicians: Consider a listing in our Physician Directory | | |
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Are you a physician who manages hepatitis delta patients?
Please sign up for our Physician Directory today!
This online database allows people who are living with hepatitis B and hepatitis delta from around the world to locate a physician near them.
Finding a doctor for hepatitis delta can be difficult for many folks, so help make more people aware of your services and register! Sign up here.
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B Heppy Podcast: Highlights from the International HBV Meeting | | |
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B Heppy is a podcast aimed to inform and help individuals living with hepatitis B through discussing various topics related to hepatitis B. You'll hear from other people who are living with hepatitis B, doctors, scientists and public health professionals as we tackle new topics every other week.
In this episode, Ed Tate, director of communications at the Hepatitis B Foundation, interviews scientists and researchers at the 2023 International HBV Meeting in Kobe, Japan. Access it here.
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New fact sheets in nine languages | |
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We've created printable fact sheets to educate the public on hepatitis delta. There are long-form and short-form fact sheets plus one designed for providers.
Topics range from hepatitis D testing and management, to treatments and clinical trial opportunities. Materials have been translated into English, Spanish, Russian, Romanian, Mongolian, Igbo, Yoruba, Hindi and Urdu. They're posted here.
Learn more: www.hepdconnect.org.
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Become a valued member of Hep B United | | |
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Join Hep B United and be a vital part of our mission. If you work with organizations fighting hepatitis B or are involved in aiding communities impacted by this disease, we welcome you to join our mission. By uniting our efforts, we can create a significant impact and work towards a world free from the challenges of hepatitis B.
Learn more and sign up to become an advocate here.
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FAQs: Questions we hear often from
people living with hepatitis B
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The Hepatitis B Foundation's Frequently Asked Questions page is a wonderful resource for anyone with questions about hepatitis B.
The questions are written based on real consults that we receive regularly. The page is here.
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Journal article of the month | |
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Characterising the effectiveness of social determinants of health-focused hepatitis B interventions: a systematic review
Anyiwe K, Erman A, Hassan M, Feld J 4, Pullenayegum E, Wong W, Sander B
[Link to article]
National Library of Medicine
Available online 3 January 2024, PMID: 38184004
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Social determinants of health are important in designing effective interventions for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This systematic review characterizes equity-oriented, social determinants of health-focused HBV interventions, and describes their effectiveness in terms of the prevention, care or treatment of HBV in high-income countries. Studies presented a heterogeneous array of HBV-relevant health outcomes. Most interventions were tailored for social determinants of health domains of race, ethnicity, culture and language; drug use; and socioeconomic status. Across the themes, at least two-thirds of interventions showed comparative effectiveness for addressing HBV. Extra-health social determinants of health outcomes were observed for two studies. Considerable diversity in population-level approaches was observed regarding intervention goals and effectiveness; most interventions were effective at enhancing the prevention, care or treatment of HBV. | |
Learn more about our research and education programs at www.hepb.org
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The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide. Our commitment includes funding focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public. | | | |
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Hepatitis B Foundation I 3805 Old Easton Road | Doylestown, PA 18902
215-489-4900 I info@hepb.org
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