World Hepatitis Day and the role of clinical research

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infection. One of the world’s leading causes of death, viral hepatitis kills as many people worldwide as HIV/AIDS, malaria or tuberculosis. In 2019, WHO estimated that hepatitis B and C caused the deaths of 1.3 million people. Ahead of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2021, this article considers the global public health concern in relation to hepatitis and the role clinical research plays in efforts to eliminate this disease.

Hepatitis – global concern

It is estimated that over 300 million people worldwide have hepatitis. Recent data show in the WHO European Region alone an estimated 13.3 million people live with chronic hepatitis B (1.8% of adults) and an estimated 15 million people with hepatitis C (2.0% of adults). Two-thirds of infected persons in this region live in Eastern Europe and central Asia.

Recent developments in clinical research

Recent developments in clinical research have led to the development of vaccines and treatments for Hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C which have raised hope that these viruses may be eliminated. There is also a vaccine for hepatitis A which is mainly spread through contaminated water and food and which is endemic in many developing countries.

A worldwide effort to eliminate hepatitis

In 2015, viral hepatitis was included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in 2016 the world’s first global hepatitis strategy to eliminate the disease was ratified. In 2021, CDC released the Global Immunization Strategic Framework 2021-2030, which provides a roadmap to increase the numbers of people worldwide protected from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), such as hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

The role of clinical trials

Clinical research plays a vital role in the efforts to eliminate hepatitis. Clinical trials into more effective vaccines, diagnostic tools and treatments alongside public health efforts can help ensure greater accessibility to testing and treatment as well as advancing prevention and protection.

Cromos Pharma and hepatitis clinical trials

Cromos Pharma has significant experience in managing all aspects of clinical trials for hepatitis clinical programs. We have significant expertise in supporting vaccine trials as well as novel treatments for viral hepatitis. As an international clinical research organization with in-depth regional knowledge of Eastern Europe and CIS we offer sponsors lightning fast recruitment in countries with large treatment-naïve patient populations. We support clinical programs for international pharma and biotech to help accelerate drug development and ultimately deliver innovative and effective treatments to patients worldwide.

Email us at bd@cromospharma.com to set up an introductory call to learn more about how our experience can benefit your next clinical program.

Find out more about World Hepatitis Day 2021: https://www.worldhepatitisday.org