![](https://cdn.benzinga.com/files/imagecache/2048x1536xUP/images/story/2022/06/27/aapharma_5.png)
- GSK plc (NYSE:GSK) announced promising interim results from the B-Clear phase 2b trial of bepirovirsen in people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
- The data showed that bepirovirsen reduced hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA after 24 weeks of treatment.
- In the group of 227 patients on standard therapy, 24 weeks of treatment with bepirovirsen resulted in 28% of patients with sharp reductions in two key biomarkers of CHB.
- Meanwhile, in the cohort of 230 patients who were not already on standard therapy, 24 weeks of treatment with bepirovirsen resulted in 29% of patients with corresponding decreases in the same biomarkers.
- Chris Corsico, SVP, Development, GSK, said: “Chronic hepatitis B affects nearly 300 million people with approximately 900,000 patients dying each year from its associated complications.”
- GSK is also exploring combinations of bepirovirsen in Phase 2 trials, including bepirovirsen plus sequential combination with pegylated interferon (PegIFN) treatment and bepirovirsen plus GSK’s chronic hepatitis B targeted immunotherapy.
- Price Action: GSK shares are down 0.23% at $43.59 during the premarket session on the last check Monday.