GSK and Ionis report functional cure in 20% of hepatitis B patients with bepirovirsen in early trials

GSK and Ionis disclosed results from two clinical studies of their RNA‑based injection, bepirovirsen, aimed at achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B.

In both trials about one‑fifth of participants receiving the drug reached the functional cure endpoint, whereas none of the placebo‑treated patients did.

The FDA has already granted fast‑track and breakthrough‑therapy designations to bepirovirsen and is reviewing a marketing‑application, with a decision expected by October 26.

Analysts view the data as a potential blockbuster, noting the drug could become a key component of GSK’s pipeline and a major advance for the small fraction of patients who can currently achieve a functional cure with existing oral antivirals.