Development of hepatitis B virus therapeutic drug and elucidation of elimination mechanism in vivo.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15996
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53010:Gastroenterology-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: TAKEUCHI Fumihiko 京都大学, 医生物学研究所, 特定助教 (20852437)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: B型肝炎ウイルス / HBV / cccDNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The effect of dicumarol on hepatitis B virus was confirmed in several cellular experimental systems. However, dicumarol was administered to genetically modified mice infected with hepatitis B virus, but its anti-hepatitis B virus effect could not be confirmed. This suggested that the speed at which the hepatitis B virus increased may have been faster than the drug's effectiveness. These findings are expected to contribute to future research on therapeutic drugs for the complete cure of hepatitis B virus.
The experimental system in which dicumarol was found suggested several strong compounds. However, one of the candidate compounds was found to have low stability. We are currently evaluating the remaining candidate compounds and expect to discover a more potent therapeutic agent than dicumarol.

Free Research Field

ウイルス

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

B型肝炎ウイルスの根治に向けた治療薬の開発において、既存の治療薬とは全く異なる種類の治療薬開発を行なった。結果、複数の候補治療薬が発見された。現在は、より少ない量で効果が出るように、治療薬の改良などを目指している。