{"id":20698,"date":"2026-10-07T12:13:57","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T12:13:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.theck1.no\/?p=20698"},"modified":"2026-10-07T12:13:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T12:13:57","slug":"epigenetic-editing-could-wipe-out-chronic-hepatitis-b-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.theck1.no\/?p=20698","title":{"rendered":"Epigenetic Editing Could Wipe Out Chronic Hepatitis B Infections"},"content":{"rendered":"

AI-rewritten:<\/strong> This is a summary of an article from Singularity Hub, rewritten by AI (Qwen, running locally) to make it easier to read. The facts come from the original article – read it for the full story.<\/p>\n

Singularity Hub • Shelly Fan • October 6, 2026<\/strong><\/div>\n\n

Scientists have developed an experimental therapy that keeps the hepatitis B virus inactive for at least six months in mice. This approach, called epigenetic silencing, adds chemical tags to viral DNA to switch genes off without cutting the genetic material. Unlike gene editing tools that can damage host DNA, this method aims to be safer while remaining long-lasting. After three monthly doses, roughly 90 percent of treated mice showed no signs of the virus for six months following their final injection. Safety tests in monkeys found no notable side effects or runaway immune responses.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The team at nChroma Bio and collaborators stopped short of calling it a cure but noted that if proven effective in humans, the injections could replace daily antiviral pills. The therapy targets cccDNA, a dormant viral reservoir inside cells, and integrated viral DNA fragments that cause liver damage and cancer. While previous gene editing methods suppressed viral loads by up to 96 percent, nChroma’s CRMA-1001 uses a non-cutting enzyme guided to specific viral sites. It packages these components into lipid nanoparticles that travel to the liver to methylate the virus, effectively silencing it.<\/p>\n

The treatment has entered clinical trials in Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Competitors like Tune Therapeutics and Epigenic Therapeutics are also pursuing similar strategies with varying results. However, questions remain about how long the effects will last and whether patients can eventually stop taking antivirals. There is also concern regarding the cost of such specialized treatments for populations in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, where chronic hepatitis B is prevalent. Independent researchers describe epigenetic editing as a promising, reversible solution that avoids the genetic risks of traditional gene editing.<\/p>\n

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Source:<\/strong> Singularity Hub • Shelly Fan • October 6, 2026<\/p>\n

Read the original article at Singularity Hub →<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

AI-rewritten: This is a summary of an article from Singularity Hub, rewritten by AI (Qwen, running locally) to make it easier to read. The facts come from the original article – read it for the full story. Singularity Hub • Shelly Fan • October 6, 2026 Scientists have developed an experimental therapy that keeps the<\/p>\n

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