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Chronic Hepatitis B, a currently incurable disease, is attracting growing attention among international biotechs.
The World Health Organisation estimates 257 million people live with Hep B and up to 900,000 die each year from related diseases such as liver cancer and cirrhosis.
In Australia, more than 232,000 people have chronic hepatitis B, according to lobby group Hepatitis Australia.
“Deaths from primary liver cancer have been climbing faster than any other cause of cancer death in Australia, with untreated chronic hepatitis B being a major contributor,” the group says.
New antiviral cures for Hep C may cause flare-ups of Hep B because they lack a key drug that helps immune systems fight off the infection.
Forrest Capital biotech analyst Anton Uvarov says the disease is “massive” now, with many smart US companies working on improved treatments and potential cures.
Benitec (ASX:BLT) and Biotron (ASX:BIT) are two ASX-listed companies competing in the race.
Read more…https://stockhead.com.au/health/not-yet-convinced-aussie-companies-seeking-hep-b-cure/