Hepatitis b news 2017
Here are some notable hepatitis B news stories from 2017:
- Hepatitis B vaccine shows promise in preventing liver cancer: A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in January 2017 found that a vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV) can also prevent liver cancer in people who have been infected with the virus. The study, conducted in China, found that the vaccine reduced the risk of liver cancer by 44%.
- WHO launches new strategy to eliminate hepatitis: In February 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new strategy to eliminate hepatitis by 2030. The strategy aims to increase awareness, improve diagnosis and treatment, and reduce transmission of the virus.
- Hepatitis B vaccine approved for use in infants: In March 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first vaccine against hepatitis B for use in infants as young as 6 weeks old. The vaccine, called Pediarix, is a combination vaccine that also protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
- New treatment for hepatitis B shows promise: In April 2017, a new treatment for hepatitis B called tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) was approved by the FDA. TAF is a once-daily pill that has been shown to be effective in treating chronic hepatitis B and reducing the risk of liver cancer.
- Hepatitis B outbreak in the US: In May 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an outbreak of hepatitis B in the US, with 23 cases reported in 11 states. The outbreak was linked to a contaminated tattoo ink product.
- WHO reports progress in reducing hepatitis B deaths: In June 2017, the WHO reported that deaths from hepatitis B had decreased by 30% between 2000 and 2015. The organization attributed the decline to increased access to vaccination and treatment.
- New guidelines for managing hepatitis B released: In July 2017, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) released new guidelines for managing hepatitis B. The guidelines recommend that people with chronic hepatitis B be treated with antiviral medications to reduce the risk of liver cancer and liver failure.
- Hepatitis B vaccine shows promise in preventing liver disease: In August 2017, a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that a vaccine against hepatitis B can also prevent liver disease in people who have been infected with the virus. The study, conducted in Taiwan, found that the vaccine reduced the risk of liver disease by 54%.
- WHO launches new campaign to raise awareness about hepatitis: In September 2017, the WHO launched a new campaign to raise awareness about hepatitis and reduce stigma around the disease. The campaign, called "Know Your Status," aims to encourage people to get tested for hepatitis and seek treatment if necessary.
- New treatment for hepatitis B shows promise in phase III trial: In November 2017, a new treatment for hepatitis B called lonafarnib showed promise in a phase III clinical trial. The treatment, which is a oral medication, was found to be effective in reducing the amount of virus in the blood and improving liver function.
These are just a few of the notable hepatitis B news stories from 2017. The year saw significant progress in the development of new treatments and vaccines, as well as increased awareness and education about the disease.