{"id":21574,"date":"2026-10-15T12:14:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T12:14:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.theck1.no\/?p=21574"},"modified":"2026-10-15T12:14:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T12:14:30","slug":"epigenetic-editing-could-wipe-out-chronic-hepatitis-b-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.theck1.no\/?p=21574","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 a 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 traditional gene editing tools that can damage host DNA, this method targets lingering viral genes using a specialized enzyme and a non-cutting version of Cas9. After three monthly doses, roughly 90 percent of the 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 states that this differentiated mechanism has the potential to enable durable antiviral control. Chronic hepatitis B is dangerous because the virus hides in two forms: a dormant structure called cccDNA and viral DNA integrated into the host genome. Current antivirals suppress the virus but do not eliminate it; if patients stop taking pills, the disease often rebounds. The new treatment aims to silence both forms of viral DNA, potentially replacing daily medication with injections that could lead to functional cures for millions affected by chronic hepatitis B.<\/p>\n

The therapy is currently in Phase 1\/2 clinical trials in Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Competitors like Tune Therapeutics and Epigenic Therapeutics are also pursuing similar strategies using epigenetic silencing. While early results from other trials show promising biomarker reductions lasting over a year, long-term effects in humans remain unknown. Experts note that further steps are required to ensure safety and applicability, particularly regarding the risk of unintended methylation and the high cost of treatment for patients in developing regions.<\/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 a therapy that keeps the hepatitis<\/p>\n

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