Epigenetic editing technique shuts down hepatitis B virus in preclinical trials

Scientists at nChroma Bio and Italian institutes used epigenetic editing to place chemical tags on hepatitis B virus DNA, shutting down its gene activity in human liver cells and mice; the therapy generated only minimal and temporary side effects in monkeys, and nChroma Bio has now launched a clinical trial with the first participant treated in January.

The findings are from preclinical studies in cells, mice, and monkeys. The human clinical trial is ongoing and early-stage; efficacy and safety in patients remain to be established.