Hepatitis B Functional Cure in China: Is the New HT101 Therapy the Breakthrough?
- MedBridge NZ
- Nov 26
- 3 min read
New combination therapy HT101 + HT102 shows remarkable clinical results, positioning China at the forefront of liver disease innovation.
For millions of patients living with Hepatitis B, the burden of lifelong daily medication is a constant reality. Current standard treatments effectively suppress the virus but rarely achieve a "functional cure"—the state where the virus is controlled by the immune system without medication.
However, the landscape of Hepatitis B functional cure in China is changing rapidly. A new innovative drug combination, currently in clinical trials, is showing groundbreaking potential to change this narrative.
The Science Behind This Emerging Hepatitis B Functional Cure in China
Developed by the innovative Chinese biotech company Kunze, this new therapy represents a significant leap in Hepatitis B treatment in China. It utilizes a unique "Dual-Target" approach involving two core technological platforms:
HT101 (siRNA Therapy): This is a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA drug. Think of it as "Turning off the tap." It precisely targets liver cells and degrades the Hepatitis B virus's mRNA, inhibiting the production of the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at the source.
HT102 (Neutralizing Antibody): This is a fully human monoclonal antibody. Think of this as "Clearing the stock." It rapidly clears the HBsAg that is already present in the blood.
Why This Combination Works
Professor Hou Jinlin from Nanfang Hospital explains that this approach represents a new era for medical innovation in China. By combining RNA interference (to stop production) with antibodies (to clear inventory), the therapy creates a closed-loop treatment model. This shifts the goal from simple long-term viral suppression to a potential functional cure.
Stunning Clinical Trial Data: Moving Closer to a Cure
Recent Phase 2 interim results presented at the AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) annual meeting have generated significant excitement in the global medical community about the progress of Hepatitis B research in China.
The Data Highlights:
100% Clearance Rate: In patients with a baseline HBsAg of less than 1,000 IU/mL, 100% achieved HBsAg clearance after just 20 weeks of treatment.
Significant Reduction: Even in patients with a high baseline (HBsAg > 1,000 IU/mL), all participants achieved a drastic reduction to below 10 IU/mL.
These figures suggest that this Chinese-developed therapy allows the immune system to regain control, a key indicator of a functional cure.
Safety Profile and Timeline for Market Release
Safety is paramount when considering international options for treatment. The trial data indicates a strong safety profile for this candidate for a Hepatitis B functional cure in China:
All participants completed the treatment.
No serious drug-related adverse events were reported.
Minor side effects included mild injection site redness or swelling, which resolved on their own.
Liver and kidney functions remained stable throughout the trial.
When will it be available?
The drug is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials.
Phase 3 Launch: Expected to begin in Q4 of this year.
Market Launch: If trials proceed smoothly, the company plans to submit for market approval around 2028.
Accessing New Treatments via Medical Tourism China
China is rapidly becoming a global hub for biopharmaceuticals. For international patients looking to access cutting-edge clinical trials or specialized treatments like HT101, navigating the landscape can be complex.
This is where MedBridgeNZ steps in. As a premier medical concierge provider, we specialize in Medical Tourism China.
It is important to note that we do not provide medical services ourselves. Instead, we act as your trusted bridge, connecting you with top-tier Chinese medical institutions and specialists like Professor Hou Jinlin. We handle the logistics, language barriers, and appointment bookings, ensuring you have seamless access to the world's most advanced healthcare solutions.
Conclusion
The road to new drug development is long, requiring both hope and patience. However, the HT101 and HT102 combination therapy offers a tangible glimpse into a future where patients can find a Hepatitis B functional cure in China and live free from daily medication.
Source & Attribution
Expert Source: Professor Hou Jinlin (侯金林教授)
Title: Professor of Medicine / Hepatologist
Institution: Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
References
Original Video Title: Hepatitis B New Drug: A particularly exciting topic (乙肝新药：咱们聊一个特别让人兴奋的话题)
Original Source URL: https://v.douyin.com/mtE9SNIXzXE/