Journal of Liver

Nucleic acid polymers: Application in the treatment of chronic HBV and HBV/HDV infection and potentiating the effects of immunotherapy

3^rd World Congress on Hepatitis and Liver Diseases

October 10-12, 2016 Dubai, UAE

Andrew Vaillant

Replicor Inc., Canada

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Liver

Abstract:

Nucleic acid polymers (NAPs) have the unique ability to block the release of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from infected hepatocytes and clear HBsAg from the blood of human patients, a critical step in achieving a functional cure in HBV and HBV/HDV infection. Recent data will be presented from the ongoing REP 301 clinical trial (NCT02233075) which is assessing the safety and efficacy of the NAP REP 2139 when used in combination with pegylated interferon alpha 2a in patients with chronic HBV/HDV co-infection. These clinical data demonstrate the unique ability of NAPs to clear circulating HBsAg and HDV in patients. Clearance of HBsAg is accompanied by important immunological impacts: The appearance of anti-HBs, a synergistic improvement in the effiacy of pegylated interferon and the ability to achieve complete control of HBV and HDV infection with a finite course of treatment.

Biography :

Andrew Vaillant is the inventor of Replicor’s NAP technology and has more than 15 years of experience in viral biology, antiviral drug development and nucleic acid chemistry. He has authored numerous publications and patents on the development and use of NAPs as agents to treat infectious diseases. He previously held positions at two biotechnology companies in Montreal. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Montreal Neurological Institute and holds a PhD in Cell Biology from the University of Ottawa, Canada.

Email: availlant@replicor.com