Novel anti-hepatitis B agents: A focus on telbivudine.

R Jones, M Nelson

St Stephens Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. rachael.jones@chelwest.nhs.uks

International journal of clinical practice 2006 Oct

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Although preventable by vaccination, hepatitis B infection is common, affecting more than 350 million individuals worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B infection is associated with the complications of chronic liver disease including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current agents designed to target hepatitis B are hindered by the development of resistance, poor tolerability or limited efficacy and a demand for new agents and strategies continues. This review focuses on telbivudine, a novel agent in the fight against hepatitis B.