New drug 'functionally cures' many hepatitis B virus infections
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Article body wasn't reachable. The HN discussion summary is below.
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Article body wasn't reachable. The HN discussion summary is below.
What commenters are saying
The thread centers on whether treated patients remain contagious. Commenters note the trial enrolled non-cirrhotic patients already on existing antivirals, limiting generalizability to the 1.1 million annual HBV deaths. Key debate: whether undetectable viral load means non-transmissible (citing HIV's U=U framework) versus uncertainty around latent virus and temporary suppression. One commenter notes blood-based PCR testing's high sensitivity compared to coronavirus detection. Secondary discussion questions why HSV and HPV deserve more focus despite HBV's 300 million existing infections and carcinogenicity.