Bepirovirsen shows 19% functional cure rate for hepatitis B

On September 7-8, 2026, GSK shared pooled data from its phase 3 B-Well trials for bepirovirsen, a new treatment for chronic hepatitis B. The results showed a 19% functional cure rate, which the study defined as maintaining undetectable levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg for at least 24 weeks after the end of treatment. For the 1,220 adults who participated, these figures represent a clear shift from the 0% cure rate observed in the placebo group, suggesting a new possibility for the millions of people living with the condition worldwide.

These findings address a long-standing challenge in global health. Chronic hepatitis B affects millions, many of whom face the risk of serious liver complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Because traditional treatments have often struggled to achieve a functional cure, the search for new therapeutic options has remained a priority. Bepirovirsen takes a novel approach to the infection, focusing on sustained viral suppression and the potential for curative outcomes.

The B-Well trial was a wide-reaching effort that spanned 29 countries, reflecting a global commitment to addressing the virus. This work relied on the collaboration of researchers, healthcare professionals, and the patients who volunteered for the studies. Their contributions provided the data necessary for upcoming regulatory reviews and the development of new treatment protocols. By involving such a diverse range of participants, the trials ensured that the safety and efficacy findings would be applicable across different demographics.

The results of the trial carry broader implications for public health and global healthcare systems. A 19% functional cure rate offers a path toward improved management of chronic hepatitis B, which may eventually reduce the high costs associated with lifelong care. Furthermore, the development of bepirovirsen could encourage continued innovation in antiviral research, benefiting both healthcare providers and the patients they serve within the field of infectious diseases.

Looking ahead, GSK intends to submit bepirovirsen for regulatory review, a necessary step toward making the treatment available for widespread use. The company remains optimistic about the role this therapy could play in the lives of those living with the virus. As the medical community moves through the regulatory process, these trial outcomes suggest that bepirovirsen may become a significant tool in the effort to manage hepatitis B and improve health outcomes on a global scale.