Epigenetic gene-tagging therapy silences hepatitis B in preclinical studies
Researchers used epigenetic editing to attach chemical tags to hepatitis B DNA, shutting down viral activity in cell, mouse and monkey tests, and began human trials.
Scientists at Boston-based nChroma Bio together with collaborators in Milan have demonstrated that epigenetic editing can silence the hepatitis B virus by adding methyl groups to its genome. The therapy, CRMA-1001, uses a catalytically dead Cas9 guided by RNA to locate HBV DNA and tag it, preventing viral particle formation. Preclinical experiments showed strong inhibition in human liver cells, mice and monkeys, with only brief, mild adverse reactions.
The method also addresses hidden viral mini-chromosomes and integrated DNA that cause disease rebound and liver cancer. Following these findings, nChroma Bio launched a clinical study in Hong Kong and New Zealand, administering the first intravenous dose in January. Researchers view the result as a major step toward a curative HBV solution worldwide.
Why it matters
A potential cure for chronic hepatitis B could prevent liver disease and cancer for hundreds of millions.
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