Interferons for Hepatitis B and D

Background & Objectives:

The 2024 ICE-HBV Symposium will focus on interferon therapies for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis D Virus (HDV), aiming to explore antiviral and immuno-modulatory effects of Type I and III interferons, their potential for functional cure, and integration into combination therapies. This year’s event will address the following topics:

  • Clinical outcomes and challenges of interferon therapy for HBV and HDV
  • Antiviral mechanisms of Type I and III interferons
  • Immuno-modulatory impact of interferons on immunity
  • Innovative combination therapies for HBV and HDV cures

Program, Replay & Presentations:

15 SEPTEMBER 2024

Symposium Co-Chairs: Massimo Levrero and Nina Le Bert

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Dr. Massimo Levrero is a leading researcher in viral hepatology, focusing on HBV therapies. His work has contributed to the understanding of immune responses to HBV and the potential for functional cures.

Dr. Nina Le Bert, is a prominent figure in the field of immunology, specifically in HBV and HDV research. She is dedicated to advancing the understanding of immune-based therapies for chronic hepatitis infections.

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Time Topic Presenter
09:30 – 09:35 Welcome/Opening Remarks Chairs: Massimo Levrero & Nina Le Bert
09:35 – 10:20 Session 1: Scientific Talks
20 min The Clinical Perspective on Interferon Therapy for Hepatitis B and D Jordan Feld, University of Toronto (Canada)
15 min Antiviral Activities of Type I and III Interferons against HBV Barbara Testoni, Lyon Hepatology Institute (France)
15 min Antiviral Activities of Type I and III Interferons against HDV Maura Dandri, University of Hamburg (Germany)
20 min Immuno-Modulatory Activities of Type I and III Interferons in Hepatitis Adam Gehring, Toronto Center for Liver Disease (Canada)
15 min Innovative Approaches: Pre-Clinical Development of a Bi-Specific (CD40-IFN) Fusion Protein Kara Carter, Evotec/Avifa (France)
10:20 – 10:35 Coffee Break
10:35 – 11:20 Session 2: Partnering with Interferons to Boost Functional Cure
15 min Vir Biotechnology Florian Lempp
15 min Gilead Sciences Scott Balsitis
15 min GlaxoSmithKline Shihyun You
11:20 – 11:45 Panel Discussion: Combining Novel Therapies with Interferons: Back to the Future Moderators: Chairs and Speakers
11:45 – 12:30 Closing Remarks Chairs

Workshop Description:

The 2024 ICE-HBV Symposium brings together experts in the field of hepatitis research to explore the role of interferon therapies for HBV and HDV. The discussions will cover their antiviral and immuno-modulatory activities and explore how these therapies could be integrated into future cure strategies.

Key Questions Addressed:

  • Clinical outcomes and challenges of interferon therapy for HBV and HDV.
  • Antiviral mechanisms of Type I and III interferons.
  • Immuno-modulatory impact of interferons on innate and adaptive immunity.
  • Future roles of interferons in HBV and HDV cure strategies.

Objectives:

  • Discuss the virological and immunological mechanisms of interferons.
  • Understand the role of interferons in combination therapies for HBV and HDV.
  • Address challenges in leveraging interferons for sustained viral control.