VIR-2218 and Peginterferon Alfa-2a for Chronic Hepatitis B (NCT06092333) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 2
VIR-2218 and Peginterferon Alfa-2a for Chronic Hepatitis B
United States50 participantsStarted 2025-01-31
Plain-language summary
Background:
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 292 million people worldwide; 887,000 die each year from cirrhosis, liver cancer, and related issues. Treatment options are limited.
Objective:
To test 2 drugs (VIR-2218 and peginterferon) in people with mild or inactive HBV infection.
Eligibility:
People aged 18 to 65 years with mild or inactive HBV infection.
Design:
Participants will be screened. They will have blood tests and an eye exam. They will have imaging scans of the liver to check the health of the liver.
Participants will be in the study for over 2 years.
VIR-2218 is an injection given under the skin of the stomach, upper arm, or thigh. Participants will come to the clinic to receive this injection once a month for 6 months.
Peginterferon is also injected under the skin. Participants will have this shot once a week for 6 months. They may either inject themselves at home or come to the clinic to get the injections.
Participants will get just the VIR-2218 for 3 months, then both shots for 3 months, then just the peginterferon for 3 months.
Participants will have two 3-day stays in the hospital. Tests will include:
Liver biopsy. A sample of tissue will be taken from their liver. After the procedure, participants will lie on their right side for 2 hours and then on their back for 4 hours.
Fine needle aspiration. A small needle will be used to collect cells from the liver.
After the last injection of peginterferon, follow-up visits will continue in the outpatient clinic every 4 to 12 weeks.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age \>=18-65 years
. HBsAg positive with a level \<2,000 IU/mL at the time of screening
. Hepatitis B e antigen negative
. HBV DNA levels \<10,000 IU/mL on two occasions at least 24 weeks apart with the second being at time of screening
. ALT level \<=2 ULN (using sex-specific cut-offs of normal 35 U/L for males and 25 U/L for females) based on at least two determinations taken at least 24 weeks apart with the second being at time of screening
Exclusion criteria
. Pregnancy or lactation
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Decline in log quantitative HBsAg level
Timeframe: 6 months after discontinuation of all treatment
Trial details
NCT IDNCT06092333
SponsorNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
. For women of childbearing potential, inability, or unwillingness to use highly effective contraception during study drug dosing and for an additional 24 weeks after the end of study drug administration.
. For males of reproductive potential: Unable or unwilling to use condoms consistently in addition to female partner using another adequate contraceptive method to ensure effective contraception with partner during study participation and for an additional 24 weeks after the end of study medication administration. Patients who have underwent surgical sterilization (vasectomy) will still require female partner to utilize an additional adequate contraception method.
. Known history of hypersensitivity or contraindication to an siRNA, oligonucleotide, or GalNAc or any interferon product
. Current use of oral theophylline and methadone
. Any treatment for HBV within the last 24 weeks
. Prior exposure to a siRNA
. Co-infection with HDV as defined by the presence of anti-HDV in serum.