Ribavirin to Enhance Hepatitis B Virus Nucleotide Analog Antiviral Activity

Use of Immune Modulatory Properties of Ribavirin to Enhance Hepatitis B Virus Nucleotide Analog Antiviral Activity: Proposal for Pilot Clinical Trial

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) leads to life-threatening disease like liver failure and liver cancer. For most, a cure is unattainable as current HBV antiviral therapy (using nucleoside analogues) are not able to clear the virus from their liver. While HBV treatments are typically administered alone (monotherapy), this study will explore the use of Ribavirin in combination with standard therapy to enhance current treatment regimens. Ribavirin is commonly used to treat Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) but there is evidence that Ribavirin also induces immune effects that are beneficial in HBV treatment. The aim of this study is to determine whether combination of Ribavirin and a nucleoside analog is more effective compared to nucleoside analog treatment alone. Enrolled patients will be followed for treatment response according to standard clinical and virological tests, as well as immune response to HBV. Our ultimate goal is to find a more effective treatment and improve health outcomes for persons living with HBV.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. HBV Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive for a minimum of 24 weeks
2. HBV DNA level >20,000 IU/mL
3. ≥ 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Willingness and ability to sign an informed consent
2. HBV nucleos(t)ides and/or interferon exposure within 24 weeks of study medication dosing
3. HIV and other immune compromising condition (e.g. cancer with the exception of non-invasive cutaneous malignancy, autoimmune condition) or therapy (i.e. systemic steroids, chemotherapy)
4. HCV co-infected
5. Cirrhosis (defined by biopsy criteria or as >18.4 kilopascal (kPa) by transient elastography)
6. Creatinine Clearance <60 ml/min
7. Baseline hemoglobin <130 g/L in males and <120 g/L in females
8. Unwilling or unable to use contraception (unless confirmed surgical sterilization)
9. Pregnancy confirmed by blood test