Sechenov University begins Hepatitis B gene-editing drug development

Sechenov University and the pharmaceutical company R-Pharm have received the Academician E.P. Velikhov grant to begin producing a treatment for Hepatitis B using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. The funding will facilitate the transition from laboratory development to an experimental prototype.

The treatment utilizes biocompatible nanoparticles to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 gene editors directly to infected liver cells. This method aims to destroy the viral DNA without affecting the human genome. According to Maxim Vlasyuk, director of drug development at R-Pharm, the system is designed to achieve a complete cure with a single injection, potentially reducing long-term treatment costs for patients. The technology is noted for its high precision and reduced risk of off-target effects.