Viral Hepatitis Research at the Clínic

Research on viral hepatitis is conducted primarily through IDIBAPS and specifically in both the Liver, Digestive System and Metabolism Area and the Viral, Toxic and Metabolic Liver Diseases research group.

The group is currently involved in several collaborative research lines.

Hepatitis C:

• Studies with the Psychiatry Department: Neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies to evaluate changes in brain connectivity and in learning and memory processes in patients cured with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs); and studies assessing changes in the overall and sexual quality of life following cure.
• Haemodynamic studies: Short- and long-term evaluation of hepatic and cardiopulmonary haemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis cured of HCV infection with DAAs.
• Studies with the Liver Oncology Unit: Aimed at clarifying the impact of DAA treatment on the risk of cancer recurrence and the development of de novo cancer in patients with advanced liver disease.

Hepatitis B:

• Study of the virological response following discontinuation of antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B and the influence of the immune response.
• Clinical and virological analysis of patients infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis D.
• Evaluation of effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination in liver transplant recipients from anti-HBc-positive donors.
• Study of the function of liver-resident antigen-specific T cells during different phases of chronic hepatitis B infection.

Number of clinical trials and research projects

In recent years, the Unit has participated in over 50 clinical trials of antiviral drugs for HCV as part of the development of direct-acting antivirals. This has enabled the early treatment of patients, particularly those in special populations. The Unit is currently involved in two such trials.

In addition, specific drugs targeting the hepatitis B virus have been developed over the past two years; with the group participating in two clinical trials. As occurred with HCV, it is expected that this number will increase in the coming years as knowledge of therapies for HBV continues to expand.

The group receives funding from a variety of sources for both hepatitis C and hepatitis B research projects. This funding comes from both public institutions - including the Carlos III Health Institute and the Network Biomedical Research Centre for Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD) - as well as from industry, through nationally and internationally competitive research projects.

Participation in working groups and scientific societies

Researchers from the Unit participate in various scientific societies and working groups, including:

• Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL).
• Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS) and the European Medicines Agency.
• The Catalan Society of Digestology.

They have also contributed to the development of clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with hepatitis C and hepatitis B, published by the European Association for the Study of the Liver and the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver.