Tenofovir Alafenamide for Drug-Resistant Hepatitis B: A Randomized Trial for Switching From Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Virological and Biochemical Effects of Tenofovir Alafenamide in Different Patient Groups With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Real-World Cohort

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important health concern worldwide. HBV infection can lead to acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure, and death. Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) form the core of the HBV treatment. The safety and efficacy of NAs in long-term follow-up are still critical issues. We enrolled 225 consecutive patients with at least 12 months of longitudinal follow-up using tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), including 39 antiviral naïve and 186 antiviral experienced patients. In the treatment-experienced group, the main reasons for switching from other NAs to TAF were renal dysfunction and osteoporosis. Renal outcome, lipid profile, virological response, and ALT normalization under the TAF treatment were evaluated. Age > 60 years, liver transplant recipients, and patients with decompensated cirrhosis were evaluated separately, as well as the total cohort. Phosphorus levels increased especially in hypophosphatemic individuals, eGFR levels also increased slightly but statistically significantly, and the remarkable improvement in eGFR stages was observed in the eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 group. A minimal increase in LDL-c levels occurred after TAF treatment, which did not reach statistical significance. Total cholesterol and HDL-c levels increased significantly, while triglyceride levels remained unchanged. In the total cohort, HBV-DNA was strongly suppressed in either treatment-naïve or experienced patients. ALT and AST levels decreased with the TAF treatment, but ALT normalization rate did not change significantly. No serious adverse events associated with TAF occurred, and discontinuation was not required in the total cohort. Our findings support that TAF treatment is well-tolerated and effective in patients with chronic HBV infection.

Impact of Tenofovir Alafenamide on Lipid Profiles in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is widely used for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment due to its improved renal and bone safety compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). However, emerging evidence suggests that TAF may adversely affect lipid metabolism, raising concerns about potential cardiovascular risks. A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Studies comparing lipid profile changes in CHB patients receiving TAF, TDF, or entecavir (ETV) were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. Primary outcomes included changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess potential confounders, including lipid-lowering therapy. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to evaluate the sufficiency of evidence. A total of 23 studies (5 RCTs, 18 observational) were included. Observational data showed significant increases in TC (MD = 10.74 mg/dL), TG (MD = 11.56 mg/dL), LDL (MD = 3.08 mg/dL), and HDL (MD = 7.51 mg/dL) with TAF versus TDF. Meta-analysis of RCTs confirmed these findings, showing TC (MD = 18.28 mg/dL), LDL (MD = 13.09 mg/dL), and HDL (MD = 4.95 mg/dL) elevations. TAF is associated with increased lipid levels, likely due to the loss of TDF's lipid-lowering effect. While its cardiovascular risk remains uncertain, clinicians should monitor lipid profiles in CHB patients on TAF, particularly those at high cardiovascular risk.

Liver diseases: epidemiology, causes, trends and predictions

As a highly complex organ with digestive, endocrine, and immune-regulatory functions, the liver is pivotal in maintaining physiological homeostasis through its roles in metabolism, detoxification, and immune response. Various factors including viruses, alcohol, metabolites, toxins, and other pathogenic agents can compromise liver function, leading to acute or chronic injury that may progress to end-stage liver diseases. While sharing common features, liver diseases exhibit distinct pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutic profiles. Currently, liver diseases contribute to approximately 2 million deaths globally each year, imposing significant economic and social burdens worldwide. However, there is no cure for many kinds of liver diseases, partly due to a lack of thorough understanding of the development of these liver diseases. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive examination of the epidemiology and characteristics of liver diseases, covering a spectrum from acute and chronic conditions to end-stage manifestations. We also highlight the multifaceted mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of liver diseases, spanning molecular and cellular levels to organ networks. Additionally, this review offers updates on innovative diagnostic techniques, current treatments, and potential therapeutic targets presently under clinical evaluation. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of liver diseases hold critical implications and translational value for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Long-Term Real-World Outcomes of Tenofovir Alafenamide in Chronic Hepatitis B: Detailed Analysis of Treatment-Naive and Experienced Patients

Background/Aims

This study assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in real-world settings.

Methods

Patients who were candidates for TAF treatment and were followed up at 12-week intervals over 192 weeks were enrolled in this study.

Results

One hundred and forty-four patients (50 treatment-naive and 94 treatment-experienced) were included in this study. The cumulative incidence rates of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma at 192 weeks were 3.9% and 0.7%, respectively. In treatment- naive patients, the rates of a virological response, HBeAg conversion, and HBsAg loss at 192 weeks were 100%, 33.3%, and 2%, respectively. The treatment-naive patients exhibited higher baseline HBsAg levels than the treatment-experienced patients (4.31 log10IU/mL vs. 3.97 log10IU/mL). A significant decrease in the HBsAg levels from the baseline was observed at 144 and 192 weeks in the treatment-naive patients (p=0.01). The baseline body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 (p=0.02) and HBsAg <3.3 log10IU/mL (p=0.04) were identified as predictive factors for a decrease in HBsAg ≥0.5 log10IU/mL at 48 weeks. The eGFR levels were consistently lower in the treatment-experienced patients throughout the study. Although the treatment-naive patients showed no abnormal increases in urinary URBP, the treatment-experienced patients showed elevated urinary β2MG and NAG levels at the baseline, which decreased over the treatment course. The total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Prolonging the TAF treatment duration enhances the virological response rate. The decline in HBsAg levels was more significant in the treatment-naive patients than in the treatment-experienced patients. The baseline BMI <25 kg/m2 and HBsAg <3.3 log10IU/mL were predictive factors for a significant decline in HBsAg at 48 weeks. TAF has high renal safety and no significant impact on lipid levels.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Repurposed Antiretrovirals in Hepatitis B Virus Treatment: A Narrative Review of the Pros and Cons

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) continue to be global public health issues. Globally, about 39.9 million persons live with HIV in 2023, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 2024 Fact Sheet. Consequently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that about 1.5 million new cases of HBV occur, with approximately 820 thousand mortalities yearly. Conversely, the lower percentage of HBV (30%) cases that receive a diagnosis is a setback in achieving the WHO 2030 target for zero HBV globally. This has necessitated a public health concern to repurpose antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the treatment of HBV diseases. This review provides an introductory background, including the pros and cons of repurposing antiretrovirals (ARVs) for HBV treatment. We examine the similarities in replication mechanisms between HIV and HBV. We further investigate some clinical studies and trials of co-infected and mono-infected patients with HIV-HBV. The topical keywords including repurposing ARV drugs, repurposing antiretroviral therapy, Hepatitis B drugs, HBV therapy, title, and abstracts are searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The advanced search includes the search period 2014-2024, full text, clinical trials, randomized control trials, and review. The search results filtered from 361 to 51 relevant articles. The investigations revealed that HIV and HBV replicate via a common route known as 'reverse transcription'. Clinical trial results indicate that an early initiation of ARVs, particularly with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) as part of a regimen, significantly reduced the HBV viral load in co-infected patients. In mono-infected HBV, timely and correct precise medication is essential for HBV viral load reduction. Therefore, genetic profiling is pivotal for successful ARV drug repurposing in HBV treatment. Pharmacogenetics enables the prediction of the right dosages, specific individual responses, and reactions. This study uniquely explores the intersection of pharmacogenetics and drug repurposing for optimized HBV therapy. Additional in vivo, clinical trials, and in silico research are important for validation of the potency, optimum dosage, and safety of repurposed antiretrovirals in HBV therapy. Furthermore, a prioritization of research collaborations comprising of regulators and funders to foster clinically adopting and incorporating repurposed ARVs for HBV therapy is recommended.

Current status of drug therapy for chronic hepatitis B

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Meng et al. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global health problem, particularly in developing countries. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most important risk factors for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Prevention and treatment of HBV are key measures to reduce complications. At present, drug therapy can effectively control virus replication and slow disease progression, but completely eliminating the virus remains a challenge. Anti-HBV treatment is a long-term process, and there are many kinds of antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action, it is essential to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these drugs to reduce side effects and improve patients' compliance. We will summarize the current status of CHB drug treatment, hoping to provide a reference for the selection of clinical antiviral drugs.

Clinical effectiveness of entecavir versus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets in chronic hepatitis B treatment

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical effectiveness of Entecavir (ETV) and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) Tablets for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS

Clinical data from 100 CHB patients admitted to our hospital from April 2022 to April 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 45 cases in the control group received ETV, and 55 cases in the research group received TDF tablets. Data on clinical effectiveness, safety (creatine kinase elevation, fatty liver, and lactic acidosis), hepatic function (total bilirubin [TBIL], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), viral markers (hepatitis B virus-deoxyribonucleic acid [HBV-DNA] and hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]), and quality of life (the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36], assessing cognitive, physical, emotional, role, social functions) were comparatively analyzed.

RESULTS

The research group showed an evidently higher overall effective rate and a markedly lower incidence of total adverse reactions than the control group (all P<0.05). Additionally, statistically lower post-treatment TBIL, ALT, AST, HBV-DNA, and HBsAg levels and higher SF-36 scores across all five dimensions were observed in the research group (all P<0.05). Moreover, the research group showed markedly higher negative conversion rates of HBsAg after treatment compared to the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

TDF provides better clinical effects in the treatment of CHB than ETV and thus it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Current trends and advances in antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B

ABSTRACT

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health concern. Existing antiviral drugs, including nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon-α, can suppress HBV replication and improve the prognosis. However, the persistence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the integration of HBV-DNA into the host genome, and compromised immune responses impede the successful treatment of hepatitis B. While achieving a functional cure of HBV remains elusive with the current treatment methods, this is the goal of new therapeutic approaches. Therefore, developing novel antiviral drugs is necessary for achieving a functional or complete cure for chronic hepatitis B. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in drug discovery and development for HBV infection. Direct-acting antiviral agents such as entry inhibitors, capsid assembly modulators, subviral particle release inhibitors, cccDNA silencers, and RNA interference molecules have entered clinical trials. In addition, several immunomodulatory agents, including toll-like receptor agonists, therapeutic vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies, are also making their way toward clinical use. In this review, we summarize the recent progress and limitations of chronic hepatitis B treatment and discuss perspectives on approaches to achieving functional cure. Although it will take some time for these new antiviral drugs to be widely used in clinical practice, combination therapy may become a preferable treatment option in the future.

Treatment decisions based on HBV DNA

The most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide is chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB). Long-term suppression of HBV replication by antiviral treatment reduces the risk of HCC and mortality. Nonetheless, only 2.2% of CHB patients globally received the treatment in 2019. Current international CHB guidelines recommend antiviral treatment only in subsets of patients with clear evidence of liver damage as evidenced by elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This review aims to provide existing evidence that the risk of HCC is significantly associated with serum levels of HBV DNA, and the association is non-linear parabolic, in both untreated and treated CHB patients, regardless of HBeAg status or ALT levels. Therefore, the decision for the antiviral treatment should be based on serum HBV DNA levels and age, rather than ALT levels or liver biopsy, to reduce or prevent the risk of HCC in CHB patients. The potential impact and cost-effectiveness data on early antiviral treatment initiation were also collated.

Splitting and separation mechanism of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate chiral isomers based on indirect chiral ligand exchange chromatography

The isolation and analysis of chiral isomers are critical parts of the drug development process to ensure effective and safe drug administration to patients. Indirect chiral ligand exchange chromatography (ICLEC) was developed to separate and determine tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) and its diastereoisomer GS-7339, with a hypothesized separation mechanism. The effect of using a chiral column versus a standard C18 column on the separation of the TAF chiral isomer mixture was investigated. Various factors in ICLEC, including ligand type, ligand ratio, mobile phase composition, and column temperature, were optimized. The separation of TAF and GS-7339 was successfully achieved by selecting L-phenylalanine as the chiral selective agent and Cu(II) as the central metal ion, using a C18 column as the analytic column and a mobile phase of 20 mM ammonium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH = 4.0)-acetonitrile (79 : 21, v/v). The corresponding linearity range for TAF and GS-7339 indicated a good correlation with R2 > 0.9960. The average recoveries of TAF and GS-7339 ranged from 98.2% to 106.9%. None of the eight manufacturers detected GS-7339, and the percentage of TAF-labeled amounts in the drugs ranged from 95.0% to 98.5%. TAF tablets from eight manufacturers were of satisfactory quality. The separation mechanism of TAF and GS-7339 by ICLEC is due to the different spatial configurations of the two ternary complexes formed by the two chiral isomers, leading to differences in their thermodynamic stability and retention behavior. The established ICLEC method is economical, simple, and flexible, providing an effective strategy for studying chiral drug separation and analysis.

Effects of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate on serum lipid profiles in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Concerns have been raised regarding changes in lipid profiles among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) treatment. We aimed to evaluate the effect of TAF treatment on the lipid profiles of patients with CHB.

METHODS

A total of 430 patients with CHB from three hospitals were retrospectively included, including 158 patients treated with TAF and 272 patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

RESULTS

In this multicenter cohort, the cumulative incidence of dyslipidemia was notably higher in the TAF group than in the TDF group (P < 0.001). After TAF treatment, a significant elevation was observed in triglyceride (TG) levels (from 0.83 mmol/L to 1.02 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and total cholesterol (TC) levels (from 4.16 mmol/L to 4.32 mmol/L, P < 0.001). Similar changes in TG and TC levels were observed in the TAF group after propensity score matching (PSM). The TG levels (from 0.83 mmol/L to 1.04 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and TC levels (from 4.16 mmol/L to 4.38 mmol/L, P < 0.001) were both increased significantly compared to the baseline levels in the PSM cohort of patients treated with TAF. TAF treatment was independently associated with elevated TG levels (HR = 2.800, 95% CI: 1.334-5.876, P = 0.006) and TC levels (HR = 9.045, 95% CI: 3.836-21.328, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with TDF treatment, TAF treatment was associated with dyslipidemia in patients with CHB. Close monitoring of lipid profiles is needed in patients with CHB who received TAF treatment.

Switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide in virologically suppressed patient with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Our study evaluated the outcomes of switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We assessed viral and biochemical responses as well as changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study included CHB patients who achieved virologic response (VR) (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL) while on TDF and were subsequently switched to TAF between April 2018 and October 2021.

RESULTS

This study included 309 patients with a median age of 59 years, and 42.1% were male. The mean duration of TDF and TAF administration were 54.0 and 37.5 months, respectively. All patients maintained VR after switching to TAF. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rate significantly increased 6 months after switching (74.8%-83.5%; P = 0.008). Adjusted eGFR significantly improved at 6 months (+5.55 ± 10.52 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < 0.001) and 12 months (+6.02 ± 10.70 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < 0.001) after switching. In the subgroup of patients with renal impairment (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), significant improvement in renal function was observed at 6 months (+0.6 ± 10.5 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < 0.001) and 12 months (+1.0 ± 10.7 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < 0.001) after switching to TAF. In patients with osteoporosis (n = 182), switching to TAF resulted in significant improvement in spine and hip BMD at 12 months, with increases of 9.7% (95% CI: 7.0-12.5) and 9.4% (95% CI: 7.0-11.8), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this real-world study, switching to TAF was effective and safe in patients, with notable improvements in ALT levels, renal function, and BMD.

Lipid safety of tenofovir alafenamide during 96-week treatment in treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients

Background

This study was aimed at investigating the dynamics of lipids and the effect of TAF on the lipid profile of patients including fatty liver disease in CHB patients.

Methods

The data of TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, TG, and TC/HDL ratio were collected at baseline, 24 weeks, 48 weeks, 72 weeks, and 96 weeks. CHB patients with fatty liver at baseline were further analyzed in a subgroup.

Results

A total of 137 CHB patients treated with TAF were enrolled in this study. During 96 weeks of TAF treatment, there was no significant change in TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, and TG level (P > 0.05). The TC/HDL-c ratio was increased with no significant change (+0.24, P > 0.05). In CHB patients with fatty liver (n = 48), TC, LDL-c, and TC/HDL-c ratio increased gradually during TAF treatment, TG levels increased to 146.63 mg/dL at 48 weeks (P = 0.057) and then decreased, but there was still no significant change compared with the baseline level by 96 weeks (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

TAF treatment had a low effect on the lipid profile of CHB patients over the course of 96 weeks, and it was safe even in patients with fatty liver.

Clinical trial registration

[https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=65123], identifier [ChiCTR2000041005].

Long-term use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate increases fracture risk in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is associated with a reduction in bone mineral density and an increase in bone metabolism biomarkers. However, data on clinical bone fractures remain limited. We evaluated the impact of TDF compared to entecavir on the risk of fracture in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS

Patients with CHB aged ≥60 years receiving entecavir or TDF between January 2008 and December 2022 were identified using a territory-wide database in Hong Kong. The risk of incident fracture in entecavir- and TDF-treated patients before and after month 24 were compared after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

A total of 41,531 patients with CHB (mean age 69.8±7.8 years, 61.6% male) receiving entecavir (n = 39,897 [96.1%]) and TDF (n = 1,634 [3.9%]) were analysed. At a median follow-up of 25.3 (9.1-58.5) months, 1,733 (4.2%) patients developed incident fracture. Patients with incident fracture were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and a history of fracture. Compared with propensity score-matched entecavir-treated patients, the risk of incident fracture in TDF-treated patients was comparable in the first 24 months (weighted subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 0.99, 95% CI 0.56-1.73, p = 0.960) but increased after month 24 (weighted sHR 1.80, 95% CI 1.11-2.93, p = 0.019). The 24-, 60-, and 96-month cumulative incidences (95% CI) of fracture in TDF-treated and entecavir-treated patients were 2.3% (1.6%-3.4%) vs. 2.6% (1.9%-3.5%), 6.4% (5.0%-8.2%) vs. 4.7% (3.8%-6.0%), and 10.2% (8.3%-12.6%) vs. 6.8% (5.4%-8.5%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of fracture increased with TDF treatment for ≥24 months in elderly patients with CHB. Selection of nucleos(t)ide analogues should be individualised based on age and comorbidities.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Previous literature suggested that the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is associated with a decrease in bone mineral density. However, data on the impact of TDF on long-term incident clinical fracture remains scarce. In this real-world territory-wide study of 41,531 treated patients with chronic hepatitis B in Hong Kong, patients who received TDF were at a higher risk of fracture after 2 years of treatment than those who received entecavir. Given the ageing population of patients with chronic hepatitis B and the rising prevalence of comorbidities, our findings support the current treatment guidelines that recommend selecting antiviral treatment based on age and comorbidities.

Letter: Switching to tenofovir alafenamide for nucleos(t)ide analogue-experienced patients with chronic hepatitis B can increase body weight

This article is linked to Ogawa et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17107 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17910

Gray zone of hepatitis B virus infection

ABSTRACT

A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) do not fall into any of the defined phases and are considered to be in the "gray zone" or "indeterminate phase." Most of the current clinical practice guidelines have no recommendations for antiviral treatment for them. However, the gray zone CHB patients with significant hepatitis B virus levels (>2000 IU/mL) and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have a significantly high risk of hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular, clinical, and economic data that we have reviewed collectively in this article provide support for simplification of treatment initiation strategies that incorporate broader treatment of adult patients with CHB in the gray zone (hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA ≥2000 IU/mL), regardless of ALT levels.

Effects of first-line nucleot(s)ide analogues on lipid profiles in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies have found that lipid levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) may change during antiviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of first-line nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) on lipid profiles in patients with CHB using network meta-analysis.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and four Chinese databases) were searched for cohort studies on the effect of NA on lipids in patients with CHB up to August 1, 2023. The changes of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were taken as outcomes. The mean difference (MD) of continuous variables and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 16.0 software, and network meta-analysis was based on a frequentist framework.

RESULTS

A total of 4194 patients were included in the study, including patients with CHB treated with entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), as well as patients not receiving antiviral therapy [patients with inactive CHB who were not receiving antiviral therapy (referred as inactive CHB patients) and non-HBV-infected patients]. TDF reduced TC levels compared to the non-antiviral group (TDF vs. inactive CHB patients: MD =  - 17.27, 95% CI (- 30.03, - 4.47); TDF vs. non-HBV-infected individuals: MD =  - 17.10, 95% CI (- 20.13, - 14.07)). TC changes in the TAF and ETV groups were not statistically different from the non-antiviral group (TAF vs. inactive CHB patients: MD =  - 2.69, 95% CI (- 14.42, 9.04); TAF vs. non-HBV-infected individuals: MD =  - 2.52, 95% CI (- 8.47, 3.43); ETV vs. inactive CHB patients: MD =  - 4.24, 95% CI (- 17.12, 8.64); ETV vs. non-HBV-infected individuals: MD =  - 4.07, 95% CI (- 9.90, 1.75)). The ranking of the effects for lowering TC is as follows: CHB patients treated with nucleotide analogues [with varying efficacy: TDF (SUCRA = 99.9) > ETV (SUCRA = 59.3) > TAF (SUCRA = 43.6)] > inactive CHB patients (SUCRA = 27.3) > non-HBV-infected individuals (SUCRA = 19.9). As for secondary outcomes, among the three antiviral drugs, TDF had the most significant effect on lowering TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C, but none of the three drugs was statistically different from the non-antiviral group. Subgroup analysis showed that the lipid-lowering effect of TDF was more pronounced in the elderly (≥ 50 years).

CONCLUSION

TDF was effective in lipid reduction, particularly pronounced in the older population. TAF and ETV had a neutral effect to TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. Despite a relative increase in lipids observed in patients transitioning from TDF to TAF or ETV, these changes remained within acceptable limits.

Long-Term Outcomes after Switching to Tenofovir Alafenamide in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

We sought to determine the long-term outcomes of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) cases switching to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF, n = 104, median age = 63.5 years). Data at switching to TAF (baseline) and those at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years from switching to TAF were compared. At baseline, HB envelop antigen (HBeAg) seropositivity was found in 20 patients (19.2%), and undetectable HBV-DNA in 77 patients (74.0%). Percentage of detectable HBV-DNA significantly reduced at any time point. HB surface antigen (HBsAg) levels significantly reduced at 3, 4, and 5 years. The percentage of HBeAg seropositivity significantly reduced at 5 years. HB core related antigen levels did not significantly change. In patients with baseline HbeAg seropositivity, HbsAg levels significantly reduced at any time point, and a similar trend was found in patients without HBeAg seropositivity. In patients with baseline FIB4 index >1.85, HBsAg levels significantly reduced at 3, 4, and 5 years, and in patients with baseline FIB4 index <1.85, HBsAg levels significantly reduced at any time point. The estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly reduced only at 5 years. The discontinuation rate owing to the side effects of TAF was 0%. In conclusion, switching to TAF therapy in patients with CHB may be effective and safe at least up to 5 years.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate and Its Metabolite Tenofovir in Healthy Chinese Volunteers

Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) is a first-line drug for treating hepatitis B virus infection. This study aimed to establish the prodrug-metabolite population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for TAF and its metabolite tenofovir (TFV) in healthy Chinese volunteers and evaluate the factors affecting the PK. Using 1043 TAF and 1198 TFV plasma sample concentrations collected from 67 healthy volunteers, a population PK model was developed using the nonlinear mixed-effects model. The 1-compartment model containing 4 transit compartments and the 2-compartment model accurately described the PK of TAF and TFV, respectively. Covariates such as meal state and sex were found to be statistically significant and potentially clinically relevant. Both internal and external validations demonstrated good stability and predictive performance of the connected model. This study elucidated the PK process by which TAF was absorbed, converted, and finally metabolized and eliminated as TFV, and explored the sources of interindividual variability between TAF and TFV.

Longitudinal changes in renal function in patients with chronic hepatitis B on antiviral treatment

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) often experience renal function decline. Conflicting results regarding the impact of NUC use and renal function have recently been reported.

AIM

To examine longitudinal changes in renal function according to the NUC treatment type compared with untreated patients METHODS: From 2014 to 2022, we retrospectively analysed 10,642 patients with CHB. The primary outcome was chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, which was defined as a minimum one-stage elevation. We applied propensity score (PS) matching for outcome comparisons.

RESULTS

In the PS-matched cohort of 1996 pairs, the NUC-treated group (7.6/100 person-years [PYs]) had a significantly higher CKD progression risk than the untreated group (4.4/100 PYs), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.70 (p < 0.001). The tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-treated group (7.9/100 PYs) showed a 1.76-fold increased CKD progression risk compared with the untreated group (4.5/100 PYs) in the PS-matched cohort (p < 0.001). Both the entecavir- and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)-treated groups showed CKD progression risks comparable to those of the untreated group in the PS-matched cohorts of 755 and 426 pairs, respectively (p = 0.132 and p = 0.120, respectively). No significant CKD progression risk was found between the entecavir- (6.0/100 PYs) and TAF-treated (5.2/100 PYs) groups in the PS-matched cohort of 510 pairs (p = 0.118).

CONCLUSIONS

NUC-treated patients, especially those on TDF, faced a higher CKD progression risk than untreated patients. Entecavir- and TAF-treated patients had comparable CKD progression risks to untreated patients. No difference was observed between entecavir and TAF in the risk of CKD progression.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk profile of patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with tenofovir alafenamide or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for 96 weeks

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who switch from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) show changes in lipid profiles.

AIM

To evaluate how these changes affect cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

This pooled analysis, based on two large prospective studies, evaluated fasting lipid profiles of patients with CHB who were treated with TAF 25 mg/day or TDF 300 mg/day for 96 weeks. Patients who fulfilled the American College of Cardiology criteria (age 40-79 years, high-density lipoprotein [HDL] 20-100 mg/dL, total cholesterol [TC] 130-320 mg/dL and systolic blood pressure 90-200 mmHg) required to assess 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk with baseline lipid data and at least one post-baseline measurement were included in the ASCVD-risk population. The 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated for patients in this population, and changes from baseline to Week 96 were assessed using intermediate- (≥7.5%) and high-risk (≥20%) cut-offs.

RESULTS

Among 1632 patients, 620 (38%) met the criteria for the ASCVD-risk population. At Week 96, fasting levels of all lipids, except TC:HDL ratio, were lower with TDF than TAF. No significant increase was observed in overall ASCVD risk or in any ASCVD-risk categories during the 96-week treatment period compared with baseline. A similar proportion of patients in the TAF and TDF treatment groups (1.3% and 2.3%, respectively; p = 0.34) reported cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSION

Despite on-treatment differences in lipid profiles with TAF and TDF, predicted cardiovascular risk and clinical events were similar for both groups after 96 weeks.

Cardiovascular risk in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir alafenamide

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is known to have a lipid-lowering effect. This is in contrast to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), which has a lipid-neutral effect. Therefore, concerns have been raised as to whether these differences affect long-term cardiovascular risk. Here, we aimed to evaluate the long-term risk of cardiovascular events in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with TAF or TDF.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 4,124 treatment-naïve CHB patients treated with TDF (n=3,186) or TAF (n=938) between 2012 and 2022. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and hospitalization for unstable angina or heart failure. Serial changes in lipid profiles between two treatments were also explored.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 50.6 years, and 60.6% of the patients were male. At baseline, 486 (11.8%) and 637 (15.4%) of the patients had dyslipidemia and fatty liver, respectively. A total of 42 MACE occurred, with an annual incidence of 0.2%/100 person-years (PYs). At 1, 3, and 5 years, the cumulative risk of MACE was 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2% in patients treated with TDF, and 0.2%, 0.7%, and 0.7% in patients treated with TAF, respectively (p=0.538). No significant differences in the risk of MACE were observed between TDF and TAF. A multivariable analysis found that current smoker and a history of cardiovascular events were risk factors associated with an increased risk of MACE.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with TAF had comparable risks of cardiovascular outcomes, defined as MACE, as patients treated with TDF.

Increased spine bone density in patients with chronic hepatitis B switched to tenofovir alafenamide: A prospective, multinational study

BACKGROUND

Data on patients switched to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) from nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) other than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are limited.

AIMS

To assess the treatment and renal/bone safety outcomes following the switch to TAF.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled adult patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who switched from any NUC to TAF at 14 centres in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the U.S. Study outcomes were viral suppression (VR; HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL), biochemical response (BR; alanine aminotransferase normalisation), and changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and T-scores (L-spine) by bone absorptiometry by 24 months after switch to TAF.

RESULTS

We enrolled 270 eligible patients. Mean age was 58.1; 58.2% were male; 12.2% had cirrhosis and 73.3% previously received entecavir monotherapy. VR rate increased significantly from 95.2% to 98.8% by 24 months after the switch to TAF (p = 0.014). Between the switch and 24 months later, the mean spine T-score improved significantly from -1.43 ± 1.36 to -1.17 ± 1.38 (p < 0.0001), while there was no significant change in mean eGFR (88.4 ± 16.9-89.5 ± 16.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 , p = 0.13). On multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, baseline spine T-score and prior TDF or adefovir dipivoxil use, male sex was significantly associated with lower risk of worsening spine T-score (odds ratio: 0.29, p = 0.020), while age was significantly associated with a higher risk of worsening chronic kidney disease stage (OR: 1.07, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

At 24 months after the switch to TAF, VR rates and spine bone density improved significantly while renal function remained stable.

Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B (version 2022)

To facilitate the achieving of the goal of "eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030" set by the World Health Organization, the Chinese Society of Hepatology together with the Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases (both are branches of the Chinese Medical Association) organized a panel of experts and updated the guidelines for prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in China (version 2022). With the support of available evidence, this revision of the guidelines focuses on active prevention, large scale testing, and expansion of therapeutic indication of chronic hepatitis B with the aim of reducing the hepatitis B related disease burden.

Renal and bone side effects of long-term use of entecavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate in patients with Hepatitis B: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nucleoside analogues are currently applied as a first-line treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the long-term effects of this type of treatment on kidney and bone tissue need to be further investigated.

METHODS

We conducted a search of entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) for treatment of CHB patients through October 29, 2023. Side effects of the three drugs were compared. Standardized mean difference (SMD), 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) were reported for each outcome. Further subgroup analysis was conducted according to duration of administration.

RESULTS

ETV and TAF exhibited less effect on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than TDF (SMD = -3.60 (95%CI: -1.94 ~ -5.26) and SMD = -4.27 (95%CI: -2.62 ~ -5.93)). ETV also exhibited less effect on creatinine rise than TAF and TDF (SMD = -0.55 (95%CI: -0.09 ~ -1.01) and SMD = -0.61 (95%CI: -0.15 ~ -1.06)). Moreover, the effect of TAF on bone mineral density (BMD) was less than that of TDF (SMD = -0.02 (95%CI: -0.01 ~ -0.02)). The probabilities of the three drugs changing relevant indicators exhibited similar patterns: eGFR (TDF (100.0%) > ETV (41.2%) > TAF (8.8%)), creatinine (TDF (94.7%) > TAF (54.7%) > ETV (0.6%)), BMD (TDF (79.7%) > ETV (50.6%) > TAF (19.6%)), and blood phosphorus (TDF (90.6%) > TAF (49.8%) > ETV (9.7%)). After 6 and 24 months of treatment, no statistically significant difference in renal function or bone tissue was observed between ETV and TDF. However, greater adverse effects on renal function were observed for TDF than ETV at 60 months compared to 12 months. TDF also exhibited greater adverse effects on bone tissue than ETV at 36 months than at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term administration of TDF has resulted in stronger adverse effects than TAF and ETV in regard to both renal function and bone tissue in CHB patients. The effect of TAF on creatinine increase was greater than ETV. The difference in side effects between ETV and TDF was independent of treatment duration.

Are the New Nucleos(t)ide Analogs Better than the Old Nucleos(t)ide Analogs?

In treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide have a minimal or no risk of drug-resistance. These 3 nucleos(t)ide analog agents are highly potent inducing high rate of virologic response (reducing serum HBV DNA to levels undetectable by polymerase chain reaction assays) in most treatment-naïve patients. Our randomized trials have demonstrated that monotherapy with TDF can provide a successful virological response in most of the heavily pretreated patients with multidrug resistance to ETV or adefovir.

Effectiveness and Safety of Tenofovir Alafenamide in Treatment-Naïve and Treatment-Experienced Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: Results of a Real-World Study from China

Background: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has been effective against naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in phase 3 clinical trials. However, its real-world data are still limited. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of TAF in real-life situations in treatment-naïve (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) CHB patients in China. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled TAF-treated patients between January 2019 and October 2020 at the outpatient clinic of West China Hospital. The primary endpoint was the rates of virologic response (VR), and the secondary endpoints were the proportion of normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) levels. Safety endpoints comprised serum lipid profiles, changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and serum creatinine (Scr). Results: A total of 161 TAF-treated patients were enrolled, including 49 TN patients and 112 TE patients. In the TN group, the VR rate at week 96 was 91.7% (22/24), and the proportion of normal ALT at week 96 was 95.8% (23/24). In the TE group, the VR rate at week 96 was 97.2% (69/71), and the proportion of normal ALT at week 96 was 90.1% (64/71). Serum qHBsAg levels decreased from 2930 to 1292 IU/mL in the TN group and 1158 to 533IU/mL in the TE group during 96 weeks of treatment (P = 0.05). For patients in the TN and TE groups, when compared to baseline measurements, serum creatinine increased (+7.91 vs. +6.62 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.52) while eGFR decreased (-11.46 vs. -10.90 µmol/L, P = 0.82) at week 96. Simultaneously, triglycerides (TG) (+ 0.39 vs. + 0.31 mmol/L, P = 0.32), total cholesterol (TC) (+0.65 vs. +0.52 mmol/L, P = 0.02), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (+0.25 vs. +0.25 mmol/L, P = 0.60) increased over time. Conclusions: TAF was highly effective in TN and TE CHB patients. However, there are potential risks in eGFR decrease and a continuous increase in lipidemia with the prolongation of medication time.

Comparison of Pegylated Interferon Alfa Therapy in Combination with Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate or Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) and pegylated interferon alfa (PegIFN-α) regimen compared to a tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and PegIFN-α therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Patients and Methods

Patients who were treated with PegIFN-α in combination with TAF or TDF were retrospectively enrolled. The primary outcome measured was the HBsAg loss rate. The rates of virological response, serological response for HBeAg, and normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also calculated. The cumulative incidences of response rates were compared between the two groups using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

A total of 114 patients were retrospectively enrolled in the study, with 33 receiving TAF plus PegIFN-α treatment and 81 receiving TDF plus PegIFN-α treatment. The HBsAg loss rate for the TAF plus PegIFN-α group was 15.2% at 24 weeks and 21.2% at 48 weeks, while the TDF plus PegIFN-α group had rates of 7.4% at 24 weeks and 12.3% at 48 weeks (P=0.204 at 24 weeks, P=0.228 at 48 weeks). In subgroup analysis of HBeAg positive patients, the TAF group had a higher HBsAg loss rate of 25% at week 48, compared to 3.8% in the TDF group (P=0.033). According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the TAF plus PegIFN-α group achieved virological response more quickly than the TDF plus PegIFN-α group (p=0.013). There was no statistical difference in HBeAg serological rate or ALT normalization rate.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the HBsAg loss between the two groups. However, subgroup analysis revealed that TAF plus PegIFN-α treatment had a higher HBsAg loss rate than TDF plus PegIFN-α treatment in HBeAg-positive patients. Additionally, TAF plus PegIFN-α treatment demonstrated better virological suppression for CHB patients. Therefore, TAF plus PegIFN-α treatment regimen is recommended for CHB patients who aim to achieve functional cure.

Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide and its comparison with tenofovir alafenamide in patients with chronic hepatitis B: results from a retrospective real-world study

Background/aim: Tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) has shown potent antiviral efficacy in randomized clinical studies. This study aimed to reveal the effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide in the real world and compared tenofovir amibufenamide to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: In this retrospective study, tenofovir amibufenamide-treated chronic hepatitis B patients were divided into treatment-naive (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) groups. Furthermore, tenofovir alafenamide-treated patients were enrolled using the propensity score matching method (PSM). We assessed the virological response (VR, HBV DNA < 100 IU/mL) rate, renal function, and blood lipid changes during 24 weeks of treatment. Results: Virologic response rates at week 24 were 93% (50/54) in the treatment-naive group and 95% (61/64) in the treatment-experienced group. The ratios of alanine transaminase (ALT) normalization were 89% (25/28) in the treatment-naive group and 71% (10/14) in the treatment-experienced group (p = 0.306). Additionally, serum creatinine decreased in both the treatment-naive and treatment-experienced groups, (-4.44 ± 13.55 μmol/L vs. -4.14 ± 9.33 μmol/L, p = 0.886), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased (7.01 ± 12.49 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 5.50 ± 8.16 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.430), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased (0.09 ± 0.71 mmol/L vs. 0.27 ± 0.68 mmol/L, p = 0.152), whereas total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) levels decreased continuously from 3.26 ± 1.05 to 2.49 ± 0.72 in the treatment-naive group and from 3.31 ± 0.99 to 2.88 ± 0.77 in the treatment-experienced group. Using propensity score matching, we further compared virologic response rates between the tenofovir amibufenamide and tenofovir alafenamide cohorts. Virologic response rates in treatment-naive patients were higher in the tenofovir amibufenamide cohort [92% (35/38) vs. 74% (28/38), p = 0.033]. Virologic response rates in treatment-experienced patients showed no statistical difference between the tenofovir amibufenamide and tenofovir alafenamide cohorts. Conclusion: Tenofovir amibufenamide had profound antiviral effectiveness and no adverse effects on renal function or blood lipids. Additionally, tenofovir amibufenamide was more efficient than tenofovir alafenamide in inhibiting viral replication, which needs to be demonstrated in future studies.

Cell and Tissue Specific Metabolism of Nucleoside and Nucleotide Drugs: Case Studies and Implications for Precision Medicine

Many clinically used antiviral drugs are nucleoside or nucleotide analog drugs, which have a unique mechanism of action that requires intracellular phosphorylation. This dependence on intracellular activation presents novel challenges for the discovery and development of nucleoside/nucleotide analog drugs. Contrary to many small molecule drug development programs that rely on plasma pharmacokinetics and systemic exposures, the precise mechanisms that result in efficacious intracellular nucleoside triphosphate concentrations must be understood in the process of nucleoside/nucleotide drug development. The importance is highlighted here, using the following as case studies: the herpes treatment acyclovir, the cytomegalovirus therapy ganciclovir, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatments based on tenofovir, which are also in use for HIV prophylaxis. For each drug, the specificity of metabolism that results in its activation in different cells or tissues is discussed, and the implications explored. Acyclovir's dependence on a viral enzyme for activation provides selective pressure for resistance mutations. Ganciclovir is also dependent on a viral enzyme for activation, and suicide gene therapy capitalizes on that for a novel oncology treatment. The tissue of most relevance for tenofovir activation depends on its use as treatment or as prophylaxis, and the pharmacogenomics and drug-drug interactions in those tissues must be considered. Finally, differential metabolism of different tenofovir prodrugs and its effects on toxicity risk are explored. Taken together, these examples highlight the importance of understanding tissue specific metabolism for optimal use of nucleoside/nucleotide drugs in the clinic. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Nucleoside and nucleotide analogue drugs are cornerstones in current antiviral therapy and prevention efforts that require intracellular phosphorylation for activity. Understanding their cell and tissue specific metabolism enables their rational, precision use for maximum efficacy.

Hepatitis B virus infection combined with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Interaction and prognosis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still one kind of the infectious diseases that seriously threaten human health. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. HBV infection complicated with NAFLD is increasingly common. This review mainly describes the interaction between HBV infection and NAFLD, the interaction between steatosis and antiviral drugs, and the prognosis of HBV infection complicated with NAFLD. Most studies suggest that HBV infection may reduce the incidence of NAFLD. NAFLD can promote the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), but whether it affects antiviral efficacy has been reported inconsistently. HBV infection combined with NAFLD can promote the progression of liver fibrosis, especially in patients with severe steatosis. The outcome of HBV infection combined with NAFLD predisposing to the progression of HCC remains controversial.

Virological responses to tenofovir-alafenamide-containing antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV co-infected with lamivudine-resistant or lamivudine-susceptible hepatitis B virus

BACKGROUND

Data on the effectiveness of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) against lamivudine-resistant (LAM-R) hepatitis B virus (HBV) among patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HBV are limited.

METHODS

Between April and December 2018, HIV-positive patients co-infected with LAM-R or lamivudine-susceptible (LAM-S) HBV who switched from tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to TAF-containing ART were followed for 96 weeks. Plasma HBV and HIV loads, HBV serological markers, and liver function before and after the switch were analysed.

RESULTS

In total, 182 patients co-infected with HIV and HBV were included in this study: 45 with LAM-R HBV and 137 with LAM-S HBV. At baseline, 28.9% and 7.4% of patients in the LAM-R and LAM-S groups, respectively, tested positive for hepatitis B virus envelope antigen (HBeAg) (P<0.001), and the respective percentages of patients who had achieved plasma HBV DNA <20 IU/mL were 95.5% and 97.1%. At weeks 48 and 96, 100% and 94.9% of patients in the LAM-R group, respectively, and 97.1% and 95.6% of patients in the LAM-S group, respectively, maintained plasma HBV DNA <20 IU/mL. Lamivudine resistance of HBV and baseline hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) level were associated with HBsAg decrement at week 96 at a degree of 0.25 log₁₀ IU/mL [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.059-0.246] and 0.22 log₁₀ IU/mL (per 1-log₁₀IU/mL increase, 95% CI 0.018-0.101), respectively. At week 96, 2.2% (4/182) of patients had HBsAg loss; no patients in the LAM-R group and 25.0% (2/8) of patients in the LAM-S group had HBeAg seroconversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to TAF-containing regimens maintained high rates of HBV viral suppression in patients co-infected with either LAM-R or LAM-S HBV. The decrease in HBsAg was minimal, and HBsAg seroconversion occurred infrequently.

It Is Time for a Simplified Approach to Hepatitis B Elimination

Background and Aims

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to threaten millions of lives across the globe, despite universal vaccination efforts. Current guidelines for screening, vaccination, and treatment are complex and have left too many people undiagnosed or improperly managed. Antiviral therapy has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of liver-related complications, including liver cancer. However, the complexity of existing guidelines can make it difficult to identify which patients to target for treatment, and recommendations that are difficult to implement in real-world settings pose a barrier to eligible patients to receive therapy and contribute to health disparities in HBV care. The goal of this global expert panel was to gain consensus on a streamlined approach to HBV care to facilitate implementation of HBV intervention and treatment, especially in the primary care setting.

Methods

A group of 8 liver and infectious disease specialists attended a meeting in January 2021 with the objective of gaining consensus on a streamlined algorithm for HBV care that would encourage implementation of HBV intervention and treatment.

Results

We have created a comprehensive perspective highlighting screening optimization, diagnostic workup, treatment, and monitoring. This treatment algorithm is designed to provide a streamlined visual pathway for risk stratification and management of patients with HBV that can be adapted in various care settings.

Conclusion

Simplification of guidelines will be critical to achieving health equity to address this public health threat and achieve HBV elimination.

Efficacy and Renal Safety of Prophylactic Tenofovir Alafenamide for HBV-Infected Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

There are no data comparing the efficacy and safety of prophylactic entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) for HBV-infected cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and renal safety of ETV, TDF and TAF in this setting. HBsAg-positive cancer patients treated with ETV (n = 582), TDF (n = 200) and TAF (n = 188) during chemotherapy were retrospectively enrolled. Antiviral efficacy and risk of renal events were evaluated. The rate of complete viral suppression at 1 year was 94.7%, 94.7% and 96.1% in ETV, TDF and TAF groups, respectively (p = 0.877). A significant proportion of patients developed renal dysfunction during chemotherapy. The incidences of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease stage migration were comparable among the ETV, TDF and TAF groups. TAF was relatively safe in patients with predisposing factors of AKI, including hypoalbuminemia and cisplatin use. In patients who were switched from TDF to TAF during chemotherapy, the renal function remained stable and viral suppression was well maintained after switching. In conclusion, TAF had good renal safety and comparable efficacy with ETV and TDF for HBV-infected cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Switching from TDF to TAF during chemotherapy is safe, without a loss of efficacy.

Switching to tenofovir alafenamide for nucleos(t)ide analogue-experienced patients with chronic hepatitis B: week 144 results from a real-world, multi-centre cohort study

BACKGROUND

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) may be preferable to other nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) regarding outcomes against chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

AIMS

To evaluate the longer term virological/biochemical effectiveness of TAF and the renal safety of sequential therapy to TAF in real-world settings METHODS: This multi-centre, retrospective cohort study included consecutive adult patients who were switched from other NAs to TAF. We assessed the virological and biochemical responses up to 144 weeks. We performed sensitivity analyses for a subgroup with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at baseline.

RESULTS

We analysed the data of 391 patients with chronic hepatitis B previously treated with entecavir (ETV) (n = 174), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) (n = 116) or an NA combination (n = 101) for ≥ 24 months. HBV DNA <10 IU/ml at week 144 was found for 99% of patients, regardless of prior NA regimen or HBV DNA level at baseline. For patients who switched from TDF to TAF, total, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased after the switch. Patients who switched from a nucleotide analogue to TAF had an improved estimated glomerular filtration rate, although the rate of hypophosphataemia (<2.5 mg/dl) remained 9.7% at week 144. The virological and biochemical responses of patients with CKD were similar to the overall results.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to TAF remained effective and safe for up to 3 years. Given the increasing comorbidities related to ageing, it will be important to carefully follow the change in the lipid levels of patients with a prior TDF-based regimen.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tenofovir in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

The negative rate of serum HBV DNA, HBeAg, and ALT in the tenofovir group was significantly higher than that in the entecavir group (86.67%, 3.33%, and 80.00%) (all P < 0.05). In the tenofovir group, 2cases were considered. Objective. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical effect and safety of tenofovir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods. A total of 60 patients with CHB who were admitted and treated in Anqing First People's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from January 2019 to July 2020 were randomly assigned at a ratio of 1 : 1 into the tenofovir group (treated with tenofovir) and the entecavir group (treated with entecavir) via the random number table method. The clinical therapeutic effect and safety of the two groups were compared. Results. The serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in the two groups decreased after treatment, but there was no significant difference. Ths (2.50%) had nausea, 1 (1.25%) had headache, and 0 had an elevated creatine kinase. In the tenofovir group,1(3.33%) had nausea, 0 had headache, and 0 had an elevated creatine kinase. In the entecavir group, there were 3 (10.00%) cases of nausea, 2 (6.67%) cases of headache, and 1 (3.33%) case of elevated creatine kinase. The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the tenofovir group (3.33%) was significantly lower than that in the entecavir group (20.00%) (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. Tenofovir is more effective than entecavir in the treatment of patients with CHB due to low incidence of adverse events and a good safety profile.

Efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide versus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We used real-world data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treatment-naïve patients with CHB.

METHODS

We analysed 2747 patients with CHB under TAF (n = 502) or TDF (n = 2245) treatments. Virological responses (VR: HBV DNA <15 IU/ml), on-treatment ALT normalization, the incidence of HCC, renal function and lipid profiles were compared between these groups. Propensity score matching of 495 pairs was conducted for these comparisons.

RESULTS

The mean age of the total cohort was 48.6 years and 58.2% of the subjects were male. Cirrhosis had a 33.3% prevalence in the population. VRs at 12, 24 and 36 months were achieved in 70.3%, 81.2% and 83.3% of the TAF and 67.9%, 84.3% and 86.1% in the TDF cases respectively (p > 0.05 for all). Normalized ALT, as determined by local laboratory criteria (<40 U/L), occurred in 79.7%, 90.6% and 86.2% of TAF the group and 78.2%, 85.8% and 85.7% of the TDF group at 12, 24 and 36 months respectively (p > 0.05 for all). The HCC risk did not statistically differ across the entire cohort or in the PS-matched cohort. The TAF group showed a lower median increase in serum creatinine from baseline during the early study period. Compared with the TAF, the TDF group showed significant decreases in total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL, but not in LDL.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-word data indicate that TAF has comparable efficacies to TDF in terms of VR and ALT normalization, with no higher risk of HCC.

Changes in blood lipids in patients with chronic hepatitis B after 48 weeks of tenofovir alafenamide treatment: A prospective real-world clinical study

Background

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a new anti-hepatitis B virus nucleotide analogue that can cause dyslipidaemia in AIDS patients, but the effect of TAF on blood lipids in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of TAF on blood lipid levels in patients with CHB.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-one CHB patients were recruited as TAF group, including 69 treatment-naïve patients and 52 patients with nucleoside/nucleotide analogue experience before TAF treatment. All patients were followed up regularly for 48 weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels and the incidence of dyslipidaemia before and after TAF treatment were compared.

Results

After 48 weeks of TAF treatment, the levels of TC, TGs and LDL-C in TAF group were significantly higher than those in control group. In TAF group, the TC and TG levels were significantly higher than that at baseline. Baseline TC and TGs levels had a significant effect on the incidence of abnormal TC and TG levels after 48 weeks treatment. The LDL-C decreased slightly but not significantly. The proportion of patients with TC abnormalities increased from 20.7% at baseline to 26.3% at week 48, LDL-C abnormalities decreased from 50.4% to 42.5% and TG abnormalities increased from 14.2% to 22.5%. There were no significant differences compared with control group, as well as compared with baseline.

Conclusions

Tenofovir alafenamide treatment mainly affects the TC and TG level in patients with CHB but has little effect on LDL-C.

Review article: switching patients with chronic hepatitis B to tenofovir alafenamide-a review of current data

BACKGROUND

The nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are preferred treatment options for patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB). However, resistance to ETV has been reported, especially with prior exposure to other NAs, and long-term TDF treatment has been associated with decline in renal function and loss of bone mineral density in some patients. Consequently, TAF may be preferable to ETV, TDF or other NAs in specific circumstances such as in patients with risk of bone or renal complications, elderly patients or those with previous NA experience.

AIM

To provide a summary of the available efficacy and safety data following switch to TAF from other NAs in patients with CHB in clinical studies and real-world settings.

METHODS

Literature searches were performed on PubMed and abstracts from three major international liver congresses between 2019 and 2021. Studies that included efficacy and/or safety data for patients with CHB switching from any NA to TAF were selected.

RESULTS

Thirty-six papers and abstracts were included in this narrative review. Switching from TDF to TAF maintained or improved virological and biochemical responses with improved bone and renal safety. Switching from ETV or other NAs to TAF maintained or improved virological and biochemical responses and varying results for bone and renal safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to TAF appears to maintain or improve virological, biochemical and bone- and renal-related safety outcomes. These data support the concept of switching to TAF in some patients with CHB based on their individual circumstances.

Editorial: does TAF have a better or worse safety profile than TDF, to treat hepatitis B? Authors' reply

This article is linked to Lim et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16788 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16854

Real-world experience of switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a retrospective study

Background

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has good viral suppression efficacy and less adverse effect than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Real-world studies on the antiviral efficacy and safety of switching from TDF to TAF in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are limited.

Methods

This retrospective study included 167 nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-naive patients with CHB. All the patients received TDF at least 12 months before switching and TAF at least 12 months after switching at a single medical center. The Friedman test with Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc tests and repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the effect of complete viral suppression, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level normalization, renal function changes, body weight, and body mass index in the periods before and after switching.

Results

The mean age and TDF treatment duration were 52 ± 11 years and 2.8 years (interquartile range, 1.51–5.15 years), respectively. The complete viral suppression rate was similar between the time of switching and 48 weeks after switching to TAF (77.8% vs 76%, P = 1.000). The percentage of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization increased from 26.3% at TDF start to 81.4% (P < 0.001) at time of switching and 89.2% at 48 weeks after switching to TAF (P = 0.428). The median estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased from 100.09 mL/min/1.73 m² at TDF start to 91.97 mL/min/1.73 m² (P < 0.001) at the time of switching and stabilized at 48 weeks after switching to TAF (93.47 mL/min/1.73m², P = 1.000). The body weight decreased from 69.2 ± 12.2 kg at TDF start to 67.4 ± 12.1 kg (P < 0.001) at the time of switching to TAF and returned to 68.7 ± 12.7 kg (P < 0.001) 48 weeks thereafter. The body mass index (BMI) decreased from 25 ± 3.3 kg/m² at TDF start to 24.5 ± 3.3 kg/m² (P = 0.002) at the time of switching to TAF and returned to 25.1 ± 3.6 kg/m² (P < 0.001) 48 weeks thereafter.

Conclusions

Our study showed that switching to TAF from TDF had good antiviral effectiveness and stabilized renal function. The body weight and BMI decreased during TDF therapy and regained after switching to TAF.